Canvas shoes are beloved for their comfort, breathability, and casual style. However, their fabric material makes them susceptible to dirt and stains. Regular cleaning not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your shoes but also helps in maintaining hygiene and extending their lifespan.
Why Cleaning Canvas Shoes is Important?
- Appearance: Dirty shoes can make even the most stylish outfit look shabby. Clean shoes enhance your overall look.
- Durability: Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt and grime, which can weaken the fabric and shorten the lifespan of your shoes.
- Hygiene: Shoes can harbor bacteria and fungi, especially when they are dirty and damp. Cleaning them regularly helps to maintain good foot hygiene.
- Comfort: Clean shoes are more comfortable to wear, as dirt and debris can cause discomfort and even blisters.
What You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning your canvas shoes, gather the necessary supplies:
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Baking soda
- Toothpaste
- White vinegar
- Soft cloths or sponges
- Cold water
- Bucket or basin
- Paper towels or newspaper
- Old toothbrush for scrubbing stains
How to clean canvas shoes according to Specific Stains?
Different stains require different approaches for effective removal. Here are some common stains and how to tackle them:
Mud and Dirt
- Dry Scrubbing: Allow the mud to dry completely, then use a brush to scrub off as much dirt as possible.
- Soapy Water: Use the hand washing method described below to clean the remaining dirt.
Grass Stains
- Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the stain using a cloth or sponge, then scrub gently.
- Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Oil and Grease Stains
- Cornstarch or Talcum Powder: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit for a few hours, then brush it off.
- Dish Soap: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain and scrub gently with a toothbrush before rinsing.
Ink Stains
- Rubbing Alcohol: Dab a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and gently blot the stain. Be careful not to rub too hard as it can spread the ink.
- Hairspray: Spray a small amount of hairspray on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
How to wash canvas shoes by hand?
Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles
Take out the shoelaces and insoles. This allows you to clean every part of the shoe thoroughly. You can wash the laces separately with detergent.
Step 2: Brush Off Loose Dirt
Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the shoes. Pay extra attention to the seams and rubber soles.
Step 3: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Mix a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap with warm water in a bucket or basin. Avoid using hot water as it can weaken the adhesive bonds in the shoes.
Step 4: Clean the Shoes
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the canvas material. For tougher stains, use an old toothbrush and a generous helping of toothpaste to scrub hard in circular motions.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the shoes with cold water to remove all soap residue. Ensure you rinse the shoes thoroughly to avoid any soapy buildup that can attract more dirt and turn yellow.
How to Clean Canvas Shoes in a Washing Machine?
Cleaning canvas shoes in a washing machine can be a convenient way to refresh them, but it's important to follow certain steps to ensure they come out looking their best and avoid any damage.
If you have our shoe washing bag, washing canvas shoes in a washing machine only takes 3 steps:
- Step 1：Putting your Canvas shoes in this bag.
- Step 2：Throwing them in the washing machine, add cleaning agent.
- Step 3：Setting the cleaning mode for your washing machine.
If you do not have one, you need to do these:
- Step 1: Pre-Treat Stains
Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to any visible stains and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle.
- Step 3: Choose the Right Settings
Use a gentle cycle with cold water. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents as they can damage the fabric and colors.
- Step 4: Add Towels for Balance
Throw a few towels in the washing machine to help balance the load and prevent excessive banging around.
How to clean white canvas shoes?
White canvas shoes are very easy to get dirty and difficult to wash. They tend to turn yellow after washing. Use these methods to turn even the dirtiest white canvas shoes into white ones.
Clean with toothpaste
-
Brush Off Loose Dirt
Brush the shoes with a soft brush to remove the stains on the surface, and then wash them with clean water. -
Brush with toothpaste
Brush the shoes with pure white toothpaste, and rinse them with clean water, it is best to rinse them several times. -
Air Dry the Shoes
Wrap the shoes with white toilet paper and put them in a ventilated place to dry.
Note: If the stains are stubborn, you can use toothpaste to clean them several times. Using toothpaste with a whitening function will be more effective.
Baking Soda Cleaning
- Clean the white canvas shoes with a soft brush, mainly to clean the dirt and stains on the surface.
- Dissolve a spoonful of baking soda in a small basin of clean water, and then soak the white canvas shoes in it.
- After 20 minutes, apply soap on the upper and scrub with a soft brush.
- Rinse with clean water several times until the soap is washed out and there is no residue.
Clean with vinegar and baking soda
- Mix white vinegar and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio and apply to the shoes.
- Gently scrub with a small brush and rinse with clean water. This method can remove odors and stains.
Bleach Cleaning
- Add an appropriate amount of bleach to the water.
- Soak the canvas shoes in the water for half an hour, and then rinse them with clean water.
- Be careful not to pour too much bleach when using it to avoid yellowing the shoes.
How to Dry Canvas Shoes?
Proper drying is crucial to prevent damage and yellowing and maintain the shape of your canvas shoes.
-
Wraping: Wrap the entire shoe with white toilet paper and place it in a cool and ventilated place to dry, away from direct sunlight.
- Air Drying: Always air dry your canvas shoes, avoid using a dryer.
- Stuffing: Stuff the shoes with paper towels or newspaper to help them retain their shape and absorb excess moisture.
Note: To prevent white canvas shoes from turning yellow, the whiter the toilet paper used to wrap the shoes, the better, and it should cover the entire shoe surface without leaving any gaps in the middle.
How to clean white canvas shoes that turned yellow?
White canvas shoes turn yellow because of material deposition, such as stains, sweat marks, etc.
In addition, if the detergent or soap is not completely rinsed, it will also cause the white canvas shoes to turn yellow.
Therefore, when washing white canvas shoes, use a neutral detergent and rinse them as thoroughly as possible.
Cleaning with a mixture of dish soap, baking soda, and bleach
- Mix dishwashing liquid, baking soda and bleach in a 1:1:1 ratio until it becomes a paste.
- Use a toothbrush to dip the prepared paste in the surface of the shoes and then use water to clean the detergent.
- When drying, wrap them with paper towels and avoid direct sunlight.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Canvas Shoes
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your shoes regularly to prevent dirt and stains from becoming embedded in the fabric.
- Protective Sprays: Consider using a fabric protector spray to create a barrier against dirt and stains.
- Spot Cleaning: Address spills and stains immediately with spot cleaning to prevent them from setting in.
- Proper Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and odors.
- Alternate Shoes: Avoid wearing the same pair of canvas shoes every day to give them time to air out and prevent excessive wear.
Remember, the key to keeping your canvas shoes in great condition is consistency.
Regular cleaning and proper care will help you get the most out of your favorite pair of canvas shoes, ensuring they stay looking new and feel comfortable for a long time.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and give your canvas shoes the care they deserve!