Stains can be difficult to remove from shoes. They are especially difficult to remove completely from white shoes because they show up so well. The best way to get stains out is to act quickly if you just spilled something on them.
To remove stains from shoes, you can try various methods, such as rubbing with a microfiber cloth (recommended 1st), soaking them in a bucket, gently washing them in a washing machine, or gently scrub them with a scrub brush.
Use one or more of these cleaning methods to clean your white shoes:
- Dish Soap & Water (recommended 1st)
- Baking Soda & Vinegar
- Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide
- Baking Soda, Detergent, & Water
- Laundry Detergent & Water
- Bleach and water (use carefully)
- Saddle Soap & Water
- Magic Eraser
- Scrub Brush & Toilet Paper
- Nail Polish Remover or rubbing alcohol (use with caution)
Read specific instructions on each cleaner and cleaning method and which shoes to use them on. Make sure you don’t ruin your shoes by applying too much cleaner, applying too much pressure, or forgetting a step. The rest of the article will give instructions on how to clean your white shoe.
Before You Start
My experience has taught me that a microfiber cloth with soapy water can remove most dirt and some stains from shoes. Sometimes using a scrub brush can help effectively remove grim where a microfiber cloth can not.
(If you don’t have any cleaning products and are looking for a shoe-cleaning kit, read this article.)
The other methods and cleaners mentioned above may work more effectively. Remember that the stronger a cleaner is, the greater the chance of damaging your shoe.
Sometimes patience is your best friend when cleaning your shoes. It may take a bit longer to clean your shoes, but the result will be worth it.
We’ll discuss how to clean fabric, canvas, leather, and faux leather white shoes.
1. Start With Soap And Water
I would usually start with soap and water. This works great for most grim and dirt but may not work for stains that have set in. You may find that soaking your shoes in soapy water can help penetrate into the stain and lift it much better. But cheaper leather shoes and faux leather shoes may not hold up well to soaking.
Be careful with the type of liquid soap you use. Some may contain harsher chemicals that may damage some shoes. Regular dish soap with nothing added works well.
To get started, mix some dish soap and water in a container.
Methods
- For Light Cleaning –
- Just a few drops of regular liquid dish soap in a container of water.
- Then mix it together.
- Dip a microfiber cloth (usually works best) or any clean cloth in the soapy water and squeeze out any excess water.
- Wipe off any dirt, stains, or stuck-on particles. (Most shoes can stand up to a lot of rubbing but be careful with faux leather or bonded leather shoes – see article. Too much water and rubbing may cause the laminate layer to come off)
- For Deeper Cleaning –
- Add more liquid soap to the water and make sure to get plenty of suds.
- Use a thicker microfiber cloth so it can get into all the cracks and crevices of your shoe.
- Soak the cloth in the water and squeeze out excess water but leave plenty in the rag.
- Scrub the shoe well and let the soap and water create a lather all over your shoe.
- The worse the stain, the longer you can let the suds sit on your shoe.
- Rise off your shoe in the sink, or use a clean rag and water-filled container to wipe and rinse off the soap and dirt from the shoe.
- For Better Results –
- Soak your shoes in soapy water. You can use dish soap of laundry detergent. Be sure your shoes can be soaked. (Canvas, fabric)
- Use lukewarm or cold water. (Hot water can shrink fabrics)
- Leave them in the sink, bucket, or container for about 30 minutes.
- Then use the light or deep cleaning method mentioned above.
- Stuff your shoes to maintain their shape. Use shoe trees to maintain their normal size and shape. Don’t apply excess pressure or too little. Your shoes may stretch or shrink.
- Using paper towels, newspaper, or rags may also work.
- If you soak white leather shoes (not recommended because the dyes can fade, sealant can come off, and delamination can occur), you’ll need to prevent your leather shoes from shrinking. (see article)
Be sure to – condition your leather shoes after they’re done drying.
This video shows how soap and water helped clean this person’s leather shoes.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar
Most people have baking soda and vinegar, so this is an easy solution for cleaning your white shoes.
Baking soda works to help scrub off stains and grime from your shoes, and mixing it with vinegar creates carbon dioxide that acts as an effective cleaner.
If you put them together in a bowl and mix, they will neutralize each other and not work as effectively. The goal is to clean while they are active.
