How to make white tennis shoes white again

White tennis shoes are a classic and versatile choice for any outfit, but they can also get dirty and stained easily. If you want to keep your white shoes looking fresh and clean, you need to know how to properly care for them and remove any dirt or stains. In this blog post, we will share some tips and tricks on how to make white tennis shoes white again using simple household items and products.

Tip 1: Use a Damp Cloth and Micellar Water

One of the easiest ways to clean your white tennis shoes is to use a damp cloth and micellar water. Micellar water is a gentle cleansing product that contains tiny oil molecules called micelles that can attract and dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup. You can find micellar water in most drugstores or online.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Wipe off any loose dirt or dust from your shoes with a dry cloth or paper towel.
• Soak a clean cloth in micellar water and wring out the excess.
• Gently wipe the surface of your shoes with the cloth, paying attention to any stained or dirty areas.
• Repeat until your shoes are clean and let them air dry.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of canvas, fabric, or synthetic materials. It may not work well for white leather shoes, as micellar water can dry out the leather and cause cracking.

Tip 2: Scrub the Shoes with Dish Soap and Water

Another simple way to clean your white tennis shoes is to scrub them with dish soap and water. Dish soap is a mild detergent that can help remove grease, oil, and food stains from your shoes. You can use any dish soap that you have at home, but avoid using ones that contain bleach or colorants.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Remove the laces from your shoes and set them aside. You can wash them separately in the washing machine or by hand.
• Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Stir to create a sudsy solution.
• Dip a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush into the solution and scrub the surface of your shoes, focusing on any stained or dirty areas.
• Rinse the brush frequently and change the water if it gets too dirty.
• Rinse your shoes with clean water and let them air dry.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of canvas, fabric, synthetic materials, or white leather. However, if you have leather shoes, you should apply a leather conditioner after they are dry to prevent cracking and fading.

Tip 3: Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

If you have stubborn stains on your white tennis shoes, you may need to use a stronger cleaning agent such as hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that can help whiten your shoes, while baking soda is an abrasive that can help scrub away dirt and stains. You can find both ingredients in most grocery stores or online .

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl to form a paste.
• Apply the paste to the stained areas of your shoes using a brush or an old toothbrush.
• Let the paste sit for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how severe the stains are.
• Scrub the paste off with a damp cloth or rinse your shoes with water.
• Let your shoes air dry.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of canvas, fabric, or synthetic materials. It may not work well for white leather shoes, as hydrogen peroxide can damage the leather and cause discoloration.

Tip 4: Clean the Soles with Baking Soda and Vinegar

The soles of your white tennis shoes are often the dirtiest part of your shoes, as they come into contact with the ground and collect dirt, mud, grass, and other debris. To clean the soles of your shoes, you can use baking soda and vinegar, which are natural cleaners that can help dissolve dirt and stains. You can find both ingredients in most grocery stores or online .

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle some baking soda on the soles of your shoes.
• Pour some vinegar over the baking soda and watch it fizz.
• Use a brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the soles of your shoes with the baking soda and vinegar mixture.
• Rinse your shoes with water and let them air dry.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of any material, as it only affects the soles of your shoes.

Tip 5: Wash Your Shoes in the Washing Machine

If you want to save some time and effort, you can also wash your white tennis shoes in the washing machine. However, you should only do this occasionally, as frequent washing can damage your shoes and shorten their lifespan. You should also check the care label of your shoes before washing them, as some shoes may not be suitable for machine washing.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Remove the laces from your shoes and place them in a mesh laundry bag. You can also wash them separately by hand or in the washing machine.
• Put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase and tie the end. This will protect your shoes from getting banged around in the machine and prevent them from getting tangled with other clothes.
• Add some mild detergent to the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle with cold water. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as they can damage your shoes or leave residue.
• Once the cycle is done, take out your shoes and let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as the heat can warp or shrink your shoes.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of canvas, fabric, or synthetic materials. It may not work well for white leather shoes, as they can get damaged by water and detergent.

Tip 6: Use a Magic Eraser

A magic eraser is a special sponge that can remove dirt, stains, and scuffs from various surfaces, including your white tennis shoes. You can find magic erasers in most grocery stores or online.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Wet the magic eraser with water and squeeze out the excess.
• Gently rub the magic eraser over the dirty or stained areas of your shoes.
• Rinse the magic eraser frequently and change it if it gets too dirty.
• Wipe your shoes with a clean cloth or paper towel and let them air dry.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of any material, as it only affects the surface of your shoes.

