How to wash white tennis shoes

White tennis shoes are a classic and versatile footwear choice, but they can also get dirty easily. Whether you have white canvas shoes, leather shoes, or synthetic shoes, you need to know how to clean them properly to keep them looking fresh and bright. In this blog post, we will show you how to wash white tennis shoes in nine simple steps, using common household items and some tips and tricks. Follow this guide and learn how to clean white shoes like a pro!

Step 1: Remove the Shoelaces

The first step to wash white tennis shoes is to remove the shoelaces. This will make it easier to clean the shoes and the laces separately. You can either wash the laces by hand or in a washing machine, depending on how dirty they are. If you wash them in a washing machine, put them in a mesh bag or a pillowcase to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged. You can also replace the laces with new ones if they are too worn out or stained.

Step 2: Brush Off the Dirt

Before you wet your shoes, you should brush off any loose dirt or dust from the surface. You can use a soft-bristled brush, an old toothbrush, or a dry cloth to gently scrub the shoes. This will prevent the dirt from getting embedded into the fabric or leather when you wash them. Pay special attention to the crevices and edges of the shoes, where dirt tends to accumulate.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Solution

The next step is to make a cleaning solution for your white tennis shoes. You can use different ingredients depending on the type of material your shoes are made of. For example, you can use:

• Baking soda and white vinegar: This is a natural and effective way to clean white canvas shoes or synthetic shoes. Mix one part baking soda with two parts white vinegar in a small bowl until it forms a paste. You can also add some lemon juice for extra whitening power.
• Soapy water: This is a simple and gentle way to clean white leather shoes or synthetic shoes. Mix some mild dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water in a bucket or a sink.
• Bleach solution: This is a powerful way to clean white canvas shoes or synthetic shoes, but you should use it with caution. Mix one part bleach with five parts water in a bucket or a sink. Never use bleach on leather shoes, as it can damage them.

Step 4: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Once you have your cleaning solution ready, it’s time to apply it to your white tennis shoes. You can use a sponge, a cloth, or an old toothbrush to gently scrub the shoes with the solution. Make sure to cover all parts of the shoe, including the tongue, the heel, and the sole. You can also use a cotton swab to reach the hard-to-clean areas.

Step 5: Rinse the Shoes

After you have scrubbed your shoes with the cleaning solution, you need to rinse them thoroughly with clean water. You can either run them under a faucet or use a damp cloth to wipe off the solution. Make sure to remove all traces of soap, bleach, or baking soda from the shoes, as they can leave stains or residues if left on.

Step 6: Dry the Shoes

The next step is to dry your white tennis shoes. You should never put them in a dryer, as this can cause them to shrink, warp, or crack. Instead, you should let them air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. You can stuff some paper towels or newspaper inside the shoes to help them keep their shape and absorb excess water. You can also use a hair dryer on low heat to speed up the drying process.

Step 7: Use a Magic Eraser

If your white tennis shoes still have some stubborn stains or marks after washing and drying them, you can use a magic eraser to remove them. A magic eraser is a sponge-like product that can erase dirt and scuffs from various surfaces with just water. You can find it in most grocery stores or online. To use it, simply wet it slightly and rub it gently over the stained areas until they disappear.

Step 8: Whiten the Shoelaces

While your shoes are drying, you can also whiten your shoelaces if they are still dirty. You can use the same cleaning solutions that you used for your shoes, or you can try some other methods such as:

• Boiling: Boil some water in a pot and add some lemon juice or baking soda. Put your shoelaces in the pot and let them simmer for about 15 minutes. Then rinse them with cold water and hang them to dry.
• Bleaching: Soak your shoelaces in a bleach solution for about 10 minutes. Then rinse them with cold water and hang them to dry. Be careful not to get bleach on your skin or clothes, as it can cause irritation or damage.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Soak your shoelaces in a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and two parts water for about 30 minutes. Then rinse them with cold water and hang them to dry.

Step 9: Re-lace the Shoes

The final step is to re-lace your white tennis shoes with your clean and white shoelaces. You can either use the same lacing pattern that you had before, or you can try some different ways to lace your shoes for a new look. You can find some cool and creative lacing ideas online or in this video.

Congratulations, you have successfully learned how to wash white tennis shoes! Now you can enjoy wearing your clean and white sneakers with confidence and style!

FAQ

How often should I wash my white tennis shoes?

There is no definitive answer to how often you should wash your white tennis shoes, as it depends on how dirty they get and how often you wear them. However, a general rule of thumb is to wash them once every two weeks or whenever they start to look dull or stained. You can also spot clean them with a damp cloth or a magic eraser in between washes to keep them fresh and bright.

Can I wash my white tennis shoes in a washing machine?

