To clean white leather shoes, wipe off loose dirt, wash the leather with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and a little mild soap, lift scuffs with a melamine sponge, then dry with a towel and finish with leather conditioner. Do not soak leather or put it in the washing machine.
In this guide
Smooth leather is easier to clean than canvas because dirt sits on the surface instead of soaking in. The whole job takes about 15 minutes, and doing it regularly stops stains from setting.
What you need
- Two soft cloths (microfibre works well)
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Mild dish soap or a leather cleaner
- A melamine sponge (often sold as a magic eraser)
- Leather conditioner
- Plain paper or shoe trees
How to clean white leather shoes: step by step
- Remove the laces and wash them separately. See how to clean white shoelaces.
- Brush off dry dirt from the uppers, the stitching and the edge of the sole.
- Mix a cleaning solution: a few drops of mild soap in a cup of warm water.
- Wipe the leather. Dip a cloth, wring it out until it is only damp, and work over the upper in small circles. Use the toothbrush on seams and perforations.
- Lift scuffs. Dampen the melamine sponge and rub scuffed areas lightly. It is mildly abrasive, so use gentle pressure and avoid coloured panels.
- Clean the soles. Scrub the rubber midsole and outsole with the brush and the same soapy water.
- Wipe off the soap with a second cloth dampened with clean water, then pat dry with a towel.
- Air dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper or on shoe trees, away from heaters and direct sun.
- Condition. Once dry, rub in a small amount of leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and help it resist new stains.
Related: How to Stop Shoes From Squeaking: Find the Cause, Then Fix It
How to remove stubborn stains
| Stain | What to use | How |
|---|---|---|
| Scuff marks | Melamine sponge or white non-gel toothpaste | Rub gently, then wipe clean with a damp cloth |
| Yellowing on rubber soles | Baking soda paste (equal parts baking soda and water) | Scrub with a toothbrush, leave 10 minutes, wipe off |
| Grease or oil | Cornflour or talcum powder | Cover the stain overnight to absorb the oil, then brush off |
| Ink or dye transfer | Rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud | Dab, do not rub; test on a hidden spot first and condition afterwards |
What not to do
- Do not use bleach. It dries out and cracks leather and can turn it yellow.
- Do not machine wash or soak. Water stiffens leather and weakens the glue in the sole.
- Do not dry with heat. Hairdryers and radiators cause cracking and creasing. If creases appear, see how to uncrease shoes.
- Do not use these steps on suede or nubuck. Those need a dry suede brush and eraser instead of water.
How to keep white leather shoes clean
- Wipe them with a damp cloth after each wear; fresh dirt comes off in seconds.
- Apply a leather protector spray when the shoes are new and after each deep clean.
- Store them out of sunlight, which yellows white leather and rubber over time.
- Rotate pairs so each has a day to dry out.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use baby wipes on white leather shoes?
Yes, for quick touch-ups. They remove surface dirt, but they do not replace a proper clean and condition.
Does toothpaste clean white leather shoes?
Plain white, non-gel toothpaste can lift scuffs. Rub in a small amount with a toothbrush and wipe it off completely with a damp cloth.
How often should I clean white leather shoes?
Wipe them down after each wear and do a full clean and condition about once a month if you wear them regularly.
Do the same steps work on faux leather?
Yes. Synthetic leather can be cleaned the same way, but skip the conditioner, because it cannot absorb it.
