How to Keep Shoes White? 8 Simple Methods That Actually Work

White shoes look amazing when they’re clean. But unfortunately, they don’t stay that way for long. Dirt, scuffs, and yellowing show up fast.

We get it. It’s frustrating when your favorite white sneakers start to look dull.

Want good news? You can keep your shoes white just by following simple steps. 

How? Well, with these 8 methods:

From baby wipes to baking soda, we’re walking you through the real ways we keep our shoes clean and fresh. Stick around till the end, and we’ll share a few bonus tips most people miss.

Key Takeaways

• To keep your shoes white, wipe your shoes daily with a baby wipe to stop dirt from settling.

• Use warm water and mild soap with a toothbrush for deeper cleaning.

• Micellar water works great on leather and synthetic white shoes.

• Always spray new shoes with water and stain repellent.

• Store shoes in a box or dust bag to avoid yellowing.

• Touch up worn spots with white shoe paint or a clean pen.

How to Keep Shoes White? (8 Methods)

The best way to keep white shoes white is by cleaning them regularly. You should also protect them before wearing and storing them the right way. In addition, deep cleaning with mild soap and erasing scuffs with a magic eraser all help stop stains from setting in.

Consistency is key. Do small things often, and your shoes will stay looking new longer.

Here are the top 8 ways to keep shoes white (step by step):

Method 1: Wipe After Every Use

Wiping your white shoes right after you wear them can keep them fresh. Doing this removes dirt before it has time to stick. Use a baby wipe to gently clean the surface to keep white shoes white. This keeps the material from absorbing grime and prevents buildup.

You don’t need to wait until your shoes look dirty. In fact, we’ve found the best time to clean them is right when you get home. That little bit of dust or dirt you picked up while walking? If you wipe it off immediately, it won’t stain later.

Method 2: Toothbrush + Mild Soap and Warm Water

A soft toothbrush with warm, soapy water is the safest way to deep clean white shoes. It works well on canvas, mesh, and leather shoes. 

How to do it:

• Start by mixing warm water with three drops of mild dish soap or baby shampoo.

• Stir and then dip a soft toothbrush in the solution.

• Scrub gently.

• After scrubbing, use a moist cloth to wipe away any soap.

• Let the shoes dry indoors at a ventilated spot.

Method 3: Micellar Water (for Leather and Synthetic Shoes)

Micellar water gently lifts dirt from leather and synthetic shoes without damaging the surface. It’s a simple, no-rinse way to spot-clean white shoes.

Here’s what to do:

• Take a soft cloth and dip it in the micellar water.

• Lightly wipe the stained or dirty areas you see on your white shoes. Don’t rub hard—just swipe gently to lift dirt.

• No rinsing is needed. Let shoes air dry naturally near windows.

We discovered this trick completely by accident. One of us grabbed a cotton pad and micellar water meant for our face, just to test it on a small mark. And it worked—better than anything else we’d tried. Since then, it’s become part of our weekly shoe care.

Method 4: Magic Eraser (Mr. Clean Type)

A magic eraser removes scuff marks, stains, and discoloration from rubber parts like midsoles and toe caps. It’s quick and effective for bringing back that crisp white finish.

This method saved our white sneakers more times than we can count. Whenever we notice gray scuffs or dark streaks on the soles, we reach for the eraser. It's one of those tools we now always keep around, even when we travel.

To ensure white sneakers stay white, follow these steps:

• Dampen the magic eraser with a small amount of water.

• Carefully squeeze out excess water so it’s just slightly moist.

• Gently rub the moist eraser over the dirty or scuffed areas.

• Wipe clean with a dry cloth afterward.

Method 5: Use Water and Stain Repellent Spray

To keep white shoes white, always use a water and stain repellent spray. The best time to do this is before wearing them. What these sprays will do is they add a protective layer that blocks liquids, dirt, and oils from soaking into the material.

How to do it:

• Shake the repellent spray well.

• Hold it about 6-7 inches away and coat the entire shoe evenly.

• Let the shoes dry for 24-30 hours in a cool, indoor space.

The best Water and Stain Repellent Sprays are Crep Protect and Jason Markk. These sprays don’t just keep out water—they stop ketchup, mud, soda, even oily street stains from sinking in. 

The key is reapplying after every deep clean.

Method 6: Store in a Box or a Dust Bag

To prevent yellowing and keep white shoes white longer, always store them in their original box or a soft dust bag away from light. Keep in mind that UV rays and indoor lighting can cause white materials to fade or yellow over time, even if you haven’t worn the shoes.

