White = attracts dirt. It’s just something to do with how the universe works but when you wear white – whether it be a t-shirt, sneakers or a button up – it’s inevitably going to get dirty. But that’s life! And thankfully with a little time, effort and Koh, your whites can look brand new again with a few hints and tips.
Here, we share with you the best way to clean your white shoes and sneaker without the use of nasty chemicals so you can literally put your best foot forward again.
Can I make my shoes white again without bleach?
You can definitely clean your shoes and clothes without the use of bleach.
Bleach may seem like the obvious solution when cleaning white clothing and shoes but it comes with a whole host of issues. Bleach can wreak havoc on our delicate waterways and environment. According to Planet Ark, bleach can form dioxins, also known as carcinogens, which are known to seriously harm aquatic, wild and even human life.
The use of bleach on clothing and shoes can also deteriorate fibres which can then cause your items to break down over time. When bleach breaks down stains, it can also break down your clothes.
What are the best cleaning supplies to clean white leather shoes with
- Grout Brush
- Atomiser Spray Bottle
- Universal Cleaner
- Universal Cloths
- Shoe protector or a whitening agent
What is the best way to clean white shoes?
To clean white shoes of all fabrics including any canvas, follow our simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1
Remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes using a soft-bristled brush. Grout Brush is a great option if you have one on hand
Step 2
Spray Universal Cleaner liberally onto every surface of the shoes and wait 1-2 minutes. If your shoes have laces, treat them the same
Step 3
Using a dry Universal Cloth, gently rub the surface of the shoes
Step 4
Use the scrubby corner of the Universal Cloth to tackle stubborn marks and stains
Step 5
If your shoes are particularly dirty, spray additional Universal Cleaner and repeat steps 3 and 4
Step 6
Allow the shoes to air dry completely
Step 7
Once dry, you can apply a shoe protector or whitening agent to help keep them looking clean and bright
Watch our demo:
How do I get my Converse sneakers white again?
This method of cleaning white shoes is perfect for canvas sneakers like Converse. Unlike simply tossing them in a washing machine, using Koh is gentle on the shoes, won’t accidentally break down the glue that’s used to hold a Converse together, or shorten its life when it gets banged around inside the drum of a machine. Cleaning with Koh also minimises the risk of accidental shrinkage which can happen in a washing machine.
Cleaning tips for best results
- Test Universal Cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoes before applying them to the entire surface. This can be beneath the tongue of the shoe or on the back corner
- When you’re drying your shoes, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause discolouration or fading
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If you prefer, shoe laces can be removed from the shoe, thrown into a delicate bag and popped in the wash with Universal Laundry Liquid. Allow to dry completely before relacing the shoes
How do you keep white shoes white?
A shoe protector applied to your shoes can help prevent them from getting dirty. However, mess is a part of life so regular maintenance on your shoes or sneakers is your best bet for keeping white shoes actually white.
Why use Koh cleaning products for white shoes
Universal Cleaner is tough where it matters while still being gentle on you and the earth. Its powerful formula will easily break down dirt and grime, all without the need for chemical nasties.
For stubborn stains and marks, the scrubby corner of Universal Cloths will be your saving grace. Located on the corner of the microfibre cloth, it’s a tough stain remover for even the dirtiest of white shoes.
