How to Clean White Shoes (Canvas, Leather and Sneakers)
White shoes look great for about a week. Then come the grass stains, the gray scuffs on the toe, and that dull yellow tint on the soles. The good news is that most white sneakers can look close to new again with things you already have at home, like dish soap, baking soda and an old toothbrush.
The right method depends on the material. Canvas can handle more scrubbing, leather needs a gentler touch, and mesh running shoes sit somewhere in between. Here is how to clean white shoes of each type without ruining them.
Quick answer: To clean white shoes, remove the laces and insoles, brush off loose dirt, and scrub the uppers with a soft brush dipped in warm water mixed with a little mild detergent or dish soap. For tough stains on canvas, apply a paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide, wait 30 minutes and rinse. Clean the soles with a magic eraser or toothpaste, then stuff the shoes with paper towels and let them air dry.
What You Need
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide (for canvas only)
- White microfiber cloths
- Melamine sponge (magic eraser)
- Paper towels or a shoe tree
How to Clean White Canvas Shoes
Canvas sneakers are the easiest to bring back because the fabric can handle a good scrub.
- Take out the laces and insoles.
- Knock the shoes together outside and brush off dried mud with a dry brush.
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent into a bowl of warm water. Nike recommends this simple soapy solution as the first step.
- Dip a soft brush in the solution and scrub the canvas in small circles. Rinse the brush often.
- For stains that stay, mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part hydrogen peroxide into a paste, as Tom’s Guide suggests. Brush it onto the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wipe off the paste with a damp white cloth and rinse until no residue is left.
- Stuff with paper towels and let them dry fully.
How to Clean White Leather Shoes
Leather needs more care. Soaking it or using harsh cleaners can dry it out and cause cracks.
- Remove the laces and wipe off loose dirt with a dry cloth.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to a cup of warm water.
- Dampen (do not soak) a microfiber cloth and wipe the leather in gentle circles.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain water.
- For scuffs, gently rub with a damp magic eraser. Test a hidden spot first, since soft leather can scuff.
- Dry with a towel and stuff with paper towels to hold the shape.
- Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep it soft.
Never use bleach or put leather shoes in the washing machine.
How to Clean White Mesh and Knit Sneakers
Running shoes and knit sneakers have a softer upper that can fray. Use the same soapy water as for canvas, but scrub lightly with a very soft brush or a cloth. Blot rather than rub. Skip the hydrogen peroxide paste on colored accents or delicate knits.
How to Clean White Shoe Soles
The rubber soles are often what makes white shoes look old. Wet a magic eraser and scrub the sides and edges of the sole, then rinse. Nike also suggests a little white toothpaste on an old toothbrush for stubborn marks. For the bottom tread, a stiff brush and soapy water work best.
How to Clean White Shoelaces
Laces are hard to clean on the shoe, so take them out. Soak them in warm soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes, rub them between your fingers, then rinse. Nike suggests that if they are still dingy you can soak them in a diluted bleach solution, about 3 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water, for five minutes while wearing gloves, then wash them well. Air dry them, since heat can melt the plastic tips. If they are very worn, new laces are cheap and make a big difference.
Can You Put White Shoes in the Washing Machine?
Brands are cautious about this. Nike advises against machine washing because it can damage the shoe’s construction. If you decide to do it with inexpensive canvas sneakers, Tom’s Guide recommends:
- Removing the laces and insoles.
- Placing the shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
- Adding a few towels to cushion them.
- Using a cold, gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent.
- Air drying them afterward, never in the dryer.
Never machine wash leather, suede or shoes with glued soles that are already peeling.
Why Do White Shoes Turn Yellow?
Yellowing usually comes from leftover soap or detergent that was not fully rinsed out, or from drying shoes in harsh direct heat. To avoid it, rinse thoroughly with plain water after cleaning, use only a small amount of detergent, and dry shoes in a well-ventilated spot rather than on a heater. If yellowing does show up, a second gentle wash and a thorough rinse often helps.
How to Keep White Shoes Clean Longer
- Spray new shoes with a protective stain repellent before wearing them.
- Wipe off fresh marks right away with a damp cloth or shoe wipe.
- Avoid wearing white shoes in rain or mud when you can.
- Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Rotate pairs so each one gets a rest and stays drier.
Have suede shoes too? They need a completely different approach, covered in our guide on how to clean suede shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best homemade cleaner for white shoes?
Warm water with a little mild detergent or dish soap handles most dirt. For tough stains on canvas, a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide works well.
Can I use bleach on white shoes?
Only well diluted, and only on white canvas or laces. Never use bleach on leather, suede or mesh, and always rinse well afterward.
Does toothpaste clean white shoes?
Plain white toothpaste can help lift scuffs on rubber soles. It is not a great choice for the fabric uppers.
How do you dry white shoes quickly?
Stuff them with paper towels, swap the towels every hour or so, and put them near a fan. Avoid the dryer and direct heat, which can warp the shoes and cause yellowing.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to clean white shoes is mostly about matching the method to the material. Soapy water and a soft brush handle most dirt, a baking soda paste lifts stains on canvas, and a magic eraser brightens soles. Keep leather away from bleach and soaking, rinse well, and always air dry.
Always check the care instructions from your shoe brand first, and test any cleaner on a small hidden area before using it on the whole shoe.
