To clean white shoes, brush off dry dirt, scrub with a soft brush dipped in warm water and a little mild soap, treat stains with a baking soda paste, wipe clean and air dry in the shade. The details depend on the material: canvas can take a wash, leather only needs a damp cloth, and mesh needs a light touch.
In this guide
Find your material
| Material | Clean with | Avoid | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Detergent solution, baking soda paste; cold machine wash if allowed | Hot water, tumble dryer, strong bleach | Canvas shoes |
| Smooth leather | Damp cloth with mild soap, melamine sponge for scuffs, conditioner | Soaking, bleach, machine washing | White leather shoes |
| Mesh and knit | Soft brush and soapy water, blotting with a cloth | Hard scrubbing, which frays the weave | See below |
| Suede and nubuck | Dry suede brush and eraser | Water and soap | Suede shoes |
| Rubber soles and toe caps | Baking soda paste or melamine sponge | Abrasive pads on painted midsoles | See below |
The basic method (works for most white sneakers)
- Remove laces and insoles. Wash the laces separately; see how to clean white shoelaces.
- Dry brush the uppers and soles to remove loose dirt.
- Mix a cleaning solution: a teaspoon of mild detergent or dish soap in two cups of warm water.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush in small circles, working over the whole upper so it dries evenly.
- Wipe off the suds with a clean damp cloth. Soap left in the fabric is a common cause of yellow marks.
- Stuff with plain paper and air dry at room temperature, out of direct sun.
How to clean white mesh and knit shoes
- Use a soft brush or cloth; stiff bristles pull threads.
- Dab and brush lightly with the soapy solution, working from the outside of a stain inward.
- Press a dry towel against the upper to lift out dirty water instead of rubbing it in.
- Rinse by blotting with a cloth dipped in clean water.
How to whiten soles and rubber
- Mix baking soda with a little water into a paste, scrub with a toothbrush, leave 10 minutes and wipe clean.
- A damp melamine sponge removes scuffs from smooth rubber quickly.
- For green marks, see how to get grass stains out of shoes.
Related: How to Clean Converse Shoes: Canvas, Rubber and Laces
Stain removers that work on white shoes
- Baking soda paste: safe on canvas, rubber and leather for general dinginess.
- Baking soda and white vinegar: foams and lifts ground-in dirt on canvas.
- Oxygen bleach: soaks out deep discolouration from white canvas without weakening it.
- Micellar water or mild soap on a cotton pad: quick touch-ups on leather.
Should you use bleach?
Chlorine bleach is risky. It can turn white canvas and rubber yellow, weaken stitching and damage glue. If you use it at all, dilute it heavily (about one part bleach to five parts water or weaker), use it only on plain white canvas, rinse thoroughly, and never mix it with other cleaners.
Why white shoes turn yellow, and how to prevent it
- Leftover detergent or bleach reacting as the shoe dries. Rinse well.
- Drying in strong sunlight. Dry in shade with good airflow.
- Oxidation of rubber and glue with age. Store shoes in a cool, dark place.
- Sweat. Let shoes air out between wears.
Keeping white shoes clean
- Wipe off marks the same day; fresh dirt comes off far more easily.
- Apply a protector spray when the shoes are new and after each deep clean. See how to waterproof shoes.
- Keep a melamine sponge or shoe wipes for quick touch-ups.
If the pair is badly worn, see how to restore old shoes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best homemade cleaner for white shoes?
A paste of baking soda and water, or baking soda with a little white vinegar for canvas. Follow with a wipe of clean water.
Does toothpaste clean white shoes?
Plain white, non-gel toothpaste can lift scuffs from rubber and leather. Wipe it off completely afterwards.
Can I put white shoes in the washing machine?
Canvas and many mesh sneakers can go in on a cold gentle cycle. Leather and suede cannot. See how to wash shoes in the washing machine.
How do I get yellow stains out of white shoes?
Rinse again with clean water to remove residue, apply baking soda paste, and dry the shoes in the shade. Oxygen bleach helps on canvas.
