Are you looking for how best to clean your white trainers without having to ruin them? Let this easy guide provide you with the answer you need while maintaining the quality of your trainers, no matter what sort it’s made of.

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Image of a pair of clean white trainer
Image of a pair of clean white trainer

Image Source: Unsplash 

Being a lover of a pair of white trainers, you’ll always want to rock your sparkling brand-new trainers and paint the sky blue. Also, a neutral color makes it a matching fit to your hoodie or t-shirt. But what happens when it’s in a messy state, especially after a heavy downpour of rain? Well, you can still remedy it, no matter its condition and the material it’s made of.  

You don’t need to follow a laborious technique with little or no result. Learn these detailed steps on cleaning your white trainers, using the right product, depending on its stuff.

Table of Contents

  1.   What Makes White Trainers Dirty?
  2.   How to Keep White Shoes Clean
  3. How to Clean White Trainers
    • Canvas
    • Leather
    • Nike shoes
    • Tennis shoes
  1. How to Clean White Trainers with these Methods
    • Using Mrs. Hinch’s Method
    • Using Pink Stuff
    • Using Bicarbonate of Soda
    • Using Toothpaste
    • Using Bleach
    • Using Vanish
  1.   Should I Wash White Shoes in Washing Machine?
  2.   How often Should You Clean Your Trainers?
  3.   Tips for Cleaning White Trainers
  4.   Tips to Prevent Your White Trainers From Becoming Dirty
  5.   Common FAQs for Cleaning White Trainers
  6.   Conclusion

What Makes White Trainers Dirty?

Having a white trainer on is risky and demanding, especially when the weather is unfriendly. When you step out of the house, your white trainers begin to welcome dirt. And once this debris accumulates over time, your trainers become dirty. If you still need the sanity of your white trainers, then you need to pay attention to their cleanliness, so you don’t completely lose and abandon them.

How to Keep White Shoes Clean

We’ve already established that white shoes/trainers are the toughest to maintain because of their unique nature. You don’t have to tip-toe as you walk just because you’re careful of staining it. What then do you do when the dirt, dust, and mud grace the surface of your white shoes?

Using the right brush, sponge, or cloth and applying a considerable amount of shoe cleaner (laundering soap with tepid water) to the affected area will remove the stubborn stain. Make sure to repeat this process until you’re satisfied with the result seen.

How to Clean White Trainers

Do you know how important it is to clean your white trainers? To maintain their quality and lifespan, you need to keep them clean. More so, you wouldn’t want to be spotted on dirty trainers all the time. That’s why we’re here to help you. Learn how to clean your white trainers, no matter what they’re made of.

Canvas

Image of a dirty and clean canvas
Image of a dirty and clean canvas

Image Source: Canva

To clean your white canvas and get it back to life again, follow these steps below;

  • Baking soda and vinegar: Apply a tablespoon of baking soda and two spoons of vinegar into lukewarm water in a cup. Mix the combination evenly, then use a dry cloth or toothbrush to scrub the surface of your shoes thoroughly.
  • Detergent: Add a tablespoon of detergent into warm water in a bowl. For mild cleaning, get a cloth or toothbrush to brush the surface of your canvas. For thorough cleaning, soak the canvas in the bowl for five to ten minutes before washing it in and out to eliminate offensive odor.
  • Dry Properly: After cleaning, drain the water from the canvas to dry correctly, place it in a dry area away from sunlight, or you can use a dryer.

Leather

Image of white leather trainers
Image of white leather trainers

Image Source: Pixabay

Cleaning leather trainers do not require moisture, unlike canvas trainers. Follow the step-by-step procedure below;

  • Remove the laces: Remove the laces and soak them for ten minutes in a bowl containing warm water with laundering detergent.
  • Newspaper: Place a newspaper in your trainers to provide a solid surface and drain the moisture.
  • Clean the soles: Use a damp cloth to brush the surface of the sole. For a deeper stain and marks, use a trainer shampoo which is practical and easy to use.
  • Mix the paste and scrub the leather: Add a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of white toothpaste, and minimal warm water in a bowl. Add a little more water if necessary, but make sure it’s a thick paste. Use a toothbrush or clean cloth, apply the paste to the leather, and scrub mildly in a circular manner. 
  • Dry thoroughly: clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to remove any moisture left.

