If there is one footwear that takes the least amount of thought and effort to style with any outfit, it has to be white sneakers. Whether you are a woman wanting to wear a strappy dress or a man wanting to wear comfortable shorts, white sneakers are best to pair with any of these. With the flexibility and versatility these footwear bring, there also comes a big challenge – keeping them clean. As much as people love the idea of wearing these shoes, they also, at times, choose footwear that is anything but white in colour. And let’s be honest. Compared to other colours, these shoes are more prone to stains and dirt, making their maintenance a high-effort task.
Cleaning white sneakers may seem arduous, but only when you don’t know the right methods. What if we tell you there are some simple tips and DIY methods you can use to clean your white shoes?
Well, if you don’t want to compromise on style and just can’t stop wearing white sneakers, this guide is here to make your cleaning process easier. Let’s begin!
Cleaning Items For White Sneakers
Before you begin cleaning your beloved pair of white sneakers, gather these items so you don’t have to run to the store midway through the process.
- Spray-on protector repellant
- Gentle wipes
- An old toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Shampoo or a mild soap
- Toothpaste
- Bleach
The most convenient thing about cleaning your white sneakers at home is most of the items we mentioned above are already there at your home. That’s just another reason not to give up on your white sneakers so early.
5 Cleaning & Maintenance Tips For White Sneakers
Now that you have gathered all the necessary items, incorporate these tips for maintaining the best white sneakers in your wardrobe for longer periods.
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Wipe your sneakers after every wear.
One of the most basic things to keep your white sneakers clean and pure white is to wipe off any dirt as soon as you get home. Unless there are any major stains, wiping the dirt will maintain their look for a long time. Take an old dry toothbrush and brush off the dirt on your shoes. Then, with a mid cleaner, wipe them. Depending on the items you have, you can either use a makeup wipe or a clean white cloth dipped in a drop or two of a mild soap.
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Protect white sneakers from any damage.
Remember those spray-on protectors you usually avoid buying when purchasing shoes? It turns out they are of significant use for the upkeep of your favourite white sneakers. This investment-worthy item works best not just for white but also for other light-coloured shoes. So, next time you go shopping, get yourself a spray-on-stain-and-water repellent. Use it to spray your white shoes every 2-3 weeks to safeguard them from dirt or stain. Now, whether you walk on grass or spill wine on your shoes, this item can be your saviour.
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Clean with baking soda.
An item that is very common in almost every household, baking soda is a safe alternative to harsh and obnoxious-smelling bleach powders. This method is also wonderful if you don’t like putting your sneakers in the washing machine but want them perfectly clean. Mix 1 tbsp of hot water with 1 tbsp of white vinegar and baking soda each. Apply this paste to the canvas and sole area using a toothbrush. Make sure to keep the application motion circular. Once done, let the shoes dry outside in a shadowy place for a few hours. After a while, shake off this dry paste from the shoes by clapping them together or with a toothbrush.
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Use toothpaste.
In place of baking soda, you can also use a non-gel white toothpaste to clean your shoes. Remember to use only this variant since other toothpaste can leave a stain instead. Just apply the toothpaste to your white sneakers and let it dry for a few hours. Afterwards, just dust off this dry residue, and you will have a clean pair of shoes.
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Throw your sneakers in the washing machine.
Some people love their sneakers too much to even try this cleaning method. There is a myth that washing machines can ruin your sneakers. Well, if done correctly, you will have shining white sneakers as new as the store-bought ones. Start by removing the laces and any extra insoles from your shoes. Place your sneakers in a cloth or mesh bag and wash them on a gentle cycle with some detergent and cold water. Now let the shoes dry in your machine dryer or outside naturally if it is hot and windy.
Conclusion
White sneakers are classy, versatile, and one of the best footwear options to complement your outfits. But with their uniqueness also comes the challenge of maintaining these shoes. Cleaning your white sneakers is not that difficult, no matter how dreadful the task looks. With a few basic household items and precision in following the tips above, you can care for and maintain your footwear for a long time.