How to Keep White Shoes Clean and Fresh: Dos & Don’ts

Warmer days are finally ahead of us, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for a seasonal sneaker rotation.

Image Courtesy of Kärlek Studio 

Retiring those winter beaters and stepping out in something fresher, cleaner, and a little more summery can always be a tad risky. 

And if you’re like us and already pulling out your pristine white Air Force 1s, you already know the deal: scuffs, stains, and creases are never far away.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're hitting up parties or just flexing on your daily stroll, keeping your white sneakers box-fresh doesn't have to be a struggle. With the right habits and the help of Crep Protect’s essentials, you’ll be stepping clean all summer long.

Let’s break down the Do’s and Don’ts of white Shoe sneaker care, so you can keep your rotation looking 10/10 all season.

DO’s:

1. Spot Clean Your Sneakers Regularly

White sneakers won’t clean themselves; regular maintenance is key. Rather than letting dirt build up, wipe them down after every wear to prevent stains from setting in.

Use our Crep Protect Wipes. They’re dual-textured and individually packaged, perfect for on-the-go spot cleaning.

Pro Tip: Tackle marks as soon as they appear. One quick swipe could save you from a deep clean later.

2. Store Them Out Of The Sunlight

UV rays don’t just tan your skin,  they can also yellow your white sneakers over time. Direct sunlight = long-term damage.

Invest in our Crep Protect Crates, our premium sneaker storage reduces dust, discolouration, aids sanitation and is also UV protected, keeping all the harmful light out.

Pro Tip: Rotate pairs regularly to avoid wear and sun fading on one go-to pair.

3. Use the Crep Protect Spray

Prevention > cure. A quick spray creates an invisible, breathable barrier that repels liquids and stains like magic.

Keep your white shoes weather-proofed with the Crep Protect Spray. Our innovative shoe protector spray creates a hydrophobic layer that protects suede, canvas, leather and more.

Pro Tip: Apply twice for full protection, and reapply every 4 weeks for consistent coverage.

 DON’Ts:

1. Don’t Use A Dryer

Heat is your sneaker’s worst enemy. It can warp soles, shrink materials, and even melt glue. To prevent irreparable damage to your sneakers, try air drying your sneakers outside or in a well-ventilated area after cleaning for safe, effective results.

Pro Tip: Use our Sneaker Trees while drying (and during cleans) to help them retain their shape.

2. Don’t Use The Washing Machine

Yes, it’s tempting. No, it’s not worth it. Washing machines can batter your sneakers beyond repair.

Instead, invest in our Crep Protect Cure Kit,  our shoe cleaning kit is designed specifically for sneaker materials.

Pro Tip: Take your time with cleaning — gentle scrubbing beats machine spinning every time.

3. Don’t Overclean Your Sneakers

It’s possible to love your kicks a little too much. Overcleaning can wear down materials, especially delicate ones like mesh or suede.

Solution: Only deep clean when needed, and stick to spot cleans between wears using Crep Wipes or the Starter Pack.

Pro Tip: Think of cleaning like skincare and daily maintenance, with deeper treatments only when necessary.

Check out the DO'S and DON’TS of Using Crep Protect Spray