Shiny white tennis shoes are must-haves in any closet, and they can quickly lose that shine if you don’t take care of them. Knowing how to clean white tennis shoes at home will save your shoes from looking term and will stretch out the time of use. This article delicates various stepwise instructions on cleaning all types of white tennis shoes-from leather to cloth and fabric.
Table of Contents
Materials Needed for Cleaning White Tennis Shoes
Before cleaning white tennis shoes, gather these items:
- Soft brush (toothbrush or shoe brush)
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponge
- Magic eraser (optional Buy On Amazon)
Optional Supplies for Cleaning White Tennis Shoes
- Non-gel toothpaste
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
How to Clean White Leather Tennis Shoes

Cleaning white leather tennis shoes requires a little extra effort to prevent them from getting damaged. Here’s how to clean them:
Step 1: Remove all loose dirt
Dust and dirt can be brushed off the surface with a soft brush or cloth. This step will prevent scratching during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Prepare a cleaning solution
Mix a few drops of warm water and mild soap. Alternatively, a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water will also work against tough stains.
Step 3: Clean the surface
Soak a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution, and carefully wipe the leather surface. Do not soak the material as this can damage it.
Step 4: Remove the stains to be removed
Apply a very small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the nearly clean area and gently brush with a soft brush. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
Step 5: Dry completely
Pat the shoes with a clean cloth and let them air dry at room temperature. Never dry them in the sun, as this can cause cracks in the leather.
How to Clean White Cloth Tennis Shoes

White fabric tennis shoes are not as durable and require careful handling, so do the following:
Step 1: Remove the laces along with the insoles
Remove the laces and insoles for separate cleaning. Soak the laces in warm soapy water for a while.
Step 2: Pre-treat stains
Make a paste using baking soda and water, apply to the stained areas, and leave for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Scrub gently
Gently clean the mixture of detergent and warm water with a soft brush on the shoes. Be as gentle as you can to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Use a damp cloth to wipe away soap residues. To maintain shape, stuff the shoes with paper towels and leave them in a shaded area to air dry.
How to Clean White Fabric Tennis Shoes
Caring for white fabric tennis shoes is somewhat similar to caring for cloth shoes with a few minor modifications. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Shake Off Dirt
Shaking up the shoes removes all small bits of dirt and dust. Brush it with a soft brush for more thorough cleaning.
Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution
Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water. Add in a brush and do some lowered scrubbing from the mixture on the fabric.
Step 3: Rinse but very Carefully
Dampen a cloth with the cleaning solution and use it to clean things. Do not soak shoes in it, as it may damage them.
Step 4: Air Dry Properly
Let the shoes dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to avoid yellowing.
Why It’s Important to Clean White Tennis Shoes Regularly
White tennis shoes are prone to dirt, stains, and discoloration. So cleaning white tennis shoes regularly can bring out their shine and prevent them from forming stubborn stains. Learning how to clean white tennis shoes can also save you money because you will not have to buy new shoes frequently, and your favorite shoes will always appear new.
Tips for Maintaining White Tennis Shoes
- Clean Regularly: Wash your shoes often to prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Spray Protection: You may want to consider using a protective spray that can remove stains from your shoes.
- Store Right: Shoes must be kept in a dry cool place when there is no use.
- Don’t Wash Machine: Machine wash damages delicate materials like leather and fabric.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning White Tennis Shoes
- Using harsh chemicals that can be damaging to materials.
- Scrubbing too hard can wear out the fabric or leather.
- Not drying shoes properly leads to odors and mold.
Cleaning White Tennis Shoes Using a Washing Machine

Tennis shoes are made for sports and thus get dirty and sweaty. Here’s how to clean tennis shoes in a washing machine:
- Scrub away any mud and stuck-on dirt with a few bristles.
- Wash the insoles with soap and water. This will remove the odor.
- Put them in a mesh bag and run them through the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
- Dry thoroughly, keeping ventilation in mind, to prevent any mold growth or odor.
Read Full Article! How to Clean white Tennis Shoes in Washing Machine: 5 Best Tips
Final Words
The right steps and proper tools make it easy to learn how to clean white tennis shoes at home. Whether your shoes are made of leather, cloth, or fabric, the following process will keep them clean and in perfect shape. Practice these techniques so you can learn how to clean white leather tennis shoes, how to clean white cloth tennis shoes, and how to clean white fabric tennis shoes. By doing this, your white tennis shoes will always look fresh, and really, it will save you some money in the long run. Take care of your tennis shoes, and they will give you the same back for long-lastingness and style.