White shoes are timeless. They go with almost anything, from casual jeans to summer dresses, and instantly elevate your outfit.
But they come with a major downside: they get dirty quickly. One muddy step, a splash of coffee, or just everyday wear can leave them looking dingy and worn.
Cleaning white shoes might seem intimidating, especially if you’ve tried tossing them in the washing machine only to have them come out looking just as grimy—or worse, slightly yellowed.
Reddit users on r/CleaningTips have shared a mix of practical methods, preventive care strategies, and even humorous “solutions” that are more for laughs than actual cleaning.
This guide compiles all of that feedback into one comprehensive post. You’ll learn how to clean different types of white shoes, the best DIY methods, commercial products that really work, and tips to keep them looking fresh for longer.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Your Shoes
- General Cleaning Basics
- OxiClean Soaks for Deep Cleaning
- DIY Paste Methods: Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
- Commercial Products & Tools
- Hydrogen Peroxide & Sunlight
- Preventive Care for White Shoes
- Common Mistakes & Cautions
- Drying & Maintenance
- 11. Brand-Specific Tips
- Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine (Summary)
- Final Thoughts
Understanding Your Shoes
Before you start scrubbing and soaking, it’s important to understand the type of material you’re working with. Cleaning methods vary depending on whether your shoes are canvas, fabric, leather, suede, or synthetic materials.
Canvas or Fabric Shoes:
- Examples: Converse, Keds, thick cotton sneakers.
- Most forgiving; can handle gentle hand washing, mild detergents, and OxiClean soaks.
- Reddit user recommends soaking canvas shoes in hot water with OxiClean, followed by gentle scrubbing with a soft sponge.
Leather or Synthetic Leather Shoes:
- Clean carefully to avoid cracking or discoloration.
- Use mild soap, water, or specialized leather cleaners. Avoid harsh detergents.
Suede Shoes:
- Suede requires extra care. Avoid soaking or excessive water.
- Use a suede brush, white erasers, or commercial suede cleaners.
Takeaway: Always identify your shoe material before starting to clean to prevent damage.
General Cleaning Basics
For most shoes, a simple cleaning routine can go a long way. Several Reddit users recommend a combination of hand washing, mild detergent, and gentle scrubbing.
Step-by-Step General Cleaning:
- Remove laces and insoles (if possible). You can soak laces separately in a mild detergent solution.
- Brush off dirt using a soft brush or old toothbrush. Remove excess mud or debris.
- Prepare a cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of liquid detergent with warm water.
- Spot clean or soak: Use a sponge or cloth to scrub shoes gently. For canvas shoes, you can soak them in a bucket of detergent solution for 15–30 minutes.
- Rinse carefully: Remove soap residue with cold water.
- Air dry: Stuff shoes with paper towels or cardboard to maintain shape and allow them to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Tips from Reddit:
- Avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage fabric.
- Use a microfiber cloth for delicate spots.
OxiClean Soaks for Deep Cleaning
OxiClean is a favorite among Redditors for restoring white shoes. It’s especially effective for canvas and cloth shoes stained with dirt, coffee, or sweat.
Method:
- Mix hot water with OxiClean according to package directions (or for an extra-strength soak, some users suggest 1 scoop per bucket of water).
- Submerge shoes completely and let them soak for several hours or overnight.
- Optional: Pre-treat stubborn stains by making a paste with OxiClean and a few drops of Dawn dish soap; scrub lightly with an old toothbrush. (aelel)
- Rinse thoroughly and allow shoes to air dry, stuffed with paper towels to maintain shape.
Pro Tips:
- Let shoes dry in sunlight to enhance whitening.
- Avoid leaving shoes soaking too long if they’re delicate.
Why it works: OxiClean’s oxygen-based cleaning agent breaks down dirt and stains without harsh chemicals like bleach.
DIY Paste Methods: Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide
If you prefer a homemade approach, several Reddit users swear by a simple paste made from baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and water.
How to Make and Use the Paste:
- Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, ½ tablespoon water, and ½ tablespoon hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to shoes with an old toothbrush, covering stains and yellowed areas.
- Leave shoes in the sun for 5–6 hours.
- Remove dried paste by tapping shoes together, then wipe off remaining residue with a towel.
Why it works:
- Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach, brightening whites.
- Baking soda lifts dirt and absorbs odors.
Tips:
- Test on a small area first, especially for delicate fabrics or brand-specific shoes (e.g., Xeros).
