Your sneakers—pristine, white, clean, beautiful. Well, they used to be, but now they’re covered in dirt and stains. I’m afraid it’s too late for them. You have to throw them away.
Just kidding!
Today, I’m gonna show you how to easily bring your white sneakers back to life. And don’t worry, in this guide, we’re gonna cover both canvas and leather sneakers from Nike, Converse, Adidas, Asics, Puma, Lacoste and more.
White Sneaker Dos & Don’ts
| Material | Dos | Don’ts | Cleaning Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesh | Use a soft brush; Okay to machine wash on gentle cycle; Air dry | Don’t use harsh chemicals; Avoid high heat when drying | Gentle circular scrubbing; Safe for washing machine; Use mild detergent |
| Leather | Gently clean with a soft brush; Wipe with damp cloth; Condition after cleaning | Don’t soak or machine wash; Avoid excess water | Light hand cleaning to keep it fresh; Use leather conditioner |
| Suede/Nubuck | Use a dry brush to lift dirt; Use suede/nubuck cleaner; Protect with suede spray | Don’t use water; Keep it dry; Avoid scrubbing too hard | Brush in one direction; Avoid getting it wet; Use suede eraser for scuffs |
| Canvas | Remove laces before cleaning; Use mild detergent; Air dry | Don’t use bleach; Avoid hot water | Scrub with medium stiff-bristle brush; Rinse thoroughly; Use protective spray after drying |
| Rubber | Scrub thoroughly with a stiff brush; Use mild soap; Rinse with water | Don’t be too gentle—it can handle it; Avoid harsh chemicals | Get into the grooves; Don’t be afraid to scrub; Use a magic eraser for stubborn stains |
| Foam Midsole | Wipe carefully with mild cleaner; Use soft cloth; Be gentle | Don’t use harsh chemicals; Don’t soak | Clean carefully to maintain cushioning; Avoid excessive moisture |
| Knit Fabric | Use mild detergent; Hand wash or gentle cycle; Air dry | Don’t use bleach; Avoid high heat | Gentle hand wash; Reshape while damp; Avoid wringing out |
| Synthetic Leather | Use mild cleaner; Wipe with damp cloth; Spot test products | Don’t use harsh chemicals; Avoid soaking in water | Gently clean with soft cloth; Dry immediately after cleaning |
| Patent Leather | Use soft cloth; Apply patent leather cleaner; Buff gently | Don’t use abrasive materials; Avoid harsh chemicals | Wipe clean with damp cloth; Buff to shine |
| Sock Liner | Remove and clean separately; Machine wash is fine; Air dry completely | Don’t forget to air dry; Avoid high heat drying | Use soft brush or toss in the washing machine; Use mild detergent |
Step-by-Step Restoration & Cleaning Process
Step 1: Preparation
First things first—throwing them in the washing machine? Wrong! Although you can clean your canvas sneakers in the washing machine, it puts a lot of excess wear and tear on them. And tossing leather sneakers in there is a hard no. It’ll leave creases in the upper and dry out the leather.
- A soft-bristle brush (horsehair brushes work best)
- Sneaker-specific cleaner (or an alternative like toothpaste or detergent)
- A clean white cloth
- A small bowl of warm water (about 100°F/40°C)
- An old toothbrush
- Shoetrees (optional but recommended for leather shoes)
- Leather conditioner (for leather sneakers)
- Protective shoe spray
Let’s try again.
- Cover your workspace with newspaper or an old rug.
- Remove the laces from your shoes—we’re gonna clean those separately.
- I recommend putting in shoetrees. This will help your sneakers keep their shape during the cleaning process and make it much easier to scrub away at the stains.
Step 2: Remove Loose Dirt
Before we get to the heavy-duty cleaning, you want to take a soft-bristle brush, preferably made from horsehair, and wipe away any loose dirt.
Failure to do this means you’ll be rubbing all the dirt and grit into your shoes later while you’re trying to clean, which can easily scratch your leather sneakers.
- Work the brush over the entire shoe, making sure to get into all the gaps and crevices.
Step 3: Sneaker Cleaner
Many brands sell cleaners specifically designed to work with your sneakers. This particular bottle comes with a built-in applicator sponge. You could also use a regular sponge or a sneaker brush.
- Take a white cloth and use it to dampen your shoes.
- Now, take the cleaner and gently scrub it over the entire sneaker.
- Any spots with tougher stains may require extra scrubbing to work it out.
- When you’re finished, wipe off the excess cleaner and let the shoes dry for 30 minutes.
This method is effective. But what if I told you you can get the same results with things you already have at home?
Step 4: Toothpaste
That’s right, gents—not only does toothpaste clean your teeth, it does wonders for your sneakers too.
- Take an old worn-out toothbrush (or if you like life on the wild side, your regular toothbrush) and a tube of plain white toothpaste.
