How to Clean White Shoes and Cork Sandals

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Whether you’ve just bought a new pair of shoes or are looking to revive an old pair, keeping them clean is key to making them last.

This is especially important now because two of the trendiest styles for spring are white shoes and cork sandals. Both are super stylish, but only if you keep them clean and in good repair!

Below are our tips to clean your white shoes and to protect or repair cork footbeds. Your new shoes will last all season and beyond with the right maintenance!

Read below to learn more, and shop our collection of shoe care products online or in store at Stan’s Fit For Your Feet.

How to Clean White Shoes

Bright white shoes can really make an outfit pop, but it’s hard to keep them unblemished for long. Whether it’s discoloration from everyday use or specific scuffs and stains, here’s how to keep white shoes good as new.

How to Clean White Canvas and Synthetic Shoes

If the whites on your shoe are made of canvas, faux leather, or other fabric, it’s best to clean them with the following method:

1. Remove as much excess dirt as possible by clapping the shoes together, gently brushing them off, etc.
2. Remove the shoelaces and any orthotics.
3. Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part vinegar.
4. Using a toothbrush, work the mixture into the fabric with small circular motions. Do not brush away excess paste.
5. Let dry for 6-8 hours.
6. Brush off any extra paste once dry, and repeat again if needed. 

A second option is to use a diluted bleach mixture. This should be done carefully, as skin exposure to or inhalation of bleach can be harmful to humans and animals. In a well-ventilated area, follow the steps above, but make the mixture out of one part bleach to five parts water. Do not overuse bleach, as that can turn whites yellow.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes

If the whites on your shoe are made of leather, it’s best to clean them with the following method:

1. Remove as much excess dirt as possible by clapping the shoes together, gently brushing them off, etc.
2. Remove the shoelaces and any orthotics.
3. Mix one teaspoon dishwashing soap with one cup of hot water.
4. Using a toothbrush, gently scrub the dirty parts of the shoe.
5. Wipe down with a damp cloth.
6. Air-dry and repeat as needed.

How to Clean White Mesh Shoes

If the whites on your shoe are made of mesh, it’s best to clean them with the following method:

1. Remove as much excess dirt as possible by clapping the shoes together, gently brushing them off, etc.
2. Remove the shoelaces and any orthotics.
3. Mix a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water.
4. Using a cloth (not a toothbrush or brush, in order to avoid snagging the mesh), gently scrub the dirty parts of the shoe.
5. Wipe down with a damp cloth.
6. Air-dry and repeat as needed.

How to Clean White Suede Shoes

If the whites on your shoe are made of suede or nubuck, it’s best to clean them with the following method. It’s important to note that you should not use water to treat suede, as that can actually cause the stains to set.

1. Remove as much excess dirt as possible by clapping the shoes together, gently brushing them off, etc.
2. Remove the shoelaces and any orthotics.
3. Using a suede brush (or toothbrush in a pinch), remove embedded dirt by brushing back and forth.
4. Treat any remaining stains with the same method using a suede rubber eraser.
5. If stains remain, dip a washcloth into a small bowl of vinegar and gently scrub the stain.

How to Clean White Shoelaces

Shoelaces should be cleaned separately from the shoes using the following method:

1. Mix one part bleach to five parts water. 
2. Soak shoelaces in mixture for 5 minutes.
3. Wash shoelaces in the washing machine with like colors using laundry detergent.

Cleaning Products for White Shoes

If your white shoes still have tough stains that won’t come out, try one of the following products:

1. Pedag Pure Cleanser: This spray-on cleaner effectively dissolves dirt and stains from all materials. 
2. ECCO Sole Cleaning Kit: Containing a midsole cleanser, two brushes, and a cleaning cloth, this cleaning kit has everything you need to restore your soles.
3. Pedag YES wipes: One of the most important things to do when your shoes get stained is to treat it right away. Take shoe cleaning on the go with these stain-removing wipes.
4. Shoe Eraser: The Four Seasons Nubuck Eraser is ideal for rubbing away dirt and debris from sueded leather. 

Shop these shoe care products and more in store or online at stansfootwear.com

How to Repair Cork Sandals

Cork footbeds are not only trendy, but great for your feet due to the natural molding to your arch shape. However, that does you no good if the cork is falling apart! Check out our past blog with 4 Steps to Care For and Clean Your Cork Footbed Sandals. 

Cleaning and Repair Products for Cork Sandals

Birkenstock is the first thing that comes to mind for many when thinking about cork footbeds, and there’s a good reason. Their iconic shoes and sandals all feature cork, and they have cleaning and repair products to keep them in good repair.

The Birkenstock Deluxe Shoe Care Kit contains a footbed cleaner, suede nubuck brush, leather protector, and cork sealant (sold separately here).

Shop in-store or online at stansfootwear.com.

Shop Shoe Care Products

In addition to the options on stansfootwear.com, all Stan’s Fit For Your Feet locations carry cleaning products for spring styles and beyond. Leather care, shoe polish, water protectant, you name it — we’ll help you protect it.

Stan’s is more than just a shoe store; it’s a place where every step matters and where your footwear journey begins. Stan’s curated collection of shoes offers high-quality styles from the most respected brands from around the world. Stan’s helps make your mark on the world.  Stan’s promise is simple: you’ll find shoes you love and some you didn’t know you were looking for.  

Since its inception in 1950, Stan’s Bootery Inc. has reliably sourced stylish and comfortable footwear for the greater Milwaukee area. Today, under the stewardship of its third-generation family owners, Stan’s Bootery Inc. is recognized as one of the nation’s top independent shoe retailers.  With 7 Midwest brick-and-mortar locations under 4 distinct retail brands – Stan’s, Goodmiles Running Company, The Vionic Store Milwaukee, and Waxberg’s Walk Shoppe in Niles, IL, and a thriving, national e-commerce business, Stan’s Bootery Inc. proudly serves a diverse clientele from all walks of life.  

For more information, please visit stansfootwear.com or email [email protected].