Keeping white shoes white: here's how!

Keeping white shoes white is impossible? Not with these tricks. Fortunately so, because white shoes nowadays are worn all year round. Especially in a completely white outfit they are very 'now', or in the mix with black, black and more black.

Although you will never be able to keep your shoes as white and shiny as the first time you picked them up out of the box, there are things you can do to limit the damage. First of all - before you even put them on - head to the store for a water and dirt repellent spray. Give the shoes a good spray with it and repeat it once every few weeks.

Oops! Too late...

If a stain does occur, polish it off immediately so that it doesn't soak into the shoe. Be careful not to scrub too hard on canvas and suede, as this can cause the stain to migrate. And although it is often said that many shoes can just go into the washing machine: eh, no. Unfortunately. The twisting and vibrating of such a machine is far too violent for your babies. They can become discolored or do damage. And you know the horror phenomenon of white rubber soles turning yellow? That's exactly what the washing machine will do to them.

White leather

As if you needed any more reasons to always have a jar of Vaseline in the house: you also use it to clean your shoes! Apply a layer on your shoe with a soft cloth, rub it in with a circular motion, leave the shoes in the Vaseline for a few hours and then wipe it off with a clean cloth. Or tackle the stains during your evening or morning ritual: after brushing your teeth, slap some (white) toothpaste on and old toothbrush and gently polish away the stains. If you want to be more careful, you can also use a cloth.

White All Stars (or similar sneakers)

Do your white sneakers contain textile, like All Stars? In that case, follow the steps below to get the best result cleaning your white sneakers:

Step 1

Slap the soles of your sneakers together a few times to knock out and get rid of any loose dust and dirt.

Step 2

Make a bath with cold (!) water. Hot water can cause stains to bleed or penetrate deeper into the canvas, and we don't want that!

Step 3

Make a foaming paste of 2/3 baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and 1/3 white wine vinegar. Tip: do not use a metal container or spoon; this material does not hold up well to this mixture. Instead of baking soda, you can use washing powder, and instead of vinegar, liquid detergent. It will lather less, but work just as well.

Step 4

Using a clean nail or toothbrush, begin to smear the paste all over the shoe and scrub away.

Step 5

Rinse with cold water to assess how it's going, and to avoid clogging your washing machine (see step 6).

Step 6

Put your sneakers in a laundry bag or old pillow sleeve, close the container and then put them in the washing machine. Wash the shoes on a cold program and use a detergent without chlorine.

Step 7

Finally, let the shoes dry in a warm, preferably sunny place. No matter in how much of a hurry you are in, the dryer is a no-go as this can deform the shoe.

White suede

Dirty (previously) white suede shoes fix you with a suede brush. This will remove most dirt and dust. If the damage was done by water, wet them again - compeetely - and treat them with a sponge.

White soles

White rubber soles are like little vampires: they hate the sun. Now we don't want to say that you can't combine your all white sneakers with your summer dresses, but avoid contact with sunlight as much as possible. Store them in a closet or in the box; here they will be safe most of the time. Stains can be removed with a (tooth) brush, water and mild soap.

White laces

White (textile) laces can be washed in the washing machine. Note: there is a risk that they will fluff up. Alternatively and more powerfully, soak them in a bath of water with a little bleach. If that does not help, visit the shoemaker for a new pair. For a few coins you can walk around with dazzling white laces again.

Are you looking for new white shoes? Check out ladies white shoes or men's white shoes!

Read more

Curious about more fashion tips? Check out our other blogs!

• The history of sneakers
• How to care for your jeans
• Ankle boots for women for every day
• How to polish your shoes the right way
• How to combine flat shoes with a dress of skirt
• How to pair boots with a dress
• 10 helpful tips against sweating

Get inspired, compare and purchase clothes and shoes safely and easily online at Dressed.com.