8 Hacks to Keep Your White Sneakers Clean
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It's as simple as that. If you see a little scratch or smudge on your spankin'-new white sneaks, just take out your favorite white nail polish and do a little touch-up. It works wonders.
There are a ton of handy little cleaning tools out there to help with this. We prefer Mr. Clean wipes and Magic Erasers, but if you don't have anything like that on hand, take a washrag and dip it in vinegar from your pantry. Rub gently to remove small stains. Voilà!
Use an old toothbrush, warm water, and gentle soap if your shoes have some dirt spots in hard-to-reach places. Scrub gently!
You might be tempted to just toss your white laces in the washing machine—tsk-tsk! Instead, hand-wash them in warm water with gentle soap and let them air-dry.
Your shoes might be a bit damp after you're done cleaning them; to help them dry faster, put crumpled-up paper towels inside the shoes. They'll absorb excess moisture and help the shoes dry more rapidly.
Let's say you stepped in an oil slick crossing the street, or perhaps you dropped a big greasy french fry on your new sneakers (it happens to the best of us). When you get home, use your gentlest shampoo, warm water, and a toothbrush or rag to gently wipe at the oil smudge. It should come right out!
Don't leave your white sneakers outside! They're already getting enough UV exposure as it is, which can lead to fading and unwanted discoloration. Treat them well and store them in a cool, dark place when they're not being worn.
To the crux of the issue: Can you use bleach on white sneakers? Yes, you can, but you have to dilute it. Most shoe-care guides suggest mixing one part bleach to five parts water; any more than that and you risk turning your white fabrics a weird yellow tone. Dip your toothbrush in the diluted bleach solution and scrub the shoes gently. Rinse with warm water when you're finished.
