Dirty White Shoes? Here’s How to Clean White Shoes

Are your once pristine white shoes now looking a bit worse for wear? Fear not, as there are several tried and tested methods to restore them to their former glory. This article will guide you through various techniques to clean your white shoes, no matter the material.

One of the most common methods involves using bleach as a cleaning agent. However, caution is advised as too much bleach can cause your shoes to yellow. A safe ratio is one part bleach to five parts warm water. Use a toothbrush or sponge dampened with this mixture to gently scrub away dirt and stains.

Another effective method is using warm soapy water. Simply add about one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to one cup of warm water and stir. This solution is suitable for cleaning shoes made from almost any material. Using a cloth or toothbrush, gently scrub the shoe until clean, then wipe off any excess water and leave to air dry for several hours.

For stubborn stains, toothpaste can come to the rescue. Apply a small amount of white toothpaste, preferably one infused with baking soda, directly to the stain. Lightly scrub the toothpaste into the spot, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wipe it off with a paper towel.

If your shoes are made of mesh, a mixture of baking soda and detergent can be particularly effective. Mix one third baking soda with two thirds laundry detergent to form a dry, powder-like substance. Pat this onto the shoes and let them rest for an hour or two before brushing off the powder and rinsing the shoes with warm water.

Cleaning white shoelaces can also be achieved with a simple solution of warm water and heavy-duty laundry detergent. Soak the laces in this mixture for 15 minutes, then hang them in a cool, dark place to air dry. Alternatively, you can scrub them with a toothbrush using white, baking soda-infused toothpaste, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.

Lastly, remember that prevention is better than cure. To keep your white shoes looking their best, wipe them down with a moist, soft cloth at the end of the day to remove everyday scuffs and dust. Store them in a dry, dark place like a closet or shoebox to protect them from dust and fading.