The Right Way to Clean White Shoes, From Canvas to Leather

White shoes are a versatile accessory for any outfit, and can easily be dressed up or down. But one of their pitfalls is how easily they accumulate dirt. Whether it's your go-to pair of white sneakers or cream-hued leather sandals, white shoes don't hide discoloration well—but that doesn't mean you need to trade them in for a new pair. With some everyday cleaning supplies, you'll be able to restore your white shoes to their former glory.

Materials Needed

Here are some cleaning supplies you may need, depending on the type of white shoe you are cleaning and the method you choose.

• Bleach
• Nylon brush
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Shoe conditioner
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Lemon essential oil
• Microfiber cloth(s)
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Suede brush
• Suede protector
• Steamer

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes

Unlike clothes, most shoes don't typically come with care instructions—which makes figuring out how to clean them difficult. If you're attempting to clean a pair of white canvas shoes, start online. "Cleaning instructions for canvas shoes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer," says Mary Gagliardi, the in-house scientist and cleaning expert for Clorox. "If you can't find good information on a company's website, be sure to test a hidden area first with any cleaning products you want to use on your shoes."

1. Remove shoelaces and set them aside to clean later.
2. Brush the shoes to remove loose dirt or soil with a dry nylon brush.
3. Add 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water and stir to mix.
4. Working on one shoe at a time, dip the brush in the bleach solution and gently scrub the canvas in a circular motion.
5. Continue this step until the entire shoe has been treated.
6. Wait one minute, then spray all the treated areas with hydrogen peroxide.
7. Rinse the first shoe completely with clean water.
8. Repeat on the other shoe.
9. Let the shoes air dry overnight.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes

Leather shouldn't be cleaned with any bleach products. Instead, you'll need to make a paste of baking soda and water. "For any stubborn spots that don't want to move, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders," says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home.

1. Remove shoelaces and set them aside to clean later.
2. Make a paste of baking soda and water.
3. Using a dry nylon brush, work the entire surface of the shoe with the paste.
4. Then, use a slightly damp soft cloth to remove the paste.
5. Repeat if necessary until all paste is removed.
6. Let the shoes air dry overnight.
7. Follow up with a shoe conditioner for leather once the shoes are completely dry.

How to Clean White Mesh Shoes

Shoes with mesh should be gently cleaned to avoid snagging the fabric. "Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can discolor or damage the mesh," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. Instead, you'll make a cleaning solution with warm water and dish soap. "Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire shoe, perform a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't cause any adverse effects or color fading," she says.

1. Remove shoelaces and set them aside to clean later.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush off any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the mesh fabric.
3. In a bowl, mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap.
4. Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the mesh surface of the shoes, moving in gentle, circular motions.
5. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution, making sure to remove any soap residue.
6. Let the shoes air dry overnight.

How to Clean White Suede Shoes

It's best to spot treat suede shoes, rather than get the entire shoe wet. Before cleaning, spot treat a hidden part of the shoe to ensure the cleaning solution doesn't damage the material. After cleaning, run a suede brush over the shoes. "This helps to restore the suede's texture and appearance. Brushing also helps to remove any residual cleaning agents," says Sokolowski.

1. Remove shoelaces and set them aside to clean later.
2. Use a soft-bristled brush and brush off any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the suede fabric.
3. In a bowl, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
4. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently dab any stained areas.
5. Blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
6. For stubborn spots or to refresh the suede, hold the shoes over a handheld steamer at a safe distance. Allow the steam to penetrate the suede for a few seconds.
7. Use a clean cloth to blot the area gently.
8. Use a suede brush to gently brush the entire surface of the shoes in one direction.
9. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to help maintain their shape.
10. Let the shoes air dry overnight.
11. Once the shoes are completely dry, brush them again with a suede brush, moving in one direction to ensure a consistent appearance.
12. Apply a suede protector following the instructions on the product.
    

How to Clean White Shoelaces

You have a few options when it comes to cleaning your shoelaces. If they aren't too dirty, put the shoelaces in a mesh laundry bag and machine wash them with a regular bleach load. "I absolutely do not recommend throwing these into the laundry unless you are putting them in a lingerie bag to protect your machine," says Poepping. If your shoelaces are really dirty, hand wash them.

1. Add 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water and stir to mix.
2. Submerge laces in the bleach and water solution for five minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Lay flat to air dry.

How to Clean White Rubber Soles

Start by going over the soles of your shoes with a Magic Eraser. If stubborn spots remain, make a solution using bleach and water.

1. Add 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart of water and stir to mix.
2. Working on one shoe at a time, dip the brush in the bleach solution and then gently scrub the rubber soles in a circular motion.
3. Continue this step until the entire sole has been treated.
4. Wait one minute, then spray all the treated areas with hydrogen peroxide.
5. Rinse the sole completely with clean water.
6. Repeat on the other shoe.
7. Wipe soles dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Stains From White Shoes

The bleach solution and or baking soda paste should work wonders on your white shoes, but if some grass or dirt stains won't budge, try this cleaning method.

1. Combine 2 ounces hydrogen peroxide, 2 ounces water, and 10 drops lemon essential oil in a spray bottle.
2. Place a clean, dry white cloth under the stained area.
3. Spray the stain with the cleaning solution.
4. Dab with a dry, white microfiber cloth from the outside of the stain towards the center.
5. Rinse the stain with clean water.
6. Let the shoes air dry overnight.