Easy Methods to Wash Shoes by Hand

In a perfect world, ice cream would have no calories, and white shoes wouldn’t get dirty. (OK, maybe that’s just one idea of a perfect world.) But what if there was a way to keep your beloved white shoes pristine without harsh chemicals, a dry cleaner, or a washing machine? Trust us, it’s possible. Try out these three simple methods to clean your shoes by hand with items you likely already have in your linen closet. The following step-by-step guides will walk you through how to handle canvas, suede, and leather shoes with ease. Before you get started, double-check what your white shoes are made of, study the instructions, gather ingredients like cleaning vinegar, baking soda, and Magic Erasers. Your white shoes will look good as new in no time.

How to Clean White Leather Shoes

Leather is one of the easier materials to clean because it doesn’t absorb as much water as some other fabrics. Here’s how to give white leather shoes a thorough cleaning: Depending on how dirty your shoes were, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes

You may think it’s difficult to get the grime out of your white canvas shoes, but it’s actually pretty simple (maybe even easier than deodorizing smelly sneakers). Here’s how you can clean white shoes with baking soda and white vinegar. If you don’t have baking soda and white vinegar, you can also try the first method using generic dish soap and water.

How to Clean White Suede Shoes

Cleaning suede shoes can be a little tricky since suede is a delicate fabric that stains easily. Because of this, you’ve probably noticed most suede shoes don’t come in a true white hue. Just like true whites, though, off-whites can get dirty easily. Here’s how to clean suede shoes gently and effectively.