Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean White Shoes Like a Pro

2025-07-04 17:18:15

White shoes. Gorgeous, iconic, Instagrammable—and an absolute pain to keep clean. One puddle, one unexpected dust storm, or a rogue ketchup packet, and boom—your crisp kicks start looking like they’ve lived through three apocalypse movies. 

Your first instinct when this oh-no moment happens is to put it under water or find the nearest detergent to wash it – which might not be the best idea for every type of footwear. Go through the wrong method, and you’ll push your already brutalised footwear beyond the point of no return. So how do you avoid this happening? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back (and your shoes). 

We’ve created a detailed guide on how to clean white shoes to make them shine again. Whether you’re talking white sneakers, white canvas shoes, or your favourite high-tops, this step-by-step guide on how to clean white shoes will have them looking bright, fresh, and worthy of a close-up. So, let’s roll up those sleeves and bring back the sparkle. 

Effective Ways to Clean White Shoes 

Hold your horses before you dive right in – patience can be a great virtue especially when it ensures that your favourite pair of kicks gets the right prep before going for its spa day. Before we get into baking soda and magic potions, here are a few basics to keep in mind: 

• Always remove the laces first. They need their own spa session (we’ll get to that). 

• Brush off loose dirt and debris. Think of it as exfoliating your kicks. Use a dry brush and give it a few good taps to dislodge persistent dirt. 

• Check the label. Some shoes (like leather or suede) need extra TLC. We’re not here to ruin your life—just clean your shoes. Someone has put in some good work to figure out what your shoe can and cannot handle in terms of cleaning – and it’s all there on the label of the shoe. 

Now, whether you're wondering how do you clean white shoes at home or how to tackle them post-workout, we’ve got options in how you need to go about it. 

Clean White Shoes with Baking Soda & Vinegar 

This classic combo isn’t just for cleaning your sink or impressing your chemistry teacher. It is equally versatile when it comes to getting some of those white styles back to their former glory. 

What you need: 

• 1 tablespoon baking soda 

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar 

• 1 cup warm water 

• An old toothbrush (or a new one if you’re feeling fancy) 

Steps: 

1. Mix the ingredients into a fizzy cleaning potion. Feeling like a wizard yet? 

1. Dip the toothbrush into the mixture and gently scrub the shoes in circular motions. You’re soothing the footwear, not giving it more trauma. 

1. Let it sit for 30 minutes (yes, your shoes deserve a mask too). 

1. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and let air dry. Get a break for yourself too. 

This method works especially well on canvas and fabric white shoes. You’ll be amazed at the before-and-after glow-up. Thank us later. 

Clean White Shoes with Laundry Detergent 

If your kicks are covered in dirt from last weekend’s concert, good old detergent is your new BFF. Here’s how to go about using it to get your shoes white and sparkling again. 

You’ll need: 

• Mild liquid laundry detergent 

• Warm water 

• A sponge or cloth 

• A bowl (or a vibe-appropriate mixing container) 

Steps: 

1. Mix a few drops of detergent into warm water. 

1. Dip your sponge into the mix and scrub gently. 

1. Rinse the sponge and wipe off the soapy residue. 

1. Let the shoes air dry in a cool, shaded spot. No sunbathing! 

This method is ideal for most types of white shoes, especially synthetics and mesh. Remember, gentleness is a very important factor here – scrub too hard and you’ll discover that your shoe also comes in layers. 

Cleaning White Shoes with Toothpaste 

Your shoes want minty freshness too. Just make sure it's non-gel white toothpaste, not the neon blue glitter kind. This is not that kind of a glow-up. 

What to do: 

1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to the stain or dirty area. 

1. Use a toothbrush to scrub in small circles – once again, like a gentle massage, not a violent peeling. 

1. Let it sit for 10 minutes. 

1. Wipe with a damp cloth and admire your work. 

Pro tip: This works wonders on scuff marks and tough stains. Basically, toothpaste = magic. 

How to Clean White Shoes Laces? 

Let’s not forget those grimy laces. No one wants sparkling shoes with sad spaghetti strings. Here’s how to go about cleaning the laces of your favourite white kicks. 

Easy lace-cleaning steps: 

1. Remove the laces and soak them in a bowl of warm water mixed with detergent or vinegar. 

1. Let them soak for 30 minutes (or while you binge a reel or two). 

1. Rinse under cold water, squeeze out excess, and air dry. 

If they’re too far gone, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to fresh ones. White laces are basically the eyeliner of your shoes—don't sleep on them. In fact, you can get fresh laces for your shoes or swap out the white laces with colourful ones for some added fun. 

Bonus Round: How to Wash White Shoes in a Washing Machine 

We’re not huge fans of tossing shoes into a washing machine unless the label says it's safe. However, it is not unheard of, and many manufacturers today are making machine washable shoes. So, if you must, go through these factors first: 

1. Use a gentle cycle with cold water. 

1. Put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. 

1. Remove insoles and laces first. 

1. Air dry—never tumble dry unless chaos is your brand. 

Disclaimer: Don’t do this with leather, suede, or embellished shoes. They will hold a grudge forever. 

Final Tips on How to Wash White Shoes Without Losing Your Mind 

• Always air dry. No heat. Heat is the enemy of white shoes. 

• Store your shoes properly. Give them space, not a dusty dark corner. 

• Spray them with a water + stain repellent for that ‘just-out-the-box’ look longer. 

• Rotate your pairs. White shoes need rest days too! 

Conclusion 

Cleaning white shoes isn’t just about looking sharp—it’s a whole vibe. From how to clean white gym shoes to giving your white canvas BFFs some love, now you know the hacks that’ll keep your shoes selfie-ready. 

Whether you go the DIY route with toothpaste and vinegar or take a more chill route with detergent and a sponge, the trick is consistency. Don’t wait until your white kicks look like they walked through a construction site. 

And if you’ve done your best and your shoes still scream “before pic”, maybe it’s time for a new pair? 

Check out Mochi’s drool-worthy collection of white shoes for women, ultra-clean white shoes for men, and the kind of white sneakers that make your whole outfit pop. Because nothing says “I’ve got my life together” like fresh, bright, beautifully clean shoes.