Tip 7: Use Toothpaste

Toothpaste is another household item that can help you clean your white tennis shoes. Toothpaste contains abrasives that can help scrub away dirt and stains from your shoes, as well as whitening agents that can help brighten your shoes. You can use any toothpaste that you have at home, but avoid using ones that contain gel, colorants, or whitening strips.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stained areas of your shoes using a brush or an old toothbrush.
• Let the toothpaste sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Scrub the toothpaste off with a damp cloth or rinse your shoes with water.
• Let your shoes air dry.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of canvas, fabric, synthetic materials, or white leather. However, if you have leather shoes, you should apply a leather conditioner after they are dry to prevent cracking and fading.

Tip 8: Use Bleach

Bleach is a powerful chemical that can help whiten your white tennis shoes, but it can also damage your shoes if used incorrectly. Bleach can cause discoloration, fading, or weakening of the material of your shoes. Therefore, you should only use bleach as a last resort and with caution.

To use this method, follow these steps:

• Mix one part bleach and five parts water in a bucket or sink. Stir well to dilute the bleach.
• Soak your shoes in the bleach solution for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not leave them longer than that, as they can get damaged by the bleach.
• Rinse your shoes with water and let them air dry.
• Apply a leather conditioner if you have leather shoes to prevent cracking and fading.

This method is suitable for white shoes made of any material, but it should be used sparingly and carefully.

Tip 9: Prevent Your Shoes from Getting Dirty

The best way to keep your white tennis shoes white is to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Avoid wearing your white shoes on rainy or muddy days, as they can get stained by water or dirt.
• Store your white shoes in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, as they can get yellowed by heat or UV rays.
• Use shoe protectors or sprays that can repel water and dirt from your shoes. You can find these products in most shoe stores or online.
• Clean your white shoes regularly using any of the methods mentioned above to keep them fresh and clean.

By following these tips, you can make sure that your white tennis shoes stay white for a long time.

White tennis shoes are a great addition to any wardrobe, but they can also get dirty and stained easily. To make them white again, you can use various household items and products such as micellar water,

FAQ

How often should I clean my white tennis shoes?

There is no definitive answer to how often you should clean your white tennis shoes, as it depends on how often you wear them and how dirty they get. However, a general rule of thumb is to clean them at least once a month or whenever they start to look dirty or stained. Cleaning your white shoes regularly can help prevent dirt and stains from setting in and make them easier to clean.

Can I use bleach on white leather shoes?

Bleach is a powerful chemical that can help whiten your white tennis shoes, but it can also damage your shoes if used incorrectly. Bleach can cause discoloration, fading, or weakening of the material of your shoes. Therefore, you should only use bleach as a last resort and with caution. If you have white leather shoes, you should avoid using bleach altogether, as it can damage the leather and cause cracking and fading. Instead, you should use a leather cleaner or conditioner that is specially designed for white leather shoes.

What are the best products to use to clean white tennis shoes?

There are many products that you can use to clean your white tennis shoes, but some of the best ones are:

• Micellar water: This is a gentle cleansing product that contains tiny oil molecules called micelles that can attract and dissolve dirt, oil, and makeup. You can find micellar water in most drugstores or online.
• Dish soap: This is a mild detergent that can help remove grease, oil, and food stains from your shoes. You can use any dish soap that you have at home, but avoid using ones that contain bleach or colorants.
• Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda: These are natural bleaching agents that can help whiten your shoes and remove stubborn stains. You can find both ingredients in most grocery stores or online.
• Baking soda and vinegar: These are natural cleaners that can help dissolve dirt and stains from the soles of your shoes. You can find both ingredients in most grocery stores or online.
• Magic eraser: This is a special sponge that can remove dirt, stains, and scuffs from various surfaces, including your white tennis shoes. You can find magic erasers in most grocery stores or online.
• Toothpaste: This is a household item that can help scrub away dirt and stains from your shoes, as well as whiten them. You can use any toothpaste that you have at home, but avoid using ones that contain gel, colorants, or whitening strips.

How do I dry my white tennis shoes after washing them?

