How Best To Clean White Trainers & Keep Them White

How Best To Clean White Trainers & Keep Them White

White trainers are a wardrobe staple for a reason: they're comfortable, stylish, and can bring a touch of crisp freshness to elevate any outfit. But if you've got a pair, you'll know that keeping them clean can be tricky.

If daily life has delivered dirt, scuffs, and stains to your favourite white trainers though, don't despair. With the right cleaning techniques and a bit of TLC you can restore them to their former glory. In this guide we'll tell you all you need to know to keep your white trainers looking as good as new.

The Padova2 Leather Lace-up Trainer, from our range of women's trainers.

Here's what we'll cover:

  • What to use to clean white trainers
  • A step-by-step guide to cleaning white trainers
  • Tips for getting marks off white trainers
  • How to clean different parts of your trainers

We've also got a trainer washing guide if you're looking for more general information.

The Spenser Leather Trainer, from our range of men's trainers.

What to Use to Clean White Trainers

There are lots of things you can use to clean white trainers, from specialised cleaning products through to homemade concoctions. Combining the right cleaning product with the right tool is key to doing the job well. So, let's take a look at what you should use to clean your white trainers.

  • Non-bleaching detergent: a gentle, mild soap or detergent works well for most materials. Take care to ensure it's mild to avoid discolouring or damaging the fabric.
  • Baking soda and vinegar: this versatile combination can be used in all manner of cleaning applications and works particularly well for dislodging stains in white trainers.
  • Bleach: this should only be used sparingly for especially stubborn stains, making it a good go-to when nothing else has worked.
  • A brush with soft bristles (or a toothbrush): soft bristles are crucial as they let you get into tight spots without the risk of damaging the fabric.
  • Magic Eraser: these specialised cleaning pads can be useful for removing scuffs or other marks from rubber soles.
  • Microfiber cloth: another gentle cleaning tool that's great for wiping down your trainers once they're clean.
  • Shoe protectant spray: an application of protection spray after a clean helps to repel water and dirt, keeping your trainers cleaner for longer.


The Midwood Leather Trainer, from our range of women's trainers.

Steps to Take to Clean White Trainers

With your trainer cleaning toolkit assembled, let's look at the steps to take to effectively clean your white trainers.

1. Remove Laces

Strip the laces from your trainers, whether or not they need to be cleaned. This makes it easier to access all parts of the shoe, increasing your ability to give them a thorough clean.

If your laces are dirty, wash and dry them separately.

2. Remove Insoles

Take the insoles from your trainers, too. Again, this helps you to access all parts of the shoe while preventing the insoles from getting damp - something that can lead to unpleasant smells.

3. Brush Off Loose Dirt

This is an important step: use a dry brush to remove any dirt or debris. This prevents the dirt from being rubbed deeper into the material later in the cleaning process.

4. Get Your Cleaning Solution Ready

Mix mild detergent with warm water in a bowl, or if you're using baking soda and vinegar combine one tablespoon of each with a cup of water.

5. Do a Spot Test

Apply some of the cleaning solution to an inconspicuous area of your shoe to make sure it won't damage or discolour the fabric. With white trainers there's less chance of discolouration, but don't be tempted to skip the spot test!

6. Scrub the Trainers

Take your brush and dip it into the cleaning solution, then gently scrub the trainers. Focus on the areas that are most dirty, and be patient: let the solution soak into the material, and trust that the motion will do the cleaning.

7. Rinse Them Off and Wipe Them Down

Once your shoes are clean, use the microfiber cloth to remove any residue and wipe the shoes down. Avoid soaking the shoes when you rinse them, as too much water can damage the fabric.

8. Allow To Dry Properly

Letting your shoes dry completely will prevent damage and odour. Stuff them with newspaper or kitchen roll to absorb moisture while keeping their natural shape, then leave them to dry somewhere well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight.

9. Reinsert Laces and Insoles

When they're completely dry, reinsert the laces and insoles. Your newly cleaned trainers are ready to go!


The Simon Leather Trainers, from our range of men's trainers.

How to Get Marks Off White Trainers

If your white trainers only have a couple of small marks, you may be able to get these off without going through the full process above. Here's what to try:

  • Apply the Magic Eraser: dampen the eraser and rub it over the dirty areas, making sure to follow the instructions on the box. Avoid scrubbing too hard as this can cause damage.
  • Baking soda paste: mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste consistency, then apply this to the dirty area. Leave it on for a few minutes, then brush away gently. Wipe away any residue with a lightly damp cloth.

Toothpaste: a small amount of white, non-gel toothpaste can be used in lieu of baking soda paste in the step above.


The Ariella Cut Out Detailed Trainer, from our range of women's trainers.

How to Clean Different Parts of White Trainers

Different areas of a trainer require different cleaning techniques, and understanding the correct way to clean each area leads to a better end result.


How to Clean White Soles on Trainers

White soles are prone to discoloration and it's almost inevitable they'll collect dirt and scuff marks over time. Using a Magic Eraser or a toothbrush dipped in a cleaning solution is a good way to remove marks from this area of the shoe.


How to Get White Fabric Trainers Clean

White fabric should be cleaned very gently with a toothbrush, taking care not to soak them too much as this can denature the fabric and lead to your shoes losing their shape. Take care to dry the shoe completely for the same reason.


How to Clean White Stitching on Trainers

Cleaning stitching can be fiddly, but dirty stitches draw the eye - so it's definitely worth doing. Use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda, or spot clean with a cotton bud dipped in cleaning solution to achieve the best results.


How to Clean White Laces on Trainers

Shoelaces can be cleaned in warm soapy water in a sink, or thrown into the washing machine (we recommend putting them in a washing bag or a pillowcase so they don't get tangled up). Air dry your laces once they're clean to keep their shape.


The Southend Smart Leather Trainer, from our range of men's trainers.

All White Now

No matter how careful you are, white trainers will pick up dirt and scuff marks. Take the right steps though, and it's easy to keep them clean. We hope this guide has given you the information you need to get your favourite pair of white trainers glistening once again!

To get started, take a look at our range of shoe care products. And if it does turn out that your treasured pair of trainers can't be salvaged, our range of white trainers for women and men is packed with stylish, comfortable options.

Back to blog