How to Clean White Cycling Shoes?

The Short Answer is:

To clean white cycling shoes, first brush off any dirt, then spray with a cleaning solution like Crep Protect or Dirt Destroy, wipe them down, and let them dry. You can also use a mixture of Oxi Clean and white vinegar.

Cycling shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any cyclist, but keeping them clean can be a challenge, especially if they are white. White cycling shoes can easily become dirty and stained from road grime, sweat, and other debris.

However, with the right techniques and tools, you can keep your white cycling shoes looking brand new. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to clean white cycling shoes effectively.

Importance of Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is important to keep your white cycling shoes in good condition and looking fresh. Here are some reasons why regular cleaning is important and some tips on how to clean your white cycling shoes:

Importance of Regular Cleaning:

• Prevent discoloration and stains: With regular cleaning, you can keep discoloration and stains at bay with fewer cleaning products.
• Better longevity: Regular cleaning cycles ensure better longevity for your shoes.
• Better performance: It’s important to keep your cycling shoes clean and well-maintained so they continue performing their best and don’t wear out faster than they should.

Preparing for Cleaning

Preparing for cleaning your white cycling shoes is an important step to ensure that they remain in good condition. Before cleaning, brush off any coarse dirt like sand or mud. If you don’t have a brush handy, you can often just use your hand to softly brush away the dirt.

Then, spray your shoes with a foam cleaner and wait for 10 seconds or so. A plush microfiber cloth can be used to gently wipe the dirt off the shoe. If you find that there is still dirt on the shoe after wiping, repeat the previous step before wiping again.

Sometimes a stain is more tenacious and requires some careful scrubbing with the cloth. Always be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the shoe. If you’re looking to get those white cycling shoes really spotless and combat stains on the harder surfaces of your shoes, a Magic Eraser should do the trick.

Just wet the Magic Eraser sponge and wipe the surface of your shoe until clean. Wet your cloth or sponge and wipe away any residue from the Magic Eraser.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning White Cycling Shoes

White cycling shoes can be a challenge to keep clean, especially after a ride in wet conditions or if they are your favorite color. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you clean your white cycling shoes:

What you need:

• A brush
• Foam cleaner
• A plush microfiber cloth
•  Shoe deodorant (optional)
• Funky Feet Brush (optional)

Steps:

1. Brush the dirt off: Brush off any coarse dirt like sand or mud when dry.
2. Spray your shoes with foam cleaner: Spray your shoes with foam cleaner and wait for 10 seconds or so. Don’t be too sparse, a nice layer will allow it to work the dirt and stains loose.
3. Wipe: Using the cloth, gently wipe the dirt off the shoe. If you find that there is still dirt on the shoe after wiping, repeat step 2 before wiping again. Sometimes a stain is more tenacious and requires some careful scrubbing with the cloth. Always be careful not to scrub so hard that you damage the shoe.
4.  Dry: Allow your shoes to air dry completely before wearing them again.
5. Fresh shoes (optional): Use shoe deodorant or a funky feet brush to keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance are a must to protect your investment and keep your cycling shoes in good condition.

Cleaning the Shoe Laces

Cleaning the shoe laces is an important part of maintaining the overall cleanliness of white cycling shoes. Here are some methods to clean white shoelaces:

1. Hand washing: Fill a large bowl with four cups of hot water and add a half teaspoon of laundry detergent. Before placing the laces in the bowl, apply a stain treatment to any visible stains. Use a toothbrush to scrub the laces gently, then rinse them in cool water.
2. Machine washing: Remove the shoelaces from the shoes and place them in a mesh laundry bag or old pillowcase with a zipper closure. Add a bit of detergent or bleach to warm water in a bucket, then fully submerge the bag containing the laces into the solution. Let the shoelaces soak for 20 minutes, then remove them from the bag and rinse them in cool water.
3. Bleach solution: Pour two cups of warm water into a plastic or glass bowl and add one teaspoon of chlorine bleach, stirring well to mix. Add the laces, swishing them through the solution, so they are thoroughly wet, and allow them to soak for five minutes. When the time is up, rinse the laces in cool water.

Remember to use a soft brush or toothbrush when cleaning dirt or mud from shoelaces. Also, vinegar solution can be used to clean all stains on shoelaces.

