7 Hacks to Clean White Shoes - Smart Dog Learning

If you’ve got a dog, you already know the struggle. You buy fresh white sneakers, and within 24 hours your pup’s muddy paws, slobber, and mystery “yard stains” have turned them fifty shades of brown.

Honestly, I sometimes think my dog sees my clean shoes as a personal challenge. But don’t worry—white shoes don’t have to be a lost cause.

Here are 7 easy hacks to get them looking brand new again (well, close enough).

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1. Soap & Water (The Classic Start)

Good old soap and water never fail. You don’t need fancy shoe cleaners—just grab what’s under your sink.

How to do it:

Mix a little dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water.
Dip a toothbrush or soft brush in the mix and scrub in small circles.
Wipe down with a damp cloth, then let the shoes air dry.

It’s simple, cheap, and quick—perfect after a muddy dog park adventure.

2. Baking Soda + Vinegar (The Science Hack)

Want to feel like a scientist while fixing your shoes? Baking soda and vinegar fizz their way through stains like magic.

How to do it:

Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 1 cup warm water.
Apply the paste to your shoes with a toothbrush.
Let it dry completely—it’ll look crusty and weird, don’t panic.
Brush off the residue to reveal cleaner shoes.

FYI: This hack works especially well on canvas sneakers (like Converse or Vans), which dogs apparently love stepping on.

3. Magic Eraser (The Cheat Code)

Magic Erasers are like the “Ctrl+Z” button for scuff marks. Got paw prints or mud on the rubber sole? Gone in seconds.

Best use: Stick to soles and smooth leather parts.
Avoid: Mesh or fabric, unless you want to sandpaper your shoes into oblivion.

Seriously, keep a Magic Eraser around if your dog has a habit of walking across your feet mid-walk.

4. Toothpaste (Yes, Really)

Yep, toothpaste. The white, non-gel kind (no sparkles or blue stripes). It’s surprisingly effective for spot-cleaning.

How to do it:

Dab a bit of toothpaste directly on the stain.
Scrub with an old toothbrush (bonus points if it’s the one your dog tried to chew).
Wipe off with a damp cloth.

Bonus: Your sneakers smell minty fresh—always a win after stepping in “something suspicious” on your walk.

5. Bleach (The Nuclear Option)

Bleach will make your shoes white again, but it’s not without risks. Done wrong, you’ll end up with yellow stains instead of clean sneakers.

How to do it:

Mix 1 part bleach with 5 parts water (never stronger—trust me).
Wear gloves, dip a toothbrush, and scrub carefully.
Rinse thoroughly with water.
Air dry in a ventilated area.

IMO, bleach is best saved for shoes that look like they’ve survived both a rainstorm and a game of fetch in the mud.

6. Washing Machine (The Lazy Hack)

Sometimes you don’t have the patience to scrub every paw print. That’s where the washing machine comes in.

Tips for success:

Take out laces and insoles first.
Put the shoes in a pillowcase or laundry bag (so they don’t beat your washer to death).
Wash with cold water on a gentle cycle.
Air dry only—no dryers unless you like deformed sneakers.

This works great for canvas or fabric shoes, but keep suede and leather far, far away.

7. Suede-Specific Care (Because Dogs Love Ruining Suede)

If you’re bold enough to own white suede shoes and a dog, I admire your bravery. Suede is delicate, but it’s not impossible to clean.

How to do it:

Use a suede brush to gently lift dirt and paw marks.
For stubborn spots, use a suede eraser.
Protect them with suede spray to make future cleanups easier.

Rule #1: Don’t drench suede in water. Wet suede + dog mud = sadness.

Final Thoughts

Dogs and white shoes don’t exactly mix, but that doesn’t mean you need to give up on them. From soap and water to full-on bleach mode, you’ve got plenty of tricks to keep those kicks looking fresh.

Personally, I swear by the baking soda and vinegar method—it’s cheap, safe, and I don’t have to panic when my dog decides my sneakers are his personal doormat.

So next time your pup tracks in half the backyard, don’t freak out. Just grab one of these hacks, and your shoes will be back to white in no time.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