- Avoid gels or pastes with color; you don’t want to risk creating new stains while trying to get rid of the old ones.
- Apply a generous glob of toothpaste to the brush and start scrubbing in small circular motions.
- The mild abrasives in the toothpaste will help lift and scrub away the stains.
- Work over the entire surface of the shoe, applying additional toothpaste as needed.
- Give extra attention to any tough stains or discoloration.
- Once you’re done, let the sneakers sit for 10 minutes, then wipe off all remaining toothpaste.
- If any stains remain, repeat the process.
Pro Tip: With any product you use, make sure to spot test it first. Apply a little bit to the tongue, where it will be hidden, so you can make sure it won’t discolor or damage your shoe.
The toothpaste method works amazingly on leather sneakers, but it may not cut it with tougher stains on canvas.
Step 5: Cleaning Sneaker Parts
- Uppers: Start off by hitting the uppers with a soft bristle brush. This is key for those more delicate materials like primeknit (Adidas Ultra Boost) or mesh. You don’t wanna go too hard here—keep it gentle, scrubbing in circular motions to cover the whole surface without messing up the fabric.
- Midsole: After the uppers are looking decent, grab the medium bristle brush and focus on the midsole. This area tends to soak up the most grime and can stay looking dingy even after you’ve scrubbed it down. The medium brush gives you more muscle without wrecking the shoe. After soft-brushing the Air Force One’s uppers, switch it up to the medium brush for the midsole. That’s where most of the dirt hides, so hit those stubborn spots hard.
- Outsole: Now for the real dirty work: the outsole. This part of the shoe takes the most beating, so you’ll need the stiff bristle brush to get into all the grooves and scrape off dirt, dust, and whatever else the streets throw at your kicks. If you’re dealing with Vans, especially with that thick rubber outsole, the stiff brush is your best friend. It’s gonna help you dig into those deep grooves and clear out all the caked-on grime.
Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble getting all the marks off the sneaker soles, use a magic eraser. It does a great job.
Step 6: Clean The Laces
While your kicks are drying or between brushing sessions, don’t sleep on the laces. These bad boys pick up just as much dirt. Dip them in your bowl of water mixed with cleaning solution, then rub the laces between your hands until they’re all soapy and looking fresh.
Once they’re clean, rinse them off well. You can either let them air dry, or, if you’re going all in, throw them in the laundry bag with your sneakers for a deeper clean.
Step 7: Conditioning Leather Sneakers
The cleaning process will strip away valuable moisture from your leather shoes, which can lead to cracks forming over time. It’s important to use a leather shoe conditioner to restore the lost moisture and keep the leather soft and supple.
- Apply the conditioner to a clean rag, then work it over the entire upper of the shoe.
- Wipe off any excess conditioner and let the shoe sit to dry for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Drying & Inspecting Your Sneakers
Once your sneakers are washed, let them air dry completely. Avoid using direct heat sources like a hair dryer, as this can warp the shape of the shoe or damage the material. After drying, inspect your shoes for any remaining stains.
For example, the Nike Air Force One may have tricky spots along the stitching where dirt likes to settle. Even after washing, these areas should be checked, and a touch-up with a soft brush or microfiber towel may be necessary.
Step 9: Repainting The White Sole
If your sneakers’ white soles have deep scuffs, discoloration, or stains that just won’t come out, you might want to consider repainting them.
- Ensure the sole is fully clean and dry.
- Use masking tape to protect the fabric or leather.
- Use thin layers of sneaker-specific paint. Let each coat dry for 30 minutes.
- Let the paint cure overnight before wearing.
Step 10: Protect Your Sneakers
There’s no sense in cleaning your white shoes just to get them dirty all over again. Keep them fresh longer by applying a protective shoe spray.
- Read the can to make sure it’s compatible with the material of your sneakers before applying.
- Apply two light coats of the spray a few minutes apart.
- Let it sit to dry for an hour.
- Once dry, re-lace your shoes, and you’re good to go.
The Results: Fresh, Clean Sneakers
Restoring your white sneakers doesn’t require any expensive tools or complicated techniques. Whether you’re working with leather, canvas, or rubber, the steps outlined above will leave your sneakers looking fresh and clean. By using common household products like toothpaste and laundry detergent alongside sneaker-specific cleaners and conditioners, you can breathe new life into your favorite pairs whether you’re rocking Nike Air Force 1s, Adidas Stan Smiths, Converse Chuck Taylors, Puma Suedes, Asics Gel-Lyte IIIs, Reebok Classic Leathers, or Vans Old Skools.
Remember, cleaning is just one part of sneaker care. Regularly protecting your shoes with a water-repellent spray and conditioning leather sneakers will ensure they stay looking great for years to come.
