Cleaning white soles: How to get them clean again

White soles look fresh and modern – whether on sneakers, Grashoppers or moccasins. Unfortunately, dust, road dirt and dark scuff marks are particularly quickly visible on them.

But how do you get white soles clean again? For light dirt, water and a little mild dish soap are usually sufficient. For stubborn dirt, baking soda or white toothpaste can also help. It is always important to treat only the sole and to keep the upper material as dry as possible.

Important: Do not wash Sioux shoes in the washing machine

Even if it seems tempting with light-coloured shoes: Sioux shoes do not belong in the washing machine. This also applies to Sioux Grashoppers with textile upper material.

Our shoes use high-quality leather, for example, as lining or insole leather. If these are completely soaked, the material and shape can be permanently damaged.

Therefore, the following applies to cleaning:

• treat only the dirty sole
• keep leather and upper material as dry as possible
• use little water
• then let shoes dry at room temperature

Clean white soles with dish soap

For normal dirt, mild dish soap is the easiest and gentlest method.

You will need:

• mild, preferably colourless dish soap
• a soft cloth or sponge
• a little water
• if necessary, a soft toothbrush

Apply a little dish soap to a damp cloth and clean the sole with small circular movements. For textured areas, you can carefully use a soft toothbrush.

Then remove the residues with a slightly damp cloth and let the shoe dry.

Clean white soles with baking soda

For heavier dirt, baking soda can help.

You will need:

• baking soda
• a little water or mild dish soap
• a soft toothbrush
• a damp cloth

Mix a small amount of baking soda with a little water or dish soap to form a paste. Carefully apply this to the dirty area with the toothbrush and clean the sole without applying strong pressure.

Then completely remove the paste with a damp cloth.

Important: Baking soda has a slightly abrasive effect. Therefore, first test the mixture on an inconspicuous area and only use it on insensitive white sole surfaces.

Clean white soles with toothpaste

White toothpaste can also be used for stubborn scuff marks.

You will need:

• white toothpaste
• a soft toothbrush
• a little water
• a damp cloth

Slightly moisten the toothbrush, apply a little toothpaste to it and carefully work on the dirty sole surface in circular movements.

Then thoroughly remove all residues with a damp cloth.

Make sure that no toothpaste gets on leather or textiles. The abrasive particles and other ingredients contained in toothpaste can alter sensitive materials.

Remove black streaks from white soles

Dark streaks often result from scuffing on floors, stairs or other surfaces. Fresh marks are usually easier to remove than older dirt.

It is best to proceed step by step:

1. First clean with a damp cloth.
2. Then use a little mild dish soap.
3. For stubborn areas, carefully use a soft toothbrush.
4. Only use baking soda or toothpaste if gentler methods are not sufficient.

Avoid aggressive cleaners or harsh abrasive cleaners. They can damage the surface of the sole.

Keep white soles clean longer

White soles are easiest to clean if dirt is not allowed to set in for a long time.

Therefore, remove dust and road dirt as regularly as possible. An impregnation suitable for the respective upper material can additionally help to protect the shoe from moisture and dirt.

More tips can be found in our [shoe care] section and in our guide [how to impregnate shoes correctly].

Our tip: Always start with the gentlest method for white soles. In many cases, a little water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth are completely sufficient.