How to Whiten Sneakers? 5 Easy Steps (& FAQs)

How to whiten sneakers is a question every sneaker lover faces sooner or later. The quickest method is to make a cleaning paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of white vinegar and a cup of warm water. Spread the mixture on the surface, scrub it lightly, and let it sit for about half an hour. Rinse well and leave it to dry in the sun.

Many people ask if toothpaste and baking soda can whiten sneakers. Similarly, some inquire about whether cleaning sneakers in the washing machine helps. Worry not. Here, we’re discussing how to whiten sneakers step by step and answer some of your most asked questions.

Let’s begin.

Key Takeaways

• Baking soda and vinegar paste is a safe method for whitening sneakers.

• Gentle scrubbing prevents damage to fabric and seams.

• Hydrogen peroxide works well for deep yellowing.

• Mild detergent keeps white fabric shoes fresh without harsh chemicals.

• Magic erasers are great for quick, no-wash touch-ups.

• Vinegar solution cleans mesh shoes without harming their structure.

• Washing machines can clean sneakers if you use a gentle, cold cycle.

How to Whiten Sneakers? (5 Steps to Do)

To whiten sneakers, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 cup of warm water until smooth. Apply the paste to your sneakers with a soft brush and scrub gently. Leave it for 35 minutes so it can lift dirt and stains. Rinse with cool water and dry your sneakers in sunlight to naturally bring back their bright white color.

Step 1: Prepare Your Sneakers

Before whitening sneakers, take out the laces and insoles so you can reach every spot that needs cleaning. Use a soft brush to sweep away dirt and dust before you start. This way, the cleaner works directly on stains instead of pushing dirt deeper into the fabric.

If you skip this, you’ll notice the dirt smearing around instead of lifting away. That’s why a quick brush is one of the smartest things you can do before whitening. It only takes a minute and makes the rest of the process far more effective.

Check the care label inside your sneakers too. Canvas can handle light scrubbing, leather needs a gentler touch, and mesh requires extra care. Knowing what your shoes are made of helps you avoid damage.

Step 2: Make the Whitening Paste

Put one spoon of baking soda, one spoon of white vinegar, and a cup of warm water into a bowl. Mix them well until they foam a little, and that fizz helps loosen dirt and stains on sneakers.

Instead of using strong chemicals, this mixture works gently but effectively. Baking soda scrubs without being harsh, while vinegar helps lift marks that make shoes look old. Always prepare a fresh mix right before cleaning, because once it sits, the fizz fades, and it will not clean as well.

Step 3: Apply the Paste and Scrub

Dip your soft brush into the paste and spread it over the stained areas. Scrub in small circles with light pressure so you don’t damage the material. Focus on the toe box and sides because those are the spots that usually get the dirtiest.

Light scrubbing works better than pressing hard. When you scrub too hard, you can fray the fabric or wear away the finish. Small, gentle circles let the paste do the work while keeping your sneakers in good shape.

Important Note: Cover all the dirty areas evenly.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

Leave your sneakers for 30 to 35 minutes so the mixture can work into the fabric. Keep them in a clean, airy place while you wait.

Thirty minutes is the sweet spot. Less time, and the stains may still show. More time and the paste can dry so much that rinsing becomes a chore. During this stage, the paste is breaking down the dirt and lifting the discoloration from deep in the fibers.

Set them somewhere safe from dust or falling debris. By the time the paste dries, it will have done most of the heavy lifting.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse your sneakers with cool water until all the cleaning paste is gone. Cool water is best because hot water can trap stains and weaken the glue that holds your shoes together.

Once rinsed, place your sneakers in sunlight to dry. The sun speeds up drying and naturally brightens the white, giving them a cleaner look. To help the shoes keep their shape, stuff them with clean paper while they dry.

When they are fully dry, re-lace them and you’ll have a fresh pair of sneakers that look and feel almost brand new.

Can Toothpaste Whiten Sneakers?

Yes, toothpaste can whiten sneakers when used correctly. White, non-gel toothpaste has mild abrasives that lift surface dirt and stains. Here’s how to use toothpaste to whiten sneakers:

1. Remove loose dirt – Use a dry brush or cloth to sweep away dust and grit so the toothpaste works directly on the stain.

2. Apply toothpaste – Put a small amount on an old toothbrush. Make sure it’s plain white toothpaste, not gel or colored paste.

3. Scrub gently – Use small circles and light pressure. Focus only on stained areas to avoid spreading dirt.

4. Let it rest – Leave the toothpaste on for 10 minutes so it can work into the mark.

5. Wipe clean – Use a damp cloth to remove all toothpaste. Check if the stain is gone. Repeat if needed.

6. Dry properly – Air-dry in a shaded spot. Avoid sunlight to prevent yellowing.

Does Baking Soda Make Sneakers White?

