White sneakers can look worn out after just a few weeks of regular use. Dust settles into the fabric, the soles pick up grey scuff marks and small stains seem to stand out more than they would on darker shoes. Before buying a new pair or spending money on a cleaning kit, try a few simple methods using things you may already have at home. Dish soap, baking soda and an old toothbrush can help remove everyday dirt from white sneakers. The trick is to use the right method for each part of the shoe. What works on a rubber sole may not be suitable for mesh, suede or leather.
For sneakers covered in everyday dust and dirt, a little dish soap is a good place to start. It is a gentle option for many washable shoe materials and does not require much preparation. What you need: A few drops of mild dish soap, warm water, a soft toothbrush and a clean microfibre cloth. Remove the laces and clean loose dust or dried mud. Add a few drops of dish soap to a bowl of warm water and dip the toothbrush into it. Clean the shoes a little at a time, giving extra attention to the dirty patches. Wipe away the soap with a clean, damp cloth and leave the sneakers to dry at room temperature. Do not soak the shoes, particularly if they have mesh panels, leather sections or glued parts. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning. Avoid vigorous scrubbing. Baking soda can scratch or dull some finishes, so it is best avoided on delicate mesh, suede and surfaces that mark easily. For leather sneakers, use a cleaner intended for that material. Dip a soft toothbrush into diluted soapy water and scrub the rubber edges gently. Wipe away the dirt with a damp cloth. For stubborn scuffs, a melamine cleaning sponge may help, but test it on a small area first. It works by abrasion and can leave scratches or a dull finish on some surfaces.
