How to Clean Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are a wardrobe staple for many people thanks to their casual, comfortable style. However, canvas shoes can quickly look dirty and worn, especially if they are white canvas shoes. Regular cleaning and care is essential to keep your canvas sneakers looking fresh and crisp. With the right techniques and products, you can easily clean canvas shoes at home.

Why It’s Important to Clean Canvas Shoes

There are several reasons why you should make an effort to clean your canvas shoes on a regular basis:

• Hygiene – Canvas shoes absorb sweat and germs from your feet, especially if you wear them without socks. This can lead to unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning kills bacteria and helps prevent foot infections like athlete’s foot.
• Appearance – Over time, canvas shoes show dirt, scuff marks and stains. Cleaning restores the bright white color or original shade and keeps them looking newer for longer.
• Longevity – Allowing dirt to build up on canvas shoes can actually break down the material over time. The debris gets caught in fibers and causes abrasion. Frequent cleaning extends the lifespan of canvas sneakers.
• Traction – When the bottoms get dirty, it reduces traction and grip. This can be dangerous when wearing canvas shoes for athletic activities. Cleaning the soles keeps them safely grippy.

Supplies Needed to Clean Canvas Shoes

Gather these supplies before you start cleaning canvas sneakers:

• Mild laundry detergent – Choose a gentle liquid detergent without bleach. Dish soap also works well for hand washing.
• Old toothbrush – The bristles help scrub dirt from the textured canvas material and crevices.
• Baking soda – Helps remove stains, bacteria and stubborn odors from shoes.
• White vinegar – Sanitizes and deodorizes shoes while cleaning away grime.
• Washing machine (optional) – For machine washing canvas sneakers. Use the delicate cycle.
• Towels – For stuffing shoes while drying to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
• Clothes drying rack – Allows canvas shoes to air dry thoroughly after cleaning.

How to Hand Wash Canvas Shoes

Hand washing is the most thorough cleaning method for canvas sneakers. Here are the steps:

1. Remove laces and any insert cushions from the shoes and set aside. This allows you to clean the entire surface area.
2. Mix a cleaning solution of 2-3 tablespoons mild detergent with 2 cups warm water. Swirl to blend.
3. Dip a toothbrush in the solution and gently scrub over all canvas surfaces to lift dirt. Pay extra attention to visibly soiled areas.
4. Use a clean rag to wipe away loosened grime after scrubbing with the toothbrush.
5. Rinse shoes thoroughly with cool clean water to remove all detergent residue.
6. Stuff with towels and allow shoes to air dry fully before wearing again. Replace laces and insoles once dry.

For tough stains on canvas shoes, try pretreating with a dab of detergent, baking soda or vinegar before scrubbing. The abrasion from a clean toothbrush helps break down stubborn marks.

Removing Odors from Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are prone to developing unpleasant foot odors from sweat and bacteria buildup. Here are some simple remedies:

• Place crumpled newspaper inside shoes overnight to absorb moisture and odors. The ink and paper help deodorize shoes.
• Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda in each shoe. Leave overnight then shake out in the morning. The baking soda kills bacteria that causes odors.
• Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar and spray or wipe inside shoes. Vinegar neutralizes odor causing bacteria.
• Air shoes outside in direct sunlight for several hours. The UV rays have natural disinfecting and deodorizing properties.
• Replace insole inserts if they show signs of wearing out. The cushioning absorbs sweat and needs to be replaced over time.

Rotating between different pairs of canvas shoes gives them a chance to fully dry out between wears, preventing ongoing moisture and odor issues.

Cleaning the Soles and Laces

It’s important to clean the soles, laces and eyelets when you wash canvas sneakers:

• Scrub soles with a stiff bristle brush and soapy water. Rinse well. For tough stains, apply baking soda paste. Let sit 5 minutes then scrub with brush.
• Soak shoelaces in warm soapy water if really dirty. For a quick clean, dip laces in mixture of equal vinegar and water.
• Use an old cotton swab dipped in soapy water to gently clean the eyelets where laces thread through.
• Check for pebbles or debris caught in the sole tread and remove. This helps prevent slipping.

Thoroughly cleaning the soles, laces and all exterior surfaces helps canvas shoes look like new again.

Machine Washing Canvas Sneakers

Many canvas shoes can be machine washed if you take a few precautions:

• Read the label – Some may say hand wash only or have other special instructions. Follow all guidelines.
• Use a wash bag – Place sneakers inside a mesh laundry bag and zip closed. This keeps them contained during the wash cycle.
• Wash on delicate – Use the gentlest cycle without agitation to avoid damage. Cold water prevents shrinkage.
• Air dry – Lace stuffed shoes and dry on a rack rather than putting in the dryer, which can damage canvas.