Methods
- Use Scrub Brush–
- Make a paste with water and baking soda.
- Apply the paste to a toothbrush or scrub brush.
- Apply the paste to the shoe using the scrub brush or your finger if needed.
- Dip your clean scrub brush into a container of vinegar and scrub an area of your shoes.
- Clean off the scrub brush with water before dipping it in the vinegar solution again.
- Repeat dipping, scrubbing, and cleaning the brush until the shoe has been completely cleaned.
- Rinse off the shoe under the sink or dunk into a container of water several times.
- Use Washing Machine –
- Use the soap and water method to clean your shoes first.
- Place your shoes in the washing machine – see article about washing shoes. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water. Add a 1/2 cup of vinegar once the water is full.
- Let air dry, or see video for how to dry in the dryer. (Recommended for faux leather, canvas, or fabric shoes only. Shoe fabric may shrink a bit.)
Baking soda has a pH of 9 and Vinegar has a pH of 3, while water is neutral at a pH of 7. Use about 2 parts vinegar to 1 part baking soda when mixing a solution to help them neutralize each other to avoid shoe damage.
Rinsing your shoes thoroughly should help remove all traces of baking soda and vinegar.
Be sure to – condition your leather shoes after they’re done drying.
3. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a cheap to buy product that is used for cleaning scrapes and cleaning the house. It can work for shoes that have fabric, like canvas shoes.
It works well because “The extra oxygen molecule oxidizes, which is how peroxide gets its power,” says Dr. Beers. “This oxidation kills germs and bleaches color from porous surfaces like fabrics.” (health.clevelandclinic.org/)
Methods
- Use Sun Power – Mix a solution of 6 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
- Thoroughly cover your entire shoes with the paste and make sure to get it everywhere.
- Leave your shoes out in the sun for about 3-5 hours.
- Brush off any powder that remains.
- Use A Bucket – Fill up a bucket with water.
- Add a cup of hydrogen peroxide and mix.
- Drop your shoes in and cover them completely in the solution
- Wait 30 minutes to bleach the fabric on your shoes.
4. Baking Soda, Detergent, and Water
Baking soda can be an effective cleaner because it is abrasive but doesn’t scratch most shoes. Laundry detergent is great at breaking apart and lifting stains. Put them together for a good way to clean your shoes.
It can work for all white shoe types discussed in this article.
Method
- Mix a solution of 3-6 tablespoons of baking soda and 3-6 tablespoons of laundry detergent in a container. The dirtier they are, the more laundry detergent you want to use.
- Mix the solution with a cup of water.
- Dip your scrub brush into the solution and completely scrub your shoes dipping the brush into the solution as often as you need it to effectvely clean your shoes.
- Rinse the shoes off in the sink.
- Let them dry overnight.
5. Laundry Detergent and Water
Methods
- Washing Machine – Washing your shoes is an option, but remember that shoes can get damaged when washing them, so caution is advised. (For canvas and fabric shoes only)
- Wrap your shoes in a towel and place them in a mesh laundry bag for better protection.
- Add a 1/4 the amount of detergent if washing them alone. You can also add a little bleach, but wait until the wash has started, then add it to the load. (Detergents and bleach can be strong cleaners, so adding too much may damage shoes.)
- Let your shoes dry when finished. Stuff with newspapers or a shoe tree to maintain shoe shape.
- See video for more information.
- In the Sink – When using a laundry detergent, several cleaning agents may be used. First, be gentle to prevent any harm to your shoes.
- Mix a 1/8 cup of detergent in a container of water (about 3 or more cups of water).
- Place a microfiber cloth or brush in the solution and rub over the stain. Rub gently until the stain is gone.
- If the stain remains, place the wet, soapy microfiber cloth over the stain and let sit for a few minutes. (make sure the stain is saturated with the detergent mixture. Rub over the stain again to see if it lifts.
- If the stain remains, determine if the area is OK to scrub harder with a brush. (Some materials are more sensitive to brushing.) Place the brush in the solution and scrub the stained area until the stain lifts. Scrub gently and stop if any discoloring occurs. (See video for another sink method)
- You can also soak your shoe in the solution for 30 minutes and scrub after.
- Rise out soap from your shoe in the sink when done.
- Aggitate – Similar to washing them in the washer, you can hand wash them without a brush or cloth.
