How to clean white leather shoes

White shoes can be difficult to clean, especially if you go out regularly. White leather shoes are even more difficult to clean because chemicals like ammonia can cause unwanted discoloration, and you can't put them in the washing machine. Fortunately, there are all-natural methods for cleaning your white leather shoes using household products like toothpaste. If you use the right techniques and take the time to protect and care for your shoes, you can keep them looking brand new.

The toothpaste method

Wipe off any excess dirt or mud.

Scrape off any excess dirt that remains and hasn't seeped into the leather. Use a soft nylon brush or cotton cloth and wipe down your entire shoe. This should loosen and remove most of the dry dirt and dust on the surface of the shoe.

Remove the laces from your shoes .

Soak your laces in a bowl with warm water and laundry detergent or throw them in the washing machine. Removing them while you clean the rest of the shoe will make them easier to clean.

3 Dampen the outside of your shoe with a cloth or towel.

Dampen a cloth so that it's damp, but not soaking wet. You don't want to over-saturate the leather of your shoes, as this can damage them over time. Rub the damp cloth over the entire shoe to remove the initial dirt.

Rub a small amount of toothpaste onto scuffs and stains. Make sure you use a non-gel whitening toothpaste that doesn't contain artificial dyes that can stain your shoes. Apply small amounts of toothpaste to the problem areas of your shoes and start rubbing the toothpaste into the leather with your fingers.

Scrub the stains with a toothbrush. Rub in the toothpaste using small circular motions. Continue doing this until the stain disappears. Clean the entire shoe this way.

Dry your shoes. Once all the toothpaste is removed, wipe your shoes with a microfiber cloth or rag. You can repeat the cleaning process if your shoes are still dirty. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them.