How to Clean White Sneakers and Keep Every Pair Looking New
Nothing finishes an outfit like a pair of clean white sneakers, and nothing gives away a tired look faster than scuffed, grey ones. The good news: you don't need special kits or expensive products. With a few household items and ten minutes, you can bring most pairs back to life.
What You'll Need
- A soft brush (an old toothbrush works well)
- A bowl of warm water
- Mild washing-up liquid or gentle laundry detergent
- Two clean cloths or microfibre towels
- Baking soda for stubborn marks (optional)
- Old newspaper or paper towels for drying
Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles
Take out the laces and any removable insoles. This lets you clean every part properly and helps the shoes dry faster. Soak the laces separately in warm soapy water while you work on the shoes.
Step 2: Brush Off Loose Dirt
Knock the soles together outside to shake off mud, then use a dry brush to remove dust and dirt from the upper and the sole. Always start dry: wetting dirt first can push it deeper into the fabric.
Step 3: Clean the Upper by Material
Canvas and knit sneakers
Dip your brush in warm soapy water and scrub in small circles, working gently on knit so you don't pull the fibres. Wipe away suds with a damp cloth. Our breathable knit sneakers respond well to this gentle method.
Leather and faux leather sneakers
Use a cloth rather than a brush. Wipe with a small amount of soapy water, then dry immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid soaking leather, which can cause it to crack. This works for pairs like our waterproof leather walking sneakers.
Mesh sneakers
Mesh traps dirt easily. Use a soft brush with plenty of suds and rinse the brush often so you're not moving dirt around.
Step 4: Tackle the Soles and Stubborn Marks
Midsoles and white rubber soles take the most abuse. Mix a paste of baking soda and a little water, scrub it onto scuffs with a toothbrush, leave for a few minutes, then wipe away. For platform soles like our white platform sneakers, work around the full edge of the sole where grime collects.
Step 5: Dry Them Properly
This is where most people go wrong. Never put sneakers on a radiator, in a tumble dryer or in direct hot sunlight, as heat can warp soles and loosen glue. Instead, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and hold their shape, and leave them to air-dry at room temperature. Swap the paper every few hours.
Can You Put Sneakers in the Washing Machine?
Some canvas and knit trainers can go in the machine, but it's always a risk. If you do, use a cold, gentle cycle, put the shoes in a pillowcase or laundry bag, and air-dry afterwards. Never machine-wash leather shoes. When in doubt, hand washing is safer.
Daily Habits That Keep Sneakers Clean for Longer
- Wipe them weekly. A quick wipe with a damp cloth stops dirt from building up.
- Rotate your pairs. Giving shoes a day off lets them air out fully.
- Refresh the inside. Replacing tired insoles with a fresh pair like our EVA sport insoles keeps shoes comfortable and smelling fresh.
- Swap old laces. Grey laces make clean shoes look dirty. New laces, or no-tie elastic laces, give an instant upgrade.
- Store them out of sunlight. UV light can yellow white soles over time.
When It's Time for a New Pair
If the soles are worn smooth, the cushioning feels flat or the upper has split, no amount of cleaning will fix it. Browse our women's sneakers for fresh everyday pairs, including lightweight lace-up sneakers made for all-day comfort.