How to Clean Canvas Shoes

If you’re like most people, you probably wear canvas shoes a lot in the summer.

They’re lightweight and breathable, which makes them perfect for hot weather. But if you don’t clean them regularly, they can get pretty dirty – and smelly.

Our cleaning guide will show you how to clean your canvas shoes the right way.

We will cover methods for cleaning colored, white, and hand-painted canvas shoes. We will also share a machine-washing method for cleaning your canvas shoes.

So, let’s get started.

Precautions

1. Canvas shoes with suede or leather trim should not be washed in the washing machine. Machine washing can damage the trim of your canvas shoes.
2. Do not scrub your canvas shoes vigorously. Vigorous scrubbing can damage the finish of the canvas.
3. Never use hot water while cleaning canvas shoes. Hot water can damage the canvas.
4. Always work in a well-ventilated area while using bleach. Bleach releases harmful fumes that can cause headaches and nausea.

Preparation

1. Remove the laces and removable insoles from your canvas shoes. Clean the laces and insoles separately.
2. Brush away the loose dirt, dust, and debris from the shoes using a toothbrush. Always brush the canvas gently to avoid scuff marks.

Cleaning White Canvas Shoes

There’s nothing quite like a new pair of white canvas shoes.

They’re crisp and clean, perfect for summertime strolls or attending a special event. But as time goes on, those white shoes can start to look a little…dirty. Here are a few tips for cleaning white canvas shoes so they stay looking fresh all season long!

Materials Required

1. Bleach (Clorox and OxiClean are two good options)
2. Water
3. A toothbrush
4. A damp towel
5. Rubber gloves
6. Newspaper

Process

1. Cover the place where you are cleaning the shoes with newspapers. This will prevent the surface from getting stained. Wear rubber gloves before starting the cleaning process.
2. Mix one cup of bleach with five cups of water. Do not use more than the recommended amount of bleach, as it can turn your white canvas shoes yellow.
3. Dip the toothbrush in the bleach solution and scrub your shoes with it. Scrub the shoes gently in circular motions working on the stained and dirty areas. Make sure you scrub the soles of your shoes as well.
4. After scrubbing the shoes with the cleaning solution, wipe them with a damp towel.
5. Once the cleaning solution is removed, rinse the shoes with clean water.
6. After washing the shoes, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. The newspaper will absorb the moisture and speed up the drying process.

Cleaning Colored Canvas Shoes

Materials Required

1. Baking soda
2. Water
3. A toothbrush

Process

1. Mix one part of baking soda with one part of the water in a bowl. Stir to make a smooth paste.
2. Dip a toothbrush in the cleaning solution and scrub your colored canvas shoes with that brush.
3. Once the shoes are scrubbed with the solution, let them sit for about 30 minutes.
4. After 30 minutes, rinse the shoes off with clean water. Make sure to remove all the baking soda paste from the shoes.
5. Let the shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area.

You can also use mild laundry detergent for cleaning your colored canvas shoes. However, do not use harsh cleaners like hydrogen peroxide and chlorine bleach on the colored canvas shoes. These cleaners can fade your dark-colored canvas shoes and can also stain your light-colored canvas shoes.

Always test the cleaner by applying it to an inconspicuous area of the shoes. This will prevent them from getting faded or stained.

Cleaning Hand Painted Canvas Shoes

Materials Required

1. Foam cleanser
2. Water
3. A soft-bristled brush
4. A damp cloth

Process

1. Wipe off the dirt and dust from your hand-painted canvas shoes with a damp cloth.
2. Spray the foam cleanser on the surface of the shoes and scrub them with a soft-bristled brush. Do not brush your shoes vigorously. This can remove the layer of sealant and can cause the paint to come off.
3. Once you have brushed the shoes, wipe them with a damp cloth.
4. Let your shoes air dry in a shaded but well-ventilated area. Do not dry your hand-painted canvas shoes in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the paint to crack and chip off.

If you do not have a foam cleanser, use a mild laundry detergent. Mix equal parts of water and detergent in a container. Dip the brush in the mixture and scrub your shoes with it. Finally, wipe them with a damp cloth and let them air dry.

Make sure to apply sealant after getting your shoes painted. This will prevent the paint from chipping off.

