White leather shoes are a statement piece in the fashion world. They are stylish and classic and always look good on the wearer. However, they are easy to get dirty, especially if you are constantly walking outside. They are also harder to clean than fabric shoes because using chemicals like ammonia will cause discoloration of the shoes. Unfortunately, you can't put white leather shoes in the washing machine because you will destroy them. 

Using the wrong products can cause them to appear yellow, overbleached, or partially cleaned. Luckily, there are safe methods you can use to clean white leather shoes at home, like white vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, and toothpaste. If you use these techniques wisely, you can protect and maintain your shoes, and they will serve you longer. 

How Often Should You Clean White Leather Shoes?

In any case, white leather shoes should be cleaned right after you wear them. The only thing you need to do is to wash them barely with water that is to say you are just required to and only wipe it with a damp cloth or use a soft brush to just dust off any encrustation.

Soil and stains are easier to wash away once they are new and not after accumulating on the shoes over time. However, if the shoes are too dirty, you need to wash them using a more intense washing method. You also need to properly wash your clean white leather sneakers if you plan on storing them for an extended duration.

5 Methods for Cleaning White Leather Shoes

Before you begin

Get your leather shoes ready for cleaning, before cleaning. Insoles and shoe laces should be removed and washed in a separate bucket or container. They can however be washed by hand with liquid soap and a soft brush. Subsequently, air dry them and let them dry for some time before packing them in the shoes again. Or, washing them inside a mesh garment bag via a washing machine would also be a good to go. If they already have stains, wash them with bleach. But be careful to follow the instructions. 

If your shoes are muddy, then wash them using a dry toothbrush or small, soft brush. Additionally, do not forget to brush the area that is surrounded by the rubber soles and the outer edges of the tongue. Moisten a cotton/microfiber cloth with clean water and then, using the cloth gently clean the surface of your entire shoe to remove debris. Focus all the efforts on seams and any crevices, where dust or dirt could be lodged, and then let the shoes sit for roughly 15 minutes before attempting to remove any remaining moisture.

1. How to clean white leather shoes using baking soda

You will need the following materials:

• Baking soda paste

• Microfiber or cotton cloth

• Soft toothbrush

Using baking soda is great for cleaning your leather shoes, be it sneakers, white canvas shoes, or dress shoes, because it removes stubborn stains. Follow these steps:

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1. Dip a scrub brush or old toothbrush into the baking soda paste and apply it to the shoes. If there are stains, apply the paste directly to them.

2. Work the paste into the leather by scrubbing using a circular motion.

3. Let the baking soda sit on the shoes until dry, usually for 30 minutes.

4. Rinse the shoes with clean water and a cotton cloth.

5. If the stain is not gone, repeat the steps above.

6. To dry the shoes, wipe away any residue with a damp clean cloth and let the shoes air-dry away from direct sunlight.

7. Check if the shoes are completely dry, then apply a leather conditioner.

2. How to clean white leather shoes using white toothpaste

You will need the following materials:

• White toothpaste (non-gel variety)

• Nylon brush or cotton rug

• Toothbrush

• Microfiber cloth

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White toothpaste is another great solution for cleaning white leather shoes. Ensure your toothpaste is completely white, as colored toothpaste and gels will stain the shoes. Follow these steps:

1. Use a wet rag or towel to dampen the outside of your shoe. Ensure the rag is not oversaturated with water, as this can spoil your shoe over time. Pass the damp cloth over your entire shoe to remove the initial dirt.

2. Put dabs of toothpaste over the stained areas of your shoes and rub them into the leather with your fingers. 

   

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3. Work in small, circular motions to scrub the toothpaste using a toothbrush. Continue rubbing until the stain breaks up as you rub the toothpaste around the entire shoe. 

4. Wipe the toothpaste with a towel to remove what was left after cleaning. If you find it difficult to remove the toothpaste, dampen the rag with warm water and rub it off. 

