Want to keep your white trainers looking sharp without ruining them? Here's what you need to know:
- Avoid Damage: Skip the washing machine - it can harm materials like leather, mesh, and canvas.
-
Tailored Care: Each material needs a specific cleaning method:
- Leather: Mild soap and warm water.
- Canvas: Baking soda and vinegar paste.
- Mesh: Gentle detergent solution.
- Essential Tools: Soft brushes, microfibre cloths, and eraser sponges are your go-to.
-
Quick Tips:
- Remove laces and clean them separately.
- Use water-repellent spray to prevent stains.
- Air dry trainers away from direct sunlight to avoid yellowing.
- Storage Matters: Keep trainers in a cool, dark place with good airflow to maintain their shape and colour.
How to Clean ALL TYPES of WHITE SHOES!
Required Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have the right tools and products to keep your white trainers looking their best. Using the right supplies ensures you can clean various materials without causing damage.
Basic Tools
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Soft-bristled brush for general cleaning and an old toothbrush for detailed areas like soles and stitching.
- Microfibre cloths (have at least 2–3 on hand).
- Eraser sponge to tackle stubborn marks on the soles.
"Plenty of companies make and market sneaker-cleaning products, touting them as the miracle you didn't know you needed. And while some of those products are quite good, the boring truth is that there are loads of good ways to clean sneakers, and no single method or product is better than any of the others." - Jolie Kerr, Cleaning Expert
Cleaning Products
Different materials need specific solutions to clean effectively and avoid damage. Here’s a quick guide:
| Material | Primary Cleaner | Alternative Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Baking soda + vinegar paste (3:1 ratio) | White toothpaste with baking soda |
| Leather | Mild dish soap + warm water | Specialist leather cleaner |
| Mesh | Gentle laundry detergent + warm water | Specialist mesh cleaner |
Always remove the laces before cleaning your trainers. They’ll need separate care with their own cleaning solution.
Optional Equipment
For a more thorough clean, consider these extras:
- Mesh washing bags for laces and insoles.
- Quick-clean wipes for spot cleaning.
- Protective spray with a clear matte finish.
- Shoe whitener designed for leather.
- White paper towels to help trainers keep their shape while drying.
"A new pair of laces is an inexpensive investment with a big payoff." - Jolie Kerr, Cleaning Expert and Author
Keep all your cleaning supplies organised in one place for easy access. With these tools and products ready, you’re all set to move on to the cleaning process.
7 Cleaning Methods
With your cleaning supplies ready, let’s dive into how to clean different materials. Each material needs a specific approach to keep it looking good and to avoid damage.
Leather Trainer Care
White leather trainers need gentle handling to prevent cracks or discolouration. Start by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt before applying the solution.
| Step | Method | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-clean | Use a dry brush to remove dirt | Brush in soft, circular motions |
| 2. Clean | Apply soapy water with a soft brush | Don’t soak the leather |
| 3. Treat | Use an eraser sponge for scuffs | Test on a hidden spot first |
| 4. Dry | Stuff with white paper towels | Avoid direct heat |
This process keeps leather soft and bright.
"Always use less pressure than you would with a heavier material, such as leather." - Marc Sigal, Shoe Care Specialist
Canvas Trainer Care
For stains, make a paste using baking soda and white vinegar in a 3:1 ratio. Steer clear of chlorine bleach, as it can cause yellowing. For stubborn marks, consider using a bleach pen sparingly.
"You probably already have stuff around the house - like dish soap and an old toothbrush - that works just as well." - Jolie Kerr, Cleaning Expert and Author
This method helps maintain the canvas while restoring its colour.
Mesh Trainer Care
Prepare a gentle cleaning solution with 250ml of warm water, 1 teaspoon of mild detergent, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply with light pressure, following the knitting pattern to avoid damage. Cleaning mesh trainers every two weeks prevents dirt from building up.
"If the shoes are muddy or if there are just some stains on the shoes, you can grab a soft bristle brush and mild detergent with some lukewarm water and rub those areas out. After, you can crumple up some newspaper and put them in the shoes while they dry. As they make sure to keep them in a dry, well-ventilated area." - Marc Sigal, Shoe Care Specialist
Always test any new cleaning product on a small, hidden area first to avoid surprises.
sbb-itb-0b50f1a
Tough Stain Solutions
When regular cleaning doesn't cut it, these methods can handle tough stains while keeping your trainers in great condition.
Baking Soda Paste
Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to create a paste. Use a toothbrush to gently work the paste into the stain with circular motions. Let it dry for about 2 hours in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight or heat. Once dry, brush off the residue and wipe the area with a damp microfibre cloth. This method has been shown to reduce grass stains by 70%.
Whitening Solution
For more persistent stains, mix one part non-chlorine bleach with four parts water. Always wear gloves and test the solution on a hidden area first.
