CLEANING WHITE SNEAKERS

1. General cleaning 

2. Special cleaning methods

3. Material-dependent cleaning

4. Remove discoloration and stains

5. Care and protection

What is the best way to clean white sneakers?

First remove coarse dirt and dust. A cleaning foam such as “Combi Clean & Care,” which is suitable for leather and textiles, is ideal for cleaning sneakers. Apply a walnut-sized amount of foam to a cloth and spread it evenly. Leave it to work for a while and then brush it off with a soft brush. For heavier stains, we recommend Sneaker Cleaner, a special intensive cleaner that removes stubborn stains as well as salt, water, and snow marks. Work it in with the integrated brush head and remove it with a damp cloth.  Then let your shoes air dry; do not place them on the heater or in the sun.

How often should you clean white sneakers?

Light cleaning, i.e., removing coarse dirt and dust, is recommended after wearing them once or twice.  You should clean them thoroughly every two to four weeks, although if you wear them frequently, cleaning them about once a week is recommended. In case of rain, mud, or heavy soiling, your sneakers should be cleaned immediately to prevent staining.

What home remedies help clean white shoes?

There are a number of home remedies for cleaning sneakers on the internet. A few of them can actually help. One option for stubborn stains is toothpaste. But make sure it is white and does not contain gel or coloring. Other options include a paste made from water and baking soda, or lemon juice or vinegar for light discoloration. Test the home remedies on an inconspicuous area first, as they can have a bleaching effect and damage the material of your shoes.

Can sneakers be washed in the washing machine?

Please only put your sneakers in the washing machine in exceptional cases. Water can make leather porous and brittle. Textile sneakers are more suitable for machine washing, but you should still follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always select a delicate or wool wash cycle at a low temperature and put the sneakers in a laundry bag. If you don't have a laundry bag to hand, you can also use a pillowcase. Ideally, you should also put a few white towels in the drum to cushion the impact against the washing drum. Do not use fabric softener. However, you can simply wash the white laces of your sneakers in the washing machine. 

How can you get white sneakers shiny white again?

Regular waterproofing is the first step in protecting your sneakers from dirt, moisture, and UV rays. Sun exposure in particular can cause white rubber soles to yellow. After cleaning, you should apply sneaker care. This is a highly opaque, liquid shoe whitener that has been specially developed for the sides of the sole. It quickly conceals scratches, abrasions, and dull spots and significantly refreshes the white color. You can also use it to remove grass stains from your sneakers. Before applying, however, you should remove coarse dirt with a brush or a dirt eraser so that the care product can adhere optimally. Allow the color to dry briefly and then impregnate again to fix the result. 

Does toothpaste help clean white sneakers?

Yes, especially for rubber and plastic. However, you should be careful with textiles and test it on an inconspicuous area first. Use a white, non-gel toothpaste and gently work it in with a toothbrush. Then wipe everything off with a damp cloth. Avoid highly abrasive toothpastes so as not to roughen the upper material.

Can white sneakers be cleaned with baking soda or baking powder?

Yes, but here too, it is advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area first. To clean your sneakers, mix baking soda or baking powder with water in a 1:1 ratio to form a paste, apply it to the sneakers, and leave it on for a short time. You can use a damp toothbrush to work it in. Then brush your sneakers and wipe them with a damp cloth. It is a cheap alternative to professional cleaning products, but cannot replace them. In addition, this method is not suitable for delicate materials.

How do you remove stubborn stains from white sneakers?

For stubborn stains, we recommend using a sneaker cleaner. The one we sell has a built-in brush head that allows you to apply the cleaner evenly. Hold the bottle upright and work the cleaner in evenly. Then wipe your sneakers with a damp cloth or rinse them under running water. Repeat the process if necessary.

Are bleach or chlorine safe for white sneakers?

No, bleach and chlorine can damage the materials of your sneakers, change the color, and make the material brittle or porous. This can lead to irreparable damage, especially with leather or material mixes with textiles. Instead, choose a sneaker white, a highly opaque, liquid shoe white, or a home remedy such as baking soda.

How do you clean white shoes with vinegar or lemon?

This method is really only suitable for light stains on textile surfaces. You should not use vinegar or lemon on leather, as these can damage the material and cause it to dry out. If you want to try it on textiles, be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first.

How do you properly clean white leather sneakers?

Use a cleaning foam that is specifically designed for leather. First remove coarse dirt with a cloth or brush and apply the foam evenly with a soft cloth. Leave it to work for a short time before carefully removing it with a clean brush or cloth. Afterwards, be sure to waterproof your leather sneakers to protect them from moisture and dirt. Regular leather care ensures suppleness and prevents drying out.

