Opening up a shoe box and unveiling a fresh pair of white shoes, boots, or trainers is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have. Bringing out a new pair that you can’t wait to strut your stuff in, planning out all the amazing outfits you can think of and then, finally, heading out in your stylish kicks.
However, as your white shoes start to show signs of wear, that initial sparkle can fade, and so can the joy of wearing them. But fear not! At Rieker, we believe that with the right care, you can maintain that same excitement and freshness in every wear of your white shoes.
Cleaning white shoes may sound like a gruelling process, but our years of experience and knowledge mean we know several methods to keep them as bright as the day they were bought. Read on to learn the best ways to clean white shoes.
Table of contents
- How to keep white shoes clean
- How to clean white shoes using bleach
- How to clean white shoes using baking soda
- How to clean white shoes using toothpaste
- How to clean white leather shoes
- White shoes at Rieker
How to keep white shoes clean
Like with most things, prevention is always better than cure. Once you’ve purchased your new white shoes, we recommend spraying or treating them with a spray-on stain and water repellent. This should be repeated every few weeks to protect your shoes from the weather, spills, dirt, or grime.
Secondly, this one may seem a little pedantic, but regular spot-cleaning when you’re out and about can prevent stains, as the dirt or spill doesn’t have time to sink into the fabric. Simply pop some shoe wipes or a gentle cleaning agent in your bag and wipe off any stains, scuffs, or marks as they appear.
How to clean white shoes using bleach
We’re starting with a quick and easy way to return shine to soiled white shoes. Bleach is incredibly effective at brightening up white footwear, and you’ll already have everything you need to execute this method at home!
To clean your white shoes with bleach, you’ll need the following:
- Bleach
- A container
- Water
- An old toothbrush
Once you’ve got your essentials, make sure you correctly dilute your bleach. Wear protective gloves and carefully mix one part of household bleach into five parts of water. Please ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area and avoid eye and skin contact.
To begin cleaning, dip the toothbrush in your well-mixed bleach solution and gently scrub your shoes. Rinse the shoes thoroughly and let them air dry for several hours.
How to clean white shoes using baking soda
Baking soda is a home cleaner’s best friend. It is an incredibly versatile product that can clean almost anything, including white shoes! If you have scuffed white canvas shoes, choose this method to restore the glossy, fresh feel of your casual footwear.
You will need:
- Hot water
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- An old toothbrush
- A tablespoon
Mix equal parts (1 tbsp) of hot water, baking soda, and white vinegar until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Grab an old toothbrush and dip it into the mixture before lathering the paste all over your shoes. Gently scrub your shoes with the toothbrush in circular motions, and once covered, leave them to rest in the sun for 3-4 hours.
Once the paste has dried, it's time for the final cleaning. Give your shoes a good clap together to remove the bulk of the paste. Then, use the toothbrush to scrub off what remains. Finish by shaking the shoes. This thorough cleaning should reveal a brighter and whiter pair of shoes.
How to clean white shoes using toothpaste
We've already mentioned toothbrushes, so it's time to introduce their dance partner toothpaste to the shoe-cleaning party. Using toothpaste is a speedy way to clean your white shoes, so if you're pushed for time and need to be out the door quickly, this method is for you.
Don't worry about complicated cleaning solutions. All you need for this method is a non-gel white toothpaste and a toothbrush! Simply squeeze out the toothpaste in circular motions over your dirty white shoes. For stubborn stains, a little extra pressure should do the trick.
When you're satisfied with the coverage, let your shoes rest for 10 minutes before wiping away the toothpaste with a damp cloth. If this has only partially worked, repeating the process a second time should do the trick.
How to clean white leather shoes
The methods we’ve covered should be transferable for all white shoe materials, but we understand that sometimes leather is more complicated than most. Getting leather shoes dirty can cause panic at the best of times, but white leather shoes are on a different level. Our method will put those fears to rest.
Your tools for this particular cleaning session are as follows:
- Warm water
- Washing-up liquid
- A damp cloth
- An old toothbrush
- An eraser sponge
- Paper towels
Remove your shoelaces and use a dry toothbrush to remove any top-layer dirt. Fill a cup with warm water and mix in a few drops of washing-up liquid to create your cleaning solution. Dip the toothbrush in the solution and gently scrub your shoes all over.
Use an eraser sponge instead of a toothbrush to get at any particularly difficult scuffs using the same process as above. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, fill your shoes with paper towels to absorb any internal moisture and keep your shoes’ shape while they dry. Leave until 100% dry.
Shop white shoes at Rieker
Now you know how to keep white shoes prim and proper, why not browse our gorgeous collection of white shoes at Rieker? From canvas shoes and trainers to boots and heels, we have every type of footwear available for both men and women.
Choose from white all-over pairs that go great with any summer look to white shoes adorned with floral designs to give your outfit extra character and charm. Whatever your style, we have a pair of white shoes to suit you.
