Not much is as charming as a well-loved pair of canvas trainers, but there’s a fine line between an attractive, worn-in pair and shoes that look like they need a bath. Canvas shoes are versatile, flexible, and go with many summer styles. You probably own a pair of canvas trainers that carry mementos of all the places you’ve worn them to in the form of dirt and stains. No matter how scruffy they look, you don’t have to throw them out just yet! As long as they’re not ripped, with some TLC you can eke more time out of them. We tell you everything you need to know about cleaning your canvas shoes.

How to clean canvas shoes

 Canvas shoes feel good, look good and they are extremely versatile. Unfortunately, canvas shoes are prone to dirt and stains. Dark coloured canvas trainers can go long periods of time without stains being noticed, but white trainers aren’t so lucky. No matter the colour, it’s essential to clean your trainers regularly if you don’t want the stains to become permanent. The tricky part of cleaning canvas shoes lies in using the right products. We give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean your canvas shoes.

What you need to clean canvas shoes

  • Liquid laundry detergent or dish soap
  • Old toothbrush
  • Scrub brush
  • Baking soda
  • Stain remover
  • Terry cloth towel
  • Bucket or sink
  • Warm water

#1 Clean laces

Mix one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent/dish soap with two quarts of warm water. Take out the laces and let them soak until you’ve finished cleaning the rest of your shoes or at least 15 minutes. Use a toothbrush to clean the laces.

Tip: laces tend to move around when you brush them on a flat surface. We advise wrapping the lace around your hand to brush them clean. Keep in mind that you have to flip the lace and brush the other side. Done? Rinse the laces under running water and allow them to air-dry.

#2 Wipe away excess mud and dirt

Before you start cleaning your canvas trainers, you have to make sure that they are completely dry. Even mud has to be dry. That’ll make it easier to remove. To knock off dirt, simply tap the shoes together or use a scrub brush to remove stuck-on dirt. All you have to do is aim for getting as much dirt off as possible.

#3 Scrub the canvas

Now we’re getting to the real thing: cleaning the canvas! A thorough scrubbing of the outer and inner parts of the material is essential. It’s where dirt, stains and bacteria accumulate each time you wear them. Before you start cleaning the canvas, rinse the shoes under running water and sprinkle a good amount of baking soda inside the shoes. That should neutralise any bad smells. Next, make the cleaning solution. Mix 1 or 2 caps of laundry detergent/dish soap in 3-4 cups of water. Get your toothbrush and clean the outsole until all the dirt is gone. Now take your scrub brush, dip it in the solution and gently start scrubbing the canvas. Rinse off the shoe and repeat the scrubbing until most of the dirt has disappeared.

Please keep the following in mind when cleaning canvas shoes

  • Never let canvas shoes soak for more than fifteen minutes since this may weaken the fibres.
  • Use minimal pressure when scrubbing
  • Always clean the outsole first before cleaning the canvas
  • Brush in one direction as opposed to scrubbing back and forth
  • Be extra gentle when cleaning around the stitching

#4 Dry canvas shoes correctly

Soaked canvas shoes take forever to dry up completely. We have a couple of tips to speed up the drying process:

  • Blow-dry your shoes for fifteen minutes and then leave them to air-dry.
  • Use a dry towel to absorb as much moisture from the canvas before air-drying
  • Stuff the shoes with paper towels and replace them when soaked

When your trainers are completely dry, lace them up and you’ll have a pair of clean shoes that look amazing and smell great!

How to clean white canvas shoes

White canvas shoes are extremely versatile and go with just about anything, but tend to gather signs of wear and dirt quickly. Cleaning your white canvas pair is essential and with a few tips, your beloved staple will last for years to come. Cleaning white canvas shoes doesn’t differ from cleaning other canvas trainers, but there are a few additions to making them white again. Here’s how to clean white canvas shoes.

Method 1: Baking soda and vinegar

You probably have these two household ingredients at home and they are perfect for making your white canvas shoes crisp. Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Dilute with a cup of warm water, and use a toothbrush or terry cloth to scrub the shoes with the paste.

Method 2: Use bleach

When using bleach to clean white canvas shoes, make sure that you wear protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves. Bleach can cause skin and eye irritation and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Dilute the bleach to avoid discolouration of your white trainers. Use 1 part bleach to 6 parts water. Pour a small amount of the solution over the stain and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Next dip a clean toothbrush into the solution and brush the taint. Repeat the steps for stubborn stains and rinse off.

Method 3: Stain remover

Canvas is a versatile fabric and cleans well with stain removers. Basic stains -not grass stains and oil-based stains!- can be resolved with a gentle stain remover.

An essential part in cleaning white canvas shoes is knowing how to dry them. After draining excess moisture, place the shoes in direct sunlight. That will brighten the white and make them look as good as new. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and help them retain their shape.

How to wash canvas shoes in the washing machine

Are you in for the easy way out? If you have basic white canvas shoes, you can toss them in the washing machine. It’s perfectly acceptable, but do keep a few things in mind. Remove all the laces first and handwash them separately. Get as much dirt off as possible by brushing it off before you put your canvas shoes in the washer. Then put them in the washing machine, preferably with an old towel to prevent your shoes from bashing around. Use the cool setting on your machine with a mild detergent. Leave the shoes to dry naturally. This will take a day or two, but it’ll be worth it. Never, never, never put your shoes in the dryer! The glue will melt, which means your canvas shoes will loose their shape and won’t last long.



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