The Best Way To Clean Canvas Shoes (Even White Ones)

Finding The Best Way To Clean My White Canvas Shoes

When it comes to shoes, there are few types that are as durable and versatile as canvas sneakers! They have a classic look that works for people of all ages.

Despite canvas’s many advantages, it does have one big drawback — it shows off dirt, grass stains, and scuff marks plain as day. (This is especially true of white canvas shoes, like my favorite pair of white Keds!)

But lucky for us, dirt on canvas is an easy come, easy go situation. In this post, I’ll show you how to clean canvas shoes so well, they’ll look nearly good as new! :-)

How To Wash Canvas Shoes Safely: Do It By Hand

The safest option for cleaning most types of shoes is to do so gently, and it’s no different for canvas sneakers. Many people choose to wash canvas shoes in the washing machine to save time, but there are risks to going that route.

Cleaning canvas sneakers in your washer can cause discoloration, and weaken the glue that holds the shoes together. So cleaning your shoes by hand may require a bit more of your time and effort, it’s the best way to avoid damaging them.

And as you’ll soon see, it really doesn’t even take that much time or effort to clean your shoes by hand. Here’s how you can do it at home!

Related: 13 Practical Shoe Hacks That Will Put You A Step Ahead

How To Clean Canvas Shoes

You’ll need:

• Bucket or sink
• Warm water
• OxiClean
• Scrub brush or toothbrush
• Towel

Directions:

Step 1 – Remove Laces & Insoles

Start by removing the laces from the shoes. Zip them into in a mesh laundry bag and toss them in your washer to clean them.

If your shoes have removable insoles or you’ve put a pair into them, remove those from your shoes as well.

Step 2 – Dry Brush, Then Soak

Next, use a scrub brush to brush off any loose dust and dirt from your shoes. Then in a bucket or your sink, mix up a soaking solution of 1/4 cup of OxiClean per gallon of warm water.

Submerge your shoes in the solution and allow them to soak for 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how dirty they are.

Step 3 – Scrub & Rinse

After soaking, use a scrub brush or a toothbrush to scrub away the loosened dirt and grime. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water, then use a dry towel to absorb as much water as you can from the outside and inside of the shoes.

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Step 4 – Air Dry

Finally, stuff a bit of newspaper into each shoe to help absorb excess moisture and hold the shape of the shoes while they dry. Set the shoes aside and allow them to dry completely, which could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the humidity.

Once your shoes have dried, relace them and then go show off your fresh and clean kicks! :-)

Related: How To Break The “Dry Clean Only” Rule Like A True Laundry Rebel

What’s your favorite way to clean canvas shoes?

How to Clean Canvas Shoes

Jill Nystul

If there's one thing I hate it's having my nice white canvas Keds become dirty and unwearable! If you've felt the same, follow these simple steps to clean your canvas shoes so they look like new.

4 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Active Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Cost $10

Yield 2 clean canvas shoes

Equipment

• Bucket
• Scrub Brush
• Toothbrush
• Towel
• Newspaper

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1/4 cup OxiClean
• 1 gallon Warm Water

Instructions

 

• Start by removing the laces from the shoes. Zip them into in a mesh laundry bag and toss them in your washer to clean them. If your shoes have removable insoles or you’ve put a pair into them, remove those from your shoes as well.
  
• Next, use a scrub brush to brush off any loose dust and dirt from your shoes. Then in a bucket or your sink, mix up a soaking solution of 1/4 cup of OxiClean per gallon of warm water. Submerge your shoes in the solution and allow them to soak for 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how dirty they are.
  
• After soaking, use a scrub brush or a toothbrush to scrub away the loosened dirt and grime. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water, then use a dry towel to absorb as much water as you can from the outside and inside of the shoes.
  
• Finally, stuff a bit of newspaper into each shoe to help absorb excess moisture and hold the shape of the shoes while they dry. Set the shoes aside and allow them to dry completely, which could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the humidity. Once your shoes have dried, relace them and then go show off your fresh and clean kicks!