How Best To Clean White Trainers & Keep Them Clean

White trainers are a wardrobe staple, comfortable, versatile, and effortlessly stylish. The catch? They show every scuff, scrape and stain going. The good news is that with the right products and a bit of care, you can get them looking brand new again and keep them that way for longer.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what to clean with, a step-by-step method, how to treat different materials, and how to stop your trainers getting dirty in the first place.

In this guide:

• What you'll need
• How to clean white trainers, step by step
• How to remove stubborn marks
• How to clean different parts of your trainers
• How to keep white trainers white for longer
• FAQs

What You'll Need

You don't need anything specialist to clean white trainers well, just the right combination of product and tool for the material you're working with.

• Mild, non-bleaching detergent — gentle enough not to discolour or damage most fabrics and leathers.
• Baking soda and vinegar — a natural, versatile combination that's excellent at lifting stains.
• Bleach — reserve this for stubborn stains only, and always dilute it. Never use it on leather. Use sparingly to avoid risk of discolouration.
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush — gets into seams and tight spots without scuffing the material.
• Magic eraser — ideal for scuffs and marks on rubber soles.
• Microfibre cloth — for wiping shoes down without leaving lint or scratches.
• Shoe protectant spray — apply after cleaning to repel water and dirt, so trainers stay cleaner for longer.

How to Clean White Trainers, Step by Step

1. Remove the laces and insoles

Take both out, even if they don't look dirty. This gives you full access to the shoe and stops the insoles from getting damp, a common cause of lingering odours. Wash dirty laces separately (see how to clean white laces below).

2. Brush off loose dirt

Use a dry brush to remove surface dirt and debris before you introduce any water. Skipping this step risks rubbing grit deeper into the material later on.

3. Mix your cleaning solution

For most trainers, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water. For a natural alternative, combine one tablespoon each of baking soda and vinegar with a cup of water.

4. Spot test first

Dab some of your solution onto an inconspicuous area and wait a few minutes. White fabric is less prone to discolouration than coloured materials, but it's still worth the 30 seconds this takes.

5. Scrub gently

Dip your brush into the solution and work in small, gentle circles, focusing on the dirtiest areas. Let the solution do the work; there's no need to scrub hard.

6. Wipe and rinse

Use a damp microfibre cloth to lift away any residue. Avoid soaking the shoe; too much water can warp the shape or damage the material.

7. Dry properly

Stuff each trainer with kitchen roll or newspaper to hold its shape and absorb moisture, then leave to dry somewhere well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight or radiators. This can take 12–24 hours depending on the material.

8. Reassemble

Once completely dry, reinsert the insoles and laces. Your trainers are ready to wear.

How to Remove Stubborn Marks

Got just a scuff or two rather than an all-over clean needed? Try one of these targeted fixes:

• Magic eraser: Dampen it and gently rub over the mark, following the product instructions. Avoid heavy pressure, which can wear away the material.
• Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water into a paste, apply to the mark, leave for a few minutes, then brush away and wipe with a damp cloth.
• White, non-gel toothpaste: Works in the same way as the baking soda paste above — apply, leave briefly, then wipe clean.

How to Clean Different Parts of Your Trainers

Different materials need different care. Here's how to treat each part of the shoe:

How to clean white trainer soles

Soles pick up scuffs and general discolouration faster than any other part of the shoe. A magic eraser or a toothbrush dipped in your cleaning solution will lift most marks.

How to clean white fabric trainers

Fabric needs a gentle hand. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid soaking the material, which can affect its shape as it dries. Make sure it's completely dry afterwards to prevent the fabric from losing its structure.

How to clean white stitching

Dirty stitching stands out, so it's worth the extra care. Use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda, or a cotton bud dipped in cleaning solution for precise, fiddly areas.

How to clean white laces

Hand-wash laces in warm, soapy water, or pop them in the washing machine inside a wash bag or pillowcase to stop them tangling. Air-dry to help them keep their shape.

How to Keep White Trainers White for Longer

Cleaning is only half the story, a few small habits will keep your trainers looking fresher for longer between washes:

• Apply a protectant spray to a clean, dry shoe before you wear it for the first time, and reapply every few weeks.
• Rotate your trainers rather than wearing the same pair daily, giving materials time to recover.
• Wipe off marks as soon as they happen — fresh scuffs and stains lift far more easily than ones left to set.
• Store them properly in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can yellow white materials over time.

FAQs

How often should I clean white trainers?

A light wipe-down after every couple of wears will stop dirt from building up, with a fuller clean roughly every few weeks, depending on how often you wear them.

Can I put white trainers in the washing machine?

It's best avoided for leather trainers, as machine washing can damage the material and affect the shape. Fabric trainers can sometimes go in on a cold, gentle cycle; check the care label first.

How do I stop white trainers turning yellow?

Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources when drying or storing, and clean stains promptly before they have a chance to set.

What's the best way to dry white trainers?

Stuff them with paper to hold their shape and absorb moisture, then leave them somewhere well-ventilated and away from direct heat. Never dry them on a radiator or in a tumble dryer.

Ready for a Fresh Pair?

However careful you are, white trainers will always pick up a bit of dirt along the way, but now you've got everything you need to keep them looking their best. If it's time for a new pair, browse our women's trainers and men's trainers collections.