Check shoes after washing – scrub any remaining stains by hand with a toothbrush. Let fully air dry before wearing again.

Cleaning White Canvas Shoes

White canvas sneakers show dirt easily, so they need frequent cleaning to keep them looking crisp and bright. Here are some tips:

• Pretreat stains – Use a dab of detergent, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda or bleach pen on mud, grass or oil stains prior to washing.
• Avoid excessive heat – Air dry white canvas shoes rather than machine drying, as heat can yellow the bright white material.
• Use whitening toothpaste – Gently rub toothpaste on stained or yellowed areas using a dry toothbrush. Rinse clean. The baking soda and peroxide help whiten.
• Sun bleach – Lay white canvas sneakers in direct sunlight for several hours, flipping once. The UV light helps remove yellow discoloration.
• Replace laces – Grimy shoelaces make shoes appear dirtier overall. Consider new white laces when cleaning canvas sneakers.

With proper maintenance and care, you can keep your favorite pair of white canvas kicks looking crisp and bright for many wears.

Storing Canvas Shoes

Use these tips to keep cleaned canvas shoes in good condition between wears:

• Stuff with newspaper – Helps absorb moisture and maintain shape. Crumpled paper also deodorizes.
• Use shoe trees – Wooden, plastic or metal shoe trees keep the toes from creasing or collapsing inward.
• Store in breathable place – Allow shoes to air out fully before putting away. Avoid storage bags.
• Keep away from direct heat – High temperatures can damage canvas material.
• Keep pairs together – Store with opposite shoe on top facing down to retain shape.
• Clean before storing – Don’t put away dirty sneakers. Clean properly first so odors and stains don’t set in storage.

With some TLC, you can keep canvas sneakers looking and smelling fresh for many months and years.

How Often Should You Clean Canvas Shoes?

A general guideline is to clean canvas sneakers:

• After every 5-7 wears – Especially if worn without socks which increases sweat.
• When visibly dirty – Don’t wait until excessively soiled. It’s harder to clean deeply ingrained dirt.
• When smelly – Clean as soon as any odors arise. Bacteria grow quickly once shoes get smelly.
• After outdoor use – Wash off mud, soil, grass stains or road grime as soon as possible after wearing.
• Before storing – Always clean canvas shoes thoroughly before putting away in your closet between seasons.
• When changing seasons – Deep clean shoes before transitioning them from warmer to cooler months and vice versa.

Cleaning canvas shoes regularly is key to keeping them fresh and extending their lifespan.

FAQ About Cleaning Canvas Shoes

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cleaning canvas sneakers:

How do I clean my Vans?

Vans can be hand washed just like other canvas shoes using warm water, mild detergent and a toothbrush. Scrub all over and rinse clean. Stuff with paper and air dry away from direct heat.

Can I put Converse in the washing machine?

Yes, Converse Chuck Taylors can safely be machine washed on delicate cold and air dried provided they don’t have leather patches or decorations. Use a wash bag to contain them and air dry stuffed with towels.

How do I whiten my yellowed Chuck Taylors?

Try using non-gel whitening toothpaste and an old toothbrush to gently scrub yellowed canvas. Hydrogen peroxide or baking soda paste also helps brighten dingy Converse sneakers. Lay in sunlight to naturally whiten.

What’s the best way to clean canvas TOMS?

Hand wash TOMS shoes with a small amount of detergent in cool water using a toothbrush. Pay extra attention to the toe area and soles. Air dry completely stuffed with towels before wearing again.

How can I get sweat stains out of canvas shoes?

Mix baking soda and water into a paste and gently rub onto stained areas using a clean toothbrush. The abrasion helps lift stained debris from the canvas fibers. Rinse clean and air dry fully.

How do I clean old canvas sneakers?

Follow the hand washing steps but allow more time for soaking in soapy water to lift ingrained dirt from the material. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub stains. Rinse thoroughly and air dry, then buff gently with a soft cloth.

Conclusion

With the proper cleaning techniques, supplies and regular care, you can keep canvas sneakers looking like new for longer. Avoid excessive heat and let them fully air dry after cleaning. Hand wash gently but thoroughly with mild detergent and a toothbrush. Treat stains and odors as soon as they occur to prevent buildup in the shoes over time. Clean canvas shoes every 5-7 wears or anytime they show dirt or smell. With a little elbow grease, you can restore classic canvas kicks to their former glory. Keeping your canvas shoes clean makes for healthier feet and lets you get more mileage out of your favorite pairs.