How to Clean White Leather Shoes

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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

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    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. 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. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    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]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    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]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    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. 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. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather 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

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    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]
    • The solution will separate, so you need to make sure that you shake it as you use it.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    Get a nice coating over the entirety of your shoe. Apply more solution to areas where there is unwanted discoloration or dirt.
  3. The solution should soak into the leather and help bring up any stains or dirt that is embedded in the material. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather Shoes
    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.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Stains on Your Shoes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean White Leather 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]
    • 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]
    • Make sure that the repellent is designed for leather, not suede.
  2. 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]
    • 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. 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

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      Things You'll Need

      • Cotton rag
      • Toothpaste
      • Olive Oil
      • White vinegar
      • Spray bottle
      • Nylon brush (optional)
      • Microfiber cloth (optional)
      • Water repellent (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.howtocleanthings.com/clothing/how-to-clean-shoes/
      2. ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-clean-leather-furniture/
      3. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/style/how-to-clean-white-shoes-20140528
      4. ↑ https://removeandreplace.com/2013/12/03/clean-dirty-white-sneakers-make-look-new-white/
      5. ↑ https://footwind.net/how-to-clean-white-leather-nursing-shoes/
      6. ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-leather-with-simple-homemade-leather-cleaning-recipes/#Cleaning_White_Leather
      7. ↑ https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/how-to-waterproof-boots
      8. ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/06/01/how-to-clean-white-shoes_n_7486750.html
      9. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2014/08/white-leather-how-to-clean
      1. ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-clean-white-sneakers/slide8

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      The best way to keep white leather shoes clean is to wipe them down daily, but if you get stubborn stains you can clean them with toothpaste. Begin by wiping excess dirt off the shoes. Then remove the shoelaces, which you can soak in a bowl with warm water and laundry detergent. Next use a rag to dampen the outside of the shoes. Put a dab of non-gel whitening toothpaste on the stained areas and rub into the leather with your fingers or a brush. Finally wipe away any remaining toothpaste and allow the shoes to dry. If you want to learn more, like how to prevent stains from getting on your shoes, keep reading the article!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Margaret Bell

        Dec 30, 2019

        "I found the toothpaste method very satisfactory, thanks for sharing. It has really revitalized my white Ecco ..." more
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