How do I keep white shoes from yellowing?

Avoid bleach, store out of direct sunlight when not in use, and clean regularly before stains have time to set and oxidize.

Does baking soda and peroxide really whiten shoes?

Yes. The combination creates a mild bleaching agent. The sun-drying step amplifies the effect by activating the peroxide with UV light.

Use a damp cloth with a small amount of dish soap. For scuffs, use a magic eraser. Avoid soaking leather -- moisture causes cracking.

Spot clean scuffs after every wear. Do a full cleaning every 2 weeks during regular wear to prevent yellowing.

Clothing & Footwear

Your white shoes deserve proper care to stay looking their best. Follow these steps to clean them safely without causing damage.

1
Remove laces and insoles
Take out the laces and insoles. Soak laces in a solution of warm water and Power Wash Laundry Detergent for 30 minutes.
2
Make a cleaning paste
Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon warm water into a paste.
3
Scrub the shoes
Apply the paste to the shoes with an old toothbrush and scrub in circular motions. Cover the entire upper, focusing on stained areas.
4
Sun-bleach for extra whitening
Leave the paste on the shoes and set them in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours. The sun activates the peroxide and naturally bleaches the material.
5
Brush off and finish
Once dry, brush off the dried paste. The shoes should be noticeably whiter. Clean the rubber soles with a magic eraser.

TIPThe sun-bleaching step is the secret weapon -- UV light activates hydrogen peroxide for a whitening effect that no amount of scrubbing can match.
TIPApply a stain repellent spray to new white shoes before wearing them to prevent stains from setting in.
TIPFor canvas sneakers, machine wash on a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase as a last resort.

XUsing bleach directly on white shoes, which yellows them over time, especially canvas and mesh materials.
XMachine drying shoes, which weakens adhesives, warps the shape, and can cause soles to separate.
XScrubbing leather sneakers with rough brushes, which scratches the surface and removes the finish.

Canvas sneakers can go in on a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase. Leather shoes should never be machine washed.