- Fill your sink or other container with water and use 1/8 to 1/4 of the laundry detergent you normally use in the wash.
- Dunk your shoe in the water repeatedly.
- Let it soak for about 5 minutes.
- Be sure to move (aggitate) the fibers of your shoes thoroughly as you work out the stain.
- Rise off your shoe in the sink when done.
Help maintain the shape of your shoe, by stuffing them with newspaper, etc.
6. Bleach and Water
Bleach can be quite powerful and can damage or discolor things that aren’t white. Bleach can also yellow shoes. When using beach, try using dye-free bleach or thoroughly rinsing the bleach away after you’ve bleached your shoes.
Use rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach and work in an area with good ventilation.
Methods
- Washing Machine – Wash your shoes with 1/4 of normal detergent used normally and add bleach after the water is filled. (see video for instructions on washing your shoes)
- Brush and Bleach – Mix 1 cup of water and an 1/8 cup of bleach together. Wipe off any dirt and remove anything that comes off easily.
- Dip your brush in the solution and scrub your shoes.
- Continue to scrub gently until the stains turn white.
- If the stains don’t change color or come off, try a different method.=
After your shoes are white, rinse them off to remove any remaining bleach, and try to keep them out of the sun. Bleach and sunlight can cause your shoes to yellow.
7. Saddle Soap and Water
Saddle soap is meant to be used on leather products, including your shoes. It cleans and conditions your leather shoes. It helps maintain leather for soft, moisturized shoes. (Caution – May dull/remove dress shoe shine.)
What is saddle soap made of? This list is from the Kiwi brand of saddle soap. (Credit – whatsinsidescjohnson.com Update – Link not working)
- Water – Used as a carrier
- Sodium Tallowate – Used as a Cleaning Agent
- PEG-100 – Used as a Moisturizer
- Stearic Acid – Used as an Emulsifier
- Carnauba Wax – Used as a Polish and Waterproofer
- Sodium Carbonate – Used as apH Adjuster
- Glycerin – Used as a Moisturizer
- Lanolin– Used as a Moisturizer
- Benzisothiazolinone – Used as a Preservative
Method
- Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt on your shoes.
- Use a clean damp cloth or a soft brush to create a lather in the soap tin. You could apply water to the cloth or brush.
- Apply the lathered soap to your shoes using a cloth. For tough stains, use a brush to gently scrub the soap into the stains until it fades. (Be aware that saddle soap can leave your shoes looking dull if they were shiny previously.)
- If the stain remains, you can try repeating if the soap got some of the stain out, or try another method.
When you’re finished, make sure to wipe away any soap or residue with a clean cloth, and a dry brush can be used to brush away any remaining particles in the seams or stitching.
This video shows how to use saddle soap on white leather/faux leather surfaces.
8. Magic Eraser
The white foam sponge-like pads that people use to clean things are sometimes called magic erasers. They work by effectively scrubbing particles away, almost like sandpaper, but they won’t scratch most surfaces. (These sponges work on leather, rubber, plastic, and faux leather areas of shoes.)
These pads work best on the grime and dirt on the rubber areas of your shoes but can also work on the shoe itself. If the stain hasn’t penetrated the shoe, these pads can effectively rub away most dirt and grime.
Method
- Test on a small, less noticeable area of your shoe.
- Place water on the eraser and rub the area lightly. (The water can help lift some stains better and may provide better use of your eraser.)
- Continue to rub until the area is clean. (Some shoes are fine with an eraser sponge, but for more sensitive shoes, use it carefully.)
- Rub the side outsole sections with hard pressure to lift all the dirt or stains from your shoes.
- When finished, wipe off any water or remaining dirt with a microfiber cloth.
- Conditon leather shoes if needed.
9. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper can effectively soak up some stains from your shoes. If you have dirty shoes or yellow-stained shoes, toilet paper can lift these marks away from your shoes after you scrub them. (Works best with canvas or fabric shoes)
Methods
- Toilet Paper Only – If your shoes are clean but have yellow stains, get a bowl with water.
- Soak the toilet paper in the water and cover your shoes with two to three layers of toilet paper. (over the shoe uppers)
- Pat the toilet paper onto the shoe so it has good contact with the canvas fabric.
- Cover the wet toilet paper with one more layer of dry toilet paper.
