The "Non-Sneaker Head's" Guide: How to Clean White Sneakers without The Mess.

The "Non-Sneaker Head's" Guide: How to Clean White Sneakers without The Mess.

Ladies and gentlemen, are you tired of feeling embarrassed by your once-pristine white sneakers that are now a dingy, stained mess and are looking to clean them?

Fear not, for we have created the ultimate guide for the non-sneaker head, on how to bring those bad boys back to their former glory.

So, put down the bleach and step away from the washing machine, it's time to learn the tricks of the trade and make your white sneakers shine like the top of the Chrysler building.

It seems white sneakers look the best after being beaten up. Other people have no problems with the quality of these Jordan shoes.

When cleaning sneakers, the work required is dependent upon the materials of the shoes. But at least you can make it look grim.

Here's a few YouTube videos that show you the most common way people think of when it comes to removing satins and spot cleaning their white shoes.

First, here's a few messy ways you can clean white shoes to save them from scuff marks, grass stains and stubborn stains.

  1. Mix water and mild detergent in a spray bottle and use a soft brush to gently scrub the shoes. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
  2. Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the shoes and use a brush to scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly with water.
  3. Use a magic eraser or a toothbrush and toothpaste to gently scrub the shoes. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
  4. Use a damp cloth and a small amount of laundry detergent to clean the shoes.
  5. Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water to clean the shoes. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
  6. Use a dry brush to remove dirt, dust, and grime from the shoes.
  7. Use a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water to clean the shoes. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
  8. Use a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to clean the shoes. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Remove excess water.
  9. Use a mixture of equal parts corn starch and water to create a paste that can be used to clean the shoes. Leave the paste on the shoes for a few minutes before wiping with a damp cloth. This can make for an ok stain remover, but not the best cleaning method.

Clean white nike air max 90

How to clean white Nike Air Force 1's at home. For Free.

The video below is an easy way to clean your white Air Force 1's at home if you are on a tight budget.

While we do sell a great alternative to this method, we understand that not everyone can spend $16 on one of our most affordable products to clean up to 40 shoes.

We're here to help you in anyway we can so we included the link to the video below.

Can I put my white running shoes in the washing machine?

It's best for fabric or fly knit shoes. You can put them in the mesh laundry bag / cushioncase before you run the shoes through a delicate cycle.

Then remove the laces first and Hardie advises removing all removable shoes first.

Although machine-washing shoes can easily be done without requiring any skill, it has its limitations.

Never put any shoes in a dryer.

Insert photo of sneakerasers before and after here

The non-messy way to clean white leather shoes.

No need for without paper towels, damp cloths, baking soda paste or toothbrushes to clean your white soles and kiss heavy stains, scuffs and yellowing goodbye.

Shameless plug here, but SneakERASERS are the best way to clean your white shoes without having to use paper towels, harsh chemicals or making a huge mess.

how sneakerasers work

What can I use to clean white shoes?

While throwing your white running shoes into the washing machine may seem like an easy solution, it can actually cause more harm than good.

You don't want to turn your once-pristine white running shoes into a sad, shrunken, misshapen mess now do you?

The washing machine is for clothes, not shoes, let's stick to the gentle, yet effective, methods of cleaning.

should I put my shoes in the washing machine?

Could putting my shoes in the washing machine damage them?

  • The heat and agitation of the washing machine can cause the shoes to shrink, warp, or lose their shape.
  • If your shoes have any glue or adhesive holding them together, the heat and agitation can cause the glue to break down, leading to the shoes falling apart.
  • The washing machine can also cause the shoes to become discolored or the material to become damaged.
  • The shoes may also cause damage to your washing machine as the shoe's hard surface can damage the drum of the machine, or the shoe's laces and hooks can get tangled in other clothes and cause damage to them.

There are many ways to clean your white shoes from using white vinegar to popular products you can take anywhere like SneakERASERS.