"A bleach pen works well for deep stains (like blood or grass), while a mixture of bleach solution and water will easily brighten up white shoelaces." - Jessica Bennett, Editor, Writer, and Former Digital Assistant Home Editor at BHG
Apply the solution carefully with a cotton swab, letting it sit for no more than 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately using white paper towels.
Scuff Mark Fix
For scuffs, apply a small amount of white toothpaste to the area using a soft toothbrush. Gently scrub, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then wipe clean with a damp microfibre cloth. For tougher scuffs on rubber soles, try using an eraser sponge for added cleaning power.
"Regardless of the brand, eraser sponges work well to remove dirt and scuff marks from sneakers, especially the rubber midsole." - Jolie Kerr, Cleaning Expert
Be sure to wipe away all residue for a clean finish.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Taking care of your trainers means knowing what not to do, as much as knowing the right steps. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can keep your sneakers looking great and lasting longer. These tips go hand-in-hand with earlier cleaning advice to ensure your efforts aren't undone.
Machine Washing Rules
Not every pair of trainers can survive a spin in the washing machine. Materials like premium leather and suede should stay far away from it - heat and agitation can ruin their look and structure. If you do machine wash, remove the laces and insoles first, and stick to a cold, gentle cycle.
"Avoid using chlorine bleach, which can cause yellowing and weaken rubber." - Jolie Kerr, Cleaning Expert and Author
For the best outcome, use a mesh bag for your trainers and a small amount of mild detergent. Too much detergent can leave behind residue that’s tough to remove.
Water Protection
Applying water-repellent spray before wearing your trainers is a simple way to prevent dirt and stains. This extra step reduces how often you’ll need to do deep cleaning.
"You should treat every new sneaker you get with stain- and water-repellent before you put them on your feet." - Waleed Cope, The Soap Box
To apply, hold the spray bottle about 20 centimetres away and coat the surface in thin, even layers. Let each layer dry fully before adding another.
Proper Drying
How you dry your trainers matters. Direct sunlight or heat sources can lead to yellowing, especially after washing. Here’s a better way to dry them:
- Dab off excess moisture with white paper towels
- Stuff the shoes with clean paper towels to keep their shape
- Place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight
- Replace the paper towels regularly
If your trainers are made of mesh, avoid soaking them entirely to preserve their shape. Always rinse cleaning products thoroughly - residue left behind can lead to yellowing over time.
Regular Care Guide
Keeping your white trainers clean and storing them correctly can help them last longer and look better.
Weekly Cleaning
Set up a weekly cleaning routine to keep your trainers in top condition. Start by removing the laces, then clean each material with the right method:
- For canvas, apply a gentle paste made from baking soda and vinegar.
- For leather, use warm water mixed with washing-up liquid and a microfibre cloth.
- For mesh, dab (don’t scrub) with a diluted laundry detergent solution.
Don’t forget the rubber soles - scuff marks can be wiped away with a magic eraser.
"Whether they're made of canvas, leather, or mesh, these step-by-step instructions for cleaning white shoes (and shoelaces!) will have your footwear looking like new." – Jessica Bennett, Editor, Writer, and Former Digital Assistant Home Editor at BHG
Once cleaned, proper storage ensures your trainers stay in great shape.
Storage Tips
Store your trainers in a cool, dark space to avoid UV damage. Use mesh shoe bags to allow airflow and keep them upright to preserve their shape. Ideal conditions are below 20°C with 50% humidity.
| Storage Element | Recommendation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Cool, dark cupboard | Protects against UV damage and yellowing |
| Air circulation | Mesh shoe bags | Prevents moisture buildup |
| Position | Upright stance | Maintains shape and avoids creasing |
| Environment | Below 20°C, 50% humidity | Ensures proper preservation |
Make sure your trainers are completely dry and free of cleaning product residue before storing them.
Shape Protection
To keep your trainers in their best form, take steps to maintain their structure. Use shoe trees, or stuff them with white paper towels after cleaning. Let them air dry naturally, and always store them upright rather than stacking them. This helps prevent creasing and ensures they retain their original shape.
Conclusion
Keeping your white trainers looking fresh doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With regular care and the right techniques, you can maintain their bright look and protect delicate materials from damage.
Each material requires its own care routine. For example, leather responds well to gentle soap and water, while canvas and mesh need a more targeted approach. Cleaning expert Jolie Kerr highlights a simple yet effective tip:
"A new pair of laces is an inexpensive investment with a big payoff."
Using the correct cleaning methods is key to making your trainers last. As Waleed Cope from The Soap Box points out:
"Each material requires a different technique and cleaning solutions."
Protection is just as important as cleaning. Applying a stain and water repellent to new trainers creates a protective layer, making future maintenance much easier. Storing them properly - away from direct sunlight - and using stuffing to maintain their shape can also go a long way.
Clean your trainers only when necessary, and let them air dry naturally to keep them in top condition for longer.