- Let dry. Remove toilet paper.
- Brush and Toilet Paper – If your shoes are dirt and stained, scrub them with a brush, a cleaner, and water. (see video)
- Brush your shoes with water and a cleaner.
- Scrub until dirt and stains are thoroughly lifted.
- Rinse off and soap or detergent.
- Wrap shoes in several layers of toilet paper and dry in the sun.
- Remove toilet paper.
10. Nail Polish Remover, Acetone, or Rubbing Alcohol (Caution)
If you have spilled paint or nail polish on your shoes, check to see if it is water-based paint. Then you can use soap and water and a scrub brush to remove it. Oil-based paints and some nail polish may not come out unless you use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover. (Works best on canvas or fabric)
Rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover can start to remove the surface layer of dyes or laminates for faux leather shoes.
It’s best to rub lightly when trying to remove any sort of paint stain with these cleaners. Use a well-ventilated room when working.
Methods
- Rubbing Alcohol – If a stain won’t come off with regular dish soap or laundry detergent, rubbing alcohol could dissolve the stain.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to a microfiber cloth of cotton ball. If the stain is painted, the paint will start to lift as you continue to rub.
- Continue to rub gently until all paint is removed. Stop if you notice the shoe color is being removed or peeling.
- Nail Polish Remover – This product is very powerful and may damage shoes if not used gently.
- Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball. Rub the affected area gently. Once the stain starts to lift, gently rub until it is gone.
- Stop if you notice the shoe color is being removed or peeling.
- Acetone– This product is very powerful and may damage shoes if not used gently.
- Apply acetone to a cotton ball or Q-tip. Rub the affected area gently. Once the stain starts to lift, gently rub until it is gone.
- Stop if you notice the shoe color is being removed or peeling.
Rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover can also help remove stuck-on scuff marks. Always be careful when using these products and recognize they may cause damage to some shoes.
Cleaning Canvas Shoes
Yellowing on white shoes can come from bleach, sweat marks, and oxidation from sunlight. White shoes are prone to look dirty quickly and stains don’t always come out well the first time. Here are some ways to help.
Methods
- Dirt and Grim – Wash them in the Sink – Because canvas shoes are mostly fabric and rubber, hand washing them with dish soap and water in the sink can be a quick 5-minute job.
- Soak them in soapy water for a couple of minutes, then scrub them with a brush. Last, rinse them thoroughly.
- Yellow Stains – Use Toilet Paper – For yellow stains on canvas shoes, apply wet toilet paper to the entire shoe upper. Let the toilet paper dry. The yellow stain should be mostly gone.
- – Use A solution – In this video, they used a mixture of laundry detergent, salt, baking soda, and vinegar. Then they scrubbed with a toothbrush for a while. The results looked good!
- Various Stains – Use Lemon – As an acidic cleaner, lemon juice can effectively clean white shoes. Either soak shoes in a bucket of water for 30 minutes with a cup of lemon juice mixed in or wipe a mixture of 1/2 lemon juice and 1/2 water using a microfiber cloth.
- You can also use vinegar as a lemon substitute since it is also acidic.
Don’t forget to rinse your shoes thoroughly to remove all lemon juice.
After you’re done cleaning your shoes, remember to help maintain their shape and help them dry by stuffing them with newspaper, etc.
Leather Shoes
Real leather shoes, often called full-grain or top-grain, need to be cleaned and conditioned to maintain their looks and last for years to come.
Many basketball shoes and other athletic shoes use white leather. (Sometimes faux leather) When these shoes scratch or scuff, the layer of white on the leather comes off. (You can restore them by using a white polish or painting – see video)
If it’s a stain on your leather shoes, it can likely come off with one of the cleaning methods below.
Methods
- Food and Drink Stains – Mix 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in a container and dab a cloth into the mixture. Rub the stain lightly until it starts to come off.
- If that doesn’t work, you can go back to a thorough cleaning, as stated in For Deeper Cleaning.
- Water Stains – To clean water stains where water soaked all the way into the leather, try using the “For Deeper Cleaning” method. If water just drops on the leather surface, try using a wet cloth and rub the entire shoe down so it is moist. This should make the stain fade. Let the shoe dry.
- If it’s a surface stain, the stain should go away with water and a rag.
