Cleaning your white trainers: practical guide and tips

Cleaning your white trainers is a ritual. We love their brightness, their simplicity, and their ability to elevate any outfit. At Zèta, we care just as much about how you look after them as we do about our zero-waste manufacturing. Here is a simple, effective, and eco-friendly guide for your sneakers – and the planet.

Because white defines the whole style: it adds a modern touch and brings freshness. But it also shows every bit of dirt. Regular care preserves their look and extends their lifespan. Your trainers deserve as much care as the way they are handcrafted, using vegan and recycled materials.

Well-maintained white trainers can truly transform an ordinary outfit. Their brightness draws the eye and delivers a clean, polished look. Conversely, dirty white trainers can quickly look neglected.

Trainer materials, whether canvas, vegan or synthetic, deteriorate faster when dirty. Dust and debris eventually wear down the fibres, which can lead to cracks, discolouration or premature wear.

Dirty trainers can become a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours. By cleaning them regularly, you maintain not only their look but also their interior freshness and hygiene.

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Certain cleaning mistakes can damage your trainers. Here is what you should absolutely avoid:

• Bleach: While powerful, this product can yellow and weaken the fabrics of your white trainers.
• Bleach: It can irreversibly alter the colour of your trainers, turning them yellowish.
• Wire brushes: Too abrasive, they can damage the delicate materials of your shoes.
• Acetone-based cleaners: Mainly used to remove nail polish, these products can damage the finishes and materials of your trainers.
• Harsh detergents: Cleaning products containing harsh chemical ingredients can break down the adhesives and materials used in the manufacturing of your shoes.

To clean your white trainers properly, having the right equipment is important. Here is a list of the necessary tools and products:

• Soft-bristled brush: Perfect for gentle yet effective cleaning. A soft toothbrush can also do the job.
• Microfibre cloth: To apply cleaning solutions and dry without leaving lint.
• Cleaning solutions: Use gentle cleaners specially formulated for shoes or opt for homemade solutions such as a mix of white vinegar and water.
• Lukewarm water: To rinse away cleaning solutions without damaging the materials.
• Baking soda: Excellent for eliminating odours and light stains.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Used in small quantities, it can help whiten trainers without damaging them.
• Protector spray: To protect your trainers after cleaning them.

For optimal cleaning of your white trainers, follow these steps.

Use a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dirt after each wear. This prevents dirt from building up and penetrating deeper into the materials. Caring for your white trainers frequently is key to preserving their brightness over time. 

Moisten a microfibre cloth with your cleaning solution and gently wipe down the entire shoe. Make sure not to make your trainers overly wet, as excess water can damage certain materials.

Detailed steps: 

• Preparation: Remove the laces and insoles. This allows each part of the shoe to be cleaned more effectively.
• Applying the solution: Dip the microfibre cloth into the cleaning solution (a mix of white vinegar and water or a specific shoe cleaner) and wring it out to remove excess liquid.
• Cleaning: Gently rub the surface of the trainers with the cloth using circular motions. Focus on particularly dirty areas.
• Rinsing: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaning solution residue.
• Drying: Leave your trainers to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

For a deeper clean, follow these additional steps:

Remove the laces and insoles, and soak them in a gentle cleaning solution. This helps loosen ingrained dirt and prepares your trainers for a deeper clean.

Use a soft-bristled brush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub every part of the trainer, focusing on heavily soiled areas.

Detailed Steps: 

• Pre-soaking components: Leave the laces and insoles to soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps break down dirt and stains.
• Scrubbing the Trainers: Use the soft-bristled brush to gently scrub dirty areas. For stubborn stains, you can use a paste of baking soda and water.
• Rinsing: Rinse the trainers with a damp cloth to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
• Drying: Leave your trainers to air dry. Avoid exposing them directly to sunlight or heat sources, as this can warp or shrink the materials.

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Each material requires a specific cleaning technique to avoid damaging your trainers. Here is how to care for the most common materials:

Cleaning

Baking soda is excellent for removing odours and light stains. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stained areas, leave it to work for about 15 minutes, then brush gently with a soft-bristled brush.

Rinsing

Use a damp cloth to rinse away the baking soda paste.

Drying

Leave the trainers to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Cleaning

Synthetic materials are often more durable than fabric. Use a gentle cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface of the trainers.

Rinsing and Drying

Rinse with a damp cloth and leave to air dry.

To prevent your trainers from getting dirty too quickly, taking certain preventive measures is essential. Cleaning your white trainers frequently is one of the best ways to extend their lifespan.

Regularly apply a protector spray to help repel water and stains. This creates a barrier that makes cleaning easier and keeps your trainers in better condition for longer.

Store your trainers in a cool, dry place with support to prevent them from losing their shape. Use shoe trees to maintain their form when they are not being worn.

Light brushing after each wear can help prevent dirt from settling too deeply into the materials. This will make deep cleans less frequent and easier.

Even if your trainers do not appear dirty, regular light cleaning can prevent the build-up of dirt and debris, extending their lifespan and keeping them looking fresh.

Discover our cleaning kit for optimal results.

Below you will find a list of the most frequent questions our customers ask about cleaning their white trainers.

Q: How do I treat grass stains?

A: Use a cleaning solution with a little rubbing alcohol to effectively remove these stains. Apply the solution to a cloth and gently rub the stained area until the stain disappears. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth and leave to air dry.

Q: What should I do if my trainers have turned yellow?

A: Apply a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to the yellowed areas. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth. Repeat the process if necessary until the yellowing disappears.

Q: Can I put my white trainers in the washing machine?

A: Machine washing trainers is generally not recommended, as it can damage the materials and internal structures. If you must use a machine, place your trainers in a wash bag and use a gentle cycle at low temperature with no spin. Remove the laces and insoles before washing.

Q: How can I prevent bad odours in my trainers?

A: Sprinkle a little baking soda inside your trainers after wearing them to absorb moisture and odours. You can also use specific shoe deodorisers.

Q: What is the best way to dry my trainers after cleaning them?

A: Leave your trainers to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid using a hairdryer or placing them near a radiator, as this can warp the materials. Stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.