How to Clean White Shoes | The Method That Works

For the full breakdown, see our best Cleaner for White Shoes guide.

White shoes look great for about a day before they start picking up scuffs, dirt, and grime. Knowing how to clean white shoes properly matters because the wrong method can stain them permanently or wreck the material. The good news is that a few basic supplies and the right technique will bring most pairs back to life. Here’s what actually works, plus the mistakes that ruin white sneakers.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your supplies before you begin so the process goes smoothly. Most of these you likely already own.

• A dry, soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
• Baking soda for stubborn stains
• Warm water and a small bowl
• Clean cloths or microfiber towels

Start by removing the laces and insoles if they’re removable. This lets you clean the tongue and inside of the shoe properly, and it keeps the laces from tangling or getting damaged. Nike’s official shoe-cleaning guide instructs removing loose dirt with that dry brush before any water touches the shoe. If you skip this step, you’re just grinding dirt deeper into the fabric.

The Step-By-Step Cleaning Routine

Once the loose dirt is gone, mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap into warm water. Dip your brush or cloth into the solution and gently scrub the upper in circular motions. For white or light-colored shoes, Nike recommends mixing an equal-parts baking soda and water paste to tackle stubborn discoloration. Apply it, let it sit briefly, then scrub gently with your soft brush.

Pay extra attention to the rubber sole and the area where the upper meets the sole, since that’s where grime accumulates fastest. A soft-bristled brush handles these areas better than a cloth. For scuff marks on rubber, a little extra scrubbing with soapy water usually lifts them without harsh chemicals. After cleaning, wipe away any soap residue with a damp cloth and stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them hold their shape while drying.

Can You Machine Wash White Shoes?

Machine washing works only if the shoe’s material can tolerate it, and you should check the care label first. Wirecutter’s guidance says that when machine washing is safe, you should remove the insoles and laces, clean any foam or rubber marks with a soft brush plus dish soap and water, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag, and run a delicate cold cycle. Never use hot water, which can shrink fabric or warp glue. After the cycle finishes, air-dry the shoes completely.

That said, many shoemakers still recommend hand-washing over machine washing for most materials. Canvas and sturdy fabric sneakers generally survive a delicate machine cycle, but leather, suede, or shoes with heavy glue construction should always be cleaned by hand. When in doubt, stick with the soap-and-water method above. Air-dry only; direct heat from a dryer, radiator, or hairdryer can warp the shape, melt adhesives, or cause yellowing. Direct sunlight can also cause discoloration, so dry white shoes in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.

If you’d rather use a dedicated product instead of household supplies, our roundup of the best cleaner for white shoes compares the top options and what each handles best.

Common Mistakes That Ruin White Shoes

The most frequent error is using bleach casually. Some guides include highly diluted bleach mixtures for certain all-white shoes, but bleach can yellow fabric over time and damage finishes. Compatibility depends entirely on the material and care label, so don’t reach for bleach unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Similarly, skip abrasive scrubbers and harsh brushes. Soft-bristled brushes, old toothbrushes, and microfiber towels handle nearly every cleaning task safely. Aggressive scrubbing can damage uppers or strip protective finishes.

Drying mistakes are just as common. Never put white shoes in a dryer, and don’t set them on a radiator or in direct sun to speed things up. Heat causes yellowing and can warp the shoe’s shape. Let them dry naturally at room temperature. Allow a full 24 hours for them to dry completely before wearing them again.

With these steps, you can keep white shoes looking fresh without damaging them. The process takes about 15 minutes of active cleaning plus drying time, and doing it regularly prevents stains from setting in.