How to Wash White Golf Shoes

A fresh pair of white golf shoes looks sharp on the first tee, but keeping them that way feels like a battle against grass stains, dirt, and scuff marks. Taking proper care of your shoes isn't just about looks, it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring they deliver the stability and comfort you need for a full 18 holes. This guide will give you simple, effective methods for washing your white golf shoes, regardless of their material, so you can keep them looking and performing like new.

Before You Begin: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

You don’t need an expensive, specialized kit to get the job done. Most of what you’ll need is probably already in your house. Having everything ready before you start makes the process quick and easy.

Here’s a simple checklist:

• Soft-bristled brush: An old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush works perfectly. Avoid stiff metal bristles that can scratch leather and damage mesh.
• Microfiber cloths or old towels: You'll need a few for applying cleaning solutions and for drying.
• Mild soap: A gentle dish soap or laundry detergent is ideal. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or degreasers.
• Magic eraser: This is a powerful tool for removing scuffs from synthetic materials and midsoles.
• Baking soda: A great, all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer, especially useful for tougher stains on synthetic shoes.
• White vinegar: Helpful for tackling stubborn grass stains.
• A small bowl or bucket: For mixing your cleaning solution.
• Newspaper or shoe trees: Essential for the drying process to help shoes maintain their shape.

Step 1: The Pre-Clean & Prep Work

Never start scrubbing a shoe that’s covered in loose dirt. You’ll just end up grinding the grit into the material and making a bigger mess. This initial step is simple but makes a huge difference.

Remove Laces and Insoles

First things first, pull out the laces and the insoles from your shoes. This allows you to clean these parts separately and gives you better access to the inside and tongue of the shoe. Laces, in particular, trap a lot of dirt and cleaning them properly can make a big visual impact.

Knock Off Loose Dirt and Mud

If you've just come off a wet course, there’s a good chance your shoes are caked in mud. Bang the soles of the shoes together outside to dislodge the big clumps. If the mud is still wet, it’s often best to let it dry completely. Dried mud is much easier to brush off without smearing it into the shoe’s fabric or leather. Use your soft-bristled brush to sweep away all the remaining loose dirt and dust from the uppers and the soles.

Step 2: How to Wash Different Golf Shoe Materials

Golf shoes come in various materials, and each one needs a slightly different approach. Using the wrong technique can lead to damage, discoloration, or a shortened lifespan for your shoes. Here’s how to handle the two most common types: leather and synthetic.

How to Clean White Leather Golf Shoes

Leather is a natural material that needs a gentle touch. It’s durable and waterproof, but harsh scrubbing can strip its natural oils and damage the finish. Think of it like caring for your skin - you want to clean it without drying it out.

1. Create a Gentle Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap (a few drops of dish soap) into a bowl of warm water. You want it slightly sudsy, but not a full bubble bath.
2. Wipe Down the Uppers: Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water, wring it out so it's damp but not dripping, and gently wipe down the entire leather surface of the shoe. Work in small, circular motions. For tougher spots, you can use your soft-bristled brush, but use it lightly.
3. Clean the Soles: The soles can handle more vigorous scrubbing. Use your brush and the soapy water to get all the dirt out of the crevices and off the spikes.
4. Rinse Off the Soap: Use a new, clean cloth dampened with only water to wipe away any soap residue from the shoes. Don't drench the leather, a quick wipe is all you need. Soap left on the leather can cause it to dry out and crack over time.
5. Pat Dry and Air Dry: Gently pat the shoes dry with a clean, dry towel. Then, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb any remaining moisture and maintain their shape as they dry. Never use a direct heat source like a hairdryer or place them near a radiator.
6. Condition (Optional but Recommended): After the shoes are fully dry, applying a small amount of leather conditioner designed for shoes will help to restore moisture and protect the leather, keeping it supple and preventing cracks.

How to Clean White Synthetic or Mesh Golf Shoes

Synthetic materials, like those found on popular spikeless and athletic-style golf shoes, are generally more resilient and can withstand a more robust cleaning process. Some can even go into the washing machine - but proceed with caution.

Method 1: The Hand-Wash (Recommended)

1. Make a Cleaning Paste: For a deeper clean, especially on white mesh, mix a paste of baking soda and a little water. It should have the consistency of toothpaste. For general dirt, the same mild soap and water solution used for leather works fine.
2. Scrub the Uppers: Apply the paste or soapy water to the shoe with your soft-bristled brush. You can scrub more firmly on synthetic materials than on leather. Work the solution into the fabric in circular motions to lift the dirt out of the fine mesh or textured surfaces.
3. Target Scuff Marks: For stubborn scuff marks on the soles or any non-fabric parts, a magic eraser is your best friend. Simply wet the eraser and rub the scuff mark. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it disappears.
4. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the shoes under cool, running water or use a damp cloth to wipe away all the cleaning solution and dirt. Make sure you get all the baking soda paste out.
5. Air Dry Correctly: Just like with leather, stuff the shoes with newspaper and let them air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat.

Method 2: The Washing Machine (Use Sparingly)

While some manufacturers explicitly advise against it, many modern synthetic golf shoes can handle a gentle machine wash. However, this should not be your regular cleaning method as it can weaken the shoe's adhesives and structure over time. Do not machine wash leather golf shoes.

If you choose this route:

• Double-check that you've removed the laces and insoles.
• Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase. This prevents them from banging around uncontrollably inside the drum.
• Add a few old towels to the load to provide extra cushioning.
• Use a small amount of gentle liquid detergent.
• Wash on a delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water can melt the glues.
• Once done, immediately remove them and air dry using the newspaper method. Never, ever put golf shoes in the clothes dryer.

Step 3: The Final Touches for a Professional Finish

You’re almost done. These last few steps bring everything together and make your shoes look truly pristine.

Clean the Laces and Insoles

Don't put dirty laces back into clean shoes. The easiest way to clean them is to put them in a small mesh bag and toss them in with a regular load of laundry. Alternatively, you can hand-wash them by letting them soak in a bowl of warm, soapy water for an hour, then scrubbing and rinsing them.

For the insoles, gentle hand-washing is best. Scrub them with your brush and some soapy water, focusing on the heel and toe areas. Rinsing them well and sprinkling them with a little baking soda while they dry can help eliminate any lingering odors. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in your shoes.

Drying is Everything

Patience is the final ingredient. It might take a full 24-48 hours for your shoes to dry completely, especially if they were heavily soaked. Resisting the urge to speed up the process with heat is essential for the long-term health of your shoes. The newspaper trick works wonders because it draws moisture out of the shoe's interior while helping it hold its form, preventing it from collapsing or warping as it dries. Replace the newspaper once a new roll comes out soggy.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your white golf shoes is a simple habit that pays big dividends. A consistent routine using these steps will keep your shoes looking great, ensure they last for many seasons, and give you that extra bit of confidence when you step up to address the ball.

Keeping your gear in top condition helps you focus on your game, and making smarter decisions on the course does the same. That’s why we built Caddie AI. When you’re facing a tough lie or are stuck between clubs, the app gives you instant, 24/7 on-course guidance and coaching. It's like having a tour-level 'caddie' in your pocket, helping you take the guesswork out of your round so you can commit to every single shot.