And also, make sure to check the shoe manufacturer's instructions, as some shoes may not be machine washable at all. Always be sure to gently scrub v. being too rough.

There are several options for cleaning leather sneakers, including:

  • A mixture of water and mild detergent
  • A specialized shoe cleaner or white shoe cleaner
  • A paste made of baking soda and water
  • A magic eraser or a toothbrush and toothpaste.

It's always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first before applying any cleaner to the entire shoe.

And also, it's recommended to use a soft brush and wipe the shoes with a damp cloth to remove dirt, dust and grime. 

clean-white-sneakers-with-damp-cloth

Clean Shoes with Soapy Water at Home

Cleaning your shoes at home can make sense when you're in a pinch, but it's not the best way because of the mess and cleanup time you must invest to do it right.

To clean shoes with soapy water at home, you will need:

  • A bucket or basin
  • Warm water
  • Mild detergent or soap
  • A soft-bristled brush
  • A clean cloth

Here's how it works:

  1. Fill the bucket or basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent or soap.
  2. Dip the brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the shoes, paying special attention to any stained or dirty areas.
  3. Rinse the shoes with clean water and wipe them dry with a clean cloth.
  4. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again. Note: Keep in mind that not all shoes are suitable for cleaning with water, check the shoe care label or the material of the shoe before cleaning with soapy water.
Clean white tennis shoe for men

Why should I not use white vinegar on shoes?

White vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used on a variety of surfaces, but it may not be the best choice for cleaning shoes, particularly white shoes.

Here are a few reasons why:

  • Vinegar is acidic, and using it on shoes can cause discoloration or damage to the material. This is particularly true for leather shoes, which can be easily damaged by acidic substances.
  • White vinegar can also remove the color from some materials, so if your shoes have any colored accents or designs, the vinegar may cause them to fade.
  • The smell of vinegar can be quite strong and can linger on the shoes, which may not be pleasant.

It is always best to check the shoe manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaning agent on your shoes. And if you're still unsure, you can always opt for mild detergent and water or specialized shoe cleaner, which are designed specifically for cleaning shoes.

Is baking soda the best way to clean sneakers?

Baking soda can be an effective cleaning agent for sneakers, but it may not always be the best choice.

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't use baking soda as a cleaning solution for your shoes to remove excess dirt:

  • Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which can be effective for removing dirt and stains, but it can also be too harsh for some materials, and may cause damage or discoloration.
  • If your sneakers have any colored accents or designs, baking soda can cause them to fade.
  • Baking soda can be hard to remove completely and may leave a residue on the shoes if not rinsed thoroughly.

However, if you decide to use baking soda, it's always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to the entire shoe. You can make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to the shoes and use a brush to scrub gently, then rinse the shoes with water.

It is always best to check the shoe manufacturer's instructions before using any cleaning agent on your shoes. And if you're still unsure, you can always opt for mild detergent instead.

The Best Way to Clean Any Type of White Shoe

Use SneakERASERs Shoe Cleaning Kit for cleaning the white sole of shoes from scuffs.

Wetting sponge erasers with water will remove dirt from the rubber sole. Immediately remove the shoes with the towel. Let the air dry thoroughly before use.

 Clean Soles and Dry with a Soft Cloth

Use eraser sponge to wash off scratches with clean cloth as instructed above. Use a damp cloth for removing shoes. After washing the shoes, you can put the white sheets on the shoes to absorb moisture which also keeps the shoes shape when it drys. Keep your clothes thoroughly wet.

How to Clean White Shoelaces with Bleach and a Damp Cloth

How should I clean my shoes properly? When your laces have a white sole, it is possible for a shoe to be whitened. Wear rubber gloves when using bleach.

A Better Way to Clean White Shoe Uppers

First off, since none of us are sneaker heads here. The upper is the top part of the shoe from above the sole to the laces of your shoe. This can be tricky to clean, which is why we created our Shoe Cleaning Kit that comes with everything you need to get and keep your favorite shoes looking like new.