Can You Clean Shoes With Bleach: Tips to Clean Your Shoes

ByCarson Last Updated:

Yes, you can clean shoes with bleach, but it can be daunting. Before cleaning the boots with bleach, apply an appropriate repellent. This will help to protect the shoes from damage and make cleaning much more accessible. Once the shoes are clean, mix 1 part water with three parts of household chlorine bleach and spray the solution on the boots. Let the shoes sit, then rinse them off well.

Reminders When Cleaning Shoes With Bleach

Cleaning white shoes can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep these reminders in mind to make the cleaning process a lot easier:

  • Make sure you have the right bleach product for cleaning white shoes.
  • Be careful when cleaning white shoes with bleach – according to the Department of Health, bleach is a strong cleaner and can damage delicate fabrics and leather.
  • It would help if you rinsed off shoes in cool water to avoid bleaching the color out of them.
  • If you still see dirt or marks on the shoes after washing, try using shoe polish instead of bleach.

Other Things to Use to Clean White Shoes

Baking Soda

Cleaning white shoes can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is baking soda and water. First, pour about 1 cup of baking soda into a bucket or bowl and fill it with water. Soak the shoes in the solution for about 15 minutes. 

Use a brush to scrub the surface of the shoes, and rinse them off with water. Finally, let them air dry. This simple cleaning method will clean the shoe stain-free in no time!

Toothpaste

Cleaning white shoes can be tedious and time-consuming, but you can do it quickly with some know-how. First, mix one teaspoon of toothpaste with two ounces of warm water. Then, soak the shoes in the solution for a few minutes, and rinse them thoroughly. 

If you have any stubborn stains, add more toothpaste to the mixture and apply it directly to the color. Allow the shoes to dry before storing them away. This simple cleaning method will keep your shoes looking clean and shining for longer!

Vinegar

Soak the boots in warm water for 30 minutes to clean your shoes with vinegar. After washing, pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a spray bottle and squirt it onto the stained area. Let the shoes sit for a few minutes to absorb the vinegar, then rinse them off thoroughly with lukewarm water. 

If necessary, repeat steps 2-3 until the stain is gone. White canvas shoes are usually easy to clean, but it’s always a good idea to check for stubborn stains before washing them.

Tips to Clean Other White Shoes

Leather Shoes

Leather shoes can be a hassle to clean. That’s why it’s essential to know how to clean them properly. To start, spray the shoes with a cleaning solution of water and mild dishwashing liquid. 

Let them soak for a few minutes, then scrub them gently with a brush or sponge. Next, rinse the dirt and soap residue with cool water, and dry the shoes thoroughly before storing them. Thanks for reading!

White Mesh Shoes

Cleaning white mesh shoes with laundry detergent can be a hassle, but it’s doable. First, remove the shoes and place them in a large bowl. Next, add enough laundry detergent to cover the shoes and stir well to wet all the fabric. Finally, let the boots soak for at least two hours or overnight.

After soaking, remove the shoes by pressing down on them until they come off quickly – be careful not to damage them further! If the boots still stain after washing, try cleaning them with bleach. Then, test a small area first to ensure the bleach won’t damage the shoes.

Canvas Shoes

First, if the shoes are stained or dirty, use a bleach solution to clean them. Ensure the bleach is diluted enough not to damage the shoe’s fabric – just it’s surface. After washing with bleach, remove laces, decorations, and seams before soaking in water mixed with vinegar for 10 minutes and then scrubbing with a brush.

There are pros and cons to washing white canvas shoes by machine or hand. When cleaning white canvas shoes, most people prefer washing them by machine as this is seen as a more efficient way of doing things.

However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when washing your shoes this way: first of all, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully; secondly, permanently remove dirt and debris before storing them away; and finally – make sure they’re dry before putting them away!

Suede or Nubuck Shoes

When cleaning white suede or nubuck shoes, all you need is a mild bleach solution, and be sure to rinse them off thoroughly afterward. If the boots are filthy, you can also use a cleaner designed specifically for leather and suede materials. Remember that bleach is a harsh chemical, so use it sparingly and always read the directions before using it. Now that you know how to clean white suede or nubuck shoes get to it!

Patent Leather or Vinyl Shoes

To clean white patent leather or vinyl shoes, ensure you have a mild soap and water solution. Soak the shoes in the solution for a few minutes, then dry them thoroughly. Be sure to avoid using bleach, which can damage the shoes’ surface. 

If your shoes start to smell bad, it’s probably because of bacteria buildup on the surface. In this case, you may need to clean the boots using a cleaner specifically designed for shoes.