How to Clean White Sneakers and Keep Them Bright

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There’s something undeniably satisfying about a pair of pristine white sneakers. Clean, fresh, and full of energy, they’re a style staple that works with just about everything. But it only takes one muddy step or a rogue splash of coffee to dull that brilliance. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or a spin in the washing machine to bring them back to life. This guide walks you through how to clean white sneakers by material type - leather, suede, canvas, knit - plus smart tips to help keep your FitFlop favourites bright. ### What You’ll Need Before you begin, gather a few essential items. The right tools protect the materials and make cleaning more effective: • Mild detergent (no bleach) • Baking soda and white vinegar (optional) • Soft toothbrush or soft-bristled brush • Microfiber cloth or sponge • Magic eraser • Warm water • Protective spray (material-appropriate)

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a pair of pristine white sneakers. Clean, fresh, and full of energy, they’re a style staple that works with just about everything. But it only takes one muddy step or a rogue splash of coffee to dull that brilliance. The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or a spin in the washing machine to bring them back to life. This guide walks you through how to clean white sneakers by material type - leather, suede, canvas, knit - plus smart tips to help keep your FitFlop favourites bright.

### Pre-Cleaning Checklist A little preparation can make all the difference and help avoid damage. **Remove Laces and Insoles** Take out your laces and insoles first. Laces can soak in warm, soapy water or go into a delicates bag in the washing machine. For insoles, spot-clean gently with a cloth and mild detergent, then air dry. **Brush Off Loose Dirt** Use a dry brush (a soft toothbrush works well) to sweep away any surface dirt. This prevents debris from embedding deeper during cleaning. **Do a Patch Test** Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden section of your sneaker. Different materials react differently, and a patch test helps you avoid surprises.

### What You’ll Need Before you begin, gather a few essential items. The right tools protect the materials and make cleaning more effective: • Mild detergent (no bleach) • Baking soda and white vinegar (optional) • Soft toothbrush or soft-bristled brush • Microfiber cloth or sponge • Magic eraser • Warm water • Protective spray (material-appropriate) ### Pre-Cleaning Checklist A little preparation can make all the difference and help avoid damage. **Remove Laces and Insoles** Take out your laces and insoles first. Laces can soak in warm, soapy water or go into a delicates bag in the washing machine. For insoles, spot-clean gently with a cloth and mild detergent, then air dry. **Brush Off Loose Dirt** Use a dry brush (a soft toothbrush works well) to sweep away any surface dirt. This prevents debris from embedding deeper during cleaning. **Do a Patch Test** Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden section of your sneaker. Different materials react differently, and a patch test helps you avoid surprises.

### How to Clean Different Types of White Sneakers Not all white sneakers are created equal. Different materials call for different methods. Here’s how to treat each one, following FitFlop’s official care guidance. **Leather Sneakers** Leather sneakers love low-effort upkeep. Here's how to keep them looking polished: • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap - no bleach. • Add a specialist leather cleaner if you’d like extra shine. • Let them air dry out of direct sunlight. Looking to upgrade? Explore our [women’s white leather sneakers](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-white-sneakers-uk). **Canvas and Fabric Sneakers** Breathable but quick to show stains, canvas needs a little extra attention: • Gently scrub with a toothbrush dipped in warm water and mild detergent. • Avoid full soaking. Use a clean, damp sponge to lift away residue. • Stuff sneakers with paper towels to maintain shape and air dry away from heat. • Finish with a protective spray to help prevent future stains. **Knit Sneakers (e.g. FitFlop Überknit™)** Light, flexible, and engineered for comfort, knit sneakers deserve a delicate touch: • Dab lightly with a soft cloth and cold water - no scrubbing. • Never soak or machine wash. • Let them air dry completely before wearing again. This material is precision-engineered, so treat it gently to keep it flexible and fresh. **Suede Sneakers** Suede adds texture and style, but it’s a little high maintenance: • Let dirt dry fully before brushing gently with a suede brush. • Avoid water altogether. For tough stains, try a white pencil eraser or apply talc, then brush. • Reapply a suede-specific protector to help guard against marks. Discover more in [our white sneakers collection](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-white-sneakers-uk).

### How to Clean White Soles and Laces Even when the uppers stay spotless, soles and laces show the most wear. Here’s how to keep them looking bright. **Soles** ⦁ Mix warm water with a little mild detergent. ⦁ Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub gently. ⦁ For stubborn marks, a magic eraser (a sponge-like cleaning pad) works well without damaging the material. ⦁ Wipe clean, avoiding contact with the upper to prevent discolouration. **Laces** ⦁ Soak in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes. ⦁ Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry. ⦁ Add a pinch of baking soda for extra brightness (but skip the bleach). ### How to Keep Your White Sneakers White Cleaning is only part of the story. Here’s how to maintain that box-fresh look. **Apply a Protective Spray** Before your first wear, and at regular intervals, apply a protective spray designed for the material. It repels dirt and moisture, making future cleans easier. **Clean Regularly** Quick, consistent cleaning beats sporadic deep cleans. A fast wipe after a rainy commute or dusty walk helps prevent buildup. **Store Smart** Keep white sneakers away from direct sunlight and heat (like radiators), which can lead to yellowing. Let them breathe between wears to help maintain freshness inside and out. ### What to Avoid When Cleaning White Sneakers Tempting shortcuts can do more harm than good. Avoid the following: ⦁ Don’t machine wash - especially leather, knit, or suede. ⦁ Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals. ⦁ Don’t dry in direct sunlight or on a radiator. ⦁ Don’t fully soak delicate materials like knit or suede. ### Looking to Add More Brightness to Your Collection? If your current pair has done one muddy festival too many, or you’re eyeing a style refresh, FitFlop’s collection of white footwear combines comfort, biomechanical design, and modern style. From[ white leather sneakers](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-white-sneakers-uk) to [canvas flip flops](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/white-flip-flops-uk) and [breathable knit sandals](https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-white-sandals-uk), there’s something for every step. Bright. Smart. Built to move. That’s white trainers - FitFlop style.