How to Clean White Trainers: Tips for Every Material

Knowing how to clean white trainers is an essential skill for any trainer fan. White trainers are a wardrobe staple; versatile, comfortable, and always on-trend. But, they can quickly lose their crisp, clean look due to dirt and stains.

Fortunately, keeping them looking fresh doesn’t have to be a chore. The secret is knowing the right cleaning method for each material. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips to help you care for your white trainers, no matter whether they’re made of mesh, suede, or leather, so you can enjoy them for years to come:

-How to Clean White Mesh Trainers
-How to Clean White Suede Trainers
-How to Clean White Leather Trainers
-General Tips

If you're looking for your next perfect pair, check out our full range of white mens trainers and womens white trainers.

Learning how to clean white mesh trainers can seem difficult, but with the right approach, it’s easier than you think. Mesh is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for warmer months, but it does tend to collect dirt and grime. The key is to treat your mesh trainers gently and regularly to maintain their pristine look.

Brushing:

Start by gently brushing off any surface dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush. For mesh trainers, use a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the fabric. Brush in gentle strokes to remove any loose dirt from the surface and along the mesh weave. This helps to prevent dirt from embedding into the fabric.

Washing:

For those more stubborn stains on white mesh, use a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the solution and gently blot the stained areas – never soak the mesh as it can stretch and change the texture of your trainers. Avoid scrubbing, as this can distort the fabric, making it lose its crispness. 

Be particularly gentle around the white sections of your trainers, as they are most likely to show any discoloration. For tough stains, mix a small amount of white vinegar into the solution to help break down dirt and restore brightness. Just be sure to test it on a hidden area first.

Drying:

After cleaning, stuff your trainers with tissue or a cloth to help them keep their shape and leave them to air dry. Avoid direct heat sources such as hairdryers, as they can cause the mesh to shrink or lose shape. Instead, stuff your trainers with tissue paper or a soft cloth to help them maintain their shape as they air dry. 

Leave them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the mesh to yellow or become discoloured over time, which is especially noticeable on white trainers. Allow your trainers to dry naturally, and avoid rushing the process with heat.

Top Tip:

A great tip for how to clean white mesh trainers is to wipe them after every wear, especially if they’re exposed to dirt, dust, or moisture. This regular upkeep helps to prevent stains from setting in, which is key to maintaining that fresh, white look. 

If you're rocking Mallet’s Cyrus or Radnor collections, which feature mesh details for breathability, these cleaning tips will help keep them looking brand new. With the right care, your mesh trainers will continue to be a comfortable and stylish part of your wardrobe for years to come.

Mastering how to clean white suede trainers requires a bit of extra care, as suede is more delicate than other materials. While it gives your shoes a luxurious feel, they are also more prone to marks and stains. But, you can maintain the soft, velvety texture of suede trainers in just a few steps. 

Brushing:

Start by gently brushing off any surface dirt with a soft suede brush, always brushing in the direction of the grain to maintain its texture. For white suede, use a gentle touch, as harsh brushing can cause the material to become damaged or lose its natural sheen. 

If you come across any stubborn marks, a suede eraser is your best friend. Lightly rub the affected area with the eraser to lift out dirt without damaging the suede or discolouring the material.

Washing:

It’s important to avoid using water directly on suede, as it can cause water stains and alter the texture. If your trainers are especially dirty, consider using a suede-specific cleaner. When applying, use a soft cloth or sponge and gently work the cleaner into the material in small, circular motions. 

For white suede, always be cautious about over-saturating the material. It’s also a good idea to test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t affect the colour or texture.

Drying:

After cleaning, it’s crucial to let your trainers air dry naturally. Do not place them in direct sunlight or use heat, as this can cause fading or warping, particularly on white suede, which is more sensitive to environmental factors. 

 To avoid water spots or marks, keep the trainers in a cool, dry place and stuff them with tissue or a soft cloth to help them retain their shape. Once dried, use the suede brush again to restore the nap and give your trainers a fresh look.

Top Tip:

To keep your white suede trainers in top condition, consider using a suede protector spray after each cleaning session. This will add an extra layer of protection against dirt and stains, keeping them looking fresh for longer.

Mallet’s Barnsley, Bennet, and Elia collections feature suede details, and these cleaning tips will ensure your luxury trainers stay sharp and sophisticated. If you know how to clean white suede trainers properly, your collection will stay looking pristine and stylish, ready to add that perfect touch to your wardrobe.

How to Clean White Leather Trainers

How to clean white leather trainers requires a bit of finesse, as leather is more durable but still needs proper care to maintain its sleek look. White leather trainers are timeless and sophisticated, but they can show marks and dirt more easily. Luckily, cleaning leather is straightforward with the right techniques.

