How to Clean White Trainers with a Magic Sponge and Castile Soap
A damp Magic Sponge takes scuffs off white soles, Castile Soap freshens the uppers, and an Oxygen Bleach soak brings grey laces back to white.
Takes 20 minutes, plus drying
What you’ll need
- Magic Sponge
- ½ tsp Organic Castile Soap in 250 ml warm water
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Premium Microfibre Cloth
- For laces (optional): 1 tbsp Oxygen Bleach in 500 ml warm water
- White kitchen paper
Method
- Take out the laces. Knock off loose dirt and brush away dried mud.
- Optional: soak the laces in 1 tbsp Oxygen Bleach dissolved in 500 ml warm water for 30–60 minutes, then rinse.
- Wet a Magic Sponge, squeeze it out and rub the rubber soles and toe caps until the scuffs lift.
- Dip the soft brush in the Organic Castile Soap solution and scrub fabric or canvas uppers in small circles.
- Wipe everything with a damp Premium Microfibre Cloth to rinse.
- Stuff the trainers with white kitchen paper and leave to air-dry, away from radiators and direct sun.
Rubber soles, toe caps and midsoles, canvas and fabric uppers, and smooth white leather (gently) on trainers and plimsolls.
A Magic Sponge is made of very fine, hard foam that works like super-fine sandpaper. It sands scuffs off the surface of rubber without chemicals.
Castile Soap lifts the grease and grime that turn fabric uppers grey, and Oxygen Bleach releases active oxygen that brightens laces.
Suede and nubuck: Water and a Magic Sponge will ruin the nap. Use a suede brush and eraser instead.
Glossy patent leather: A Magic Sponge dulls the shine. Wipe with a damp, soapy cloth only.
Smooth leather: Use the Magic Sponge very lightly, only on scuffs, and test a hidden spot first. It can take the finish off.
The tumble dryer: Heat can melt glue and warp soles. Always air-dry.
Mix the Oxygen Bleach solution fresh each time and never in a closed container.
Keep your Magic Sponge in a dry place between uses; it wears down as you use it.
Wear gloves for the Oxygen Bleach soak, and keep all products away from children and pets.
B&M Pro-Tip 1:
Use white kitchen paper to stuff the shoes, not newspaper. Newspaper ink can rub off onto damp white fabric.
B&M Pro-Tip 2:
A Magic Sponge works on scuffs all round the house, from skirting boards to light switches. How to clean with a Magic Sponge →
Quick questions
Can I put white trainers in the washing machine?
Some canvas trainers can go in on a cool, gentle cycle in a pillowcase, but glue and leather don’t like it. Hand-cleaning is safer.
Why have my trainers gone yellow after drying?
Usually leftover soap or drying in the sun. Rinse well and dry in the shade.
Can I use the Magic Sponge on the uppers?
Only lightly on smooth leather scuffs. On fabric and canvas it can roughen the weave, so use the brush and Castile Soap.
Try this next: Magic Sponge →