We’ve compared shoes stored in boxes vs. shoes left out, and the difference is obvious after just a few months. The ones we boxed stayed bright.

Method 7: Use Silica Gel Packs

To keep white shoes from yellowing or growing mold, place silica gel packs inside them before storing. These small packs absorb moisture, keeping your shoes dry and fresh, especially if you live in a humid area.

Just follow this:

• Save silica gel packs from packaging or buy fresh ones online.

• After cleaning and drying your shoes, place one or two packs inside each shoe.

• Store the shoes in a cool, dark place (like we explained above).

• Check and replace the gel packs every couple of months.

Method 8: Use White Shoe Paint or Touch-Up Pen

To restore white shoes after scuffs or fading, use white shoe paint or a touch-up pen. These tools help cover worn-out areas, making your shoes look new again. They’re best for leather or synthetic materials, and work great between full cleanings.

• Dry the shoes first.

• Shake the touch-up pen or paint bottle well.

• Apply a thin layer (1-2 inches) over the scuff or faded area.

• Let it dry completely before wearing or touching.

How to Keep White Shoes from Yellowing

White shoes turn yellow when they’re exposed to light, moisture, or stored without cleaning. To stop that from happening, keep them in a dark, dry place. Moreover, you should always clean your white shoes before storage. For better results, you can use silica gel packs and store the shoes in their original box.

We used to leave our shoes out near the window. After a few weeks, they started to look off-white. Now we clean them, let them dry fully, and put them in the box right away. The shoes do not yellow anymore, and they stay fresh longer.

How to Keep White Shoes from Yellowing After Washing

To keep white shoes from yellowing after washing, never dry them in sunlight. Always let them air dry indoors in a shaded spot. You should also stuff the shoes with white paper towels, as they hold the shoe’s shape.

We used to dry our shoes outside, thinking they’d dry faster. They did, but the sun turned them yellow. Now we take our time. We stuff them with plain white towels and let them dry slowly inside. That’s it. They don’t turn yellow, and they come out clean and bright.

How to Keep White Shoes Clean in the Rain?

The best way to keep white shoes clean in the rain is to spray them with a water repellent before you wear them. That layer helps stop water and dirt from soaking in. Wipe off any splashes as soon as you get home.

We try to avoid wearing white shoes in heavy rain, but sometimes you just get caught in it. The spray helps a lot, but what really makes the difference is what you do right after. We wipe them down while they’re still wet. If they dry dirty, it’s harder to clean later.

How to Keep White Nike Shoes White?

Wipe your white Nike shoes every day with a baby wipe to keep them looking clean. It clears off dust and stops stains from settling. This is one of the easiest habits to keep shoes fresh.

We keep baby wipes near the door. Right when we take off our shoes, we give them a quick wipe. It only takes a minute, but that daily routine keeps them from building up dirt. Our shoes stay white longer and we don’t have to deep clean them as often.

How to Keep White Fabric Shoes White?

To clean white fabric shoes, make a paste with baking soda and white vinegar. This mixture helps remove stains and keeps the shoes bright without damaging the fabric.

We mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar with a little warm water. Then we scrub it onto the shoes using a soft toothbrush. We let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off and letting the shoes dry indoors. It’s cheap, safe, and works really well for suede and mesh shoes.

How to Protect White Leather Shoes?

To protect white leather shoes, wipe them with micellar water to remove dirt, then apply a leather conditioner. This keeps the leather clean, soft, and helps it last longer.

We use a cotton pad with micellar water once or twice a week. It lifts off dirt without drying out the leather. After that, we rub in a small amount of conditioner using a cloth. That keeps the leather from cracking and helps the shoes keep their shape and color.

How to Keep White Tennis Shoes White?

Use white non-gel toothpaste to clean white tennis shoes. It helps lift stains and works well on fabric and rubber parts. It’s safe and easy to use at home.

We take a soft toothbrush, add a bit of plain white toothpaste, and scrub the dirty spots. We let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. We’ve used this method on all kinds of shoes, and it’s always worked great, especially for brightening soles and toes.

Bottom Line

Keeping your white shoes clean doesn’t have to be hard. Once you build a few easy habits into your routine, your shoes will stay bright and fresh without much effort. Here’s what works best for us:

• Clean your shoes right after wearing them.

• Spray them with a stain repellent before you step outside.

• Avoid drying them in the sun after washing.

• Store them in a dry place with silica gel inside.

• Touch up small scuffs to keep them looking new.

Start with just one or two of these tips, and you’ll see the difference in no time. White shoes can stay white—you just need the right routine.

