How to Clean White Sneakers Without Ruining Them

Sneakerheads absolutely love white sneakers, they are absolutely great and many streetwear outfits match them easily but they are also the easiest to get dirty.
They are one of those kicks that look great when they are clean but show every bit of dirt when they're not.

A little dirt on the sole, a scuff on the side, or a stain on the upper can make a clean pair look worn out pretty quickly and it also dampens your mood. Even though there are some downsides to wearing a white pair, it isn’t really an issue as long as you have the right shoe cleaning products. A good brush, and a little patience is all you need to clean your white kicks and it doesn’t have to be complex. You can keep your white sneakers looking fresh without turning cleaning day into a project.

How to do it

Start With the Right Cleaning Tools

Before you start, take a good look at what your white sneakers are made of. You should always know the material of your kicks because every material requires a different way of cleaning.

White leather, canvas, mesh, knit, and suede all need slightly different care.
Make sure to always check the manufacturer's care instructions first because a cleaner that's suitable for leather may not be the right choice for delicate suede.

A proper sneaker cleaning kit gives you most of what you need in one place and the Shoe Daddy Sneaker Cleaning Kit includes a 150 ml foam cleaner, a soft-bristle brush, a hard-bristle brush, and a microfiber cloth. The cleaner is designed for materials including leather, canvas, mesh, knit, and rubber.

1. Remove the Laces and Loose Dirt

Firstly, you should remove the laces and brush away any loose dirt and dust from the upper, midsole, and outsole. Starting dry keeps you from turning loose dirt into a muddy mess, so don't start with a soaking wet sneaker.

You can then use a softer shoe cleaning brush on the upper and save the stiffer brush for the sole and tougher areas. This is especially useful with white sneakers because dirt around the outsole can make an otherwise clean pair look dirty.

2. Clean the White Upper

Now that you have removed the loose dirt, you can now start to apply a small amount of the Shoe Daddy foam cleaner and work it into the sneaker with the appropriate brush. Make sure to use gentle movements rather than aggressively scrubbing the same spot over and over. Work in small sections and pay extra attention to visible stains and scuffs.

Whereas for leather, canvas, mesh, and knit sneakers, the Shoe Daddy cleaner is designed to be used with the included brushes.

Once you are done with cleaning, use the microfiber towel to wipe away the remaining residue. You really don't need to soak the sneaker to get it clean.

3. Don't Ignore the White Soles

White midsoles and outsoles are usually the places that collect more dirt than the upper. This is where the hard-bristle brush comes handy.
So, apply the cleaner and work around the edges, grooves, and other areas where dirt tends to build up.

Once you're finished make sure to wipe the sole with the microfiber cloth and if you're wondering about the best shoe cleaning product, don't automatically go for the strongest cleaner you can find because more often than not the better choice is a product that's appropriate for your sneaker's material and can be used without excessive scrubbing.

4. What About White Suede Sneakers?

Now this is where you need to be more careful because Suede doesn't respond to cleaning the same way leather or canvas does. For this you need to avoid soaking it or using aggressive brushing, especially when you're dealing with an expensive pair. For white suede sneakers, use products specifically made for suede and start with a dry brush to remove surface dirt. Whether you're looking for a suede sneaker cleaning kit or suede sneaker cleaner kit, make sure it's intended for suede or nubuck.

ShoeDaddy’s cleaning kit does have a cleaner which works smoothly on Suede but we also suggest and recommend using a dedicated suede cleaner kit for delicate suede and nubuck.
Just remember always, test a new product on a small, less noticeable area first.

5. Can You Put White Sneakers in the Washing Machine?

The answer isn’t that simple. It highly depends on your sneaker itself.
Sometimes, you can and sometimes you cannot.

According to The American Cleaning Institute, many shoe manufacturers discourage machine washing because detergents and agitation can damage certain materials and adhesives.
So, always make sure to check the care instructions before putting your white sneakers in the washer.

Once you know that your sneakers are approved for machine washing, a shoe washing bag can give them some extra protection during the cycle.

ShoeDaddy's Shoe Washing Bag & Shoe Trees set includes a reusable reinforced wash bag designed to cushion and protect shoes during machine washing and the company's instructions recommend removing the laces and insoles as you place the shoes inside the bag, securing it, and using a gentle cycle.

