Clean White Sneakers at Home with This Simple DIY Scrub

Everyone loves the look of crisp, white sneakers, but keeping them looking new can be a challenge. Dirt, grime, and stains can quickly dull and yellow the bright white canvas or leather. While you can always take them to a professional cleaner, this homemade scrub will have your kicks gleaming again in no time – and with ingredients you likely have at home.

Why Keeping Your White Shoes Pristine Matters

There’s just something about a fresh pair of bright white sneakers that makes an outfit pop. The iconic white canvas style has been popular for decades in brands like Converse, Keds, Adidas Stan Smiths and more. And white leather sneakers have also become a versatile shoe worn by men and women.

Beyond just looking good, keeping your white shoes clean helps:

• Maintain the material integrity – Dirt and oil can actually break down canvas, leather and other shoe materials over time. A good cleaning helps remove these substances.
• Avoid permanent stains – The sooner you clean scuffs and stains, the less likely they are to set and permanently discolor your shoes.
• Extend the life of your shoes – Regular cleaning keeps them looking new for longer so you don’t have to replace them as often.
• Restore whiteness – Over time, white shoes can yellow and dull. Cleaning brings back that bright white color.

DIY White Shoe Cleaner Recipe

This easy homemade shoe cleaner only requires a few ingredients you likely already have:

What You’ll Need

• 1⁄4 cup baking soda
• 1-2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
• Warm water
• An old toothbrush

Step-By-Step Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap. Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
2. Apply a generous layer of the cleaning paste to stained or dirty areas of your white shoes. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
3. Scrub the paste in using an old toothbrush, concentrating on any set-in stains. The toothbrush bristles will help lift dirt from the small grooves and textures of the shoe material.
4. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the paste.
5. Allow shoes to fully air dry before wearing again. The baking soda will help absorb odors and moisture.
6. For badly soiled shoes, you may need to repeat this process 2-3 times to fully lift stains.

Tips for Keeping White Shoes Looking New

Don’t just save your homemade scrub for when your white sneakers are already dirty. Implement these tips to prevent stains and extend the life of your shoes:

• Spray white shoes with a waterproofer or stain-repellant spray. These protective barriers prevent dirt from setting into the material. Re-apply every few months.
• If shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to absorb excess moisture and retain shape as they dry.
• Use white shoe cleaning wipes to immediately wipe down shoes after wearing to lift dirt and oil before it sets in.
• Store shoes in breathable shoe bags when not being worn. This protects them from dust and over-drying.
• Avoid wearing white canvas shoes in rainy weather or muddy conditions. The wet soil can permanently stain shoes.

Why This DIY Whitening Scrub Works

This homemade shoe scrub is designed to lift dirt, grime and stains safely and effectively using ingredients you likely have at home.

• Baking Soda – The mild abrasive particles help lift and scrub away soils without damaging shoe materials. Baking soda also deodorizes and absorbs odors.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – The whitening powers of peroxide help brighten white materials and lift stains. It also disinfects shoes.
• Dish Soap – The degreasing surfactants in dish soap cut through oil, grease and grimy dirt to remove them from the shoe surface and materials.
• Toothbrush – The scrubbing bristles provide the agitation needed to remove stubborn dirt and stains. The soft bristles are gentle on shoe materials.

This recipe can be customized as needed. For example, use more hydrogen peroxide for a brighter white clean, or less for sensitive materials. The solution can be made stronger or milder.

FAQs About Cleaning White Shoes

What types of shoes can I use this scrub on?

This mild scrub is designed to work on white canvas sneakers, leather sneakers, fabric shoes and other washable materials. Test on a small area first if unsure.

How often should I clean my shoes?

Clean shoes whenever they are visibly dirty or stained. For casual white sneakers worn regularly, clean every 2-4 weeks.

Can I use bleach instead of peroxide?

Avoid bleach on colored shoes or materials as it can discolor them. Peroxide is a gentler whitening agent. Always spot test first.

Should I clean the inner sole and lining?

Use an old toothbrush lightly soaked in the cleaning solution to gently scrub the edge of inner soles. Avoid over-saturating shoe linings. Stuff with paper towels after to dry.

Conclusion

Keep your favorite white sneakers looking like new with this simple homemade scrub. The baking soda, peroxide, soap and toothbrush combine to lift stains and restore brightness. Implementing prevention tips like spray protectants and wipe-downs after wear will further extend the clean look. With a little effort, your shoes will stay fresh and pristine.