Nike Shoes

Image of a dirty and clean canvas
Image of a dirty and clean canvas

Image Source: Canva

Here’s a general guide to cleaning your Nike shoes, whether it is Air Force 1s, retro Kicks, et. Follow these steps;

  • Remove the insoles and laces; add a shoe tree or towel to make the shoe firm for scrubbing. Gently brush the surface to remove dirt.
  • Put a little cleaning detergent in a water bowl, wash the laces, rinse and dry.
  • With your soft brush dipped in the cleaning bowl, scrub the inner and outer parts of the shoe. Then wipe with a towel.
  • Dip a stiff brush in the cleaning bowl and clean the bottom and soles of your Nike shoes
  • Air dry is a semi-airy area, away from the sun.
  • Disinfect the insoles against any bacterial infection.
  • Fix the laces and insoles and store them in a cool, dry place.

Tennis Shoes

Images of dirty and clean white tennis trainer
Images of dirty and clean white tennis trainer

Image Source: Canva

To clean your white tennis shoes, you need several products and care, especially if it’s suede. If your tennis is made of suede, check out the step-by-step procedure on how to clean it;

  • Wipe off the debris and moisture with a soft cloth or sponge
  • Get a pink pencil eraser and gently scrub off any stain on the shoe until it’s gone
  • For any stain remaining, clean with vinegar using a soft cloth or sponge
  • Dry shoes and use a suede brush to restore their original texture

How to Clean White Trainers with these Methods

When cleaning your white trainers, there’re different methods you can use to achieve a sparkling result. Also, some practices are best at removing oil and greasy stains, aside from dirt and dust. Every cleaning method has recommended ingredients, products, and instructions for cleaning your white trainers.

Using Mrs. Hinch’s Method

Mrs. Hinch’s process of transforming white trainers
Mrs. Hinch’s process of transforming white trainers

Image Source: Google

Check out Mrs. Hinch’s best products and techniques, which many of her fans have come to appreciate;

  • Add a cap of the Milton Sterilizing Fluid to a dish of lukewarm water.
  • While holding your shoe in one hand, dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and scrub on the shoe.
  • To the other whites, turn on your wash to 40 degrees. Add a cap of Milton and your laundry detergent, then wash. 
  • Elbow grease your trainers and scrub using a nail brush. The Elbow grease soap bar will also get your white back. Wash in a machine or hand wash, then dry under the sunlight and not in a radiator.

Using Pink Stuff

Pink stuff
Pink stuff

 Image Source: Google

Using a Pink Stuff Paste produces a fantastic result for your white trainers. Follow these step-by-step procedures;

  • Using a soft brush or a sponge, apply the Pink Stuff cleaning paste on the outside of your trainers, and spread generously around all sides.
  • Allow settling for ten to fifteen minutes, then use a cloth to wipe off the paste gently. 
  • Wash in a machine or hand-wash to remove further paste. 
  • Dry under a shade, and watch your trainers rejuvenated, brilliant color bounce to life.

Using Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate, also called baking soda, makes an excellent cleaner for your white trainers. You can mix it with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, depending on which is handy to form a paste. Here’s how to clean your white trainers using bicarbonate of soda;

  • Apply the paste evenly to the trainers using a toothbrush until every part is soaked. 
  • Soak the laces in a different solution of the paste.
  • Place trainers under the sunlight for 3-4 hours. The sun hastens the whitening process.
  • Once completely dried, thoroughly knock off the dried paste over a waste can.
  • Use a toothbrush or a stain removal to remove any further paste remaining.

Using Toothpaste

If you want toothpaste to clean your white trainers, use a non-gel whitening one for double action because it contains baking soda. Here’s how to go about using one;

  • Extract some toothpaste onto an old toothbrush, and apply evenly to the stains.
  • Keep the paste on trainers for ten to fifteen minutes.
  • Use a clean towel or damp cloth to wipe off the paste from your trainers.
  • Repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.

Using Bleach

In using bleach to clean your white trainers, you must carefully dilute it because of its corrosive and toxic nature.

