How to keep white sneakers clean on campus

Clean them little and often. A two-minute wipe each week beats a long scrub once a month. Dust, sand and dirt stain more when they dry in. In dusty cities, a quick brush after a dusty day is the best habit.

The simple routine

1. Take out the laces and insoles.
2. Brush off loose dust with a soft brush.
3. Mix a drop of mild soap in cool water. Dab a cloth in it and wipe the upper. Do not soak.
4. Wipe the soles with the same cloth or an old toothbrush.
5. Dry at room temperature, away from direct sun and heat.

Always check the care label or the maker's advice, since materials differ. Leather, canvas and mesh do not clean the same way. Do not machine wash unless the label says it is safe.

Stop marks before they happen

• Wipe your shoes when you take them off, while the dirt is fresh.
• Keep them off the floor of a damp bag. A small cloth bag helps.
• Skip them on days with rain or sand, and wear a darker pair instead.

Is it worth buying white at all

Honestly, only if you will keep up with the cleaning. If you will not, pick a stone or grey sneaker that hides dirt. The 30-wear test still applies: a white pair you are scared to wear gets worn zero times.

For a comparison of shoe types for long walks, read sandals vs sneakers for campus walking.

One exception

If a mark does not come off with mild soap, stop scrubbing. Hard scrubbing can damage the surface and make it look worse. Live with it, or ask a shoe shop what is safe for that material.

Laces and soles

Wash laces in a small bowl with mild soap and rinse them. Old toothbrushes work well on soles. Let everything dry fully before you lace up again, since damp shoes smell and can mark your socks.