How to make sure your white sneakers stay white

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Spring is springing, and for many people that means putting away winter boots in favor of warm-weather classic white sneakers. But the emergence of those beloved white kicks also brings the question: How do you keep them looking bright white?

Plenty of companies make and market sneaker-cleaning products, touting them as the miracle you didn’t know you needed. And while some of those products are quite good, the boring truth is that there are loads of good ways to clean sneakers, and no single method or product is better than any of the others.

So, while a cleaning kit or the newest must-have product on TikTok can be fun, you probably already have stuff around the house – like dish soap and an old toothbrush – that works just as well. Here’s a guide to those specialty products, and step-by-step instructions on how to keep your white shoes looking their best.

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Cleaning products

Sorting through the many sneaker-cleaning products can be confusing. We’ve broken down some of the most common ones, including how they work and whether they’re worth buying.

– Eraser sponges

Have you seen those cute little orange-and-white sneaker erasers that are all over social media? The clever packaging on SneakERASERS belies the fact that they are just gussied-up eraser sponges, no different from the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, the Scrub Daddy Eraser Daddy or any of the generic versions available. Regardless of the brand, eraser sponges work well to remove dirt and scuff marks from sneakers, especially the rubber midsole.

– White art eraser

White gum erasers are most at home in art supply stores, but they also can be used to safely remove scuffs and dirt from temperamental suede sneakers, which can be tricky to clean.

– Sneaker wipes

These premoistened wipes are the wet naps of the shoe-cleaning world. Use them to wipe dirt and grime off your sneakers. Sneaker wipes often come individually wrapped, making them convenient for stashing in a gym bag, desk drawer or travel toiletries kit. But less expensive baby or gentle-cleaning wipes work just as well.

– Shoe whitener

Shoe whiteners, essentially white shoe polish with a quick-use foam applicator, are often marketed specifically for use on athletic gear (think golf shoes, cleats or ice skates), but they can be used on any type of white-leather or imitation-leather shoe.

– Sneaker-cleaning kits

These kits typically include a gentle cleaning agent, a shoe brush and a soft cloth. Some may also come with a protective spray, quick-cleaning wipes and other nice-to-have items. Kits are by no means essential – mild dish soap and an old toothbrush work just as well – but they can be convenient, and they make great gifts for sneakerheads.

– New laces

Shoelaces can be washed, but they never come out looking quite as new as you might like. A new pair of laces is an inexpensive investment with a big payoff. You might even consider stepping (heh) into a set of fancy laces to lend some flair to a pair of plain white kicks.

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Toss them in the washing machine

For deeper cleaning of your sneakers, the washing machine is the easiest and most effective choice. While this method works best with canvas or mesh sneakers, many leather ones can be safely machine-washed, too. Most suede sneakers should not be laundered in the machine – check the care tag before cleaning any type of sneaker (the symbol for “Do Not Wash” is a basin with an X over it.)

It’s important to note, however, that you can’t just toss sneakers in the machine; they need to be laundered a specific way, and there are some things they very much do not like! Here’s what to know:

– Before laundering, remove the laces, place them in a protective mesh bag, then wash them in the same load with your sneakers.

– If the laces are especially dirty, presoak them in liquid laundry detergent and/or oxygen bleach to restore their bright white appearance.

– Take out removable insoles and wash them separately in a mesh bag.

– If the shoes are heavily soiled, bang them together or use a soft brush or rag to dislodge dirt before washing.

– Pretreat sneakers with an enzyme-based stain remover before laundering, especially if the shoes are visibly dirty. Avoid using chlorine bleach, which can cause yellowing and weaken rubber.

– Do not wash sneakers with delicate garments, and bear in mind that they are considered “heavily soiled” items when washing other belongings with them.

– Do wash them with towels, blankets or other bulky items to provide padding and protect them from banging against the washer drum. (Pet bedding and cleaning rags also work.)

– Use the right amount of detergent; residue from excess soap can leave shoes looking dingy or yellowed.

– While heavily soiled items typically call for the heavy-duty setting and hot water, sneakers are an exception. Wash them with cold water in the gentle cycle, which uses a slower wash and spin speed, reducing agitation and potential for damage.

– Always air-dry sneakers to avoid the risk of damage from heat and agitation.

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How to detail sneakers

Dedicated sneakerheads, or those with expensive, sentimental or non-launderable shoes, may want to take their cleaning routine a step further. That’s where hand-detailing comes in. Here’s how to do it.

– Step 1: Remove the laces

Removing the laces will allow you to clean the entire shoe – especially the area around the eyeholes and on the tongue, where dirt and grime get trapped.

– Step 2: Dry-brush

Use a soft brush or a microfiber cloth to dislodge dirt from the entire shoe. Don’t skip this step; removing dirt prevents it from being flooded and turning to mud when liquid cleaner is applied.

– Step 3: Clean the uppers

Use a mild soap and a soft cloth or brush to work cleaner into the upper, creating a lather. Sneaker cleaner works but isn’t necessary. Diluted dish soap or foaming hand soap make excellent sneaker cleaners.

(For mesh sneakers, insert a small towel into the shoe and apply gentle upward pressure while cleaning. As you scrub, the towel will absorb dirt trapped in the mesh.)

– Step 4: Clean the midsoles

Add cleaner to your brush or cloth – after rinsing with clean water if necessary – and scrub the midsoles. Use an eraser sponge for stubborn marks.

– Step 5: Rinse and dry

Rinse the shoe well – residue from cleaning agents can darken over time, leaving an unsightly stain – either by holding the sneaker under cool running water or by wiping the shoe clean with a soft, damp cloth. Then allow the sneakers to air-dry. To speed up drying time, place a balled-up towel in the shoe’s toe box and, if the design allows for it, flip the tongue over the toe to allow air to better circulate. Placing shoes near a fan, dehumidifier or open window can also help.

– Step 6: Re-lace the shoe

Once the sneakers are completely dry, re-lace them with your freshly washed laces or a new pair.