How to Clean White Sneakers in 7 Easy Steps (& Make Them Look Brand New)

White sneakers go with everything, but they also show everything. From dusty sidewalks to rainy-day mishaps, it doesn’t take long before those crisp white kicks look more beige than bright. Luckily, with the right cleaning routine, you can restore your white shoes to near-pristine condition—whether they’re canvas, leather, or mesh.

Follow these 7 simple steps to bring your white sneakers back to life, plus discover how a fresh pair of Loop Queen shoelaces can give them a just-out-of-the-box vibe.

Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt and Prep Your Sneakers

Before you dive into the actual cleaning process, start by clearing off the surface grime. You’ll want to:

• Take out the shoelaces. Wash them separately or replace them with some new Loop Queen laces for a budget-friendly refresh.
• Tap your shoes together outside to dislodge excess dirt.
• Use a dry shoe brush (or an old toothbrush) to scrub away loose debris.
• Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust.
• Insert shoe trees or paper towels to help them keep their shape.

Pro Tip: If your sneakers are made from soft materials like canvas or mesh, brushing gently will protect the fabric.

Step 2: Hand-Wash or Replace White Shoelaces

White shoelaces can be surprisingly tough to clean. Here’s how to treat them right:

• Soak the laces in a mix of warm water and mild laundry detergent.
• Let them sit for 15–20 minutes.
• Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove grime.
• Rinse in cold water, then air dry flat.

Or skip the hassle entirely and swap in a fresh pair of Loop Queen white shoelaces to instantly elevate your sneakers.

Step 3: Clean White Canvas Shoes with Baking Soda & Vinegar

Canvas shoes are durable but quick to discolor. This natural cleaning paste works wonders:

• Mix 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1 tbsp warm water.
• Use a toothbrush to apply the paste to your sneakers.
• Scrub in small circular motions, focusing on tough stains.
• Let it dry for 10–15 minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

For extremely dirty white sneakers, repeat the process or follow with a machine wash (see Step 6).

Step 4: Gently Clean White Leather Shoes

Leather shoes require a gentler approach to prevent cracking and water damage:

• Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
• Dip a soft cloth or damp towel into the soapy water.
• Wipe gently, avoiding over-saturation.
• For scuff marks, a magic eraser or eraser sponge works well.
• Let shoes air dry completely, away from direct sunlight.

According to Good Housekeeping, too much moisture is one of the most common mistakes when cleaning leather shoes.

Step 5: Mesh or Knit? Clean Fabric Shoes with Care

Mesh sneakers are lightweight and breathable but can stain quickly. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Mix mild laundry detergent with warm water.
• Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub gently.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, which can cause yellowing.
• Rinse with a damp towel to remove soap.
• Let air dry, using shoe trees if needed to maintain shape.

For white mesh shoes, drying them upside-down in a well-ventilated room helps avoid yellowing.

Step 6: Machine Wash Canvas Sneakers (Optional)

If your white canvas shoes are extremely dirty, machine washing can help—just be careful:

• Remove laces and insoles.
• Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use cold water and mild detergent.
• Wash on a gentle cycle.
• Air dry completely—never use the dryer.

The Nike cleaning guide recommends hand-cleaning for most sneakers, but allows machine washing in some cases for canvas styles.

Step 7: Remove Stubborn Stains with Hydrogen Peroxide

Still seeing stains? Time for reinforcements:

• Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and warm water into a paste.
• Apply it to stubborn stains using an old toothbrush.
• Let sit for 15–20 minutes.
• Wipe with a damp cloth, then let air dry.

Hydrogen peroxide is especially effective on deep-set grime, just be sure not to use too much on delicate fabrics.

5 Bonus Tips to Keep Your White Sneakers Clean Longer

1. Apply a water repellent spray after cleaning to protect from future stains.
2. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach solutions that can weaken fabrics.
3. Use a shoe tree when drying to keep their shape intact.
4. Store your sneakers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
5. Swap out old laces for Loop Queen glitter, leather, or rhinestone shoelaces to refresh your look without replacing the whole shoe.

Step Into Clean White Sneakers (That Still Look Cool)

White sneakers are more than a trend—they’re a wardrobe essential. But regular wear means they need regular care. Whether you’re scrubbing canvas shoes with baking soda or treating white leather shoes with a soft cloth and dish soap, consistency is key.

Invest in a few quality tools, follow these steps, and refresh your laces with a little help from Loop Queen. It’s an affordable way to keep your shoes looking new, bright, and very Instagram-worthy.

And if you’re ever in doubt, bookmark this guide—your sneakers will thank you.