How To Clean Canvas Shoes

From sneakers to slippers, canvas shoes come in many different shapes, styles, and forms. In addition to being rather versatile and stylish, canvas shoes are also known for their ample breathability as well as their comfort. Best of all, canvas shoes are known for being relatively easy to clean when compared to many other kinds of footwear. 

While there is really no fool-proof way to prevent any kind of shoe from getting stained or scuffed, knowing how to properly clean your canvas shoes will ensure that they last as long as possible and allow you to get the most use out of them possible. In order to give you a head start on everything, you need to know about keeping your canvas shoes looking good as new, here is our step-by-step guide on how to clean canvas shoes. 

Supplies You’ll Need

First things first, there are few items that you will need to make sure that you have on hand if you want to be able to clean your canvas shoes as thoroughly and correctly as possible. When it comes to tools or devices, you really only need two things: a washing machine and a soft-bristled brush.

These two tools give you two different options on how to clean your canvas shoes. We will go through both options and then you can decide which you think is better suited for your circumstances. The other supplies that you’ll need are laundry detergent, chlorine, a mesh laundry bag, and some sort of disinfectant. 

Washing Canvas Shoes With a Washing Machine

Before washing your canvas shoes in a washing machine, there are a couple of things you need to verify first. Most importantly, examine your shoes and confirm that there is no suede or leather trim. If there is, you will definitely be better off washing your canvas shoes by hand. The same thing goes for any canvas shoes that are embellished with trim, rope soles, or detailed beading. If you wash shoes with any of these intricacies, they might come out more damaged and disheveled than before. 

Next, if your canvas shoes are sneakers or any other kind of footwear that features laces, make sure you untie them before throwing them in the wash. This is also where you would want to bring in the mesh laundry bag. Throwing the shoes in the bag will prevent the laces from tangling. 

Secondly, if your shoes are particularly stained or have any major soiled spots that need tending to, use a teaspoon of laundry detergent to pre-treat the stains. It is best to dab on the detergent and then scrub it in with the soft-bristled brush. Leave the detergent on the stains for at least 15 minutes before throwing the shoes into the washer.

Third, make sure that all of your chosen products are in order, and then place shoes into the washing machine. While canvas shoes can be washed with regular laundry detergent, you can also use a bit of chlorine bleach if the shoes are white to give them that extra brightness that they had before unboxing them. Also, though it is not necessary, you can also add a bit of disinfectant to the wash water if you would like to add an extra bit of protection and hygiene from infections and fungus such as athlete’s foot. 

Finally, when it comes to drying your canvas shoes, stick to air-drying them and keep them out of direct sunlight and heat. Do not turn to the dryer for your canvas shoes as the dryer might cause the shoes to completely fall apart or even melt if there is any glue used. 

Hand Washing Canvas Shoes

If you prefer to handwash your shoes, start by making a mixture of one teaspoon of laundry detergent along with two quarts of warm water. Then, dab the mixture directly onto the stains just as suggested before, working the detergent in with a soft-bristled brush or even your fingers. Again, leave it for 15 minutes before continuing. 

Next, ensure that all laces have been removed from the shoe and place the laces in the detergent solution to soak. Next, take either a sponge or washcloth and dip it in the mixture before scrubbing the entire inside and outside of your canvas shoe. 

Once the stains and soil have been removed, rinse the shoe with a washcloth that has been dipped in clean water. Also, remember to rinse the laces thoroughly before setting all parts out to air dry just as suggested before, away from direct sunlight and heat. Once the shoes have been dried, take them out for another spin with a fresh look!