How to Clean White Shoes

Written by Doityourself Staff
on Nov 05, 2009

Save money by knowing how to clean white canvas and leather shoes. Routinely clean your white shoes to keep them wearable for a long time. Always let washed shoes completely air dry before wearing them again.

Materials for Cleaning White Canvas Shoes

Clorox Bleach Pen
Detergent
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner
Pillow case

Step 1 - Clean Stains

Use a Clorox Bleach Pen to remove stubborn stains. The cleaning pen comes equipped with a small brush on one end of it. Squeeze on the Clorox liquid and scrub the stained area with the brush. To clean the rubber soles, use Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner. Spray the foam onto a paper towel and rub the soles to get rid of dirt or black marks.

Step 2 - White Shoelaces

Take out the laces from the shoes and remove insoles. Wash shoelaces in the washing machine along with the shoes. You can always purchase new shoelaces to replace dirty or worn old ones.

Step 3 - Clean Shoes in the Washing Machine

To get the entire shoe clean, wash it in the machine. Place the white shoes in a pillow case to protect the inside of the machine. Run the 'gentle' cycle with regular detergent.

Step 4 - Dry White Canvas Shoes

Remove the clean shoes from the pillow case. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to hold their shape while they dry at room temperature.

Materials for Cleaning White Leather Athletic Shoes

Plastic or metal tub
Liquid soap
Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner
Soft bristle toothbrush
Sponge
Towel
Paper Towels

Step 1 - Get Rid of Dirt and Grime

Wipe your white sports shoes with liquid soap and a paper towel to eliminate surface grime. Rub any creases on leather to loosen dirt. Be careful to not scrub the shoes too hard as some leathers will flake off.

Step 2 - Wash Shoelaces

Toss shoelaces in the wash with white laundry.

Step 3 - Clean Rubber Soles

Clean dirty rubber soles with Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner.

Step 4 - Wash White Athletic Shoes

Fill a sink or plastic or metal tub with warm water and add some liquid soap. Submerge the shoes in the water, and scrub them with a sponge.

Step 5 - Dry Leather Sports Shoes

Remove the shoes from the tub. Soak up water on the inside and outside of shoes with a towel or paper towels. Allow shoes to air dry completely before wearing them.

Materials for Cleaning White Leather Dress Shoes

Soft bristle toothbrush
Soft white cloths
Leather cleaner
Shoe conditioner
Shoe polish

Step 1 - Clean Off Dirt

Apply leather cleaner to the shoes and gently scrub with a toothbrush. After cleaning the surface, wipe with a soft cloth.

Step 2 - Moisturize Leather Dress Shoes

Apply a leather conditioner to the surface. Leave the conditioner on the shoes for a few minutes, and then wipe with a cloth. Rub shoe polish on the shoes, and let them dry completely before buffing them.