You can wash your white tennis shoes in a washing machine, but you should do it with caution and care. Washing machines can be harsh on your shoes and cause them to lose their shape, color, or durability. If you decide to wash your shoes in a washing machine, you should follow these tips:

• Remove the shoelaces and put them in a separate mesh bag or pillowcase.
• Use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent shrinking or fading.
• Add some mild detergent or baking soda and white vinegar to the wash.
• Put your shoes in a mesh bag or pillowcase to protect them from banging against the drum or other clothes.
• Do not use bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as they can damage your shoes.
• Do not put your shoes in the dryer, as this can cause them to warp or crack. Let them air dry instead.

How do I get rid of yellow stains on my white tennis shoes?

Yellow stains on your white tennis shoes can be caused by various factors, such as sweat, dirt, sun exposure, or oxidation. To get rid of yellow stains, you can try some of these methods:

• Use baking soda and white vinegar to make a paste and apply it to the stained areas. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
• Use lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to bleach the stains. Soak a cloth or a cotton ball in the liquid and dab it on the stains. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
• Use bleach solution to whiten the stains. Mix one part bleach with five parts water and soak your shoes in the solution for about 10 minutes. Then rinse them with water and let them dry.

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

The best way to prevent your white tennis shoes from getting dirty is to avoid wearing them in muddy, wet, or dusty environments. However, if you do wear them in such conditions, you should clean them as soon as possible to prevent the dirt from setting in. You can also use some preventive measures such as:

• Applying a protective spray or coating to your shoes before wearing them. This will create a barrier that repels water and dirt and makes them easier to clean.
• Using shoe covers or bags when traveling or storing your shoes. This will protect them from dust, moisture, and scratches.
• Wearing socks with your shoes. This will absorb sweat and prevent odors and stains.

How do I restore the whiteness of my white tennis shoes?

If your white tennis shoes have lost their whiteness over time, you can try some of these methods to restore it:

• Use baking soda and white vinegar to make a paste and apply it to your shoes. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
• Use lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to bleach your shoes. Soak a cloth or a cotton ball in the liquid and dab it on your shoes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
• Use bleach solution to whiten your shoes. Mix one part bleach with five parts water and soak your shoes in the solution for about 10 minutes. Then rinse them with water and let them dry.

How do I clean the soles of my white tennis shoes?

The soles of your white tennis shoes can get dirty from walking on different surfaces and picking up dirt, dust, or debris. To clean the soles of your shoes, you can use some of these methods:

• Use baking soda and white vinegar to make a paste and apply it to the soles of your shoes. Scrub them with an old toothbrush or a sponge and then rinse them off with water.
• Use soapy water to clean the soles of your shoes. Mix some mild dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water and scrub the soles with an old toothbrush or a sponge. Then rinse them off with water.
• Use magic eraser to erase the dirt from the soles of your shoes. Wet the magic eraser slightly and rub it over the soles until they are clean.

How do I deodorize my white tennis shoes?

If your white tennis shoes have developed an unpleasant odor from sweat, bacteria, or fungus, you can deodorize them with some of these methods:

• Use baking soda to absorb the odor from your shoes. Sprinkle some baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight. Then shake out the excess baking soda and vacuum your shoes.
• Use dryer sheets to freshen up your shoes. Place a dryer sheet inside each shoe and let it sit overnight. Then remove the dryer sheets and enjoy the fresh scent.
• Use tea bags to eliminate the odor from your shoes. Place a tea bag inside each shoe and let it sit overnight. Then remove the tea bags and discard them.

How do I store my white tennis shoes?

To keep your white tennis shoes in good condition, you should store them properly when not in use. You should follow these tips for storing your shoes:

• Clean your shoes before storing them. This will prevent dirt, stains, or odors from ruining your shoes over time.
• Dry your shoes completely before storing them. This will prevent mold, mildew, or bacteria from growing on your shoes.
• Store your shoes in a cool, dry, and dark place. This will protect them from heat, moisture, and sunlight that can damage or discolor your shoes.
• Store your shoes in their original box or a shoe bag. This will protect them from dust, dirt, or scratches.

How do I repair my white tennis shoes?

If your white tennis shoes have some minor damages such as tears, holes, or cracks, you can repair them with some of these methods:

• Use fabric glue to mend tears or holes in your shoes. Apply some fabric glue to the edges of the tear or hole and press them together. Let the glue dry completely before wearing your shoes.
• Use shoe polish to cover up scuffs or scratches on your shoes. Choose a shoe polish that matches the color of your shoes and apply it to the scuffed or scratched areas with a cloth or a sponge. Let the polish dry completely before wearing your shoes.
• Use shoe paint to fix cracks or chips on your shoes. Choose a shoe paint that matches the color of your shoes and apply it to the cracked or chipped areas with a brush or a sponge. Let the paint dry completely before wearing your shoes.

How do I style my white tennis shoes?

White tennis shoes are versatile and can go with almost any outfit. You can style your white tennis shoes with some of these tips:

• Pair them with jeans and a t-shirt for a casual and cool look.
• Pair them with a dress or a skirt for a feminine and chic look.
• Pair them with shorts and a tank top for a sporty and fun look.
• Pair them with a suit or a blazer for a smart and sophisticated look.
• Experiment with different colors, patterns, and accessories to create your own unique look.