- Sometimes applying conditioner once or twice can help remove spots.
- Oil Stains – If the stain is new, rub some corn starch on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Brush off the starch when finished.
- If the stain has soaked into the leather, you may need to try a thorough cleaning with soap and water or a laundry detergent. (see For Deeper Cleaning.)
Fabric Shoes
Fabric shoes are found in many running shoes and other sports shoes where your feet need to breathe well. Use the same methods as canvas shoes when cleaning your fabric shoes.
Methods
- Dirt and Grim – Wash them in the Sink – Because fabric shoes are fabric, plastic, foam, and rubber, hand washing them with dish soap and water in the sink can be a quick 5-minute job.
- Soak them in soapy water for a couple of minutes, then scrub them with a brush. Last, rinse them thoroughly.
- Various Stains – Use Lemon – As an acidic cleaner, lemon juice can effectively clean white shoes. Either soak your shoes in a bucket of water for 30 minutes with a cup of lemon juice mixed in or wipe a mixture of 1/2 lemon juice and 1/2 water onto your shoes with a microfiber cloth.
- You can also use vinegar as a lemon substitute since it is also acidic.
Don’t forget to rinse your shoes thoroughly to remove all lemon juice.
After you’re done cleaning your shoes, remember to help maintain their shape and help them dry by stuffing them with newspaper, etc.
Faux/Synthetic Leather Shoes
Faux leather is similar to real leather in some ways when you’re cleaning your shoes.
Some basketball shoes and walking shoes are made with synthetic white leather. When these shoes scratch or scuff, the layer of white on the leather comes off. (You can restore them by using a white polish or painting – see video)
If it’s a stain on your shoes, it can likely come off with one of the cleaning methods below.
Methods
- Food and Drink Stains – Mix 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar in a container and dab a cloth into the mixture. Rub the stain lightly until it starts to come off.
- If that doesn’t work, you can go back to a thorough cleaning, as stated in For Deeper Cleaning.
- Oil Stains – If the stain is new, rub some corn starch on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Brush off the starch when finished.
- If the stain has soaked into the leather, you may need to try a thorough cleaning with soap and water or a laundry detergent. (see For Deeper Cleaning.)
The shoe below is an Adidas shoe that uses 40% leather and 60% synthetic leather for the upper.
Keeping Your Shoes White From Day 1
The best way to keep your shoes white is with preventive methods. Using protective spray (see article) on your shoes can help prevent dirt, water, and stains from sticking to your white shoes.
In addition, cleaning your shoes with a damp cloth every week can help prevent stains and dirt build up over time. You can use a brush for 10 seconds daily to remove dust and particles.
It’s a good idea to condition leather shoes well every 2 months and then use a protective spray on all of your shoes at the recommended times stated on the product.
Addition Cleaning Ideas
Use a Vacuum
For a quick way to clean your hiking shoes or just some very dusty shoes, use a vacuum cleaner to quickly remove dust and get fairly clean shoes.
Clean White Shoe Laces
Soak your white shoelaces in water with 1/8 to 1/5 bleach or hydrogen peroxide and help them get extra white. Remember that soaking them in soap and water may be just as effective. Wait 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed.
Use Salt and Water to Remove Yellow Stains (Credit – how2removestains.com)
- Fill a bowl with the warm water and mix in one tablespoon of salt. Let the salt dissolve in the water.
- Dip a toothbrush in the solution. Use the toothbrush to scrub the stains off your shoes.
- Scrub it in a circular motion to gently remove the stains, and you can re-saturate the bristles to remove the stains swiftly.
- If you notice that the stains are slowly diminishing or you’re satisfied with the result, stop scrubbing. Let it dry for 20 minutes.
- Continue scrubbing for a few minutes while re-saturating your brush.
- Once you achieve the original color of your shoes, stop and let it dry.
Final Thoughts
White shoes can be used for a long time with cleaning and protection. Sometimes with a little effort, you can get them looking almost like new.
Remember, it may take some time and effort, but you can effectively remove dirt, grime, and stains from your shoes with one of the methods mentioned above.
Thanks for visiting Helpshoe.com
References
https://www.livescience.com/why-baking-soda-vinegar-clean.html
https://how2removestains.com/how-to-remove-yellow-stains-from-shoes/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-hydrogen-peroxide-good-for/