Before we dive into our tips, let us point out that prevention is better than cure. If you want your white shoes to stay white for a long time, it is best to treat them with a quality water- and dirt-repellent spray immediately after purchase. This creates a protective layer, making dirt less likely to adhere and moisture less likely.
Dirty anyway? Here's how to get your white trainers back clean
- Baby wipes Baby wipes are mild but surprisingly effective on leather trainers. A quick wipe, once or twice a week, prevents everyday dirt from taking hold. A small effort for a big result.
- Soft scuffing cream For those stubborn smudges and stains. Apply a minute amount of soft abrasive (think Cif) to a cloth or soft sponge. Very gently rub the stain with it. Be careful! Rubbing too hard will damage the material.
- White toothpaste Not only effective for your teeth! There are whitening elements in toothpaste that work wonders for your shoes. Use an old, soft toothbrush to apply the paste. Gently massage in and let it soak in. Always opt for white toothpaste to avoid coloured streaks.
- Removal soap A suds of lukewarm water and a little washing-up liquid is an excellent and gentle cleaner. Dab a sponge in the soapy water and rub away the stains.
- Shampoo as a grease remover Just got your hands on a grease stain? Then a soak with shampoo is often the best method! Shampoo is specially designed to dissolve grease.
- Vinegar Vinegar is a multi-purpose household remedy. Dab a soft, clean cloth in some vinegar and gently rub the dirty parts with it. It is a mild, natural cleaner.
- Grandmother's tip: ox gall soap Sometimes grandmother's solutions are the best. Ox gall soap is extremely effective and easy to use. Rub a wet sponge on the soap and gently scrub the shoes clean.
What to do after polishing?
Always rinse your shoes with a damp, clean cloth to remove all product residue. Rub them lightly dry and then always let them air dry. Absolutely avoid the drying cabinet, hair dryer or direct sun - heat can cause the material to shrink, crack or discolour!
And the laces?
Your laces are also best given a thorough cleaning once in a while. Take them out, put them in a washing net and run them on a programme for white washing in the washing machine. For the most stubborn stains: soak them first in warm soapy water with a stain remover (such as Vanish) or rub them clean with scouring cream or ox gall soap.