How do I clean them?
White sneakers are a wardrobe staple. They look great out of the box, but after a few wears, they can become faded, scuffed, stained and dirty. It’s almost like they’re a magnet for grass stains, spills, mud, and even pollen. Restore them to their sparkly splendour with a few simple tips.
- Clean stains quickly to prevent permanent damage. Regular maintenance is easier than waiting until they’re ruined. Rotate shoes so they each wear slower and more evenly.
- A great way to condition and clean leather sneakers is with the M&B Gel Cleaner. This one has a has a built-in brush cap. Just press down on the shoe to release the gel and then scrub. Wipe dirt and excess cleaner away with a cloth. No water needed.
- How do you brighten your shoes even more after cleaning? Or get rid of tough, permanent stains, deep scuffs/scratches or yellowing? There are several things you can do next. First, wipe off any surface dirt with a cloth. For scuffs or overall brightening, use M&B’s Shoe Whitener (a whitening polish), or the M&B Super White Sneaker Pen, which is great for travel and on-the-go spot cleaning. The white polish goes on quickly and easily and makes white shoes look new again. M&B Shoe Whitener and M&B Super White Sneaker Pen can be used on both uppers, midsoles and outsoles. First, apply a thin coat. Let dry. Apply another if needed.
- After cleaning, apply a water repellent to help lock in the freshness and repel the elements. It’ll help them look bright and clean longer. We recommend the M&B PRO-TEX™ Water Repellent.
Don’t make these mistakes on white leather shoes:
- Avoid bleaching leather shoes, which can dry out and crack the leather or cause discolouration.
- Don’t soak in water. Leather absorbs moisture and can cause shoes to stiffen or warp.
- Using household cleaners are a big no. They have strong chemicals that can strip the finish and damage the leather coating. This includes magic erasers, which can remove protective leather coatings.
- Stiff or abrasive brushes can scratch the leather surface and dull smooth finishes. Use soft cloths or soft bristle brushes.
- Avoid machine washing which can permanently damage and deform leather shoes.
- Don’t use hair dryers, heaters, or direct sunlight. Heating can dry out leather and cause cracking. Let leather shoes air dry naturally.
- Avoid over-applying whitening products. Heavy buildup can create uneven texture or cracking. Try regular touch-ups with Whitener or Sneaker Pen instead of heavy duty restoration cleaning.
- Prevent cracking and fading by periodically using a leather conditioner. This adds moisture back into the leather.
Cleaning shoes regularly and dealing with stains right away will protect your shoes from damage.