How to Clean White Leather Shoes

Co-authored by Marc Sigal

White shoes can be difficult to keep clean, especially if you're regularly going outside. White leather shoes are even harder to clean because chemicals like ammonia can cause unwanted discoloration and you can't put them in the washing machine. Luckily, there are all-natural methods of cleaning your white leather shoes with household products like toothpaste, white vinegar, and olive oil. If you use the right techniques and take the time to protect and maintain your shoes, you can keep your shoes looking brand new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Toothpaste

1
Wipe off any excess dirt or mud. Scrape off any excess dirt that's been left over and that hasn't seeped into the leather. Use a soft nylon brush or a cotton rag and wipe over the entirety of your shoe. This should loosen and remove most of the dry dirt and dust that's on the surface of the shoe.
2
Remove the laces from your shoes. Soak your laces in a bowl with warm water and laundry detergent or throw the laces in the washing machine. Removing them while you clean the rest of the shoe will make cleaning them easier.^{[1]
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3
Dampen the outside of your shoe with a rag or towel. Dampen a rag so that it's wet, but not soaking. You don't want to over-saturate the leather on your shoes because it can damage it over time. Rub the damp cloth over the entirety of the shoe to remove the initial dirt.^{[2]
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4
Rub a dab of toothpaste into scuffs and stains. Make sure to use non-gel whitening toothpaste that doesn't have artificial dyes that can stain your shoes. Put dabs of toothpaste over the problem areas of your shoes and start to rub the toothpaste into the leather with your fingers.^{[3]
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5
Scrub the stains with a toothbrush. Scrub in the toothpaste, working in small circular motions. Continue to do this until the stain breaks up. Clean the entire shoe this way.
6
Wipe the toothpaste away with a towel. Make sure to remove all the toothpaste that was left over from cleaning. If you have trouble removing the toothpaste, dampen the rag with a little bit of warm water and rub the toothpaste off of the shoe.
7
Dry your shoes. Once all the toothpaste has been removed, wipe your shoes down with a microfiber cloth or a rag. You can repeat the cleaning process if your shoes are still dirty. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them. ^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Vinegar and Olive Oil

1
Combine vinegar and olive oil in a spray bottle. Pour ¼ cup (59.14 ml) of vinegar and ½ cup (59.14 ml) of olive oil in a medium sized spray bottle and shake the bottle vigorously.^{[5]
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- The solution will separate, so you need to make sure that you shake it as you use it.
2
Spray the solution onto your shoes. Get a nice coating over the entirety of your shoe. Apply more solution to areas where there is unwanted discoloration or dirt.
3
Let the solution sit for five minutes. The solution should soak into the leather and help bring up any stains or dirt that is embedded in the material.^{[6]
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4
Wipe the solution off with a dry cloth. As you wipe off the vinegar solution, the stain should come with it. Use a soft cotton or microfiber cloth to avoid scuffing your shoes further. Continue to wipe off the shoe until it's dry and the solution has been worked into the leather.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Stains on Your Shoes

1
Apply a water repellent on your shoes. Water repellents will help preserve your shoes and stop them from becoming water damaged. Repellents come in the form of oils, waxes, and sprays. Read the instructions that came with the product and follow them carefully. Typically, you'll want to apply the water repellent over the entirety of your shoe and then allow it to dry before applying an additional coat.^{[7]
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- Remember to do a cleaning of your shoe before you apply a repellent.
- Popular leather water repellents brands include Meltonian, Obenauf, Scotchguard, and Jason Markk Repel.^{[8]
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- Make sure that the repellent is designed for leather, not suede.
2
Clean your shoes as soon as they get dirty. Spot cleaning is an easy way to maintain the look of your white shoes. Use a damp rag or paper towel to clean off scuffs, scrapes, and dirt, as soon as they get on your shoes. Check your shoes every day after you get home from work or school and clean off any debris on your shoes. ^{[9]
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- The more diligent you are with regularly spot cleaning, the less you'll have to clean the white leather.
- If you have deeper stains, you can use an undyed mild dish soap and a toothbrush to remove the dirt.
3
Keep your shoes indoors and out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause yellowing and damage to the leather in your shoes. Keep them in a cool dark spot somewhere in your house when you aren't wearing them to preserve them.^{[10]
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Expert Advice

Follow some quick do's and don'ts to keep your leather shoes in good condition:

Don't wear your shoes in the rain. The leather will shrink if it gets wet.
Don't try to polish dirty shoes. You'll force the dirt into the leather, damaging your shoes.
Do clean your shoes regularly. Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth.
Do apply cleanser to the shoes. Wipe the surface to keep them clean and soft.

From Marc Sigal

Shoe Care Specialist

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use fabric paint on my sneakers?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. But keep in mind that the effect will be permanent, you won't be able to remove the paint, at least not entirely.