How to Clean White Sneakers: Fabric, Leather & More

First impressions matter — and your sneakers speak volumes. Clean white sneakers reflect care, style, and attention to detail. But keeping them crisp is not always easy. 

The simplest way to clean white fabric shoes at home is a mix of mild soap and water, applied with a soft-bristled brush. But different materials require different care. 

Whether your sneakers are fabric, leather, or suede, here’s how to clean them without damaging their shape or structure.

The Best Way to Clean White Sneakers at Home

Whether you're cleaning white athletic shoes, white tennis shoes, or white running shoes, these techniques ensure your sneakers stay fresh and performance-ready. Here’s a step-by-step guide to giving your sneakers a thorough cleaning, tailored by material type:

Cleaning Shoes Made With Fabric 

Knit sneakers are lightweight and breathable, but they can easily trap dirt and stains in their fabric weave. Here's the best way to clean white fabric shoes:

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need a bristled brush, ivory soap, water, and powder detergent.
2. Remove laces and insoles: Wash the laces separately. Do not machine-wash insoles, as they’re delicate.
3. Spot clean dirtier areas: Using water, ivory soap, and a soft-bristled brush, focus on stained sections — like the outsole or side fabric — that might not fully clean in the wash.
   Prep for the machine: Rinse off excess suds and place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash.
4. Machine wash cold on delicate: Run a cold, delicate cycle without any other items in the load.
5. Inspect post-wash: If dirt remains, repeat steps 3 and 5 as needed until clean.

Cleaning Shoes Made With Leather

Here’s a step-by-step guide for cream leather trainers and cleaning white leather off-white sneakers at home using easy-to-find supplies:

1. Prep the surface: Dampen a paper towel, wring out excess water, and gently wipe off surface dirt. This isn’t deep cleaning yet — just removing loose dirt to prevent it from grinding into the leather when you scrub. Let dry.
2. Clean the soles with a Magic Eraser: Magic Erasers are great for cleaning shoes, if you have one on hand. Just make sure to only use it for the soles.
3. Soap up and clean gently: Apply mild soap to a wet rag and massage it into a lather. In small circular motions, scrub the leather upper gently. Pay attention to spots where foam doesn’t appear — this means you missed a spot.
   Or use Essential Sneaker Cleaning Foam. Shake gently. Pump foam directly onto a sneaker brush or cloth. Scrub gently in circular motions. Wipe clean with a microfiber towel. Let air dry fully before wearing.
4. Air dry again: Let the shoes fully dry before assessing cleanliness.
5. Repeat as needed: Stubborn marks and grime may need an extra round or two to get them sparkling. However, avoid overwashing the entire shoe, especially with white leather sneakers or cream and white sneakers, to maintain softness and integrity

This method works perfectly for premium pairs like Greats white sneakers, crafted with full-grain leather that deserves careful, effective cleaning.

Cleaning Shoes Made With Suede & Nubuck 

1. Brush regularly: Use a Suede Brush in a consistent, one-direction motion to remove surface dirt and restore nap. For matted or dirty areas, increase pressure slightly and use short, repeated strokes. Avoid using with water or liquid cleaners.
2. Tackle tough stains: For dirtier spots, lightly dampen a cloth and rub in circular motions. Let it dry completely. Or, use a Sneaker Eraser for scuffs, surface dirt, or a quick fix solution. Rub gently in short, firm motions without water or chemicals. Then, brush again to restore the nap.
   Revive the texture: After drying, brush again to fluff the surface and lift any matted areas.
3. Prevent future stains: Finish with a Shield Water & Stain Repellant to guard against the elements.

Home Products You Can Use to Clean White Sneakers

Still wondering what can clean white shoes? These everyday items work wonders:

• Baking soda & vinegar
• Toothpaste
• Mild detergent
• Magic Erasers
• Soft toothbrushes or sponges
  
  

Whether you need to know how to wash white shoes or just clean up scuff marks, these home remedies have you covered.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your All-white Shoes

• Don’t soak leather or suede – they’ll dull, warp, or crease.
• Avoid hot water (fabric sneakers too), which can shrink or fade.
• Skip harsh chemicals (bleach, strong detergents); your white sneakers will thank you.

When Is It Time to Replace Your White Sneakers?

Even with perfect care, sneakers don’t last forever. Consider replacing them when:

• The sole is worn or separating.
• Insoles are flat and unsupportive.
• There’s irreparable damage—deep stains, rips, or water damage.

If you’re ready to upgrade your rotation with a fresh pair, browse our top picks for White Sneakers for Men or White Sneakers for Women.

Now that you know how to clean white sneakers, maintaining your favorite pair is simple and affordable. Whether they're leather, fabric, or athletic shoes, regular care goes a long way.