Cleaning Canvas Shoes in Machine

Materials Required

1. Laundry detergent
2. Baking soda
3. Cold water
4. Mesh laundry bag

Process

1. If your shoes are heavily soiled or stained, pretreat them with baking soda and water solution.
2. Put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag and tie the bag. This will prevent your shoes from getting damaged in the washing machine.
3. Place the bag in the washing machine along with a few white towels. This will balance the load.
4. Set your machine to the delicate cycle and use cold water for washing. Add two tablespoons of laundry detergent into the washer.
5. Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the canvas shoes from the mesh bag and let them air dry.

Check the manufacturer’s guide before machine washing your colored canvas shoes. Some colors may bleed in the machine and stain your other clothes.

Canvas shoes with delicate decorations and suede or leather trim can not be washed in the machine.

Removing Stains From Canvas Shoes

Did you know that you can remove stains from canvas shoes using things you probably already have in your home?

You can remove common stains from canvas shoes using supplies like dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda.

So don’t worry if your favorite pair of shoes starts looking a little bit less than new – we’ll help you fix them up in no time!

1. Mud stains: Mix an adequate amount of laundry detergent in the bucket of water. Soak your shoes in soapy water for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the shoes from the water and scrub them with a brush focusing on the stained parts. Finally, rinse your shoes with clean water and let them air dry.
2. Grass stains: Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar and a half tablespoon of dish soap with a half cup of water. Dip a toothbrush in the mixture, then scrub the grass stain with it. After scrubbing the stain, rinse off your canvas shoes and let them air dry.
3. Oil and grease stains: Sprinkle some talcum powder onto the oil or grease stains. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then brush the powder off. If the stain is still there, or some warm water on the stain. Then, apply some dish soap to a soft cloth and scrub the stain with that cloth. Lastly, rinse the shoes with clean water and let them air dry.
4. Blood stains: Apply some hydrogen peroxide to the blood stain and scrub it with a toothbrush. Once the stain lifts, you can wash the shoes by hand or in the washing machine. Let the shoes dry.

Deodorizing Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes tend to absorb foul odor quickly. You can use any of the following methods to deodorize your canvas shoes.

Sprinkling Baking Soda

1. Sprinkle one tablespoon of baking soda inside your smelly canvas shoes. Follow this process in the evening when you remove your shoes after an entire day.
2. Let the shoes sit overnight with baking soda in them. During this time, baking soda will absorb your shoes’ foul odor.
3. In the morning, shake the baking soda from your shoes before wearing them.

Using White Vinegar

1. Dampen a paper towel with white vinegar.
2. Wipe the inside of each shoe with that dampened towel.
3. Let your shoes air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area. You can also stuff them with newspaper to speed up the drying process.

Using Cat Litter

1. Spread one tablespoon of clean cat litter inside your shoes at night.
2. Leave your shoes overnight with cat litter in them. Cat litter will absorb all the foul odor from your shoes overnight.
3. In the morning, shake out the cat litter from your shoes and wipe them with a cloth.

Caring and Storing Tips

1. Clean your canvas shoes at least once a week if you wear them regularly.
2. You can spray your shoes with a protectant spray to prevent them from stains and water damage.
3. Always store your canvas shoes in a cool and dry place.
4. Store your canvas shoes in a shoe box or a breathable bag when you’re not wearing them.
5. Deodorize your canvas shoes regularly to keep them fresh and odor-free for a long time.

FAQs

Can I use a magic eraser on canvas shoes?

You can use a magic eraser to clean white canvas shoes. However, do not clean your colored canvas shoes with a magic eraser. Magic erasers have a bleaching effect. Therefore, they can fade your colored canvas shoes.

For cleaning the white canvas shoes with water, wet the magic eraser with the water and squeeze out the excess water. Scrub your canvas shoes with the magic eraser working on the dirty areas. Finally, rinse off your shoes with clean water and let them air dry.

Can you clean canvas shoes with dish soap?

Yes, you can clean canvas shoes with dish soap. Mix equal parts of warm water and dish soap in a container. Dip the brush in the mixture and scrub your shoes with it. Finally, rinse them with clean water and let them air dry.

How to Clean Black Canvas Shoes?

The best way to clean black canvas shoes is by using a mixture of water and vinegar. Soak the shoes in the mixture for about 30 minutes, and then scrub with a toothbrush. You can also use this mixture to clean the laces.

Conclusion

That’s it! Now methods for hand washing and machine washing your canvas shoes. You also know how to remove different types of stains from canvas shoes. Just follow the steps mentioned above, and you will have clean canvas shoes quickly.

If you have any questions or tips on how to clean canvas shoes, please share them in the comments below.