7 easy steps to clean white shoes to make them look brand new

I wear my all white Puma sneakers almost every day. They are comfortable, supportive and match almost any outfit. This makes them my ideal walking shoes and the best travel shoes. Over the past few months, I’ve taken my white sneakers to bustling London, rainy Scotland, freezing San Francisco, and the entire American South from Alabama to Oklahoma. And while my shoes have gotten me around the world in comfort, my once-pristine white shoes are now washed-out gray.

Sporting dirty white sneakers isn’t always the bold fashion statement I want to make. Instead of throwing my shoes away and opting to buy another $60 pair, I can just clean them for a lot cheaper so they look as close to brand new as possible. I can’t remove crease lines forever, but I can remove dirt, scratches and other signs of wear. Here are the steps I use to clean dirty white shoes and make them look new again.

Read more: Here’s how to clean your dirty running shoes without ruining them

What you’ll need to get started cleaning your white shoes

You’ll need very few materials to get your white shoes back in tip-top shape, and these items are likely lying around the house. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush
• White vinegar or baking soda
• Mild detergent or shoe cleaner
• water
• A clean cloth or sponge
• Magic Eraser or similar cleaning sponge
• Three bowls
• Bleach
• toothpaste (optional)

How to clean your white shoes

You can use several methods. Following these steps should help you refresh your white shoes and make them look new again.

Step 1: Remove the accessories and bleach the connections

Begin by removing the shoelaces and any inserts from the shoes. Set the shoes aside as you will begin by bleaching the laces.

To prepare the solution, mix 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water in a large bowl. I recommend using an oxygen-based bleach that is safe for both white and colored lace. Place the laces in the bowl with the mixture and let sit for up to an hour. In the meantime, you can complete the following steps.

Step 2: Remove loose particles

Back to the shoes. Use a dry, soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently brush any loose dirt or debris from the sides and bottoms of the shoes. I recommend doing this step over a trash can for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Find a clean exterior

For tough stains, mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water or baking soda and water in the other bowl. Each blend works just as well as the other, and which one you choose really depends on what you have more readily available.

Apply this solution to the outside of the shoes and gently scrub with a clean brush or cloth.

Step 4: Wash

Mix a small amount of mild detergent with water in another bowl. You can also use store-bought shoe polish for this step. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the solution and gently scrub the entire surface of the shoe, working from the top to the sides, then the bottom.

Bonus tip (for fabric shoes only): If the shoes are still discolored, you can try using toothpaste on the fabric parts. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stains, scrub gently with a brush and then wipe with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Use a clean, soft cloth to remove any remaining mixture. Allow the shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

While they are dry, remove the ties from the bleach solution. Rinse the laces thoroughly in cold water and then hand or machine wash.

Step 6: Don’t forget the soles

For rubber soles, you can use a Magic Eraser to lighten them and remove any remaining scratches.

Step 7: Replace the accessories

After the shoes and laces are completely dry, reattach the clean laces and any other accessories removed from the shoes. Done. Now your shoes look new (or at least as close to new as possible).

How often should you clean your white shoes?

How often you clean your shoes will depend on how often you wear them and the conditions they are worn in, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

• Always wipe your white shoes with a damp cloth after wearing them in the rain or as soon as you notice signs of discoloration.
• Store your shoes inside in a dry place to prevent discoloration or mold.
• Do a light cleaning every two weeks or so.
• Deep clean every six weeks or so.

All of these tips will ensure that stains don’t linger over time, which can make them difficult to clean, and keep your shoes wearable for longer.

Can you wash white shoes in a washing machine?

Washing shoes by hand is usually the best practice, but some white sneakers and shoes are safe in the washing machine. To check, find the care label, which is usually found on the underside of the tongue. It should tell you if you can machine wash or not.

Leather, suede, rubber and vinyl shoes should never be put in the washing machine. Cotton, nylon, and polyester shoes are generally machine safe, but if you’re not sure, definitely be careful and opt for hand washing.

For more cleaning tips, check out our best way guides clean a yoga mat and how to clean your workout clothes.