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How to Clean White Shoes Properly

November 28, 2023

Imagine this – you’re stepping out for a casual walk in the city when suddenly, you notice a stain on your favorite pair of white canvas shoes.

Is it possible to get them white again? What products should you use to clean your fabric shoes?

For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything you need to know about how to clean white canvas shoes below!

Using ACTIVE Laundry Detergent to Clean Your White Shoes

ACTIVE Laundry Detergent isn’t just great for clothes, it can also be used to clean your shoes. Here’s how.

Make a Cleaning Paste with the Detergent

By creating a cleaning paste, you can easily clean your white shoes with ACTIVE Detergent.

Step 1: Create a Paste With ACTIVE Detergent

create a paste

Mix some ACTIVE Laundry Detergent powder with some cool water in a small bowl to create a paste.

Step 2: Apply the Mixture Onto Your Shoes

how to clean white shoes

Wearing a pair of rubber gloves, carefully apply the mixture onto your white sneakers using a soft cloth or suede brush. Be gentle and remember: vigorous rubbing isn’t necessary here.

Step 3: Let It Sit Before Rinsing With Water

rinse with water 1

Let the paste sit on the fabric for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. ACTIVE’s powerful yet gentle formula, combined with some elbow grease (and love), will work its magic on those stubborn stains.

If needed, repeat the steps until desired cleanliness is achieved, then allow your shoes to air dry completely in an open space away from direct sunlight.

Supply:

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Small bowl
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Soft cloth or suede brush

active det transparent shadow

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Cleaning White Shoes Based on Material

White shoes, whether they be made of leather, suede, or canvas fabric, require special attention to remain looking their best.

Cleaning Leather Sneakers

For white leather shoes, a simple wipe-down with a clean cloth can do wonders.

If the dirt stains persist, consider using a quality leather cleaner. It will effectively remove stubborn stains without damaging the delicate fabric of your shoes from Fila or other brands.

Cleaning Suede Shoes

Cleaning suede is trickier because it’s more sensitive than other fabrics. The key here is avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage its texture. Instead, opt for specialized suede cleaners.

Most suede cleaning kits will come with a dry brush that you can use to remove loose dirt before you start scrubbing with the cleaning solution.


How to Clean White Shoes with DIY Methods

Your beloved white sneakers have seen better days, and you’re desperate to get them back to their true white. Fear not. With common household items like baking soda and vinegar, you can make your sneakers clean again.

Using Baking Soda Mixture

Baking soda is a powerful ally in the fight against dirt stains on your kicks. The white vinegar will combine with the baking soda to create a thick paste that’s perfect for cleaning those stubborn spots.

Supplies

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Warm water
  • Soft cloths
combine baking soda and vinegar

Step 1:

Combine baking soda with white vinegar in a small bowl to create a paste and gently scrub it over the shoe using a soft cloth.

Pay special attention to particularly dirty areas; but remember, be gentle if it’s delicate fabric like suede.

wipe shoes with cloth

Step 2:

Let the mixture sit on the shoes for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

how to clean white shoes

Step 3:

Finally, let your shoes air dry completely before wearing them out into the world again – shiny as new.


How to Clean the White Soles of Your Shoes

ACTIVE Detergent can also be used to clean the soles of your shoes. Here’s how.

Cleaning the Soles with ACTIVE Detergent

Supplies

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Large sink
  • Paper towels

Step 1:

In a sink, mix a bit of ACTIVE detergent with some warm water to create a soapy solution.

mix active detergent with water

Step 2:

Carefully place your shoes in the sink so that the soles are completely covered by the detergent mixture.

Let it sit there for 20 to 30 minutes, longer if the soles are excessively dirty – that will give the enzyme formula time to break down the dirt and gunk

cleaning soles of white shoes

Step 3:

Rinse the soles with running water afterward and gently wipe dry with paper towels.

wipe white soles

How to Wash White Shoes in the Washing Machine

Some shoes, like white sneakers, may be machine washable. For this method, we recommend using ACTIVE Detergent.

It’s best to wash the shoelaces separately. We recommend taking them out of the shoe and putting them in a mesh laundry bag for thorough cleaning.

Supplies

  • ACTIVE Detergent
  • Shoe brush
  • Mesh laundry bags
  • A couple of towels
measure active detergent

Step 1:

Measure one scoop of the ACTIVE detergent powder pour it directly into the washer drum.

shoe brush

Step 2:

Using a shoe brush, remove any loose dirt or grime from the sneakers. You don’t want these lingering stains messing up your clean longer plan.

place white shoes in laundry bag

Step 3:

Place each shoe in a mesh laundry bag, add it to the tub, and run a delicate cycle with cold water.

You can also throw in a couple of towels to help balance the load.


Tips for Keeping Your White Canvas Sneakers Clean

Keeping your white sneakers clean isn’t just about cleaning them when they get dirty; it’s also about preventing dirt and stains from settling in the first place.

Protecting Your White Canvas Sneakers

You can keep your shoes clean longer by being selective with where you wear them. Avoid muddy parks or rainy streets to minimize exposure to potential stains and scuff marks.

You can also apply a protective spray on your clean shoes – it will offer a layer of defense against dirt, acting as a barrier between your precious whites and any grime they might encounter during the day.

shoe protective spray

Just make sure it’s suitable for the shoe material. For example, some sprays may damage suede shoes.

Another tip is keeping sneaker wipes handy. They’re perfect for quick wipe-downs after a walk, removing surface dust before it gets ground into the fabric.

Regular cleaning is key as you don’t want to let those scuffs build up.


How to Clean White Sneakers – FAQs

How do you clean dirty white shoes without bleach?

You can use a mix of baking soda and white vinegar to make a paste. Apply it on the shoe and gently scrub with an old toothbrush, then rinse off.

How do you clean white mesh sneakers?

Dip your toothbrush in soapy water and brush lightly over the mesh area. Rinse with warm water and air dry afterwards for best results.

How can I get my white canvas shoes white again?

Create a cleaning solution using dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with warm water. Scrub stains away gently using this mixture paired with a soft bristled brush.

How do you clean white rubber shoes?

To brighten up rubber areas on your kicks, rub them down with a magic eraser or damp cloth soaked in warm soapy water.

Can I use liquid dish soap to wash my white leather shoes?

No, leather is a delicate fabric and should not be washed with liquid dish soap. Consider using a dedicated leather cleaning product instead.
For canvas shoes, however, you can use a few drops of liquid dish soap to remove mild stains.

Can I use a bleach solution on my white sneakers?

Depending on the fabric, you may be able to clean your shoes with a heavily diluted bleach solution. Keep in mind, however, that you don’t want to use too much bleach as that can damage the fabric.

Can I clean my shoes with white toothpaste?

White toothpaste may help get rid of mild staining. However, it likely won’t be enough if you want your shoes to be sparkly white again.

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Picture of Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant

Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.

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