Here's How to Clean Your Filthy White Sneakers
I don't know about you, but I have at least six pairs of dirty white shoes that either: A. make me cringe every time I wear them, because they’re so filthy, or B. collect dust in the back of my closet because they've hit a level of dirty that’s not fit for public eyes.
If you think what I just said is #relatablecontent, you're in luck because I've figured out how to get rid of even the most brutal smudges. Yep, I sourced the internet for all the most effective ways to clean white shoes – everything from suede heels and leather booties to canvas sneakers. Read ahead to find out how you can your shoes yourself – plus, how to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place.
How to clean white canvas sneakers
First, let's talk about white canvas sneakers – arguably the most difficult shoe to keep clean long term.
As soon as you take them out of the box, coat your sneakers in a layer of stain-resistant sneaker protectant – seriously, before you even put them on your feet. Spritz them every few weeks for continual stain-prevention.
If you've already destroyed your sneaks, here's how to clean them:
What you'll need: bowl, toothbrush, dish soap, laundry detergent, water, paper towels.
Start by removing your laces, if you have them. According to Wikihow, you can fill a small bowl with cold water and add a few drops of laundry detergent. Dip a (clean) toothbrush into the mixture and start scrubbing directly.
After you've worked the stains out, wash off the remaining soap with cold water. As for the laces, just throw them in the washing machine on cold and let them air dry (to prevent shrinkage).
How to clean white leather shoes
Real leather requires a lot of upkeep. Any leather product (handbag, jackets, shoes) should be covered in leather protectant spray before they ever see the light of day. Continue to keep them looking flawless with cleaning conditioning spray that helps to lift stains, while keeping the leather supple.
If you've got a stain that needs taken care of, read ahead.
What you'll need: toothbrush, toothpaste, water, washcloth.
This shoe cleaning hack is super easy and will leave any leather item in your closet sparkling. First, wet the shoe, but very lightly. Too much water will ruin the leather, so make sure to be careful with how much water you're applying.
According to Wikihow, take a white, non-gel toothpaste and apply it either directly on your boot or onto the toothbrush. Let the toothpaste sit for a few minutes after applying, then scrub. Wipe off the residue and clean with a damp washcloth. Voila! Sparkling clean.
How to clean white faux leather shoes
Wearing your brand new white heels out on a Friday night is basically a death wish, but sometimes, the outfit requires the risk. In the event that you inevitably ruin your faux leather pumps (or any faux leather shoe), here's how to undo the damage.
What you'll need: bowl, mild dish soap, warm water, washcloth.
Get a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of dish soap, DoItYourself reports. Too much can ruin a shoe, so just get the water a little bubbly. Dip the washcloth in the mixture and rub it into the shoe to get the stains out. Simple and super efficient.
How to clean white suede shoes
I've said it before and I'll say it again: PROTECTANT SPRAY.
Already messed them up? Here's how to clean suede shoes.
What you'll need: toothbrush, pencil eraser, paper towel or washcloth, suede cleaning kit (optional but super helpful).
To get stains out, rub a pencil eraser or the eraser that comes with the kit directly onto the shoe. This should do the trick, even for tougher stains. Then rub the spot with your toothbrush or a suede cleaning brush. This second step helps to clean out the suede even further, getting rid of any excess dirt, and restoring the suede to its original glory. Good Housekeeping recommends brushing in the direction of the suede, instead of against it.
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