How To Clean White Leather Sneakers

White leather sneakers emerged as a massive trend a few years ago, and it seems like it’s not dying down anytime soon. But something that we all kind of forget is that white leather sneakers tend to get pretty dirty. And, like, fast. But we can help you get your fave kicks back to pristine condition in no time.

Step 1: Prep

Tap to remove excess dirt.

Step 2: Clean

Apply a non-gel white toothpaste to an old toothbrush and add a bit of water. Gently work the paste into dirty spots.

Step 3: Wait

Leave the paste on for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Wipe

Wipe off using a damp towel.

Step 5: Dry

Let dry. Hack: Put crumpled-up paper towels in the toes to help speed up the process.

Want more hacks? White nail polish can cover major scratches. Use a magic cleaning sponge to spot-clean stains. Hand-wash white laces with warm water to get them sparkling clean. Must use bleach? Always dilute—one part bleach to 5 parts water. Otherwise your sneakers and laces might get all weird and yellowy. And that’s not a good look.

FAQs

How do I clean white leather sneakers at home?

Apply a non-gel white toothpaste to an old toothbrush with a bit of water, gently work it into dirty spots, leave it on for about 10 minutes, then wipe off with a damp towel.

What should I do before cleaning my white leather sneakers?

Start by tapping the shoes to remove any excess dirt before applying any cleaning solution.

How can I speed up the drying process after cleaning?

Stuff crumpled-up paper towels into the toes of the sneakers to help absorb moisture and speed up drying time.

Can I use bleach on my white leather sneakers?

If you must use bleach, always dilute it at a ratio of one part bleach to five parts water, as undiluted bleach can cause your sneakers and laces to turn yellow.

How do I clean white shoelaces?

Hand-wash white laces with warm water to get them looking sparkling clean again.

How do I cover up scratches on white leather sneakers?

White nail polish can be used to cover major scratches and help restore the look of your sneakers.

What is the best way to spot-clean stains on white leather sneakers?

A magic cleaning sponge works great for targeting and lifting individual stains from white leather sneakers.