Yes, baking soda is excellent for whitening sneakers. Its mild abrasiveness lifts dirt, and it breaks down yellow stains naturally. Just do the following:

1. Take off laces and insoles – This makes cleaning easier and prevents them from trapping dirt.

2. Make the paste – Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 cup warm water until smooth.

3. Apply with a brush – Use a soft brush to spread the paste evenly over dirty areas. Work in small circles to reach into the fibers.

4. Let it sit – Give it 30 minutes to loosen dirt and stains. Keep the shoes in a clean spot while you wait.

5. Rinse well – Use cool water to wash away the paste. Hot water can damage glue and set stains.

6. Dry in sunlight – Sunlight helps boost whitening and keeps shoes smelling fresh. Stuff the shoes with paper so they hold their shape.

Got white Crocs too? Well, then you must read this guide: How to keep White Crocs clean?

How to Whiten Sneakers That Turned Yellow

Yellowing happens when sneakers are exposed to sunlight, heat, or bleach. A mix of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can restore their color. Follow these steps:

1. Remove laces and insoles – This allows you to reach every part of the sneaker.

2. Make the paste – Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, ½ tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and ½ tablespoon warm water until thick.

3. Apply evenly – Use a toothbrush to coat the yellowed areas. Make sure the paste reaches seams and edges where yellowing hides.

4. Sun treatment – Leave the sneakers in direct sunlight for 3–4 hours. The peroxide works harder in sunlight.

5. Rinse completely – Wash with cool water until no paste remains.

6. Air-dry in sunlight – This helps lock in the whitening effect. Replace the laces when the sneakers are completely dry.

This method targets deep yellowing and is especially effective on white canvas shoes.

How to Clean White Fabric Shoes

White fabric shoes can be cleaned safely with mild detergent and a toothbrush. Here’s how:

1. Remove laces and insoles – Cleaning separately keeps the shoes fresher and avoids trapped dirt.

2. Mix cleaning solution – Combine 1 teaspoon mild laundry detergent with 1 cup warm water.

3. Scrub the fabric – Dip a soft toothbrush into the soapy water and work in small circles. Focus on stained spots first.

4. Light rinse – Use a damp cloth to remove soap without soaking the shoes. Too much water can damage the fabric.

5. Dry carefully – Air-dry in a shaded spot to avoid yellowing. Keep the shape by stuffing with clean paper.

6. Reassemble – Put laces and insoles back once everything is completely dry.

How to Whiten Sneakers in Washing Machine

Washing machines can whiten sneakers if used on a gentle cycle with baking soda.

1. Remove laces and insoles – Place them in a small mesh bag so they don’t tangle or get lost.

2. Bag the sneakers – Put both shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them.

3. Add baking soda – Pour ½ cup of baking soda into the drum for extra whitening.

4. Use detergent – Add a small amount of liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, which can cause yellowing.

5. Select a gentle cold cycle – Cold water protects the glue and prevents shrinking.

6. Air-dry only – Never use a dryer. Heat can warp soles and damage materials. Place in a shaded, airy spot until fully dry.

How to Clean White Shoes Without Washing

You can clean white shoes without washing by using a magic eraser to remove scuffs and stains. This method is quick, gentle, and perfect for spot cleaning.

Here’s how to clean white shoes without washing:

1. Lightly dampen the magic eraser – Use melamine foam and add just enough water so it’s moist, not dripping. Too much water can leave marks on certain materials.

2. Gently scrub the stains – Rub the eraser over scuffed or dirty spots in small circles. This motion helps lift marks without damaging the shoe’s surface.

3. Wipe away residue – Use a dry, clean cloth to remove any foam particles or loosened dirt.

4. Handle stubborn stains – For tough marks, put a small drop of dish soap on the eraser before scrubbing. This adds extra cleaning power without harming the material.

5. Air-dry naturally – Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing or warping.

This method works especially well for leather, synthetic, and rubber parts of white shoes, keeping them fresh without a full wash.

How to Clean White Mesh Shoes

White mesh shoes can be cleaned safely using a gentle vinegar solution. Here’s how:

1. Make the solution – Mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water in a small bowl. This ratio is strong enough to clean but gentle enough for mesh fibers.

2. Apply the cleaner – Dip a soft cloth or toothbrush into the solution. Gently scrub the mesh in small circles, working on one section at a time.

3. Avoid soaking – Mesh can lose its shape if it absorbs too much water. Keep your brush or cloth damp, not wet.

4. Wipe clean – Use a separate damp cloth with plain water to remove any vinegar residue from the surface.

5. Air-dry in shade – Place the shoes in a cool, shaded spot to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the mesh to yellow.

After you whiten your sneakers, don’t sit back and relax. It’s also crucial you make efforts to keep them white. For this, we’ve written a separate guide: How Can You Keep White Shoes White?

Conclusion

Keeping your sneakers white doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can remove dirt and protect your shoes from yellowing. From quick spot cleans to deep whitening, these methods work for all kinds of sneakers. The best part? You can do it all at home, safely and easily.