How to Clean Canvas Shoes
Ah, the beloved canvas shoe. There’s no simpler, cleaner way to top off your signature look than with some trusty canvas kicks. Canvas shoes are popular and diverse in style, height, and color—the perfect choice for summer sundresses, professional clothing, and everyday wear alike.
Cleaning canvas shoes takes high priority if you want to keep your faves in tip-top shape. Here, we’ll explore the following topics:
- What supplies do I need to clean canvas shoes?
- Step by step instructions for cleaning canvas shoes
- Can I put canvas shoes in the washer?
- Final dos and don’ts for cleaning canvas shoes
Let’s get started!
What Supplies Do I Need to Clean Canvas Shoes?
While canvas shoes aren’t limited to white, it’s a dominant color for this style. Whatever color you’ve got, equip yourself with these cleaning supplies to keep the fabric feeling fresh and bright.
Here’s what to prep:
- Soft bristle brush or toothbrush
- Baking soda
- Plain paper or paper towels
- Shoe cream
- Towels
- Warm water
- Laundry detergent or baking soda
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Hydrogen peroxide
Don’t sweat the length of this laundry list! There are several different ways to clean canvas shoes (like cleaning canvas shoes with baking soda, in washing machines, or hand-washing) so you’re not limited to just one. For that reason, you won’t need all of these supplies for the same method; you get to pick and choose.
Also, having these cleaning materials nearby will benefit you when cleaning other types of shoes, too. Since these items are multi-purpose, they’re valuable to have at home.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Cleaning Canvas Shoes
Smudges and stains can be a total bummer! Whether you’re fighting grass stains, weather, discoloration, or generalized wear and tear, we’re here to help revitalize your shoes so they feel brand new. Here’s what to know.
1. Wipe Away Debris and Dirt
Consider this step a shoe care must. Cleaning canvas shoes before wiping away the muck is a sure way to make things worse.
Simply take a damp cloth and gently wet and wipe compromised areas. This preps the surface for a smooth wash.
2. Remove the Laces
Remove the laces to reach the nooks and crannies. Easily wash the laces with other same-colored laundry. Then, air dry when done!
3. Gently Scrub
Once the dirt has been scrub-a-dub-dubbed, take your nylon bristle brush (or toothbrush) and gently wet it. You can add a touch of mild detergent here with cold water in a bowl and work your way around the insides, outsides, and soles of the shoes. If it’s helpful, remove the insoles to avoid getting them wet.
Spend extra time on the problem areas that have scuffs and stains. In these places, let the water and detergent solution sit for 15 minutes before washing them out.
Periodically dip the brush into the bowl so that dirtier areas don’t spread. If you don’t have detergent, you can make a 1:5 water to bleach solution for white canvas shoes. This is a bit trickier with colored canvas shoes,so start with a small amount on a small area to test it first.
4. Stuff and Dry
Once you’re set, shake off residual water so the shoes aren’t sopping wet. Take white computer paper or paper towels to stuff them. This will help absorb excess water while maintaining the shoe shape. Newspaper is a no-go here, as the colored ink will bleed.
5. Revive With Shoe Polish
To finish off the royal treatment, revive the shoes with a nice shoe polish for extra shimmer and shine! This also protects the fabric from future wear and tear.
Remember, some shoe fabrics are more sensitive than others, so be sure to check any warning labels before use.
6. Return the Laces
Once the laces and shoes have dried, remove the paper and put the laces back where they belong. Lookin’ good as new!
Now that you’ve got the basics down, you may have a couple more specific questions, like…
Can I Put Canvas Shoes in the Washer?
Unlike other shoe types, cleaning canvas shoes in washing machines is a-okay. If you don’t prefer to hand wash, gently place them in a load with white towels to cushion the cycle.
Only use bleach if the shoes and laces are white. Then, push the magic button and let technology do its thing!
To be safe, let the shoes air dry. If there are any additional spots to clean, revisit the steps above with a toothbrush or consider a nylon pad for the soles.
Generally, hand-washing is a safer option, as it’s less aggressive and gives you more control over the cleaning process. The good news is that canvas is one of the less delicate shoe fabrics, unlike suede or leather.
In the event you have extra tough stains, cleaning canvas shoes with baking soda is your best bet. Make a quick 1:1 baking soda to vinegar paste, then use a clean toothbrush to scrub away.
Baking soda is also brilliant for odors. Simply brush baking soda in the insoles, let them soak overnight, then shake them off in the morning! Repeat as needed.
If you need even heavier reinforcements, canvas can be treated with hydrogen peroxide. We’re confident amongst all of these options, your canvas shoes are in great hands (or feet?).
Final Dos and Don’ts for Cleaning Canvas Shoes
Because canvas shoes are so versatile, they’re most subject to expedited wear and tear. Keep calm and follow these quick guiding principles to keep yours in prime condition.
Do: Keep this guide handy so you’re confident when cleaning canvas shoes. Knowledge is power and no one needs a fabric faux pas on their hands.
Don’t: Throw your canvas shoes in the washing machine without removing the laces. It’s best to remove the insoles as well, as they are a delicate and thin part of the shoe.
Do: Assess your shoes’ condition regularly (after each use). Preventative care is the most effective care for most shoe types.
Don’t: Use cleaning materials you otherwise wouldn’t, as that will make it less likely that you complete the task. Believe it or not, this process should be easy and—dare we say—even pleasant! Cleaning canvas shoes should stay top-of-mind, so make it as convenient for yourself as you can.
Do: Create a relationship with your shoes! It may sound silly, but intentionality is the name of the game. This will motivate optimal shoe hygiene overall.
Don’t: Separate shoes by type and give them space to breathe; this will preserve their shape and lifespan. For more organization and storage tips, check out our tutorial on shoe care basics next!
Do: Check out Zappos to find the next best addition to your shoe collection! We can’t wait to see what you choose!
With these tools and tips in place, cleaning canvas shoes can be as easy as you want it to be. We promise! Give it a whirl to see for yourself. Good luck!
