Guide to cleaning white trainers
White trainers can look sleek and stylish, but they can be a nightmare to keep clean. Over time, first and grime can build up, making your once pristine shoes look old and worn out. Fortunately, with a few simple techniques and some basic supplies, you can keep your white trainers looking like new for years to come. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cleaning white trainers.
What you need to know before you start cleaning your white trainers
Before you get started on cleaning your white trainer wardrobe staples, you’ll need to do a bit of prep work. It’s not complicated but it’ll make all the difference to keep your white trainers sparkling. The first of our shoe care tips is to suss out what material you’re going to be dealing with. Canvas shoe care is very different to leather, and again from suede, so make sure you’re following the right method.If your shoes haven’t been cleaned for a while then they might need a bit more of a rigorous going over. It might be worth scheduling time every few weeks to clean them - preserving their lifespan, stopping stains from setting in and protecting white trainers.
So once you’ve got your cleaning method sorted and the things you’re going to need ready, it’s time to get those white trainers looking like new.
Cleaning white trainers step by step
Although the methods might change depending on the material, here’s a general how to clean white trainers:
1. Remove excess dirt and debris - a coarse brush should do the trick for getting rid of any mud build up along the sides of the soles or on any leather patches.
2. Spot clean any stains or marks - if there are any particularly dirty patches then they might need a bit more attention. For leather trainers, a damp cloth should wipe away any stubborn bits, and for canvas you could use a toothbrush with white fabric cleaner, or even a mixture of baking soda and laundry detergent, to scrub away spots.3. Clean the soles of the shoes - Next give the soles of the shoes a good going over. Don’t forget to do round the sides as if left dirty, they can make the rest of the shoes look drab. A wet toothbrush with a paste made of baking soda and water, will do the trick. An initial scrub will get the dirt out of any dips in the design, before wiping away with a clean, damp cloth.
4. Clean the shoelaces - There are a couple of options with the shoelaces. Once you’ve removed them from the shoes, you can put them in a mesh laundry bag or even a white pillow case and pop them into the washing machine with a white wash. Don’t put them in the tumble dryer though, just leave them laid out flat on a clean surface. Another way to clean them is to put them in warm water with washing up liquid, leave to soak for 20 minutes, swishing them around with your hand to loosen any dirt. Scrub any stains with the toothbrush, rinse and then hang to dry.
5. Clean the entire shoe - For leather shoes, the best way to clean white trainers is to take a damp cloth with watered down washing up liquid and wipe along the surface of the shoes. For canvas, you can either follow a similar trick to the shoe laces, leaving them to soak in a solution of warm water and washing up liquid, or pop them in the washing machine. Using mild detergent, put your white trainers in the machine with a couple of white towels, and run on a gentle cycle with cold water.
6. Rinse and dry the shoes - if you’ve dunked your trainers then make sure they’re thoroughly rinsed and no matter which method you use to clean them, always leave them to air dry, pick a well-ventilated spot and never put them on the radiator as that can loosen the glue.
Tips and tricks for keeping white trainers clean
Once your white trainers are sparkling clean, what’s the best way to keep them looking as good as new? Here are some tips:
1. Use protective spray - you’ll be able to find material-specific sprays that help create a seal around the shoe that prevents dirt and grime from holding on.
2. Store your trainers properly - it might be tempting to chuck them in a cupboard under the stairs, but white trainers will pick up dust and dirt from other shoes. Try using a trainer bag or even the box they came in and pack them away after each wear.
3. Alternate pairs of trainers - you probably have your usual go-to footwear, but overuse can make white trainers grubby and lose shape quicker. Add in other footwear options to your routine to boost longevity.
4. Avoid wearing white trainers in dirty environments - checking the weather before heading out is a wise thing to do. White trainers on a rainy day means puddles and mud, so save your white trainers for dry days in the office or pub, rather than a woodland stroll.
5. Use a cleaning schedule - prevention is better than a cure, so wiping down your trainers after every wear will help prevent stains setting in. Make sure you’re also setting aside time every few weeks to give white trainers a deep clean.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning white trainers
Not all cleaning tips are created equal. Here are a few things to avoid when cleaning your white trainers:
1. Avoid bleach - it might seem like it has top cleaning power, but bleach can cause damage to the material and glue.
2. Using a harsh brush - a coarse brush can help you get the dirt off, but make sure it’s clean and not too harsh, otherwise it can end up leaving marks.
3. Using too much water - if you’re spot cleaning without doing a deep clean make sure your cloth is only just damp, otherwise it can leave wet patches which are hard to get rid of.
4. Avoid the wrong cleaning products - for example, don’t use biological laundry detergent which can damage the leather.
5. Not drying the shoes properly - time on the radiator can warp the shoes and weaken glue, but also leaving soggy shoes can do just as much damage. Make sure they’re in a well-ventilated area, perhaps on a window sill. If left in a cool damp place they won’t dry and will end up going mouldy and musty.