- Use this method for stubborn stains that detergent alone can’t remove.
Commercial Products & Tools
If DIY isn’t your style, several products can save your shoes with minimal effort.
Reshoevn8r Kit:
- Includes cleaning solution and brushes designed for sneakers.
- Users report excellent results, even on tough stains.
- Works well in combination with a washing machine in individual shoe bags.
Magic Erasers / Mr. Clean:
- Effective on rubber soles and minor scuffs.
- Users praise them for quick fixes.
Dawn Powerwash:
- Can be applied with a microfiber cloth or toothbrush for spot treatment.
- Useful for removing stubborn marks on fabric and synthetic shoes.
Key Takeaway:
- Commercial products can complement DIY methods or act as a primary solution for delicate or expensive shoes.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Sunlight
Several Redditors recommend using hydrogen peroxide with sun exposure for whitening shoes.
Method:
- Mix hydrogen peroxide with water or baking soda to create a whitening solution.
- Apply to stained areas or overall shoe surface.
- Let shoes sit in the sun for several hours.
Benefits:
- Sunlight enhances the whitening effect.
- Hydrogen peroxide safely brightens shoes without harsh bleach.
Cautions:
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure on delicate materials (like leather) to prevent cracking.
- Use small amounts for spot treatments to prevent discoloration.
Preventive Care for White Shoes
Cleaning is easier when you take steps to prevent stains in the first place.
Reddit tips include:
- Spray shoes with Scotchgard or fabric protector before wearing them for the first time.
- Avoid wet or muddy conditions whenever possible.
- Air shoes after wearing to prevent sweat or dirt buildup.
- Store properly with shoe trees or stuffed paper to maintain shape.
Pro Tip: Prevention is better than cure. A few minutes of protective care can extend the life of your shoes dramatically.
Common Mistakes & Cautions
Cleaning white shoes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s what Reddit users warn against:
- Using bleach on delicate fabrics: Can weaken fibers or cause yellowing.
- Not testing products first: Especially for brand-specific shoes like Xeros.
- Over-soaking: Can deform shoes or make them stiff.
- Improper drying: Avoid dryers; air dry shoes stuffed with paper to prevent yellowing.
Drying & Maintenance
How you dry shoes is just as important as cleaning them.
Steps for Proper Drying:
- Remove excess water by gently patting with a towel.
- Stuff shoes with paper towels or cardboard to maintain shape.
- Place in a ventilated area, ideally under indirect sunlight.
- Avoid direct heat or dryers that can warp shoes or yellow fabric.
Additional Tips:
- Rotate shoes to allow even drying.
- For stubborn stains, repeat spot treatments after drying.
11. Brand-Specific Tips
Some shoes need extra care:
- Xeros / high-end espadrilles: Spot test before washing; hand wash gently.
- Keds / canvas sneakers: OxiClean soaks work well; air dry stuffed to retain shape.
- Leather or suede shoes: Avoid water soaking; use specialized cleaners.
Pro Tip: Always read care instructions from the manufacturer when available.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine (Summary)
For those who like a concise routine:
- Remove laces and insoles.
- Brush off dirt.
- Pre-treat stains with OxiClean or baking soda paste.
- Soak if necessary (canvas/fabric shoes).
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry with paper towels inside shoes in a ventilated area.
- Apply fabric protector after fully dry for long-term protection.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning white shoes can feel overwhelming, but with the right methods and a little patience, your shoes can look fresh again. From simple detergent rinses to OxiClean soaks, homemade pastes, or commercial cleaning kits, there’s a solution for every type of shoe and level of dirt.
Preventive care—like fabric protectors, careful wear, and proper drying—keeps them looking pristine longer. And if all else fails, at least Reddit gave us some hilarious “solutions” to keep us entertained.
Your white shoes are worth the effort. With these tips, you’ll be stepping out in style and keeping them sparkling clean for months to come.
Emma Vanderlyn is a home enthusiast with a passion for all things natural and eco-friendly. With years of experience experimenting with DIY solutions, she’s dedicated to creating safe, effective, and budget-friendly cleaning recipes that are kind to both your home and the planet. Emma believes that a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of harsh chemicals, and her easy-to-follow guides make natural cleaning accessible to everyone.
When she’s not whipping up a new cleaner in her kitchen, Emma can be found researching the latest in green living or transforming her space with mindful, stylish decor ideas. She’s here to share her love of natural living and help you create a home that shines—naturally.
