How to Clean White Sneakers

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
• Baking soda
• Old toothbrush
• White vinegar
• Magic eraser or melamine sponge
• Microfiber cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Remove laces and brush off dirt

   Take out the laces and soak them separately in soapy water. Knock the soles together to remove loose dirt and debris.

2. 2

   Make a cleaning paste

   Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir into a thick paste.

3. 3

   Scrub the uppers

   Apply the paste with an old toothbrush and scrub in small circular motions over the entire upper. Focus on stained or yellowed areas.

4. 4

   Clean the soles

   Use a magic eraser on the rubber soles and midsoles. This removes scuffs and ground-in dirt that brushing misses.

5. 5

   Rinse and dry

   Wipe off the paste with a damp microfiber cloth. Stuff with white paper towels and air dry in indirect sunlight. A little sun helps whiten, but too much yellows adhesive.

Pro Tips

• TIPApply a water and stain repellent spray to new white sneakers before the first wear to prevent stains from setting.
• TIPFor stubborn yellowing on soles, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, apply, and leave in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours.
• TIPClean white sneakers every 1-2 weeks to prevent stains from setting permanently into the material.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing bleach directly on white sneakers, which yellows the material and weakens adhesives over time.
• XMachine washing frequently, which warps the shape and breaks down materials faster than hand cleaning.
• XDrying in direct heat from a dryer or heater, which yellows adhesives and warps the sole.

Frequently Asked Questions