White shoes look amazing when they’re clean. But unfortunately, they don’t stay that way for long. Dirt, scuffs, and yellowing show up fast.

We get it. It’s frustrating when your favorite white sneakers start to look dull.

Want good news? You can keep your shoes white just by following simple steps. 

How? Well, with these 8 methods:

From baby wipes to baking soda, we’re walking you through the real ways we keep our shoes clean and fresh. Stick around till the end, and we’ll share a few bonus tips most people miss.

Key Takeaways

• To keep your shoes white, wipe your shoes daily with a baby wipe to stop dirt from settling.

• Use warm water and mild soap with a toothbrush for deeper cleaning.

• Micellar water works great on leather and synthetic white shoes.

• Always spray new shoes with water and stain repellent.

• Store shoes in a box or dust bag to avoid yellowing.

• Touch up worn spots with white shoe paint or a clean pen.

How to Keep Shoes White? (8 Methods)

The best way to keep white shoes white is by cleaning them regularly. You should also protect them before wearing and storing them the right way. In addition, deep cleaning with mild soap and erasing scuffs with a magic eraser all help stop stains from setting in.

Consistency is key. Do small things often, and your shoes will stay looking new longer.

Here are the top 8 ways to keep shoes white (step by step):

Method 1: Wipe After Every Use

Wiping your white shoes right after you wear them can keep them fresh. Doing this removes dirt before it has time to stick. Use a baby wipe to gently clean the surface to keep white shoes white. This keeps the material from absorbing grime and prevents buildup.

You don’t need to wait until your shoes look dirty. In fact, we’ve found the best time to clean them is right when you get home. That little bit of dust or dirt you picked up while walking? If you wipe it off immediately, it won’t stain later.

Method 2: Toothbrush + Mild Soap and Warm Water

A soft toothbrush with warm, soapy water is the safest way to deep clean white shoes. It works well on canvas, mesh, and leather shoes. 

How to do it:

• Start by mixing warm water with three drops of mild dish soap or baby shampoo.

• Stir and then dip a soft toothbrush in the solution.

• Scrub gently.

• After scrubbing, use a moist cloth to wipe away any soap.

• Let the shoes dry indoors at a ventilated spot.

Method 3: Micellar Water (for Leather and Synthetic Shoes)

Micellar water gently lifts dirt from leather and synthetic shoes without damaging the surface. It’s a simple, no-rinse way to spot-clean white shoes.

Here’s what to do:

• Take a soft cloth and dip it in the micellar water.

• Lightly wipe the stained or dirty areas you see on your white shoes. Don’t rub hard—just swipe gently to lift dirt.

• No rinsing is needed. Let shoes air dry naturally near windows.

We discovered this trick completely by accident. One of us grabbed a cotton pad and micellar water meant for our face, just to test it on a small mark. And it worked—better than anything else we’d tried. Since then, it’s become part of our weekly shoe care.

Method 4: Magic Eraser (Mr. Clean Type)

A magic eraser removes scuff marks, stains, and discoloration from rubber parts like midsoles and toe caps. It’s quick and effective for bringing back that crisp white finish.

This method saved our white sneakers more times than we can count. Whenever we notice gray scuffs or dark streaks on the soles, we reach for the eraser. It's one of those tools we now always keep around, even when we travel.

To ensure white sneakers stay white, follow these steps:

• Dampen the magic eraser with a small amount of water.

• Carefully squeeze out excess water so it’s just slightly moist.

• Gently rub the moist eraser over the dirty or scuffed areas.

• Wipe clean with a dry cloth afterward.

Method 5: Use Water and Stain Repellent Spray

To keep white shoes white, always use a water and stain repellent spray. The best time to do this is before wearing them. What these sprays will do is they add a protective layer that blocks liquids, dirt, and oils from soaking into the material.

How to do it:

• Shake the repellent spray well.

• Hold it about 6-7 inches away and coat the entire shoe evenly.

• Let the shoes dry for 24-30 hours in a cool, indoor space.

The best Water and Stain Repellent Sprays are Crep Protect and Jason Markk. These sprays don’t just keep out water—they stop ketchup, mud, soda, even oily street stains from sinking in. 

The key is reapplying after every deep clean.

Method 6: Store in a Box or a Dust Bag

To prevent yellowing and keep white shoes white longer, always store them in their original box or a soft dust bag away from light. Keep in mind that UV rays and indoor lighting can cause white materials to fade or yellow over time, even if you haven’t worn the shoes.

