How to clean white shoes

Sources say an easy way to clean white fabric shoes is to throw them in the washing machine with a stain remover like Dylon Brilliant White Repair sachets on a low temperature setting. You can use any washing powder of your choice, we have an article on the different types of washing powder, which might be ideal to clean white shoes that have been worn a lot. Make sure to check what type of fabric your shoe is made of before you wash it.

Many sources claim that the first way to get clean white shoes is to go to your bathroom cabinet, or more specifically, and grab your toothbrush and toothpaste. First, remove the worst of the dirt from your shoes with a damp cloth. Then dip the toothbrush in water with dishwashing liquid and clean the shoe with circular movements. Now, the toothpaste comes into play – simply rub the toothpaste into the stains. Whitening toothpaste without dye is best for this. Finally, wipe away the excess paste with a cloth. This method is particularly suitable to clean white shoes made of sensitive leather. Quick tip - don't forget to use a new toothbrush when brushing your teeth.

You don't have any whitening toothpaste at home? No problem because you can also find everything you need to clean your white shoes in the kitchen. Sources recommend to mix vinegar and olive oil in a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well and then spray the vinegar and oil mixture onto the stains on your shoes and leave for five minutes. Wipe off the residue with a dry cotton or microfibre cloth. It’s important for the cloth to be as soft as possible otherwise you might scratch your shoes. Unfortunately, vinegar and oil won't help in this case.

In school days, ink erasers were real lifesavers. There is also a miracle cure for white shoes: The dirt eraser. You can find it in most stores and - if you don't dare go outside with your dirty shoes - online. Just wet the eraser with water and you'll literally erase the dirt. This works especially well on rubber soles or caps, smooth leather, and imitation leather. With leather, it's best to press gently so you don’t erase the entire shoe. Also read the instructions before you start.

The rubber sole or rubber cap of your white shoes just won't come up clean? No problem because these areas can withstand a little rougher treatment. According to online sources, you can soak a cotton pad or a sheet of kitchen paper in nail polish remover and wipe over the dirty areas. To finish, wipe over the area with a damp cloth. Even the rubber caps of your shoes will look like new.

Baby powder is a real all-rounder - whether as dry shampoo, after shaving, or for white shoe cleaning. Numerous sources state to mix the powder with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply it to the shoes with a soft brush in circular motions. Then wipe the shoe with a damp soft cloth and dry it with a hairdryer. This method is particularly gentle on fabric shoes. So, it's worth buying baby powder even if you don't have children.

Tissues, lipstick, or hand cream - everyone has their personal "must-haves" that are always with them. If you like to wear white shoes, wet wipes or baby wipes are also a must. Sources recommend to use them to remove fresh stains when you're out and about. This works especially well on smooth materials. Because even if you've just cleaned your white shoes, new dirt hazards await you outside. With these little helpers in your bag, you can leave the house without a care in the world!

But what about trainers? In the article how to wash trainers in the washing machine, we show you how to get your favourite sports shoes not only clean, but white! We hope you’ve found our guide helpful and won’t be asking yourself: “How can I clean white shoes?” anymore. If you love to wear jeans with your white shoes, learn all about how to wash jeans here.