How To Keep White Sneakers Looking Brand New

Style

| LAST UPDATE 11/13/2022

By Colleen Walker
New Balance white sneakers
@tiffwang_ via Instagram

White sneakers are pretty much, at this point, essential to every outfit. They match anything and everything, from a silk dress to black jeans to miniskirts. There is nothing that a white sneaker cannot pair with. So, what happens when they get dirty? Don’t stress. We have all the best tips for making your white sneakers look as fresh as if they were still in the box.

First, check the label on your sneakers to see if they have any instructions on washing them. Some sneakers are machine washable, meaning you can stick them in during laundry day. However, if your shoes are not machine washable or you don’t want to put them in the washer, here are some steps to follow -depending on the type of shoe you have. For any shoe, make sure to remove the laces. Then, you can soak those in water, or a water-based solution with a bit of baking soda or soap added. If the shoes are canvas, use a dry brush to remove any dirt. Then, apply soap to a damp cloth or a toothbrush. After that, using circular motions, rub the surface of the trainer. If some stains will not disappear, use a mixture of water and baking soda to create a mix and leave that on the trainers for a few minutes before rinsing off.

Matilda Djerf White Sneakers
@matildadjerf via Instagram
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If your sneakers are leather, then the same steps above apply, except it is best to use a professional leather cleaning milk rather than a homemade solution. If you don’t have cleaning milk available, then a diluted bleach or diluted hair shampoo can also do the trick. After cleaning, put a leather balm on the shoe to help keep the leather nourished and moisturized. If cleaning yourself is too much of a hassle or you don’t want to screw it up, many companies provide shoe cleaning services. While stepping in a puddle or regular dirt build-up is normal, there are some preventative measures that you can take to keep your sneakers so fresh and so clean. When not wearing them, storing them away from any light source, natural or artificial, will help to keep them from fading over time. Steering away from any particularly messy situations will also be a huge help. This last tip may seem counterintuitive, but trust us, excessive cleaning can actually cause shoes to fade, so try to limit how much cleaning you do.

White sneakers are part of every wardrobe, from Nike Air Force Ones to the Alexander McQueen oversized sneakers. Now you can keep yours in mint condition with these tips.

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