The best way to dry your white tennis shoes after washing them is to let them air dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as the heat can warp or shrink your shoes. To speed up the drying process, you can:

• Stuff your shoes with paper towels or newspaper to absorb the moisture and help them keep their shape.
• Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or humidity.
• Turn on a fan or a dehumidifier to circulate the air and reduce the moisture level.
• Flip your shoes over every few hours to ensure even drying.

How do I prevent my white tennis shoes from getting yellowed?

White tennis shoes can get yellowed over time due to exposure to heat, UV rays, oxidation, or dirt. To prevent your white tennis shoes from getting yellowed, you can:

• Avoid wearing your white shoes on hot or sunny days, as they can get faded by the heat or UV rays.
• Store your white shoes in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can get yellowed by the heat or oxidation.
• Use shoe protectors or sprays that can repel water and dirt from your shoes and prevent them from getting stained. You can find these products in most shoe stores or online.
• Clean your white shoes regularly using any of the methods mentioned above to keep them fresh and clean.

How do I remove scuff marks from my white tennis shoes?

Scuff marks are marks that are caused by rubbing or scraping your shoes against hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or metal. To remove scuff marks from your white tennis shoes, you can:

• Use a magic eraser to gently rub the scuff marks off. You can find magic erasers in most grocery stores or online.
• Use toothpaste to scrub the scuff marks off with a brush or an old toothbrush. You can use any toothpaste that you have at home, but avoid using ones that contain gel, colorants, or whitening strips.
• Use nail polish remover to dab the scuff marks off with a cotton ball or a paper towel. Be careful not to use too much nail polish remover, as it can damage the material of your shoes.

How do I remove gum from my white tennis shoes?

Gum is one of the most annoying things that can get stuck on your white tennis shoes, as it can be hard to remove and leave a sticky residue. To remove gum from your white tennis shoes, you can:

• Freeze the gum by putting your shoes in a plastic bag and placing them in the freezer for a few hours. The gum will harden and become easier to peel off.
• Heat the gum by using a hair dryer or a heat gun to melt the gum and make it softer. Then, use a butter knife or a credit card to scrape the gum off.
• Dissolve the gum by using an oil-based product such as peanut butter, cooking oil, or WD-40 to break down the gum and make it less sticky. Then, use a cloth or a paper towel to wipe the gum off.

How do I remove ink stains from my white tennis shoes?

Ink stains are one of the most difficult stains to remove from your white tennis shoes, as they can penetrate deep into the fabric and leave a permanent mark. To remove ink stains from your white tennis shoes, you can:

• Use rubbing alcohol to blot the ink stain with a cotton ball or a paper towel. Rubbing alcohol can help dissolve the ink and lift it out of the fabric.
• Use hairspray to spray the ink stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Hairspray can help break down the ink and make it easier to wash off.
• Use lemon juice to squeeze some lemon juice over the ink stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Lemon juice can help bleach the ink and lighten the stain.

How do I remove grass stains from my white tennis shoes?

Grass stains are one of the most common stains that you can get on your white tennis shoes, especially if you play sports or walk on grassy areas. To remove grass stains from your white tennis shoes, you can:

• Use vinegar to soak the grass stain with some white vinegar and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Vinegar can help loosen the grass pigment and make it easier to wash off.
• Use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to mix some hydrogen peroxide and baking soda in a small bowl to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grass stain and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can help whiten your shoes and remove stubborn stains.
• Use dish soap and water to scrub the grass stain with some dish soap and water using a brush or an old toothbrush. Dish soap can help remove grease, oil, and food stains from your shoes.

How do I remove blood stains from my white tennis shoes?

Blood stains are one of the most unpleasant stains that you can get on your white tennis shoes, as they can be hard to remove and leave a reddish-brown mark. To remove blood stains from your white tennis shoes, you can:

• Use cold water to rinse the blood stain with cold water as soon as possible. Cold water can help prevent the blood from setting in and make it easier to wash off.
• Use salt to sprinkle some salt over the blood stain and rub it gently with your fingers. Salt can help absorb the blood and draw it out of the fabric.
• Use hydrogen peroxide to dab some hydrogen peroxide over the blood stain with a cotton ball or a paper towel. Hydrogen peroxide can help bleach the blood and lighten the stain.