There’s nothing quite like taking new white shoes out of their box, but dirt and debris can quickly cause them to lose their shine. Here’s how to get them looking like they just came out of the box again.
Last updated: December 6, 2024
Your new Air Force 1s are so pristine white, you might almost hesitate to wear them outside. But a good pair of sneakers is designed to take you out into the world, whether you’re exploring the city or going on adventures off the beaten path. Inevitably, scuffs, dirt, and stains will dull the shine of your white shoes. And the “dirty dishwater” color isn’t exactly on trend.
But before you run out and buy new ones, there are some tricks you can try at home to restore the shine to your white shoes. Clean your shoes regularly to prevent dirt from building up, and when they’re particularly dirty, try these tricks to restore their shine.
How to restore the shine to your white shoes
Have your sneakers turned a grayish hue? Can’t remember they were ever white? Try these tips to get your white shoes looking new again. Depending on the materials your shoes are made of and the type of stain, some methods will work better than others. Luckily, these methods don’t require a long list of ingredients.
How to Clean Canvas Shoes
Some people suggest washing canvas shoes in the washing machine, but this method can cause unnecessary wear and tear and even damage their structure. To be on the safe side, try one of the methods below instead. You can also use toothpaste and an old toothbrush to remove stains from the soles of your shoes.
1. Mild detergent
Mix a little mild detergent with warm water
Dip a white cloth or old toothbrush in soapy water to remove stains from the uppers.
Remove dirt from the midsole and outsole of the shoe
Use a damp cloth to remove excess soap
2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
3% hydrogen peroxide not only removes stains and brightens whites, but it also disinfects your shoes to fight harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. You can also create a paste by mixing two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide. Use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture to the soles and uppers of your shoes. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing, or let them dry in the sun before brushing off the excess paste.
3. Bleach
While bleach isn’t recommended for delicate materials like leather or suede, it’s effective at restoring canvas sneakers to their original, bright white color. Follow these steps:
Add a tablespoon of bleach to a quarter liter of water and mix
Dip a brush or white cloth into the mixture
Brush in a circular motion the upper, then the midsole, and finally the outsole of each shoe.
Rinse or remove excess soap and dry completely
4 . Paper toilet
You’ve probably never considered mummifying your shoes using toilet paper, but surprisingly, it can be an effective method for removing stains. Layer sheets of water-soaked toilet paper over your shoes, much like papier-mâché, and let your shoes dry for 12 hours before removing the strips. This method can be effective for removing stubborn stains.
5. Lemon and sun
If you have a lemon in your fridge, you can use it to bleach stains on your shoes. Simply mix fresh lemon juice and a little water. Using a clean cloth or brush, rub the mixture onto the stains in a circular motion. Then, place your shoes in direct sunlight for a few hours before rinsing the mixture with clean water.
How to clean leather shoes
Leather shoes require a little more attention than canvas sneakers, as the material is delicate and can lose its shape when wet. Before you begin, place a shoe tree in each shoe or stuff it with newspaper. Then apply a leather care product or try one of the methods below.
Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are effective in removing bad odors, stains, and bacteria. Make a solution with one tablespoon of baking soda, white vinegar, and one cup of water. Use a brush or cloth to gently remove dirt and debris. This method also works for canvas shoes.
Magic Eraser
Sometimes, to clean a pair of white leather shoes, you just need the same tool you use to clean your bathtub. Dip the magic eraser in water and use it to scrub the stains on the leather upper and sole of your shoes.
Micellar water
Micellar water is usually used to cleanse the skin, but it is gentle enough to use on leather shoes as well. It is made up of purified water, moisturizing agents, and cleaning compounds that form spherical micelles. These micelles work on dirt and grease, removing them from the surface, leaving your shoes clean and white. It works well on leather, suede, and rubber.
How to clean shoelaces
Start by removing the laces from your sneakers. You can hand wash them with mild soap or detergent mixed with water, or place them in a laundry bag and machine wash on a gentle cycle. Be sure to air dry them, as the heat can warp the plastic tips.
If your shoelaces are still not white, soak them in bleach. Wearing gloves, mix three tablespoons of bleach in about 4 liters of water. Place your shoelaces in a laundry bag before submerging them in the solution, and place something heavy on top to prevent them from rising to the surface. Let your shoelaces soak for five minutes, then wash them thoroughly by hand or in the washing machine.
