How to Make Your White Shoes Look Brand New: 4 Effective At-Home Cleaning Techniques

White shoes make a timeless style statement. But as fresh as they look out of the box, they tend to collect dirt, scuffs, and stains quickly. From muddy sidewalks to accidental spills, daily wear can take a toll on their pristine appearance. Fortunately, there are several effective, easy, and affordable ways to restore your white footwear using common household products. Whether you’re dealing with canvas, leather, or mesh sneakers, this guide outlines four of the most dependable cleaning methods to bring back their brilliance.

Using a Simple Soap and Water Mix

One of the most accessible methods for cleaning white shoes is by mixing mild soap with warm water. This approach is especially versatile, working well on a wide variety of materials including leather, mesh, and canvas.

Start by blending a few drops of liquid dish soap into a cup of warm water, stirring until bubbles form. Dip a soft-bristled brush—like a toothbrush—into the solution and gently scrub the surface of the shoes in small, circular motions. Focus your effort on particularly grimy areas.

If your shoes have rubber soles or plastic accents, you can wipe these with a sponge or microfiber cloth dipped in the same solution. For more stubborn scuffs, a melamine sponge (like a Magic Eraser) can help lift discoloration with minimal effort. Once done, blot away excess moisture with a towel and leave the shoes in a shaded, airy space to dry naturally.

Cleaning with a Diluted Bleach Solution

Bleach can be a powerful ally when your shoes are looking especially grimy. However, it must be used carefully to avoid discoloration or damage.

To prepare, mix one part bleach with five parts water. Avoid a stronger mix, as over-bleaching can cause yellow stains on white fabric. Always wear gloves while handling bleach and work in a well-ventilated area.

Dip a brush into the diluted bleach mixture and gently scrub the shoes, focusing on stained areas. Move in circular motions to loosen embedded dirt. Afterward, take a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any bleach residue. Let the shoes air out thoroughly in a ventilated area—ideally overnight—before wearing them again. If you want to speed up the drying process, place a fan nearby to circulate the air.

A Natural Alternative: Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

If you’re looking for a chemical-free approach, the combination of baking soda and white vinegar works wonders on canvas or mesh shoes. This homemade cleaning paste both deodorizes and brightens without using any harsh products.

To make the paste, mix equal parts of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water—about one tablespoon of each. The mixture will bubble slightly as it activates. Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable consistency.

Apply the paste to your shoes with a toothbrush, scrubbing gently to ensure the mixture penetrates the fabric. Once covered, leave the shoes in a sunny spot for three to four hours. The paste will harden as it dries, lifting stains with it. When fully dry, knock the soles together to loosen and remove the dried residue. You can use a clean, dry brush to clear off any remaining flakes. This method works especially well for reviving white canvas sneakers.

Targeted Spot Treatment with Toothpaste

Toothpaste isn’t just for your pearly whites—it’s also a useful hack for touching up stained areas on white footwear. It’s particularly effective for spot-cleaning areas that need extra attention.

Start by dampening your shoes with a soft cloth. Then apply a small dab of white, non-gel toothpaste directly to the stained spots. Using a toothbrush, scrub the area with gentle pressure, working in small circles to help the paste foam and lift the stain.

Let the toothpaste sit for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to break down the stain. Then use a wet cloth to wipe off the paste thoroughly. Make sure no residue is left behind to prevent streaks or marks. Once cleaned, leave your shoes in a dry place for a few hours. If you place them under sunlight, the drying time shortens and the shoes may appear even brighter.

How to Maintain White Shoes Between Washes

Restoring white shoes is one thing—keeping them clean is another challenge. Once your shoes are back to their original glow, preventive care can help prolong their appearance.

Spray your shoes with a stain and water repellent before each wear. These protective sprays form a barrier that wards off mud, liquids, and everyday dirt. Reapply the spray every few days for continued protection.

Avoid wearing your white shoes in risky conditions—rain, muddy trails, or grassy areas can ruin their look quickly. Also, when storing them, keep your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing or warping.

If your shoes come with white laces, consider washing the laces separately to keep the shoes looking crisp. You can soak them in soapy water, bleach solution (if needed), or toss them into a laundry bag for a gentle machine wash.

Shoe Type Matters: Tailoring Your Approach

Not all white shoes are made from the same material, so your cleaning method should reflect that. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Canvas: Canvas shoes respond well to all four methods—soap and water, bleach, baking soda and vinegar, or toothpaste. These materials are durable and absorbent, making them relatively easy to clean.
• Mesh: Stick with soap and water, or use the baking soda paste for deeper stains. Be cautious with bleach, as mesh can discolor easily.
• Leather: Use a soft cloth with soapy water for surface cleaning. Toothpaste may also be effective on scuffs. Avoid submerging leather in water or using vinegar, which can dry it out.
• Suede: Suede is more delicate. Skip wet cleaning methods entirely. Instead, use a suede brush or eraser to remove marks. If deeper stains appear, lightly dab with a cloth soaked in white vinegar and let dry before brushing again.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Success

• Use one brush exclusively for shoe cleaning to avoid mixing it up with your regular bathroom supplies.
• Clean shoes during the evening, so they can dry overnight and be ready for use the next day.
• Test new cleaning methods on a small, hidden area first to ensure no unexpected reactions occur.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing on delicate fabrics like mesh to prevent fraying or tearing.
• Line dry only—never toss your white shoes in a dryer. The heat can warp soles or shrink the material.

Conclusion: Keep Your Whites Bright

Maintaining the bright appearance of white shoes doesn’t require expensive products or complicated techniques. With basic supplies from your kitchen or bathroom, you can bring back the original glow of your favorite footwear in no time. Whether you’re relying on a baking soda paste or a quick scrub with toothpaste, each method serves a purpose for different materials and levels of staining.

Establish a regular cleaning routine and adopt preventive habits like using shoe protectants and choosing your walking routes wisely. With just a little attention, your white shoes can stay looking sharp and stylish no matter how often you wear them.