We’ve compared shoes stored in boxes vs. shoes left out, and the difference is obvious after just a few months. The ones we boxed stayed bright.

Method 7: Use Silica Gel Packs

To keep white shoes from yellowing or growing mold, place silica gel packs inside them before storing. These small packs absorb moisture, keeping your shoes dry and fresh, especially if you live in a humid area.

Just follow this:

• Save silica gel packs from packaging or buy fresh ones online.

• After cleaning and drying your shoes, place one or two packs inside each shoe.

• Store the shoes in a cool, dark place (like we explained above).

• Check and replace the gel packs every couple of months.

Method 8: Use White Shoe Paint or Touch-Up Pen

To restore white shoes after scuffs or fading, use white shoe paint or a touch-up pen. These tools help cover worn-out areas, making your shoes look new again. They’re best for leather or synthetic materials, and work great between full cleanings.

• Dry the shoes first.

• Shake the touch-up pen or paint bottle well.

• Apply a thin layer (1-2 inches) over the scuff or faded area.

• Let it dry completely before wearing or touching.

How to Keep White Shoes from Yellowing

White shoes turn yellow when they’re exposed to light, moisture, or stored without cleaning. To stop that from happening, keep them in a dark, dry place. Moreover, you should always clean your white shoes before storage. For better results, you can use silica gel packs and store the shoes in their original box.

We used to leave our shoes out near the window. After a few weeks, they started to look off-white. Now we clean them, let them dry fully, and put them in the box right away. The shoes do not yellow anymore, and they stay fresh longer.

How to Keep White Shoes from Yellowing After Washing

To keep white shoes from yellowing after washing, never dry them in sunlight. Always let them air dry indoors in a shaded spot. You should also stuff the shoes with white paper towels, as they hold the shoe’s shape.

We used to dry our shoes outside, thinking they’d dry faster. They did, but the sun turned them yellow. Now we take our time. We stuff them with plain white towels and let them dry slowly inside. That’s it. They don’t turn yellow, and they come out clean and bright.

How to Keep White Shoes Clean in the Rain?

The best way to keep white shoes clean in the rain is to spray them with a water repellent before you wear them. That layer helps stop water and dirt from soaking in. Wipe off any splashes as soon as you get home.

We try to avoid wearing white shoes in heavy rain, but sometimes you just get caught in it. The spray helps a lot, but what really makes the difference is what you do right after. We wipe them down while they’re still wet. If they dry dirty, it’s harder to clean later.

How to Keep White Nike Shoes White?

Wipe your white Nike shoes every day with a baby wipe to keep them looking clean. It clears off dust and stops stains from settling. This is one of the easiest habits to keep shoes fresh.

We keep baby wipes near the door. Right when we take off our shoes, we give them a quick wipe. It only takes a minute, but that daily routine keeps them from building up dirt. Our shoes stay white longer and we don’t have to deep clean them as often.

How to Keep White Fabric Shoes White?

To clean white fabric shoes, make a paste with baking soda and white vinegar. This mixture helps remove stains and keeps the shoes bright without damaging the fabric.

We mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar with a little warm water. Then we scrub it onto the shoes using a soft toothbrush. We let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off and letting the shoes dry indoors. It’s cheap, safe, and works really well for suede and mesh shoes.

How to Protect White Leather Shoes?

To protect white leather shoes, wipe them with micellar water to remove dirt, then apply a leather conditioner. This keeps the leather clean, soft, and helps it last longer.

We use a cotton pad with micellar water once or twice a week. It lifts off dirt without drying out the leather. After that, we rub in a small amount of conditioner using a cloth. That keeps the leather from cracking and helps the shoes keep their shape and color.

How to Keep White Tennis Shoes White?

Use white non-gel toothpaste to clean white tennis shoes. It helps lift stains and works well on fabric and rubber parts. It’s safe and easy to use at home.

We take a soft toothbrush, add a bit of plain white toothpaste, and scrub the dirty spots. We let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth. We’ve used this method on all kinds of shoes, and it’s always worked great, especially for brightening soles and toes.

Bottom Line

Keeping your white shoes clean doesn’t have to be hard. Once you build a few easy habits into your routine, your shoes will stay bright and fresh without much effort. Here’s what works best for us:

• Clean your shoes right after wearing them.

• Spray them with a stain repellent before you step outside.

• Avoid drying them in the sun after washing.

• Store them in a dry place with silica gel inside.

• Touch up small scuffs to keep them looking new.

Start with just one or two of these tips, and you’ll see the difference in no time. White shoes can stay white—you just need the right routine.