How to Clean Your White Shoes Covered with Stains

A pair of white shoes is a wardrobe staple for many people. But they are more prone to staining as compared to the coloured ones. Now, to determine the cleaning method for your stained white shoes, you must first know its fabric type. White shoes are made of different materials like leather, suede and so on. In this article, we give you useful cleaning methods to get your white shoes looking as white as possible no matter what the material is. However, a point to remember before cleaning your white shoes is to read the care label on your shoes to understand the right cleaning method.

Why You Should Clean White Shoes?

White shoes tend to catch a lot of dirt and dust, even when you are simply walking on the street. An accidental food spill or a mud splash can easily stain them. It is important to clean them immediately and not let the stain penetrate further into the fabric. At first you may not notice a lot of dirt however, if you overlook the need to clean, the dirt gets caked on and becomes a stubborn dirty layer. If you have not cleaned them in a long time, you need not worry, we have got you covered.  

Ingredients to Keep Handy:

a) Paper towel or cleaning rag

b) Liquid detergent

c) A bowl

d) Cotton cloth

e) Baking soda

f) Vinegar

g) Water

h) Old toothbrush

i) Eraser

j) Sponge

Method 1: How to Clean White Leather Shoes

1. Step 1: Wipe Them Clean

   Wet a paper towel or a cleaning rag. Remove excess moisture and wipe the leather shoes gently to remove surface dirt and stains. First, tackle the outside of your shoes and then move onto the soles. Let your shoes dry for 10 minutes.

2. Step 2: Prepare Cleaning Solution

   Mix 2 drops of a liquid detergent in a bowl of water. You could try using Surf Excel Matic Liquid for this. It leaves no residue (like powders do) as being a liquid it dissolves completely in water. Test the cleaning solution on a small patch first to check the compatibility. Soak a cotton cloth in the solution and wring it gently. Now, wipe your shoes with this rag to get rid of any stains on your shoes. Rinse off the soapy layer by wiping your shoes with a damp cloth.

3. Step 3: Dry Your Shoes

   Let the shoe air dry for 10 minutes. It is a good practice to let your shoes dry before wearing them or even before packing them away. When you keep wet shoes closed up, they tend to develop a bad smell. So, ensure your shoes are properly dry, before using or storing them.

Method 2: How to Clean White Canvas Shoes

1. Step 1: Make Cleaning Paste

   Take 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 2 tbsp. of vinegar and 1 cup of warm water. Add these to a bowl and mix well to form a paste.

2. Step 2: Apply the Paste

   Apply the paste directly on the stained area of your shoes. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste.

3. Step 3: Rinse and Dry Your Shoes

   Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse with clean water and let your shoes air dry. The stains will have disappeared, and your white shoes will start shining like the day you bought them. Once, they are white again, you’ll feel like you are wearing a brand new pair of shoes, just like you felt the day you bought them.

Method 3: How to Clean White Suede Shoes

1. Step 1: Blot

   Blot the shoes with a soft cotton cloth to remove excess moisture from them. Do not scrub, gently pat. Scrubbing can ruin your shoes. 

2. Step 2: Treat the Stains

   If there are stains on your white suede shoes, remove them using a pencil eraser. 

3. Step 3: Treat with Cleaning Solution

   Slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with 1 tsp. of white vinegar. Use it to gently rub on the stains. Remember to be very gentle while doing so, avoid rubbing harshly. Now, allow your shoes to dry. Once your shoes have dried completely, use a suede brush to restore its velvety texture. 

   To prevent your shoes from getting stained, you can use a shoe protectant spray appropriate for your shoe type available in the market. You can also use a white nail polish to cover any scratches on your shoes and allow air-drying.

Follow these simple step by step guidelines to clean various types of white shoes. So, wear those white shoes without worrying about scuff marks or discolouration.

Before cleaning your shoes, always check the care label to know whether you can machine wash it. If it suggests so, follow the further suggested instructions. Always drop your shoes in a mesh bag and then drop it into your washing machine. Keep your shoes in front of a fan in a well-ventilated room to dry them thoroughly.