Are your white kicks not looking so fresh anymore?
While clean white sneakers are a fashion staple that works with almost any style or outfit, it doesn’t take much for them to start looking gray and dingy. Although the mess may seem unavoidable, getting your white sneakers back to their original color is simple — assuming you know where to start.
How to Clean White Sneakers
Keep in mind that while these tips will work for most white sneakers, they may not work for all. So, if you’re trying to restore a unique pair of kicks, you may want to consult the manufacturer for further instructions.
With that said, here’s everything you need to know about how to clean white sneakers.
Start with the Soles
Odds are the dirtiest part of your once pristine white sneakers are the soles. So, before you start scrubbing the more noticeable sections of your sneakers, you should clean the soles to avoid having any old dirt and debris ruin your hard work.
No matter what type of sneakers you have, the soles stay pretty much the same, which means you’ll be able to clean them pretty much the same way. A scrub brush, soap, and a little hot water will quickly take care of any debris stuck in the bottom of your shoes.
While you can use a damp rag with some dish soap on it to clean the rubber detailing on the sides, if you want your kicks to shine, you may want to pick up a Magic Eraser instead.
Cleaning Canvas Sneakers
While you can technically throw canvas sneakers, like a pair of classic Chuck Taylors, in your washing machine, the only way to really up the brightness and get them looking as white as the day you took them out of the box is by doing a little chemistry.
Start by wiping your shoes down with a dry cloth to clean off any loose dirt and debris. Then, combine two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of clean water and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to form a paste and apply the paste to the canvas parts of your sneakers.
Wait for the paste to fully dry, at least 5 hours, then tap your shoes to shake off the dried paste and use a clean cloth or paper towel to get rid of any remaining residue.
Cleaning Leather Sneakers
While it may come as a surprise, cleaning white leather sneakers is quicker than cleaning canvas shoes. All you need to get your leather kicks nice and clean is a toothbrush, some white toothpaste, and a little bit of warm water.
Start by dipping your toothbrush in warm water, applying a little toothpaste, and gently brushing off your shoe. Once your sneakers are spotless, use a damp cloth to remove any leftover toothpaste residue, and you’re good to go.
Final Touches
It’s a shame to lace up fresh sneakers with old, grungy shoelaces. So, if your shoelaces aren’t quite old enough to warrant replacing, make sure you take a little time to clean them up too.
If you want to keep your sneakers looking clean and white longer, you may want to consider investing in a small shoe cleaning kit you can keep handy for minor touch-ups.
Keeping Your Kicks Fresh
Now that you know how to clean white sneakers, it’s time to get to work restoring your favorite pair of kicks to their former glory.
Are you looking for more advice on how to maintain your wardrobe? We’ve got you covered. Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles and tips today.