Wiping: 

Start by using a soft, dry cloth or soft brush to gently remove any surface dirt or dust from your white leather trainers. For white leather, this step is essential as any dirt or dust left on the surface can quickly make your shoes look dull. 

Be gentle and brush in the direction of the leather’s natural grain. When cleaning white leather, make sure to avoid aggressive scrubbing, which can cause scuffs or damage to the material’s pristine surface.

Washing:

To clean your white leather trainers, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Dampen a cloth with the solution (not soaking it, as excess water can harm the leather) and gently wipe the surface. Focus on the most stained areas, but always avoid oversaturating the material. Leather is very sensitive to moisture, and too much water can cause discoloration, which is especially noticeable on white trainers.

If stains are stubborn, you can apply a leather cleaner. Use a fresh cloth and rub the cleaner in circular motions over the stained areas. Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous part of the shoe first to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.

Drying:

Once your white leather trainers are cleaned, you must dry them properly to avoid discoloration. Use a clean cloth to blot off any excess moisture, ensuring that you don't leave streaks or water marks behind. Stuffing your trainers with tissue or cloth while they air dry helps them maintain their shape. Never use a hairdryer or place your shoes directly under heat sources, as this can cause the leather to crack or become unevenly discoloured.

It's also important to remember that direct sunlight can cause white leather to yellow over time. Always dry your trainers in a cool, dry area away from sunlight to maintain their fresh look.

Top Tip:

To keep white leather in tip-top shape, always apply a leather conditioner after cleaning. This helps to maintain the leather’s softness and flexibility, preventing it from drying out or cracking over time. Additionally, finish with a leather protector spray to provide an extra layer of protection from stains and water damage, keeping your trainers looking fresh for longer.

Mallet’s GRFTR, Compton, and other leather collections will benefit from these tips, ensuring your white leather trainers stay in excellent condition and maintain that sleek, premium feel.

How to Clean White Trainers: General Tips

While knowing how clean white trainers is important, maintaining their overall condition involves more than just washing. To keep them looking fresh and pristine, here are some key care tips that will help extend the life of your favourite footwear.

Proper Storage:

When you're not wearing your white trainers, proper storage is crucial. To prevent any unwanted dirt or marks, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Storing them in a shoe box or a dust bag is ideal, especially when you’re not using them regularly. This prevents dust and environmental factors from settling on the surface and keeps them protected.

Lace Care:

Don’t forget your laces! White laces can quickly get dirty, but they’re easy to clean. Simply remove the laces from your trainers and wash them separately by hand using warm water and mild detergent. 

For a deeper clean, you can soak them for a few minutes. If your laces are especially dirty, an old toothbrush can be used to scrub away stubborn grime. Once cleaned, let the laces air dry fully before re-lacing your trainers.

If your white laces are heavily stained or have yellowed, you can use a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for a quick whitening boost. Dip your laces into the solution for a few minutes, then rinse them thoroughly with cold water and let them air dry completely.

Remember, bleach should be used sparingly. It's a great tool for tough stains, but overuse can damage the material, so use it cautiously.

Regular Spot Cleaning:

Even with regular cleaning, your trainers may still pick up some dirt during the day. A quick spot clean after each wear can make a huge difference. Use a soft cloth or brush to wipe off any visible dirt or marks as soon as possible. This prevents stains from setting in and saves you time when it comes to a deeper clean later on.

Use Mallet’s Trainer Wipes for a quick and easy spot clean after every wear. These individually packaged wipes are perfect for removing dirt and marks on your trainers and are great for when you’re on the go, just pop them in your bag for a quick freshen up! Please note, these wipes are not advised for use on suede or nubuck materials.

Avoid The Washing Machine:

While it might be tempting to throw your trainers in the washing machine, this is not recommended, especially for delicate materials like suede and mesh. The agitation and heat can warp the shape of your trainers and damage the material. Stick to the hand cleaning methods we’ve covered above for a more thorough and gentle approach.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your white trainers doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tips and regular upkeep, your favourite pair – whether they're suede, mesh, or leather – can stay fresh and stylish for longer.

Don’t wait until your trainers are a mess to clean them. Regularly brushing off dirt, spot cleaning, and using protective sprays can help preserve their look and quality. Plus, proper storage and drying are just as crucial to keeping their signature crisp colour.

When it’s time to replace your pair, look no further than Mallet’s selection of luxury designer trainers. With our expert craftsmanship and durable materials, we make sure your new trainers not only look great but also stand the test of time.

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