How do you clean fabric sneakers?

Use a sneaker cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water (test on an inconspicuous area first) to clean your shoes. First remove any coarse dirt while dry, then treat your shoes with the paste or cleaner. Next, wipe them with a damp cloth or hold them under lukewarm water. Allow them to air dry and then waterproof them to protect them from new stains. You should only wash your sneakers in the washing machine in exceptional cases and with the manufacturer's approval.

What care do white suede sneakers need?

Suede is particularly delicate and should only be cleaned dry with a special suede brush. Stubborn stains can be treated with a cleaning eraser, but without applying pressure. After dry cleaning, freshen up your sneakers with a suede care spray. Waterproofing is even more important for suede sneakers, as suede is particularly sensitive to dirt and moisture. You should also store these shoes in a dark place to prevent color changes caused by UV light.

How do you remove dirt from mesh sneakers?

The fine fabric of mesh sneakers makes them breathable, but also susceptible to damage. For this reason, use a very soft brush or microfiber cloth with a mild cleaning foam or sneaker cleaner. Do not rub too hard, as the fabric may fray. A slightly damp cloth is suitable for aftercare. Allow your sneakers to dry thoroughly and then waterproof them to repel new dirt and moisture.

Why do white sneakers turn yellow after cleaning?

White sneakers often turn yellow after cleaning if cleaning product residue remains on the material. This residue reacts when it comes into contact with oxygen and sunlight, causing yellow discoloration. That's why it's particularly important to wipe the shoes carefully with a damp cloth after cleaning to remove all cleaning residue. In addition, direct UV radiation can also cause yellowing, especially on rubber soles. To prevent this, you should treat your sneakers regularly with a waterproofing spray. A high-quality waterproofing treatment not only protects against dirt and moisture, but also against color changes caused by sunlight.

How can you remove water or sweat stains from sneakers?

In most cases, water and sweat stains can be removed with a suitable cleaning agent. It is best to use a special sneaker cleaner with an integrated brush head so that the cleaner can penetrate deep into the material. Lightly dampen the material and gently work in the cleaner. For fabric sneakers, you can also use a mild vinegar and water mixture, which can help with light stains. It is important to check beforehand on an inconspicuous area whether the material is colorfast. After cleaning, you should wipe the shoes thoroughly with a damp cloth and allow them to dry completely.

How can you protect white sneakers from discoloration?

The most effective protection against discoloration is regular waterproofing. You should waterproof your white sneakers before wearing them for the first time. Spray your shoes evenly two to three times and allow them to dry thoroughly each time. This creates a protective layer that prevents dirt, moisture, and UV rays from penetrating the fabric. Repeat the waterproofing regularly, especially after each cleaning or after heavy exposure to moisture. This will not only preserve the bright white color of your shoes, but also extend their life.

What to do when the soles of white sneakers get dirty?

If the white soles of your sneakers get dirty, you can easily clean them with a suitable brush and a dirt eraser. First, remove coarse dirt with the brush and then work over the affected areas with the eraser. To maintain the refreshed look, we recommend applying a white sneaker care product afterwards to cover small scratches and dull spots. And then, as always, you should waterproof your shoes to protect them.

How can you keep white sneakers clean for a long time?

The most important thing is to clean your shoes regularly. White sneakers will only stay clean and beautiful if you clean them regularly. It is important not to let dirt sit on them for too long, as it can become embedded in the material over time and then be difficult to remove. You can also extend the life of your sneakers by not wearing the same pair every day. Alternating between two or more pairs allows the material to dry and regenerate better in between wears. Proper storage also plays an important role: store your shoes in an airy, dry place and use shoe trees to maintain their shape.

Should sneakers be waterproofed?

Absolutely! Sneakers should definitely be waterproofed, ideally right after purchase. Thorough waterproofing ensures that water, dirt, and UV rays cannot penetrate deep into the material. For models made of different materials such as leather, textile, or mesh, a Nano-Protect spray is recommended. Be sure to re-waterproof your sneakers after each thorough cleaning.

Can sneakers be cleaned with a shoe brush?

Yes, a shoe brush is an indispensable tool for cleaning your sneakers. It helps you quickly and effectively remove coarse dirt, dust, and loose particles. It is also suitable for evenly distributing and working cleaning foam or sneaker cleaner into your shoes. Brushes with soft horsehair bristles are particularly recommended, as they treat the upper material gently while cleaning thoroughly.