Sneaker cleaning kit
Foam cleaner and brushes designed for canvas, leather and mesh.
View on AmazonHow to Clean White Sneakers (Canvas, Leather and Mesh)
Each material needs a different approach: canvas can take a scrub, leather needs a gentle wipe, mesh needs a soft brush. The soles and laces are cleaned separately.
Difficulty:
Easy
Quick Facts
Time Needed30 min + drying
Success RateMost shoes look new
Key TipAir dry only
Stain TypeDirt + oil
Quick Answer
In short: Remove the laces and knock off dry dirt, scrub with a soft brush and a mix of dish soap and warm water (or baking soda paste on canvas), wipe the soles with a magic eraser, then air dry away from direct sunlight.
Step-by-Step Removal Guide
1
Prepare the shoes
Remove the laces and insoles. Knock the soles together and brush off dry dirt with a dry brush.
2
Wash the laces
Soak the laces in warm water with a little laundry detergent or OxiClean while you clean the shoes.
3
Clean the uppers by material
Canvas: scrub with a paste of baking soda and a little water. Leather: wipe with a cloth and a drop of dish soap in warm water. Mesh/knit: use a soft brush and soapy water, never a hard scrub.
4
Clean the soles
Scrub the rubber with a brush and soapy water, then use a melamine sponge (magic eraser) on the white midsole.
Tip: A dry toothbrush with baking soda cleans the grooves of the sole.
5
Rinse and dry
Wipe off all soap with a damp cloth. Stuff the shoes with paper towels and air dry at room temperature, out of direct sun.
Avoid the dryer and radiators: heat melts glue and can turn white shoes yellow.
Recommended Products
What actually works for this stain
Melamine sponges (magic eraser)
Brings white midsoles back fast.
View on AmazonSneaker protector spray
Repels water and dirt so they stay white longer.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Home Remedy
Baking Soda Paste for Canvas
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon warm water
Method:
- Mix into a paste
- Scrub it into the canvas with a toothbrush
- Leave 30 minutes to dry
- Brush off and wipe with a damp cloth
- Air dry
Why it works: Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts dirt from the weave. Use it on canvas only: it can scratch the finish of leather.
Not sure what stain it is?
Snap a photo with the free Stain Solutions app and get the right treatment in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put white sneakers in the washing machine?
Canvas shoes can go in a pillowcase on a cold gentle cycle. Leather and knit shoes should be cleaned by hand. Always air dry.
Why did my white shoes turn yellow after washing?
Detergent or baking soda left in the fabric oxidizes in the sun. Rinse well and dry away from direct sunlight.
How do I whiten yellowed soles?
Scrub with a paste of oxygen bleach and water or use a sole whitener, then rinse. Old oxidized rubber may not fully return to white.
Can I use bleach on white sneakers?
Diluted bleach can yellow synthetic fabrics and weaken glue. Oxygen bleach is safer.
How often should I clean white sneakers?
Wipe them after each wear and clean them properly every few weeks. A protector spray reduces staining.
