How to clean white shoes: The ultimate guide
Cleaning white shoes can feel like a chore, discouraging the best of us from attempting to tackle the perceived impossible task. Whether it’s muddy soles caused by wintry weather or yellow stains, no thanks to grassy or beachy summers, we understand the challenges of keeping white shoes clean. So, we are here to help!
This guide will equip you with new and easy ways to keep your white leather and canvas shoes from falling victim to unpredictable and ever-changing British weather. Gone are the days of constant washing and scrubbing; from now on, cleaning your white shoes will require no more than a quick spruce-up.
Table of Contents
- How to clean white canvas shoes
- How to clean white leather trainers
- How to clean white soles of shoes
- General care for white shoes
How to clean white canvas shoes
Your shoes may look as though they are past the point of no return. But fear not; the best way to start cleaning is to hand-wash your white canvas shoes. It's a simple and effective method that can bring them back to life.
To wash your canvas shoes, gently scrub with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush (yes, even a toothbrush will work wonders). Though it takes a little more effort than the washing machine, you will be glad to avoid any stitch defects, discolouration or material damage once they return to their original appearance.
Removing the laces before hand washing your shoes is important to avoid any leftover dirt or stains ruining their reinvigoration. Simply place the laces in some warm, soapy water and massage them to remove the dirt.
After an air dry, your white shoes will be restored with a new-found brightness.
How to clean white leather trainers
Unlike white canvas shoes, white leather does not absorb dirt and is more repellent to stains. Though easier to clean, numerous ways exist to maintain their best condition.
Hand Wash
Similarly to white canvas shoes, white leather reacts nicely to a thorough hand wash using warm, soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Again, a toothbrush is absolutely fine.
Remove the laces; place them in warm, soapy water and massage them to remove the dirt.
When you are happy with the cleanliness of your white leather trainers, give them a thorough wipe-down with a dry cloth for that extra new-look effect.
Shoe Care
Dirt and stain prevention on white leather is easier than ever with an array of shoe care items.
Most notably, protector sprays are a great way to maximise the freshness of the leather. With a quick spray before wearing your white trainers for the first time, you will enhance the water and stain resistance, allowing them to look new for longer. Though products will vary, on average, a respray every two weeks will support upkeep.
For moments when you’re on the go, a shoe sponge will enable your white leather trainers to remain in top condition. Plus, with their shine effect, your shoes will always look freshly washed despite taking minimal effort or time!
How to clean white soles of shoes
Cleaning the white soles of your shoes is easy and cost-effective as it takes only a few household items. As we’ve already addressed, save your shoes from the washing machine. Instead, a cloth, warm water, and a drop of laundry detergent will do just the trick for white rubber, leather and foam soles.
Apply a small amount of laundry detergent to a warm, wet cloth and wipe any areas of the white sole that need a touch-up. Once clean, wipe the soles down with a dry cloth or paper towel.
It may take a few rounds of laundry detergent to start seeing your desired outcome for white shoe soles on the dirtier side. Do not worry, they will be as good as new before you know it.
General care for white shoes
Frequent wipe downs
To prevent dirt from building up on your white shoes, wipe them down so they stay in good condition. A few minutes after every wear will save much more time than fully cleaning them every few months!
For white canvas shoes, a soft-bristle brush will be the perfect wiping-down tool and a drop of warm water to stop the dirt from settling.
White leather trainers will hugely benefit from a frequent wipe with a wet cloth and a quick rub down to dry them off.
Storage
The appropriate storage for your white shoes is not to be overlooked! Storing white leather trainers at room temperature is important as their material can soften, lose shape, stiffen, or even crack if too hot or cold.
The simplest way to store shoes is within their boxes, rotating your collection regularly to expose them to light. If some shoes spend more time unused than others, utilising a shoe rack will ensure maximum airflow.
At Gabor, our white shoe collection includes trainers and sandals to ensure a fit for every occasion. Make sure to purchase your favourite style today and experience an easier-than-ever cleaning routine!
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