Maintaining the Shoe Soles

Maintaining the shoe soles is an important part of keeping white cycling shoes clean. Here are some tips:

1. Remove the insoles: Take the insoles out and be generous with water and soap. Scrub entirely around the shoe and don’t forget the key areas like the toe box, tongue, and undersides.
2. Use a brush: Use a dish sponge or a dishwashing brush to scrub the shoes. If you don’t have a brush handy, you can often just use your hand to softly brush away the dirt.
3. Use Magic Eraser: If you’re looking to get those white cycling shoes really spotless and combat stains on the harder surfaces of your shoes, a Magic Eraser should do the trick.
4. Use Oxi Clean and vinegar: Mix about a tablespoon of Oxi Clean with a cup of warm water and 1/8 cup of white vinegar. You don’t want to use too much detergent or vinegar because it can damage the shoes.
5. Dunk them in water: If the shoes are grimy and crusted with mud, remove the insoles, loosen up straps and buckles, and dunk them in a bucket of water mixed with a bit of mild dishwashing soap.

It’s important to maintain the shoe soles to ensure that they don’t wear out too quickly. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your cycling shoes.

Tips for Dealing with Stubborn Stains

If you have white cycling shoes that need cleaning, here are some tips for dealing with stubborn stains:

1. Use a Magic Eraser: If you’re looking to get those white cycling shoes really spotless and combat stains on the harder surfaces of your shoes, a Magic Eraser should do the trick. Just wet the Magic Eraser sponge and wipe the surface of your shoe until clean.
2. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide: For stubborn stains, you can clean white shoes without bleach by using other household products—namely baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
3. Use a toothbrush and soapy water: For stubborn spots like grass stains or ground-in dirt, use a toothbrush and soapy water to gently scrub the mesh fabric.
4. Use leather cleaner: If your white cycling shoes are made of leather, you can use a designated leather cleaner to remove the stains.
5. Use bleach: If you want to use bleach, mix up five parts of warm water with one part of bleach. Too much bleach will cause the shoes to yellow, so be careful.

Remember to always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of your shoe before applying it to the entire shoe. This will help you avoid any unwanted discoloration or damage to your shoes.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

While traditional cleaning methods like soap and water can work wonders on white cycling shoes, there are alternative cleaning methods that can be just as effective. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Baking soda and vinegar: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and a cup of water. Use a cloth or old toothbrush to scrub your white cycling shoes until clean. This method works on both fabric and leather shoes.
2. Foam cleaner: Use a foam cleaner like Dirt Destroy to clean your white cycling shoes. Apply the foam to the shoes and use a brush to scrub away dirt and stains. Rinse with water and let the shoe air dry.
3. OxiClean: OxiClean products can be used to clean white fabric shoes, including cycling shoes. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to keeping your white cycling shoes clean. Treat them with a stain and water-repellent treatment as soon as you get them home to help prevent stains from setting in.

Preserving the Whiteness

When cleaning white cycling shoes, it’s important to preserve their whiteness. To do this, there are several tips and tricks to follow. Firstly, for tough stains, use a Mr. Clean magic eraser. Additionally, place the shoes and laces in the sun for 3-4 hours to enhance their whiteness and brightness.

You can also use a multi-purpose cleaner and an old toothbrush to scrub all dirty areas of the shoes. Finally, gently brush off dirt with a dry toothbrush and use a mild cleaner to wipe them. By following these tips, you can keep your white cycling shoes looking clean and bright.

Storing White Cycling Shoes

Storing white cycling shoes is just as important as cleaning them to keep them looking fresh and new. After cleaning, it’s important to let them dry completely before storing them. Shoes need to dry evenly from the inside, so avoid putting them in front of a heater or drying them from a source.

Once they are dry, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It’s also recommended to keep them covered with a traditional Belgian Bootie or other options to protect them from dust and dirt.

Another tip is to undo the shoes as much as possible (i.e., unclip boa strings, or remove the laces) before storing them. By following these tips, you can help your white cycling shoes retain their sparkle for as long as possible.

Conclusion: How to Clean White Cycling Shoes?

In conclusion, keeping your white cycling shoes clean is essential to maintain their pristine condition and prolong their lifespan. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are several effective methods to clean white cycling shoes, such as using mild dish soap, a soft brush, and a microfiber cloth.

For stubborn stains, you can use specialized cleaning products like Dirt Destroy or Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It’s also important to clean your shoes regularly and avoid letting dirt and grime accumulate. By following these tips, you can keep your white cycling shoes looking new and fresh for longer.