White cloth sneakers are classic and versatile. Almost everyone has a pair. They work for both casual and formal occasions. white cloth sneakers go with most colors and styles. However, white cloth sneakers have one major drawback: they get dirty easily. Shoes are harder to clean than clothes. This is especially true when the uppers are uneven. It makes the cleaning process more difficult. Today, I’ll introduce some general and efficient methods for cleaning white shoes.
1. Why White Shoes Get Dirty Easily
Before we get into cleaning, let’s first look at why white shoes get dirty so easily.
White reflects light, which means any stains, dust, or grease become highly visible. Even just a little dust can make white shoes look dirty. Most white shoes are made of canvas, leather, or synthetic materials. These materials attract dirt easily. Over time, even minor stains or water damage can become difficult to remove.
The oxidizing reaction of white shoes is particularly striking. After wearing them for a while, the soles and uppers can oxidize. This causes discoloration, especially in humid or sun-filled environments. The uppers are particularly prone to yellowing.
Shoes have tiny textures on their surface. Dust gets trapped in these, making it hard to clean. When cleaning, avoid strong chemicals or rough tools. They can cause yellowing, fading, or damage to the material.
2. How to Clean White Sneakers
Now, let’s go through a coherent cleaning process to get your white shoes back to looking fresh.
Start by gathering your cleaning supplies. You’ll need a soft brush (like an old toothbrush), warm water, soap or detergent, baking soda, white vinegar, a cloth, and an eraser.
Start by using the soft brush or a clean cloth to gently remove any dust and impurities on the surface of the shoes. Some dirt might be embedded in the texture, so it won’t come off easily. In this case, add laundry detergent or soap to warm water to create soapy water. Dip the soft-bristle brush in soapy water. Gently scrub the shoes, focusing on the areas with heavy stains.
The soap’s surfactants lower water tension. This lets the water sink into the shoe’s fibers and surface. It makes cleaning and removing stains easier.
However, stubborn stains may require a stronger solution. For this, mix baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio to form a paste. Apply it to the stained areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, gently scrub with the brush. Baking soda’s mild alkalinity neutralizes acidic stains. It does this without harming the shoe’s surface. Its granular texture also acts as a mild scrubber. Baking soda reacts with the yellowing on the shoes. It helps restore their original white color over time.
Rinse the shoes thoroughly with water to remove any cleaner and dirt, then let them dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as this could cause the shoes to yellow again.
3. Targeted Methods for Special Parts
There are specific methods for cleaning certain areas of the shoes:
Shoe Sole Stains
For dried black stains on the shoe soles, gently rub them with an eraser. You can also scrub with a toothbrush and soapy water. The baking soda method also works for stubborn stains on the soles. You can mix detergent and baking soda into a paste, apply it to the stains, leave it for a while, then scrub it.
Tongue and Laces
Light stains on the shoe tongue can be wiped with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use soapy water and gently scrub. Be careful not to immerse the tongue in water for too long. Take the shoelaces off. Soak them in warm water with laundry detergent for 10-15 minutes. After soaking, gently rub to clean.
Shoe Linings and Insoles
For stains on the shoe linings, wipe them with a damp cloth, but avoid soaking them. For tough stains, use a shoe cleaning spray and wipe with a clean cloth. To clean the insoles, soak them in soapy water, gently scrub them, rinse with water, and let them air dry.
White cloth sneakers are popular for their classic style and versatility. However, they get dirty easily. White reflects light, making any stains, dust, or grease highly visible. Materials like canvas, leather, and synthetics attract dirt. Over time, shoes may discolor from oxidation. To clean white cloth sneakers, use a soft brush and warm water. Add detergent or soap and baking soda to remove stains. For tough stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub. After cleaning, rinse with water and avoid direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.