5 Steps For Cleaning Canvas Sneakers - Byrdie

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How to Clean Canvas Sneakers in 5 Steps By Desiree Stimpert Desiree Stimpert Desiree is a freelance writer and editor who has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Woman's World, Footwear Plus, and more. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 19, 2024 01:11PM

While there's something charming about a well-loved pair of canvas sneakers, there's a fine line between a visibly worn pair and shoes in need of deep cleaning. Canvas fabric is often machine washable, however, canvas shoes may include other materials that don’t bode well with water, such as leather or suede. You may also want to preserve their longevity by cleaning them by hand. We’ve rounded up to best DIY ways to keep fabric, laces and soles intact. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to clean canvas shoes.

What You'll Need

• A nylon bristle brush or an old toothbrush
• Soap such as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid or a cleaner made for suede/fabric
• A nylon scrub pad
• A damp piece of cloth
• Baking soda
• Paper towels or paper towels
• Shoe cream or polish made for canvas fabric

01 of 05

Wipe Away Excess Mud

If your shoes are muddy, we recommend waiting until they are fully dry before cleaning them. Smack each sneaker flat on pavement or tap the soles together in order to knock off loose dirt. Then, proceed by wiping the sneakers using a damp cloth to remove remaining mud. Finish by remove the laces.

02 of 05

Use a Toothbrush and Nylon Pad

This step is where you can start deep cleaning your shoes.

• Start by rinsing the shoes with warm water inside and out to help remove visible scuff marks.
• Apply a mixture of water and mild detergent on a toothbrush. Use it to gently scrub inside and outside the sneakers, as well as the liners.
• Rinse with cool water. If there are remaining marks, gently scrub using a nylon pad as you are rinsing.
• If you are concerned about odor (in particular when it comes the liners), scrub using a mixture of water and baking soda.

Note: Use bleach carefully. This ingredient can be used on white canvas sneakers by mixing together five part water and one part bleach. If you are cleaning colored sneakers, do a spot test to make sure the bleach won't fade the dye.

Byrdie Tip

If your sneakers have leather detailing, dampen the shoes and clean the canvas as directed, then add leather cleaner on any leather parts.

03 of 05

Wash the Laces

Dirty laces will stand out in stark contrast to your freshly cleaned sneakers. Throw them in the washing machine with a load of laundry of the same color. If you are concerned about them getting tangled with the rest of your clothing, secure them in a mesh bag. Let the laces air dry once washed.

04 of 05

Maintain the Shape

After you're done washing your sneakers, shake off the excess water. We recommend stuffing them with crumpled brown paper bags, paper towels or white office paper to help them maintain their shape and absorb extra moisture. Let the shoes air dry by placing them away from a direct source of heat, like a fireplace or a heater. Direct heat may break down canvas fabric and causes it to become dry and brittle.

Avoid using newspaper

Try not to use newspaper or colored paper. The ink may transfer and stain the shoes.

05 of 05

Cover Up Remaining Stains

Once the shoes are completely dry, place back the clean inserts and laces. If there are remaining stains, lightly dab on shoe cream or polish.

Some manufacturers also suggest spraying new canvas sneakers with a fabric protector. Make sure to read the care instructions for your sneakers before proceeding with this step.

Read more:

• Style
• Shoes

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