  • To dilute, mix a little amount of the bleach with at least five times water in a well-ventilated area. Make sure to protect your eyes and skin from its effect.
  • Dip a toothbrush into the diluted bleach, gently scrub the trainers, and rinse off with tepid water.
  • Then air-dry shoes for several hours, preferably overnight.

Using Vanish

Pink stuff
Pink stuff

 Image Source: Google

Vanish Power comes in two different types – powdery and liquid form. Both are excellent stain removers, capable of making your trainers whiter than snow. Check out how to use this fantastic product.

  • To a medium plastic bowl, fill it with warm water.
  • Add an appreciable amount of the Vanish powder into the bowl.
  • Leave trainers in the bowl to soak overnight.
  • Dip a stiff bristle brush into the cleaning mixture and scrub shoes gently on all sides
  • Thoroughly rinse shoes inside and out until all residual cleaning products are off.
  • Allow shoes to dry under the sun for several hours.
  • Shoes completely whiten even before drying.

Should I Wash White Shoes in Washing Machine?

It’s okay to place your white shoes in your washing machine if you don’t want to hand-wash them. Just before you head on to the washer, you need to note the following;

  • Gently wash your shoes in a cold water cycle, preferably at a slow or no spinning setting.
  • Before starting to wash, remove laces and insoles.
  • Place shoes in a mesh bag (closed).

Following the steps above, preserve your shoes and prevent damage to your washing machine.

How Often Should You Clean Your Trainer? 

There isn’t any hard and fast rule regarding how often you should clean your trainer. But you must act quickly before the specks of dirt keep piling up and become difficult to get rid of. As such, it’s wise to clean them up after every usage.
For a leather trainer, the build-up of dirt and dust is capable of running it and eventually shortens its lifespan. A similar thing applies to other materials. So it’s best to take care of them consistently if you want to keep enjoying your trainer.

Tips for Cleaning White Trainers

Here are a few tips you should note when cleaning your white trainers so you can achieve the best result;

  • Make sure to use detergent, mix in warm water, and a soft brush, so you don’t get to ruin its surface, especially when it’s leather.
  • Do not dry under direct sunlight; instead, in an airy and well-ventilated area.
  • Make sure to put shoes in a pillowcase or mesh bag and tie both ends before washing them in the machine.
  • Do not wash trainers on high heat when using a washing machine. Always set the temperature between 40 and 60 degrees celsius for effective cleaning and stain removal.
  • To eliminate microorganisms causing an unpleasant odor, spray your trainers with disinfectants, baking powder, or foot powder before washing.

Tips to Prevent Your White Trainers From Becoming Dirty 

Do you know you can prevent your white trainers from becoming dirty frequently? If not, follow these few tips on how to get that done so you don’t keep cleaning all the time.

  • As soon as you unbox your shoes, use a trainer protector. This spray protector forms layers that prevent them from dirt, dust, and debris.
  • Store them properly, especially in their box or bags when not in use.
  • Always wipe off stains and dirt immediately after use to avoid buildup. Use a sponge or damp cloth with some liquid soap.
  • Use water-based cleaners and warm water, which are less harsh on all materials than chemical-based cleaners.
  • Always use a stain remover pen to erase marks and spots immediately seen.

Common FAQs for Cleaning White Trainers

    1. Can I use bleach on rubber soles?
  •  No, you can’t use bleach to wash rubber sole trainers because it will turn them yellow.

2. Can I use shoe polish or a whitener?

  • Yes, you can use shoe polish or whitener when trying to restore your shoes to their original state. They do well to keep the soles shiny and in good condition, especially the classic shoe polish.

3. Can I prevent household pests from destroying my trainers?

You can prevent household pests from wreaking havoc on your trainers and damaging them when you follow the proper steps. 

Conclusion

Now you understand how best to clean your white trainers depending on the type of material it’s made of, the different methods, and the products to import. Following our details above, your trainers will serve you better. 

For other cleaning tips and ideas involving your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, deck & patio cleaning, etc., check out our website Guy About Home. or read the blogs below:

Hi there! I’m Guy, the guy behind Guy About Home (that’s a lot of guy’s). I’m just your average guy (ok, I’ll stop) living in the USA who is really interested in making and doing.