White shoes have been a style staple for most people. A pair of white sneakers can go with anything, may it be a casual shirt and pants or something dressy for the office. However, getting caught in the rain while wearing white shoes is a nightmare. 

Yes, you can still wear your white kicks but with all the mud and dirt that is seen as unavoidable during the rainy season, you might find it difficult to keep your sneakers clean. Here’s a guide on how you can effectively freshen up those white kicks just in time for you to go out!

Essential Tips for Properly Cleaning Your Footwear

If you plan to wear your white sneakers frequently, follow these sneaker care and cleaning tips:

Use wet wipes for easy cleaning

Wet wipes are a lifesaver for removing dirt and grime from white sneakers after an unexpected downpour. While it's not the best option, it gets the job done quickly and efficiently while you're on the go. If you don't have access to proper shoe care products, think of it as a band-aid solution for your dirty white sneakers.

Mix warm water with dishwashing liquid

Remove any mud from the shoes' uppers by wiping them down first. Add a spoonful of dish soap to two cups of hot water and stir until dissolved. Thoroughly clean your white sneakers using a toothbrush immersed in the cleaning solution. Run a damp paper towel over the shoe to clean it. Use new paper towels to wipe it down, then let it air dry. This method also works wonders on white leather sneakers.

White toothpaste removes spots

For white canvas or mesh shoes that need care, apply a pea-sized amount of white toothpaste on the stain. Let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes, and then brush softly. You can also use it on your shoes' white leather or rubber parts by letting them set for four hours and rinse with warm water to restore their shine.

Use the baking soda method

Remove stains from your white shoes using a baking soda solution. In a small plastic bowl or cup, combine three parts of warm water with one part of baking soda. The mixture should thicken into a paste when stirred. Use a wet toothbrush to apply the solution in circular motions to your white sneakers. Remove the baking soda mix by rinsing it with water.

Shoe Cleaning Mistakes You Shouldn't Make

Don't let careless actions ruin the luster of your white sneakers. Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes while washing white shoes with these valuable tips:

Using detergent and other harsh cleaners

Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can ruin the soft materials of your shoe like leather, canvas, or synthetic fabrics. It can cause yellowing or fading of the color of your shoe. Instead, choose gentle white shoe cleaners or use light soap and water.

Oversoaking the shoes

Overexposure to water might deteriorate the adhesives used to build the shoe, leading to sole separation or detachment. The materials may also warp, stretch, or contract as a result, changing the shape and fit of the shoe.

Drying shoes under direct sunlight

Discolored white sneakers are often caused by drying under direct sunlight. When shoes are not cleaned properly, unrinsed detergent or other cleaning substances could be left in the shoe. Putting them under direct sunlight will turn your white shoes yellow. 

Soaking your shoes in clean water for a few minutes can help prevent this from happening. Put a clean white rag or tissue over the shoe to drain moisture. The cloth or tissue will take on a distinct yellow hue. Once that happens, you can let your shoes dry naturally.

Neglecting to spot test

Try any cleaning solution or method on a small, hidden section of your white shoe before using it on the full shoe. This checks to see if the substance of the shoe will react badly to the cleaner or the procedure you're applying or if the color will fade. Use a small amount of the cleanser and rub it into the area in a circular motion. After observing for a few minutes, you can continue cleaning the shoe normally.

Not scrubbing the right way

Scrubbing too harshly can scratch or damage the shoe's surface, leaving visible marks. Use a gentle touch and soft-bristled brushes or sponges to clean your white shoes effectively. Work in gentle, circular motions, focusing on the stained areas, and be patient to avoid causing unnecessary damage.

Cleaning shoes on a regular basis is not only for aesthetic and style purposes. It also prolongs the life of your favorite white sneakers. Make sure to follow these tips so you can continue to wear your white shoes through rain or sunny days.

The Best-Selling White Shoes: Sports Central's Top Picks

Rain or shine, having reliable white shoes is a must, and Sports Central has got you covered. Here are our top footwear picks you can wear even during the rainy season. Check them out:

1. Adidas Men Stan Smith Sustainable

Elevate your sneaker game sustainably with these sustainable white Adidas shoes men. Combining style and eco-consciousness, these white shoes feature a regular fit, lace closure, synthetic lining, and a rubber outsole. As a bonus, they are crafted with vegan materials, making them the perfect choice for fashion-forward individuals who value both fashion and the planet.

2. Reebok Women's Classic Leather

These white shoes for women are a true '80s OG, offering a blank canvas for your style. With clean lines and solid colors, they effortlessly pair with any outfit. Enjoy extra comfort with a cushioned midsole, soft lining, and lace closure. The leather upper, EVA midsole, and high-abrasion-resistant rubber outsole ensure durability and support for all-day wear. Finished in stylish classic leather white gum, these shoes are a must-have addition to your collection.

3. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi M7650C

These white sneakers from Converse exude timeless style, featuring a classic high-top silhouette and a canvas upper. The branded star ankle patch adds a touch of authenticity, while the OrthoLite insole ensures all-day comfort. Finished with a diamond outsole tread, these shoes provide reliable traction with every step.

Shop for white shoes today at sportscentral.ph.