White trainers have been a trend for several seasons now. However, they don’t stay pristine for long and can quickly look dirty. Whether your trainers are made of fabric or leather, here are our top tips for cleaning white trainers perfectly! Discover how to clean white trainers and keep them looking fresh with our expert advice.
Can You Wash White Trainers in the Washing Machine?
It all depends on the type of shoe! White fabric trainers that are stitched, not glued, can be machine-washed. For the rest, it’s better to wash them by hand.
When it comes to white leather trainers, machine washing is strongly discouraged.
Generally, it’s preferable to avoid washing trainers in a machine to prevent damage to both the shoes and the washing machine. If you still want to take the risk, take these precautions:
- Remove the laces, wash them by hand or place them in a protective mesh bag.
- Remove the insole.
- Place each trainer in a protective bag to avoid damaging the machine drum.
- Add soft items like bath towels to cushion the drum.
- Select a short, spin-free cycle at a low temperature (30°C maximum).
- Air dry the trainers away from sunlight and stuff them with newspaper to maintain their shape.
How to Clean White Fabric Trainers by Hand
For hand-cleaning white fabric trainers, several solutions are available:
Cleaning White Fabric Trainers with Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Fill a basin with hot water, adding 3 tablespoons of dish soap and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Submerge the white fabric trainers and let them soak for a few minutes.
Use a brush to scrub the trainers in circular motions. Rinse with clear water. Air dry the trainers away from sunlight, stuffing them with newspaper to maintain their shape.
Cleaning White Fabric Trainers with Marseille Soap, Lemon Juice, and White Vinegar
Marseille soap is excellent for cleaning white fabric trainers. Fill a basin with hot water, add some Marseille soap, the juice of one lemon, and a glass of white vinegar. These natural cleaning products are effective and easy to find.
Submerge the trainers, let them soak for a few minutes, and scrub with a brush. Rinse with clear water, air dry away from sunlight, and stuff them with newspaper to maintain their shape.
Cleaning White Fabric Trainers with White Vinegar
The method is similar for using white vinegar. Fill a basin with hot water, add a glass of white vinegar, submerge the trainers, and let them soak for a few minutes.
Scrub the trainers in circular motions with a brush. Rinse with clear water and air dry away from sunlight, stuffing them with newspaper to maintain their shape.
Cleaning White Fabric Trainers with Toothpaste
Surprisingly, toothpaste can be used to clean white fabric trainers by hand. Make sure to choose white, non-gel toothpaste. Toothpaste can be used for various cleaning tasks, so always keep some handy, especially if you have yellowed plastic to whiten.
Dampen the trainers, apply a dab of toothpaste to the stains, and scrub with a brush (or toothbrush) in circular motions.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. Rinse with clear water, air dry away from sunlight, and stuff them with newspaper to maintain their shape.
How to Clean White Leather Trainers by Hand
Got white leather trainers? To avoid damaging this delicate material, hand cleaning is essential.
Cleaning White Leather Trainers with Soapy Water
Start by using a damp cloth with soapy water to wipe the entire surface of the shoes. Use a soft brush and scrub in circular motions to clean the trainers. Rinse and air dry.
Removing Stains from White Leather Trainers with Nail Polish Remover
If a simple soapy wash isn’t enough to remove stains from your white leather trainers, nail polish remover can be highly effective.
Dampen a cotton cloth with nail polish remover and rub until the stains disappear. Rinse with clear water using a cloth, and air dry away from sunlight. You can place newspaper inside the shoes to help them keep their shape.
Whitening White Leather Trainers with Shoe Polish or Cleansing Milk
Shoe polishes are your best friends for whitening white leather trainers. Not only do they clean the leather surface, but they also restore its shine. Note that you can substitute shoe polish with cleansing milk.
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