January 19, 2024
If you've ever owned a pair of white shoes, you're probably familiar with the dingy, yellowish tint they can get after a few wears.
A staple of summer wardrobes, white shoes can brighten up an outfit. They can also help to reduce the amount our feet sweat in the sun - due to their ability to reflect light. With that in mind, it's important to keep them in top condition.
But cleaning white shoes involves more than just throwing them in the washing machine. Check out these tips to keep your white shoes and trainers looking good as new for longer.
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There are a few tried-and-tested methods of cleaning white shoes that don't cost a fortune.
Simple household products can be just as good as cleaning solutions - if not better. These are some of the most effective cleaning methods.
Toothpaste is great for whitening the soles of trainers and shoes. Before you jump in, make sure it's completely white and free of coloured gel.
Vinegar is a versatile household item that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, including cleaning white shoes.
One of the main benefits of using vinegar is that it is acidic, which means it can break down dirt and stains on the surface of the shoes. Vinegar can also help to deodorise the shoes and eliminate any unpleasant odours.
Laundry detergent is the one of the best ways to clean white shoes that have excess dirt. You'll want to use a small amount, as too much can turn your white shoes yellow.
When it comes to cleaning white shoes, there are some things you should avoid:
You should also bear in mind that your cleaning methods and solutions may need to change depending on your shoe material and texture. In some cases, you might need a specialist product or stain remover.
One method doesn't work for all shoes - so keep this in mind if you're looking to clean your favourite pair of white shoes. You don't want to ruin them!
Take a look at our guide on how to clean white trainers for more specific information.
Whether it's waxed, oiled or suede, leather is a popular material used for shoes. But it's also delicate and can lose its shape when wet. With this in mind, white toothpaste often works best to clean white shoes made of leather.
Cleaning white shoelaces can be a quick and easy task that can bring new life to your favourite shoes.
To clean white shoe laces:
There are many ways that you can protect white shoes against stains, water marks and dirt.
With so many different ways to clean white shoes, it can be hard to know the best method. We've answered some of the top frequently asked questions.
To remove yellow stains from white shoes, put one tablespoon of salt in a cup of hot water and mix until it dissolves. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution and scrub over the affected area until the stains disappear. Dry with a clean cloth and you're good to go!
To clean white shoes from mud, mix white vinegar and warm water in a bowl and dip a soft cloth into the solution. Wipe gently until the mud fades, then leave to dry. For suede shoes, wait until the mud has dried before cleaning with a hard-bristled brush.
White shoes are often stained blue through the transfer of colour from your jeans. That could be because of wearing, or due to storing the two together on a regular basis. The best way to remove blue stains from your white leather shoes is with a cotton bud and some nail polish remover. You can further protect your white leather shoes by using an appropriately coloured balm after cleaning, to prevent the leather from drying out.
Yes, you can put certain white shoes in the washing machine. Materials such as cotton, nylon, canvas and polyester are fine, but shoes made from leather, suede, rubber, and vinyl aren't. Ultimately, it's best to clean white shoes with a toothbrush and warm water mixed with either baking soda or vinegar.
To keep your white shoes looking squeaky clean for longer, you'll want to wash them at least once a month. But this depends on how often you wear them. Cleaning white shoes frequently can help to keep dirt, scuffs and stains at bay. Try not to let a stain sit, because it will be harder to remove.
White shoes can be a fantastic addition to your wardrobe - especially during the summer months - however, you're likely to pick up stains along the way.
With these tips on how to clean white shoes, you'll be able to keep that fresh-from-the-box look for longer. For more tips and tricks, check out our guide on how to clean vegan shoes.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.