How to Clean White Trainers and Keep Them Bright

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There’s something undeniably satisfying about a pair of pristine white sneakers. Clean, fresh, and full of energy, they’re a style staple that works with just about everything. But it only takes one muddy step or a rogue splash of coffee to dull that brilliance.

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals or a spin in the washing machine to bring them back to life. This guide walks you through how to clean white trainers by material type - leather, suede, canvas, knit - plus smart tips to help keep your FitFlop favourites bright.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather a few essential items. The right tools protect the materials and make cleaning more effective:

  • Mild detergent (no bleach)
  • Baking soda and white vinegar (optional)
  • Soft toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge
  • Magic eraser
  • Warm water
  • Protective spray (material-appropriate)

Pre-Cleaning Checklist

A little preparation can make all the difference and help avoid damage.

Brush Off Loose Dirt

Take out your laces and insoles first. Laces can soak in warm, soapy water or go into a delicates bag in the washing machine. For insoles, spot-clean gently with a cloth and mild detergent, then air dry.

Remove Laces and Insoles

Use a dry brush (a soft toothbrush works well) to sweep away any surface dirt. This prevents debris from embedding deeper during cleaning.

Do a Patch Test

Before applying any cleaner, test it on a small, hidden section of your sneaker. Different materials react differently, and a patch test helps you avoid surprises.

How to Clean Different Types of White Sneakers

Not all white trainers are created equal. Different materials call for different methods. Here’s how to treat each one, following FitFlop’s official care guidance.

Leather Sneakers

Leather sneakers love low-effort upkeep. Here's how to keep them looking polished:

  • Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap - no bleach.
  • Add a specialist leather cleaner if you’d like extra shine
  • Let them air dry out of direct sunlight.

Looking to upgrade? Explore our women’s white leather sneakers.

Canvas and Fabric Sneakers

Breathable but quick to show stains, canvas needs a little extra attention:

  • Gently scrub with a toothbrush dipped in warm water and mild detergent.
  • Avoid full soaking. Use a clean, damp sponge to lift away residue.
  • Stuff trainers with paper towels to maintain shape and air dry away from heat.
  • Finish with a protective spray to help prevent future stains.

Knit Sneakers (e.g. FitFlop Überknit™)

Light, flexible, and engineered for comfort, knit trainers deserve a delicate touch:

  • Dab lightly with a soft cloth and cold water - no scrubbing.
  • Never soak or machine wash.
  • Let them air dry completely before wearing again.

This material is precision-engineered, so treat it gently to keep it flexible and fresh.

Suede Sneakers

Suede adds texture and style, but it’s a little high maintenance:

  • Let dirt dry fully before brushing gently with a suede brush.
  • Avoid water altogether. For tough stains, try a white pencil eraser or apply talc, then brush.
  • Reapply a suede-specific protector to help guard against marks.

Discover more in our white sneaker collection.

How to Clean White Soles and Laces

Even when the uppers stay spotless, soles and laces show the most wear. Here’s how to keep them looking bright.

Soles

  • Mix warm water with a little mild detergent.
  • Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub gently.
  • For stubborn marks, a magic eraser (a sponge-like cleaning pad) works well without damaging the material.
  • Wipe clean, avoiding contact with the upper to prevent discolouration.

Laces

  • Soak in warm, soapy water for 15–30 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry.
  • Add a pinch of baking soda for extra brightness (but skip the bleach).

How to Keep Your White Trainers White

Cleaning is only part of the story. Here’s how to maintain that box-fresh look.

Apply a Protective Spray

Before your first wear, and at regular intervals, apply a protective spray designed for the material. It repels dirt and moisture, making future cleans easier.

Clean Regularly

Quick, consistent cleaning beats sporadic deep cleans. A fast wipe after a rainy commute or dusty walk helps prevent buildup.

Store Smart

Keep white trainers away from direct sunlight and heat (like radiators), which can lead to yellowing. Let them breathe between wears to help maintain freshness inside and out.

What to Avoid When Cleaning White Sneakers

Tempting shortcuts can do more harm than good. Avoid the following:

  • Don’t machine wash - especially leather, knit, or suede.
  • Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
  • Don’t dry in direct sunlight or on a radiator.
  • Don’t fully soak delicate materials like knit or suede.

If your current pair has done one muddy festival too many, or you’re eyeing a style refresh, FitFlop’s collection of white footwear combines comfort, biomechanical design, and modern style.

From white leather sneakers to canvas flip flops and breathable knit sandals, there’s something for every step.

Bright. Smart. Built to move. That’s white sneakers - FitFlop style.
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About FitFlop

We were born different. Unlike other brands in our category, we’re a smart engineering company that happens to make footwear. Through biomechanical engineering an ergonomic design, we help people achieve more and feel better with contemporary every-day footwear that helps maximise your energy as you move.

Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, we’ve been set apart from the pack from the get-go. Harnessing our unique scientific approach (fusing world-class biomechanics and advanced technology with bold, directional design) led to our first product – the WalkStar 1 sandal – quickly becoming a global phenomenon.

And it’s this unique, smart ethos – blending science and shoe-making smarts – that has created the fastpaced, celebrated brand we are today, with more than 65 million pairs sold across the globe.

You can find us in 73 countries with a total of over 5,000 stores and stocked by more than 2,000 retailers and 31 distributors. Our 145 FitFlop concept stores are located in the UK, US, Europe, the Middle East, India, and the APAC region. As well as our growing head office in the UK, we have new showrooms in London and New York.

Our community of wearers spans motivations and generations, women and men who live intentionally – always looking for ways to help optimise their every-day.