Some may think it is superficial or materialistic, but for others, purchasing a new pair of shoes can bring an unimaginable amount of joy. The boots are comfortable, stylish, and, if they’re made from canvas, are also very versatile! Shoes are susceptible to dirt and stains for obvious reasons. White or light-colored sneakers are less likely to be able to hide dirt and tints for long periods. It would be best if you cleaned your sneakers on a regular basis, regardless of their color. This will help to keep them clean and your home clean longer.
Cleaning canvas sneakers is tricky because you have to use the right tools, products, and techniques in order not to damage the material. Doing your research is important if you’re looking to remove dirt and stains safely from your sneakers. For a thorough clean, you’ll need to follow a step-by-step procedure.
Please note that the cleaning guide for canvas shoes is different from other methods of cleaning leather or suede sneakers. Some may be appropriate for canvas.
What you’ll need to clean canvas sneakers
Cleaning product – liquid dish soap/laundry detergent
Old toothbrushes
Scrub brush with nylon bristles (soft)
Baking soda
Shallow basin
Stain Remover (for Fabrics)
White towel
Soak and scrub the Laces
The laces can also become stained and accumulate dirt, just like the shoes themselves. It is not as effective to try and clean them with the boots still on as it is to soak them in water and scrub them separately. Pour this, mix a mild solution of water and detergent, and let the laces soak for at least 15 minutes or until you have finished cleaning your shoes. To avoid damaging the fibers, you should use a toothbrush with a soft bristle to scrub the laces.
Remember that brushing the laces on a flat surface can make it difficult to prevent them from moving. We recommend wrapping each lace in your hand and then cleaning them. Flip the lace over and clean the other side to get a thorough cleaning. Then, rinse them under running water. Let them air dry.
It is easier to clean your sneakers if the insoles are removable. You can do this outside. You can use an old toothbrush with a mild cleaning agent. Clean the insoles gently with a toothbrush, rinse, and let them air dry.
Remove loose dirt/debris
Make sure your canvas sneakers are completely dried before you begin cleaning them. Allow the mud on your shoes to dry out and harden before you attempt to clean them. Dirt and debris can be removed with a scrub brush, by tapping the shoes on a surface, or even by tapping them together. A meeting is more effective at removing dirt that has become stuck to the shoe’s outer material. It is important to remove as much dirt and stain as possible to make the next steps easier.
Scrub your canvas
It’s now time to clean the canvas. It is essential to scrub the inner and outer parts of the fabric thoroughly, as this is the area where bacteria, dirt, and stains accumulate every time they are worn.
Keep in mind these tips when cleaning canvas shoes
Avoid soaking your material in water longer than 15 minutes. This can weaken the fibers.
Scrub with minimal pressure
Avoid harsh cleaners
Canvas shoes should not be bleached or treated with bleach-based products unless they are completely white.
Use an old toothbrush to clean the sole of the shoe first before cleaning the canvas.
Brush in one direction instead of constantly scrubbing.
Use more care when cleaning the stitching.
Start by rinsing the shoes with running water. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the shoes. This will neutralize bad odors. Mix approximately 1 or 2 capfuls of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap with 3-4 cups water. Keep in mind that cleaning strength will vary depending on how dirty and stained the canvas is.
Dip the brush in the solution and gently scrub the canvas. Do not worry about the dark stains, which do not seem to fade. We will deal with them next. Repeat the scrubbing process until the majority of dirt is removed.
Spot clean stains
You may find stains that haven’t completely disappeared after a final rinse. The right products and methods can remove them. You can use two different cleaning methods depending on the color of your shoes:
White Canvas Sneakers
Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and goggles is a must when you use bleach to cleanse white canvas sneakers. It’s best to be careful as bleach can cause eye and skin irritation, along with other allergic reactions. To avoid discoloring your white sneakers, you should dilute the bleach. When cleaning white canvas sneakers, it is recommended to use 1 part bleach and six parts water. Once you have made the bleach solution, proceed as follows:
Pour a little solution on the stain and let it soak for a couple of minutes.
Place one hand on the bottom of the shoe and use circular motions to brush away the stain.
Rinse off any stubborn stains.
Use liquid white shoe polish on stains that are old and difficult to remove.
Coloured Canvas Shoe
You can remove stains from colored canvas shoes using a fabric stain removal product that doesn’t contain bleach. Avoid using this chemical to clean any colored material, as it can lighten the color. If there are no directions on your stain remover, you can follow these simple steps to remove stains on colored canvas shoes.
Allow the product to work for 2 or 3 minutes on the canvas.
Use a white, clean towel to dab the stain onto the towel. It is best to wrap the towel tightly around your finger to prevent dragging it around.
Hold the area under running water after the stain is removed or lifted.
Dry your canvas sneakers correctly
Canvas will take some time to completely dry out, as you cannot wring it like a towel. Canvas sneakers can dry overnight, depending on the humidity and weather conditions of the day. In a humid climate, however, it can take up to three days.
Here are some ways to accelerate the drying process
Hold the blow-dryer at least one and a half feet from the shoe, and do not expose the material to high heat.
For white sneakers, please place them in a spot that is clean and sunny. If you have colored canvas sneakers, pick a shady area.
Place the shoes on a window sill that gets good cross ventilation.
Face the pedestal fan at the sneakers, and then run at its highest speed.
To dry the canvas, use a towel to absorb any moisture.
Replace the shoes after they have been soaked with a paper towel.
Replace the laces and insoles (if you removed them) when your canvas sneakers have dried. You’ll be left with a pair that looks and smells like new.
