Canvas Shoe Cleaning Hacks – Make Your Shoes Shine Again

Canvas shoes are a popular type of footwear that is comfortable, lightweight, and versatile.

They are made from a durable and breathable fabric that is easy to clean and never goes out of style. And, these shoes are available in a variety of styles, including slip-ons, sneakers, and tennis shoes. 

However, like other shoes, they can easily get dirty and stained.

Cleaning your canvas shoes will help them look new and fresh again. Dirt, stains, and debris can make your shoes look old and worn out.

Dirty shoes can harbor bacteria and fungi, which can cause unpleasant odors and even infections. Cleaning your shoes regularly can help prevent these issues.

Also, regular cleaning will extend the life of your fabric shoes. Dirt and debris can cause the fabric to break down over time, leading to holes and tears.

There are several methods you can use to clean your canvas. Today we will go into depth on the best ways to clean canvas shoes.

So, let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Clean Your Canvas Shoes by Hand

Cleaning your canvas or cloth shoes by hand is a safe and effective way to remove dirt and stains without damaging the material.

---

Step 1: Remove Dirt and Debris

• Take off the laces and brush away any loose dirt and debris from the shoes using a dry toothbrush or soft-bristled brush.

Step 2: Make a Cleaning Solution

• Mix approximately 1 or 2 caps of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent in about 3-4 cups of water to create a cleaning solution.

Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains

• Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution directly to the stain and gently scrub it with an old toothbrush or scrub brush.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate the stain.

Step 4: Clean the Shoes

• Dip a sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution and scrub the entire shoe, including the sole and any other materials like leather or suede panels.
• Use a melamine sponge to remove scuff marks from the sole.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

• Rinse the shoes with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
• Allow the shoes to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
• For white shoes, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water in a bucket or container. Soak the shoes in the baking soda solution for 1 hour, then rinse and air dry.

Step 6: Reassemble and Enjoy

• Once the shoes are completely dry, reattach the laces and they’re ready to wear again.

By following these steps, you can keep your canvas shoes looking clean and fresh for longer periods of time.

---

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Clean Your Canvas Shoes by Washing Machine

Fortunately, cleaning canvas shoes is easy and you can also do it by using a washing machine!

However, before cleaning, read your specific pair’s care instructions, because if your canvas shoes have mixed fabrics, the washing machine may not be a good option.

---

Step 1 – Preparing the Shoes

• Remove the laces and any inserts (insoles, gel cushions, or other orthotics). This will prevent them from getting tangled or damaged during the wash cycle.
• Knock off any heavy dirt from the bottom of the shoes.
• Scrub the surface of the shoes with an old toothbrush or soft brush to remove loose dirt.

Step 2 – Pretreating the Shoes

• Treat any spots or stains on the shoes by applying a stain-removing spray directly to the affected areas.
• To reduce odors, pour a tablespoon of baking soda into each shoe and shake gently to distribute the powder.

Step 3 – Washing the Shoes

• Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag for delicates. If you don’t have a mesh bag, you can use an old pillowcase.
• Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle with cold water and a slow or no-spin option.
• Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent to the washing machine.
• Place a few old towels in the washing machine to help balance the load. Make sure the towels are old, as newer ones could leach excess dye that could stain your shoes.
• Put the mesh bag with the shoes and laces into the washing machine.

Step 4 Drying the shoes

• After the washing cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the mesh bag and stuff them with crumpled paper towels or rags to help them maintain their shape and absorb excess moisture.
• Allow the shoes to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not put them in the dryer, as this can damage the shoes.
• Once the shoes are completely dry, reinsert the insoles and laces, and they will be ready to wear again.

It’s a good practice to clean your canvas shoes regularly to prevent heavy dirt buildup, which can be harder to remove.

Don’t be lazy!

---

Unlock the Secrets to Reviving Your Canvas Shoe Laces

Cleaning the laces of canvas shoes is an important part of keeping them looking fresh and new.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Remove the Laces: Before cleaning the laces, remove them from the shoes. This will make it easier to clean them thoroughly.
2. Brush off Excess Dirt: Use a dry toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to remove any excess dirt or debris from the laces.
3. Hand Wash the Laces: Fill a small container with warm water and add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent. Mix the solution well. Soak the laces in the solution for a few minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub the laces gently. Pay extra attention to any stains or areas with heavy dirt buildup.
4. Rinse the Laces: After scrubbing the laces, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
5. Air Dry the Laces: Once the laces are clean, hang them up to air dry. Avoid using a dryer or direct heat, as this can damage the laces.

Additional Tips!

• If the laces are heavily stained, you can pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing them.
• Avoid using fabric softener on the laces, as it can leave a residue that attracts soil or discolors the laces.
• Check the label of your shoes for cleaning instructions before washing the laces.
• If you don’t want to hand wash the laces, you can also clean them in the washing machine. Put them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling or getting lost, and wash them on a gentle cycle with a small amount of laundry detergent.

By following these steps, you can keep the laces of your canvas shoes looking clean and fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions on [Clean Your Canvas Shoes]

Cleaning canvas shoes is a common task, and people often have questions about the best methods and practices for doing so.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cleaning your canvas shoes:

Are Canvas Shoes Safe in the Washing Machine?

Canvas shoes are usually safe to wash in a washing machine. Canvas is a durable material that should not be damaged by laundry detergent.

However, it is important to check the care instructions for your shoes before washing them in the machine.

If your canvas shoes have mixed fabrics, such as suede detailing, they should not be cleaned in the washer, but they can be hand-washed.

How Often Should I Clean My Canvas Shoes?

The frequency of cleaning canvas shoes depends on how often they are worn and how dirty they look.

I recommend you clean them every two weeks or as soon as they begin to look dirty.

However, if the shoes are only worn occasionally, they can be cleaned every month or so.