Your scuffed, yellowing white pair isn’t a lost cause. Here is how to clean white sneakers: identify the material, use mild soap and a soft brush, then let them air-dry away from heat.
This guide sits within the wider topic of shoe care and repair, which covers everyday upkeep for footwear.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Mesh cleaning mix | 1 Tbsp mild detergent in a bowl of warm water |
| Canvas cleaning paste | 1 Tbsp baking soda plus 1 Tbsp vinegar, mixed with hot water |
| Canvas paste drying time | About 3-4 hours |
| Leather drying spot | In the shade, not in direct sun |
| Machine wash (fabric uppers only) | Gentle cycle, cold water |
These figures come from a OluKai how-to guide and a Bob Vila washing guide. They can change, so check the sources before you rely on them.
Start by identifying what your sneakers are made of
The right method depends on the upper, so identify the material before you pick a cleaner. A guide from the footwear maker OluKai, dated August 2022, begins by working out whether you are cleaning mesh, canvas or leather.
Most pairs mix materials, which is why one product rarely suits every part. A guide from Charles & Keith, published in November 2025, says the components of white sneakers are usually made of different materials.
Gather these basics before you begin:
- A soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- A bowl of warm water and a mild detergent.
- Baking soda and vinegar, if the upper is canvas.
- A damp cloth or a microfibre cloth.
- A melamine sponge, also sold as a magic eraser, for soles.
- Newspaper, to help the shoes keep their shape as they dry.
Cleaning cannot restore worn cushioning, so if your pair doubles as a runner, read about when to replace running shoes.
Clean the laces, tongue, stitching and soles
Each part of a sneaker gets dirty in its own way. The Charles & Keith guide treats them separately, and that approach keeps you from over-scrubbing delicate areas.
Laces
Take the laces out completely and soak them in warm, soapy water to dissolve the dirt. Let them dry completely before threading them back in. For lighter stains, the same guide says you can wash them in a mesh bag in the washing machine.
Tongue and stitching
With the laces out, slide a clean rag under the tongue to protect the rest of the shoe. Then wipe the tongue with a microfibre cloth dipped in soap and water.
Stitching along the sole is hard to reach, so loosen the dirt with a brush. A stiff brush or a toothbrush will both work.
Outsoles
Outsoles touch the ground constantly, so they get dirty fastest. A melamine sponge removes scuff marks and only needs water to activate, and a damp cloth wipes off any residue afterwards.
If the soles have turned yellow after sun and heat exposure, the same guide suggests a paste of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply it to the soles and leave the shoes in indirect sunlight for a couple of hours.
Insoles
Clean the insoles regularly, because a buildup of bacteria can cause unpleasant odours. If the inside still smells after cleaning, our guide on how to remove odor from shoes covers more options.
Mesh, canvas and leather: the method for each
Once the laces are out, follow the routine that matches the upper. All three start gently, so move to a stronger step only if the first one fails.
White mesh sneakers
The OluKai guide, dated August 2022, uses a mild detergent mix of 1 Tbsp detergent in a bowl of warm water. You can read the full steps in the original guide.
- Remove the laces and soak them in a bowl of water.
- Wipe away loose dirt with a soft brush or a towel.
- Dip the brush into the detergent and warm water mixture.
- Brush gently in a circular motion until the shoes look white again.
- Set the shoes out to dry.
If that mixture does not do the job, the guide suggests moving on to the canvas method.
White canvas sneakers
Canvas can be stubborn, so the same guide uses a baking soda paste. Mix 1 Tbsp baking soda and 1 Tbsp vinegar with hot water until it forms a paste, and add more hot water if the mixture is too crumbly (OluKai).
- Brush loose debris off the shoes with a toothbrush, and put the laces in soapy water.
- Coat the uppers with the paste, using the toothbrush.
- Set the shoes in a window or sunny area until the paste dries, which takes about 3-4 hours.
- Tap the shoes together or use a towel to remove the crumbling paste.
White leather sneakers
Leather is the easiest to maintain. After removing the laces, wipe with a damp cloth, which the OluKai guide says might actually get most of the marks off.
If you have leather cleaner or conditioner, apply it afterwards. For stubborn scuffs on the sole, the same source recommends a magic eraser, and it says to let leather dry in the shade, since the sun could warp or discolor the tone of the leather (OluKai).
Can white sneakers go in the washing machine?
Sometimes. A Bob Vila guide, updated in June 2024, says athletic shoes made from fabric, usually nylon or polyester, are generally OK to machine-wash.
The same guide lists dress shoes, heels, leather sandals, boots and anything with embellishments as not washer-friendly. For leather pairs, hand-cleaning is the safer route.
If your pair is fabric, follow this routine:
- Scrub stains and sole scuffs by hand first, with mild soap, a gentle brush or an eraser-style sponge.
- Put the shoes and laces in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase.
- Add a couple of old towels to the drum, rather than a regular load of clothes.
- Choose the gentle cycle, with much less liquid detergent than a full load.
- Pick cold water, because hot water can start to degrade the glue that holds shoes together.
How to dry white sneakers without warping them
Drying is where many good cleaning jobs go wrong. Skip the tumble dryer: the Bob Vila guide says its high temperatures and tumbling action can be bad news for glue, soles and other materials, so air-drying is generally recommended (Bob Vila).
- Stuff the shoes with newspaper so they hold their shape while they dry.
- Dry leather in the shade, and use a sunny window only for canvas or mesh.
- Let the laces dry completely before you re-lace.
Keep in mind that sources vary on sun exposure: a sunny spot suits canvas paste, while leather prefers shade. When unsure, choose the gentler option and give the shoes more time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a magic eraser on white soles?
Show answer
Yes. Both the OluKai and Charles & Keith guides recommend a magic eraser, which is a melamine sponge, for scuff marks on the sole. Keep it to the sole rather than the upper.
Why do my white soles turn yellow?
Show answer
The Charles & Keith guide says outsoles frequently exposed to sun and heat might oxidise and turn yellow. Its fix is a paste of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, left in indirect sunlight for a couple of hours.
Should I use hot or cold water in the washing machine?
Show answer
Cold. The Bob Vila guide says hot water can start to degrade the glue that holds shoes together. Use the gentle cycle as well.
How do I clean white laces?
Show answer
Soak them in warm, soapy water, scrub stains gently with a toothbrush, and let them dry completely. Lightly stained laces can also go in a mesh bag in the washing machine.
