By: Amanda Sanders
Caring for white shoes requires special attention as dirt and stains are unavoidable and is easily visible on a white surface. Fortunately, there are many ways to bring a dirty pair of white shoes back to life and to its original color. Amanda Sanders, Celebrity Stylist, Fashion Consultant, and Lifestyle Expert at AmandaSanders.com, shares her top tips on how to best remove stains for different types of white shoes and get them to look good as new.
- Acknowledge that white shoes will eventually turn yellow. You can’t prevent sneakers from turning white to yellow because that naturally happens over time. However, there are ways to prevent debris from sticking which can add to the color change.
- Be cautious about throwing shoes into the washing machine. I don’t recommend using the washing machine for shoes because it can warp and damage some of the shoes. When it comes to suede and leather white shoes, these materials can be completely damaged from the rinse cycle. Also, the heat from the washer can damage the glue that holds the soles together. It is better to air dry shoes by gathering newspapers, crinkling them, and inserting them into the shoe. Make sure to take out the laces and soles and let them sit overnight.
- Use cleaning products that’s suited to the material of the shoe. To clean white leather, you can use a Mr. Clean sponge and neutral leather cream. Fun fact, leather sneakers can be air brushed white after a good professional cleaning! If you want to clean canvas and athletic shoes at home, dry brush it with a toothbrush to get rid of as much dirt and debris as you can. Then, mix warm water with a bit of laundry detergent like Arm & Hammer Odor Blasters and submerge the whole shoe in a bucket. Use the brush to scrub the mixture into stains, rinse off all residue, and air dry completely.
- Opt for a laundry service for convenience. I love using a service like “Cobbler Concierge” as they will pick up and drop off your sneakers, looking new and fresh!