There are many products that you may call a shoe bag for washing machine, shoe wash bag, shoe bag for washer, shoes washing bag, or bag for washing shoes. All of these are designed for the same purpose: keeping your shoes safe, contained and giving them protection during the wash.

But please do not forget that a shoe washing machine bag doesn't make a non-washable sneaker safe for the washer.

6. Using Shoe Trees While Your Sneakers Dry

When you are done cleaning your kicks, always resist the temptation to speed things up with direct heat. Make sure to let them dry in natural air. This is where your shoe trees for sneakers can be particularly useful and come handy.

ShoeDaddy's wash-bag set includes shoe trees specifically intended for use after washing. Place them inside the sneakers while they dry to help maintain their shape.

Whether you are looking for adjustable shoe trees, choose a pair that fits the sneaker properly without forcing its shape.
You may also see them referred to as a shoe tree for sneakers, Jordan shoe tree, or simply shoes tree. All of them are designed to do the same job of supporting the shape of your sneakers while they're drying.

7. Don't Forget the Laces

Even after your white sneakers are drying off, don’t forget the white laces because if they aren’t clean then they can make a clean sneaker look dirty all over again.

Make sure to wash them separately using a mild cleaning solution, or if they're suitable for machine washing, place them in a mesh laundry bag for washing shoes or another small laundry bag.

Nike also recommends removing laces before cleaning and notes that they can be washed separately. So, make sure to also let them air dry rather than using high heat, which can affect the plastic tips.

Once they're completely dry, put them back into your freshly cleaned sneakers.

8. Keep Your White Sneakers Clean With Regular Care

The best and easiest way to keep your sneakers clean, especially white sneakers, is to not wait until they're completely covered in dirt.

Just give them a quick clean now & then when you notice scuffs or stains instead of letting everything build up. Besides, regular cleaning is much easier than trying to rescue a pair that hasn't been touched in months.

This is also why you need to have a sneaker cleaner kit at home because it has all the different shoe cleaning products you need. And if it is suitable for washing and cleaning then you use the shoe washing bag.

The Simple White Sneaker Routine

It’s not complicated and you don’t need to make it either.
All you is to just:

Brush off the dirt.
Clean the upper.
Scrub the soles.
Wipe away the residue.
Let them air dry.

Whereas for machine-washable pairs, use a Sneaker Laundry Bag or Sneaker Wash Bags and follow the manufacturer's washing instructions. For regular cleaning, keep a good shoe cleaning kit nearby and deal with stains before they have time to become a bigger problem.

When you're trying to find the best sneaker cleaning kit, best sneaker cleaner kit, or best shoe cleaner, make sure to just focus on what your sneakers actually need. The right cleaner, the right brush, and proper drying matters much more than having a shelf full of products.

Remember that your white kicks are always going to get dirty, it is just how it is and that's part of wearing them or any kicks.
So, the trick is knowing how to clean them properly and keeping up with the little things before they turn into a big job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I clean white sneakers?

Whenever dirt or stains become noticeable because regular touch ups are easier than deep cleaning.

Can I use Shoe Daddy cleaner on white leather?

Yes, you can because the cleaner is designed for leather, canvas, mesh, knit, and rubber.

Can I machine wash my white sneakers?

Yes, you can but only if the manufacturer's care instructions allow it.

Are shoe trees good for white sneakers?

Yes, they are good for any sneaker because they can help maintain the shape while your sneakers air dry.

Can I use the Shoe Daddy wash bag on suede?

It is viable for you to check the sneaker's care instructions first. Suede generally needs more careful cleaning and should not automatically be machine washed.

Can I use the cleaning kit on mesh sneakers?

Yes, you can. It is suitable for mesh, along with several other common sneaker materials.

What brush should I use on white sneakers?

Use soft brush for uppers and harder brush for soles and tougher areas.

How do I clean white sneaker laces?

Remove them first and wash them separately with mild soap and water.

Can shoe trees help prevent creasing?

They can help maintain your sneakers' shape while they're stored or drying.

How long should white sneakers air dry?

Let them dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid using direct heat.