White sneakers are a classic shoe style that never seems to go out of fashion. When crisp and clean, they can elevate any outfit. But after just a few wears, white sneakers can start to look dingy and lose their fresh look. Learning how to clean white sneakers and keep them looking pristine is an essential skill for any sneakerhead.
With the right techniques and products, you can get your white sneakers squeaky clean again in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we will share the 5 best methods for cleaning white sneakers and restoring them to their original glory. From quick cleaning hacks to deep cleaning treatments, we’ve got you covered.
Why Keep White Sneakers Clean?
Before we dive into the cleaning methods, let’s first go over why it’s worth the effort to keep your white sneakers looking brand new:
- Aesthetic appeal – Clean white sneakers simply look better, lending a crisp, retro flair to any outfit. Dingy sneakers look sloppy and dated in comparison.
- Hygiene – Over time, dirt, grime, and bacteria can build up on sneakers from everyday wear. Regular cleaning kills germs and keeps your feet healthy.
- Preservation – Letting dirt and stains set on white sneakers can actually break down the material over time. Frequent cleaning preserves the integrity of the shoes.
- Cost savings – Rather than replacing dirty sneakers, cleaning lets you revive them and get more use out of your investment.
Now that you’re motivated to keep your kicks looking fresh, let’s get into the various methods for cleaning white sneakers.
1. Quick Clean with Baking Soda and Dish Soap
For a fast way to clean off surface level dirt on white sneakers, baking soda and dish soap work wonders. Here’s how to do it:
What You Need
- Baking soda
- Dishwashing liquid
- An old toothbrush or cleaning brush
- Small bowl of warm water
- Soft cloth
- Towel
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the shoelaces and removable insoles if your sneakers have them. This allows you to clean all surfaces thoroughly.
- Make a paste by mixing a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough dish soap to make a thick consistency.
- Apply the paste all over the sneakers, using the toothbrush to scrub any particularly dirty areas. Focus on the rubber soles and crevices.
- Allow the paste to sit for 5-10 minutes so it can lift and dissolve grime.
- Dip the cloth in the warm water and wring it out well. Gently wipe the sneakers to remove the paste.
- Wipe over the sneakers again with a dry towel to soak up excess moisture.
- Allow the sneakers to fully air dry before wearing again.
The baking soda works as a powerful cleaner and deodorizer, while the dish soap cuts through grease and dirt. Together, they can lift away tough stains for visibly whiter sneakers. Just avoid getting the shoes too wet, as this can damage the materials.
This is a great method for quick cleaning sessions between deep cleans. It keeps your sneakers looking crisp and new.
2. Target Tough Stains with Magic Eraser
Magic erasers have become a cult favorite cleaning product because of their ability to erase tough stains through mild abrasion. This makes them ideal for tackling scuffs and stubborn marks on white sneakers.
What You Need
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Warm water
- Soft cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dampen the magic eraser under warm running water and wring it out so it’s damp but not fully soaked.
- Gently rub the eraser over any stained or scuffed areas of the sneakers in circular motions. Apply light pressure.
- Wipe away any dampness or residue lifted by the eraser using a soft dry cloth.
- Allow sneakers to fully air dry.
The mild abrasive side of the magic eraser lifts off discoloration without damaging the shoe material underneath. Just be careful not to rub too hard on delicate canvas or leather.
Use this stain-fighting trick whenever you notice new scuffs or marks on your white sneakers. It will keep them looking box-fresh.
3. Deep Clean with Laundry Detergent
For a thorough deep clean, launder your sneakers in the washing machine just like clothes. The detergent will break down engrained dirt and oils for squeaky clean results.
What You Need
- Laundry detergent (powder or liquid)
- Old pillowcase or laundry bag
- Soft bristle brush
- Towel
- Mesh shoe trees (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Use the brush to loosen any dried chunks of mud that may be caked on the soles or sides.
- Remove the laces and removable insoles from each sneaker.
- Place the sneakers inside a pillowcase and tie the end or place inside a laundry bag. This prevents them banging around the machine.
- Wash on a delicate cycle in cold water with your regular laundry detergent and an extra rinse cycle.
- Once finished, remove the sneakers from the pillowcase. Stuff with newspaper or mesh shoe trees to absorb moisture and maintain the shape as they dry.
- Allow to air dry completely before wearing again. Never put wet sneakers in the dryer.
Check first that your particular sneakers are washer safe. Avoid machine washing for leather or suede styles. Stick to cold water to prevent shrinkage or damage.
Give your sneakers this deep clean whenever they need revitalizing. The laundry wash will make them look box-fresh again.
4. Whiten with Baking Soda Soak
For dingy sneakers that have lost their bright white color, a baking soda soak can magically whiten and brighten them again.
