Resuscitate Last Summer’s White Sneakers With This Cheap Trick

Resuscitate Last Summer’s White Sneakers With This Cheap Trick

Before you toss them out in favor of a new pair, try this easy method for cleaning white sneakers.

Ah, spring, when a man’s fancy turn to…putting on anything but the heavy waterproof boots he’s been wearing to stomp through slush for the past 5 months. Nothing says, “dressed so fresh so clean” as a pair of brilliant white Vans or Cloudfoams. Until scuffs, scrapes, and smudges threaten to dirty up those white sneakers the moment you take them out of the box.

What’s a sneakerhead to do?

Just ask Mr. Clean.

How to Clean White Sneakers with a Magic Eraser

Yep, the follicularly-challenged scourge of soap scum also does a number on the dirt and grime plaguing your favorite sneakers. The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a melamine foam sponge – basically, a super-fine scrub brush that gets into all the little grooves and crannies, terminating stains with extreme prejudice. WITHOUT damaging the surface itself. Magic? Maybe!

So How Does It Work?

Grab the Magic Eraser (a pack of nine will run you $7 on Amazon) and get it wet. Just a little damp, actually — no need to drown it, it starts to dissolve as you use it. Then lightly wipe away all those reminders of the fun you had last spring and summer. Don't go too heavy on the pressure. Just relax and let the Magic Eraser do its thing.

It’s that simple. And it’s actually pretty soothing to watch the soles and uppers of your best summer kicks return to their pristine glory. As for those white shoelaces, you may have some luck cleaning them in the washing machine after soaking them in Oxyclean, but in our experience you get a better outcome by just picking up a new set for a couple of bucks. Practically new kicks for under $10. That's smart style.

When you’re done, use the other three Magic Erasers in the pack to treat your bathroom, kitchen, and other areas around the home to a touch-up. Then look around at your sparkling clean space and your like-new shoes, congratulate yourself on a job well done, and take those babies out for a stroll to show ’em off.

On Amazon: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser / White athletic shoelaces

More style hacks:

Do This One Easy Thing to Make Your Shirt Collars Last Infinitely Longer

How To Stop Nipples And Undershirts From Showing Through A White Dress Shirt

Back from the Dead: Revive Your Faded Favorite Jeans by Dyeing Them for Less Than $5

Have any other shoe tricks? Let us know in the comments!

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Ali grew up in New York and currently lives in Philadelphia, where she works as a copywriter. She enjoys cooking, playing the guitar, and powerlifting, and has a brown belt in Krav Maga. You can find her collected articles on health, fitness, and other lifestyle topics at https://alibzagat.contently.com/ Instagram: @alibzagat