White sneakers are a staple of any wardrobe but let’s be honest keeping them clean is a hassle. Many people usually end up replacing them rather than trying to clean.

Basic Rules For Keeping Sneakers White

Here are some handy how-tos, tips, and tricks to clean white sneakers without using bleach, turning them yellow and damaging the fabrics.

The best way to keep your white sneakers white is to protect them from dirt, grime, and water from the very beginning.

Before wearing your sneakers for the first time, spray your brand-new kicks with a protector to prevent them from damage and dirt. Spray shoes in a ventilated area with the stain and water repellent.

For canvas shoes, Scotchguard from the hardware store will do the job. For leather use professional products that not only protect but also nourish the leather and save the color from fading.

If you wear snickers without socks, we suggest inserting dryer sheets overnight to help to draw out the moisture and deodorizing.

Ideally, store your white sneakers in shoe bags and keep each pair of its own box.

How to Clean White Leather Sneakers

Use wet wipes to clean the dirty spots on the go. Daily wipe your leather sneakers off with a damp cloth. Soapy water with dish detergent can be the only washing your shoes need.

Try leather care microfiber cloths to restore natural oils of the leather shoes and bring natural luster to the dull leather.

Method 1. Baking Soda

This might not work on stubborn scuff marks. In this case, you can try the baking soda and an old toothbrush. Before wetting your leather sneakers, stuff them with paper towels or old newspapers to retain shape.

Tools You Need:

• 1tbs of warm water;
• 1tbs of baking soda;
• 1tbs of dish detergent;
• Washcloth;
• Old soft toothbrush.

The Cleaning Method:

• Dip toothbrush in water;
• Get baking soda on the toothbrush;
• Start moving in circular motions downward the shoe so that the dirt falls off and doesn’t go back on the shoe. In seconds you can see how baking soda starts breaking up the dirt;
• Take a washcloth, put a little bit of water on it and dish detergent. Start to throw down and get all the dirt right off.

NEVER leave your white shoes on direct sunlight or beside heating as they turn yellow instantly. Allow your sneakers to air dry naturally.

Method 2. Magic Eraser

For yellow stains from washing or bleaching use mini-blocks of a Magic Eraser. Be careful with using a sponge, as many contain chemicals that might damage the leather.

Method 3. White Vinegar

As an alternative, take a mixture of water and white vinegar (2:1), and apply to the affected areas, cleaning until the stains disappear.

TIP! If your leather kicks have tiny cracks and breaks, put white nail polish to fill them out.

We recommend NEVER wash your white leather sneakers in a washing machine even on a gentle washing circle.

How to Clean White Canvas Sneakers

Method 1. Machine Washing

The quick and easy way to clean white fabric shoes is to wash them in the washing machine.

Method 2. Baking Soda / Cider Vinegar

It can be risky, especially if your kicks have metallic, leather or any other detailing. We prefer to hand wash favorite sneakers in warm soapy water with a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar.

The process is pretty straight-forward:

STEP 1. Mix 1 tbs of baking soda with 2 tbs of apple cider vinegar. Add some water and apply on the shoe surface with a toothbrush.
STEP 2. Gently scrub all over and rinse with warm water.
STEP 3. Let sneakers air dry over the night.

How to Make Shoelaces White

Clean white laces instantly uplift the appearance of your sneakers. Keeping them fresh and white is quite easy – just remove the laces from shoes, rinse them in bleach detergent and leave them to soak for an hour.

Alternatively, place them in a laundry bag and wash in a washing machine. Yet, it is better to buy a new pair.