What You Need
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Large basin or container
- Soft bristle brush
- Towel
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the shoelaces and insoles from the sneakers.
- Fill the basin with warm water and stir in 1/2 cup of baking soda until dissolved.
- Submerge the sneakers fully in the baking soda solution, weighting them down if needed.
- Let them soak overnight for at least 8 hours. The baking soda will lift stains and whiten the material.
- In the morning, scrub the sneakers with a soft brush and rinse under running water.
- Stuff with newspaper or shoe trees and allow to fully air dry.
The extended baking soda soak allows the solution time to penetrate deep into the material for dramatically whiter results. Use this technique whenever your white sneakers are looking greyish or stained.
5. Freshen Insoles with Hydrogen Peroxide
The inside of your sneakers takes a beating from sweat and odor-causing bacteria. Freshening the insoles helps complete the cleaning process.
What You Need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Clean towel
- Q-tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Use a q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide solution to gently scrub the footbed and underside of the insoles.
- Allow to sit for 5 minutes to disinfect and deodorize.
- Blot dry with a clean towel.
- Allow insoles to fully air dry before reinserting in sneakers.
Hydrogen peroxide is gentler than bleach at whitening, disinfecting, and deodorizing. With clean insoles, your sneakers will smell as fresh as they look.
Repeat this soak and scrub every few weeks to keep insoles, and therefore your sneakers, odor-free.
Helpful Cleaning Tips and Tricks
To round out your white sneaker cleaning regimen, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Spot clean after every wear to prevent buildup of dirt.
- Use a sneaker protector spray to create a soil and stain repellent barrier.
- Store with shoe trees to retain the shape and absorb moisture.
- When drying, always stuff with absorbent paper – never use heat which can cause cracks.
- Use old toothbrushes to scrub dirt from crevices and textured soles.
- Replace insoles regularly to prevent odor issues.
- Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners which may degrade materials.
- Don’t soak leather or suede sneakers, wipe clean instead.
- Check the care label for washing machine dos and don’ts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about keeping your white sneakers looking fresh and clean? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Should you clean leather sneakers differently than canvas?
Yes, always check the material before cleaning. For leather, avoid submerging in water. Use a specialized leather cleaner and brush dirt off instead. Canvas and knit styles can usually be washed and soaked safely.
How do you clean old, yellowed sneakers?
For severe yellowing, try our baking soda soak method. For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and apply directly to stained areas before rinsing. Avoid using bleach on colored details.
Can you put sneakers in the washing machine?
Most sneakers can be washed in the machine on delicate and cold as long as dirt is brushed off first. Check the care label to be sure. Place inside a pillowcase or bag before washing.
How do you get rid of bad sneaker smells?
Use hydrogen peroxide on insoles as mentioned above. You can also sprinkle baking soda directly in shoes overnight to absorb odors before brushing out. Replace insoles regularly.
Should you clean the laces too?
Yes, you can launder laces in the washing machine on delicate with detergent. Let air dry completely before re-threading in sneakers.
Restore Your White Sneakers to Their Former Glory
Now you’re armed with all the inside tips for keeping your favorite white sneakers looking box-fresh and bright.
With the right cleaning methods and consistent care, you can restore your kicks to their original pristine glory again and again. No need to splurge on endless new pairs. Just use these 5 techniques to erase scuffs, whiten materials, sanitize insoles, and make those sneakers shine.
Your shoes say a lot about your style. So show them some love and keep them looking as fashionable and crisp as the day you bought them with these sneaker cleaning secrets. Your feet (and your wardrobe) will thank you.
So grab your old toothbrush, baking soda, and laundry detergent and get those beloved sneakers back to their showroom condition. Keep your steps light, comfy, and stylish with clean kicks.
How to Get White Sneakers Squeaky Clean Again: 5 Best Methods
Conclusion
In summary, there are several highly effective methods for getting your white sneakers looking fresh and squeaky clean again:
- For quick cleaning, use a baking soda and dish soap paste. The abrasion lifts dirt while the ingredients whiten and deodorize.
- Magic erasers can tackle tough scuffs and stains through mild abrasion. Just dampen and gently rub over marks.
- Machine washing with laundry detergent gives a thorough deep clean, especially for canvas or knit sneakers.
- A baking soda soak whitens dingy, stained sneakers overnight thanks to its cleansing properties.
- Hydrogen peroxide freshens insoles by killing bacteria and whitening.
With the proper products and techniques, you can restore your white sneakers time after time. Consistent cleaning also helps preserve the integrity of the materials for longer lasting kicks.
So revive your worn sneakers with these 5 simple methods. Your shoes will look as stylish as new.