5. Wipe your shoes with a rag or microfiber cloth to dry them. The shoes should be completely dry before using them.

3. How to clean white leather shoes using olive oil and vinegar

You will need the following materials:

• Olive oil

• White vinegar

• Spray bottle

• Cotton or microfiber cloth

Follow these steps to clean white leather shoes with olive oil and vinegar:

1. Mix vinegar and olive oil in a medium-sized spray bottle. Their ratio should be 1:2 for the vinegar and olive oil. Shake the bottle vigorously to mix well. The mixture will separate, so you need to keep on shaking as you use it.

   

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2. Spray the solution generously on your entire shoe. Ensure the shoes have a nice coating, and if you notice areas with unwanted discoloration or dirt, add more solution.

3. Let the solution soak for five minutes to help disintegrate the stains and remove any dirt from the leather material. 

4. Use a dry cloth to wipe off the solution. It should come out together with the dirt and stains. Use a cotton or microfiber cloth to ensure your shoes are not scuffed.

5. Wipe the shoe until it is dry. 

4. How to clean white leather shoes with soapy water

You will need the following materials:

• Water

• Liquid dish soap

• Paper towel

• Eraser sponge

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Follow these steps to clean your white leather shoes.

1. Mix liquid dish soap with a warm cup of water.

2. Use a toothbrush dipped in this soapy water to scrub the entire shoe gently. 

3. Remove any scuffs or stains using an eraser sponge.

4. Use a cloth that is not too wet to wipe the shoes.

5. Put paper towels inside the shoes to absorb the moisture inside. This will also help to maintain the shoes' shape as they air dry.

5. How to clean white leather shoes with bleach 

What You will need:

• Bleach

• Water

• Microfiber cloth

• Gloves

Image Crdits: Aradbranding.com

You can use bleach to clean shoes with severe stains. However, you should use it with a lot of caution because if applied incorrectly, it can cause skin irritation and trouble breathing. When using bleach to clean white shoes or leather shoes, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Follow these steps:

1. Mix up warm water with bleach at a ratio of 5:1, five parts of warm water and one part of bleach. Too much bleach can lead to the yellowing of your shoes. 

2. Use a toothbrush or sponge to loosen the dirt and stains.

3. Dip a microfibre tower into the bleach mixture and wring it out to remove the extra solution. 

4. Blot the entire shoe with the towel.

5. Rinse the shoe with a cloth dampened with warm water.

6. Dry the shoes in a well-ventilated room. 

Conclusion

White shoes get dirty easily; if not washed properly, they can look old and unsightly. The above methods will help you clean your leather shoes properly to keep them looking pristine and give them a longer life.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Clean White Leather Shoes

1. What is the best thing to clean white leather?

It is said that with olive oil and vinegar or tooth paste you can clean white leather. To use, dilute olive oil and vinegar at the ratio of 1: 2 by pouring half portion of olive oil and one-fourth portion vinegar in a spray bottle. Rub the solution gently onto the stained area and let the solution stand there for five minutes. With a damp cotton cloth clean. Do not use bleach or ammonia based products as this will severely damage the leather.

To clean white leather with toothpaste:

1. Dampen the stained area with a damp cloth.

2. Apply a bit of white, non-gel toothpaste on the stain.

3. Scrub away the stain using a soft toothbrush.

4. Wipe the shoes with a clean cloth, then dry them with a towel.

Toothpaste is also effective in removing scuffs.

2. How do you make white leather white again?

In case your white leather shoes are no longer white, you can make them white by using a solution of bleach. For cleaning solution, dilute the bleach using 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. The toothbrush that has been used prior should be dipped into the solution, then rub the soiled sections of the shoes. If you are not ready to use the brush then just simply wet it with water and start rubbing on the stains until they fade away.

3. Can you get stains out of white leather shoes?

If you have not washed out your white leather shoes with a bleach solution or baking soda paste you should try this cleaner The good thing is that in the process of using the cleaner, other stains are removed from the white leather shoes. The recipe for this spray is 2 hydrogen peroxide, 2 water, and 10 drops lemon essential oil in a spray bottle. Grease stains require a clean white cloth to be placed beneath the stained area then spray the area with this cleaner. Blot the stain using circular motion with the help of dry microfiber cloth. Wash it thoroughly with clean water and avoid using a dryer, dry the shoe at room temperature.