9 Cleaning Hacks to Keep Your White Sneakers Looking Like New
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Style Notes: The ideal way to wear white sneakers in the autumn: with ecru jeans.
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It's as simple as that. If you see a little scratch or smudge on your spankin' new white sneakers, just take out your favourite white nail polish and do a little touch-up. It works wonders.
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There are a ton of handy little cleaning tools out there to help with this. We prefer Magic Erasers, but if you don't have anything like that on hand, take a washrag and dip it in vinegar from your kitchen cupboard. Rub gently to remove small stains. Voilà!
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This is a big no-no. Even on the gentle cycle, a washing machine is a bit too rough-and-tumble (we had to) for white trainers. Stick to hand-treating your footwear.
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Use an old toothbrush, warm water and gentle soap if your shoes have some dirt spots in hard-to-reach places. Scrub gently.
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You might be tempted to just toss your white laces in the washing machine—but don't do that. Instead, hand-wash them in warm water with gentle soap and let them air-dry.
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Your shoes might be a bit damp after you're done cleaning them; to help them dry faster, put crumpled-up paper towels inside of them to absorb excess moisture and help the shoes dry more rapidly.
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Let's say you stepped in an oil slick crossing the street or dropped a big greasy french fry on your new white sneakers (it happens to the best of us). When you get home, use your gentlest shampoo, warm water, and a toothbrush or rag to gently wipe at the oil smudge. It should come right out.
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Don't leave your white sneakers outside. They're already getting enough UV exposure as it is, which can lead to fading and unwanted discolouration. Treat them well, and store them in a cool, dark place when they're not being worn.
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To the crux of the issue: Can you use bleach on white sneakers? Yes, you can, but you have to dilute it. Most shoe-care guides suggest mixing one part bleach with five parts water; any more than that and you risk turning your white fabrics a weird yellow tone. Dip your toothbrush in the diluted bleach solution, and scrub the shoes gently. Rinse with warm water when you're finished.
