How to Clean White Leather Shoes

Scuff marks and stains on white leather shoes can easily ruin the look of a pair of white leather shoes. Cleaning white leather shoes after they have been worn can be extremely difficult and time-consuming. However, with the right products and knowledge, you can remove dirt, scuff marks, and stains from white leather shoes in no time.

Gather your supplies

Gather your supplies. You’ll need a clean, soft cloth, leather cleaner and conditioner, and water.

Remove the laces and any other removable items from your shoes. Clean the leather with a damp cloth. Apply a small amount of leather cleaner and rub it in using circular motions. Allow the cleaner to sit for five minutes before wiping it off with a clean, soft cloth. If necessary, repeat this process until you’ve removed all of the dirt

Condition the leather. Once you’ve cleaned all of the dirt from your shoes, apply a small amount of conditioner to them using circular motions (just like the cleaner). Allow it to sit for five minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

Mix one part vinegar with one part warm water

To clean white leather shoes, mix one part vinegar with one part warm water in a mixing bowl. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle, and spray the stain on the shoes with it. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth or sponge. If there are still stains or odors on the shoes after you have wiped them down, repeat this process until the stain has been removed.

If your shoes are suede, use mild soap and warm water instead of vinegar and water. Use your fingers to rub any dirt off of the suede, then rinse with cool water until all of the soap is gone. To dry suede shoes after cleaning them, place them on newspaper so that they do not absorb moisture from other surfaces.

Rubbing the bristles gently

Cleaning white leather shoes is a delicate process. If you don’t have the right tools and products, you can end up damaging them. The wrong products or too much pressure while cleaning can cause permanent damage.

The first thing to do is make sure that the shoes are clean before you begin the cleaning process. This will ensure that all of the dirt has been removed before you begin to treat them with any product.

If your shoes are extremely dirty, you may want to take them to a professional cleaner instead of trying to clean them yourself. This is especially true if your shoes are made from real leather because real leather is more delicate than faux leather and can be damaged easily by improper treatment or cleaning methods.

To clean white leather shoes at home, use these tips:

  • Remove excess dirt by using a soft bristle toothbrush dipped in vinegar solution.
  • Dip your soft bristle toothbrush into the vinegar solution and begin rubbing the bristles gently over the dirty areas of your shoes.
  • Rinse off with water when finished and allow them to dry completely before moving on to step 2 below.

Remove stubborn stains

You can clean white leather shoes with a little care and effort. Regardless of your method, be sure to use a damp cloth or brush to remove dirt from the leather. To clean white leather shoes immediately after wearing them, first use a dry cloth to wipe away any dust and wipe down with a damp cloth to remove sweat.

  • Remove stubborn stains by making a paste of 1/4 cup baking soda and two tablespoons water (or lemon juice) in a small bowl.
  • Rub the paste into the stain with your fingers until it disappears.
  • Then wipe off excess paste with a damp cloth and allow shoes to air dry before wearing again.

To remove more stubborn stains, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with two tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl. Dip an old toothbrush into the solution, scrubbing gently over the stained area until it disappears. If you do not have dishwashing liquid on hand, use mild hand soap instead; however, do not use laundry detergent because it may contain bleach which can damage leather over time.

Apply the paste

To clean white leather shoes, you’ll need a mild detergent and warm water. Apply the paste to the stain with a soft cloth, working it into a lather. Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water. Repeat as necessary before drying with a towel.

If you have wax build-up on your shoes’ soles, use a shoe brush or toothbrush to scrub off any dirt or debris from the surface of your shoes. Then wipe down the soles with a cleaning cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any residue remaining on the surface after brushing.

Wipe your shoes clean with a damp cloth

Leather shoes are a wardrobe staple, but they can also be hard to keep clean. A few simple steps can keep your shoes looking like new for years.

Wipe your shoes clean with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or detergent residue. If necessary, use a soft brush and mild soap to scrub away stains. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with warm water and allow them to air dry.

If your leather shoes have been stained by ink or paint, mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and apply the mixture with a soft cloth or sponge. Allow the mixture to soak into the leather for five minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. White vinegar works well because it’s an acid that helps break down oils and other stains in leather without damaging the material itself.

Conclusion

White leather is the most versatile and classic of shoe colors, but clean white leather is the key to wearing them without looking too stuffy. To keep your shoes looking their best, follow these steps to clean white leather shoes. The more you wear your topsider’s, bluchers or chukka’s, the better they will conform to your feet allowing you to get a not only stylish, but also more comfortable fit.