How to Get White Sneakers Squeaky Clean Again: 5 Best Methods (2024)

Knowing how to properly clean white sneakers will help you maintain a clean-cut look. White sneakers are bound to get dirty, but there are multiple ways to make them look new. Ranging from commercial cleaners to hydrogen peroxide, take note of these 5 methods for cleaning white sneakers.

How Often to Clean White Sneakers

If possible, inspect and clean white sneakers after each wear. A quick wipe with a damp cloth to remove any surface soil and stains will make a deeper clean much easier. If you wear a pair of white sneakers regularly, a thorough cleaning should be done about once a month.

Method #1: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Make a paste of 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl.
2. Dip a damp sponge or microfiber cloth in the paste and apply it to the shoes, gently scrubbing the fabric.
3. For heavily soiled areas, scrub the canvas with a soft-bristled nylon brush after the paste is applied.
4. Allow the paste to remain on the shoes for 10-15 minutes and then rinse the shoes by dipping them in a sink of water or holding them under a running faucet.
5. Place the shoes on a drying rack away from direct heat and allow the shoes to air-dry.
   

Method #2: Distilled White Vinegar, Cornstarch, and Art Gum Eraser

To clean suede or nubuck sneakers, you'll need a suede brush, cornstarch, and distilled white vinegar.

1. Remove shoelaces. Use a suede brush or a soft-bristled nylon brush to remove loose soil. Use gentle strokes to remove dust and dirt.
2. Sprinkle oily stains with cornstarch. Leave the cornstarch on the stain for at least one hour to absorb the oil. After brushing it away, repeat this step as needed until all of the oil is absorbed.
3. Use an art gum eraser to gently rub away scuff marks. Do not scrub aggressively; work slowly to remove the stains in layers.
4. For remaining stains, dip a microfiber cloth in undiluted distilled white vinegar and gently rub the affected areas.
5. Blot the treated area with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Method #3: Commercial Shoe Cleaner

There are brand-name shoe cleaners for canvas, leather, and suede sneakers. If you choose to use a commercial shoe cleaner, follow the given directions carefully.

Method #4: Dish Soap and Baking Soda

Mixing warm water and a good dish soap, like Dawn, creates a solution that can be used to clean leather or canvas sneakers.

1. In a small bowl, mix a solution of 1 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of dish soap. Remove the shoelaces.
2. Dip a damp sponge or microfiber cloth in the solution and apply it to the shoes, gently scrubbing the fabric.
3. For heavily soiled areas, scrub canvas sneakers (not leather) with a soft-bristled nylon brush and the cleaning solution.
4. Rinse the shoes.
5. Place the shoes on a drying rack away from direct heat.
   

Method #5: Washing Machine

Unless the manufacturer warns against using a washing machine, this is an easy way to clean white canvas sneakers.

1. Pretreat visible stains with a stain remover or a dab of detergent. Allow the stain remover to work at breaking apart the soil for at least 15 minutes before adding the shoes to the washer.
2. Remove the laces. Wash separately by hand or add them to a mesh laundry bag.
3. Remove any detachable insoles.
4. Place the sneakers (and laces) in a mesh laundry bag before adding them to the washer. Feel free to wash with similar-colored and similar-weight towels.
5. Use an enzyme-basedlaundry detergent and add a scoop of powderedoxygen-based bleachto the washer drum.
6. Select the warm or coldwater temperatureand thegentle cycleto help prevent damage to the soles of the shoes.
7. When the washer stops, remove the sneakers and air-dry them in a spot away from direct sunlight and heat.

How to Clean White Sneaker Soles and Shoelaces

The best product for cleaning white sneaker soles is a melamine eraser (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser). Dampen the eraser with water and gently scrub the soles. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the loose soil and residue.

If you don't have an eraser, use a dab of non-gel toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush to clean the soles, and then wipe away the residue with a damp cloth.

To clean shoelaces, fill a small bowl with warm water and a few drops of laundry detergent. If the laces are extra dirty, add a teaspoon of powderedoxygen bleach. Place the laces in the cleaning solution to soak. After they soak for about an hour, squeeze the laces through the solution, remove and rinse them, and hang them to air-dry.

Tips to Keep White Sneakers Clean Longer

• Wipe away food spills, mud splatters, and stains as quickly as possible.
• Use fabric, leather, or suede protectant sprays to help dirt and stains "slide off" the sneaker.
• Wipe down white sneakers after every wear to remove loose dirt and soil.