Canvas shoes are a wardrobe staple for many of us. They’re comfortable, affordable, and look great with just about any outfit. But like any footwear, they can get dirty and worn out over time. The good news is that with a little work, you can bring your favorite pair of canvas sneakers back to life.
Before attempting to clean your shoes, be sure to remove the laces and brush away any loose dirt or debris from the outer surface of the shoe. You can also use a dry toothbrush to get into the crevices of your sneakers and scrub away any dirt or grime that has built up there.
Next, identify any tough stains or spots on your shoes that need extra attention. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, it’s a good idea to pre-treat it using a spot treatment solution. Be sure to follow the instructions on your spot treatment product carefully and to test it in an inconspicuous area of your shoe before applying it to your whole sneaker.
Once you’ve pre-treated your stubborn stains, proceed to cleaning the rest of your shoes by wiping them down with a wet cloth or sponge that has been soaked in a mild soap solution. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as excessive scrubbing can damage the delicate canvas fabric. When you’re finished, be sure to thoroughly rinse your shoes and blot away any soapy residue.
For a deeper clean, you can hand wash your sneakers. But be careful, as this method may not be suitable for all types of sneakers. This is especially true if your shoes are trimmed with suede or premium leather, which aren’t well-suited for washing machines and could tear or yellow in the wash. You should also avoid hand-washing any canvas shoes that have other materials such as rope or twine, which could easily break or deteriorate in the wash.
Finally, be sure to let your shoes air dry before wearing them again. Don’t place them in a clothes dryer, as the heat can melt the glue used to construct the shoe and cause it to fall apart. Instead, be patient and allow your shoes to dry on a flat surface out of direct sunlight.
While keeping your sneakers clean is essential to prolonging their lifespan, you should also know when it’s time to retire them. Be sure to pay attention to any signs of extreme wear, such as holes in the soles or frayed stitching. When your shoes reach this point, it’s time to replace them with a new pair.
There’s a reason that sneakers, whether slip-on or high tops, have become wardrobe staples. They’re easy to style, durable and look great with jeans, shorts or even a dress. Plus, canvas shoes tend to be more affordable than their leather counterparts, which means you can score a few pairs without breaking the bank.
However, just like anything else in your closet, they can start to look dingy and worn over time. Luckily, there are a few simple ways that you can keep your canvas shoes looking fresh and new, all while saving you some money.
The easiest way to keep your shoes clean is by handwashing them. To do this, first make sure to remove any laces and clean the inside of the shoe, too. Then, mix a solution of mild soap and water and dip a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush into the solution. Gently scrub your canvas shoes, making sure to focus on any areas that are particularly dirty or scuffed. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the canvas material.
Once you’ve scrubbed your shoes, gently rinse away any remaining soapy residue with some water and a paper towel. Allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. If there are still stains on your canvas shoes that don’t seem to be fading, try using a spot treatment product to get rid of them. Many of these products will also include a brush in the package, which will make it easier to apply the treatment to hard-to-reach spots on your sneakers.
Another option is to use a bleach and water solution. To do this, add one tablespoon of bleach to a quart of water and mix. Dip a nylon brush or toothbrush into the mixture and work on one shoe at a time. Scrub the canvas material of your shoes, applying the solution in a circular motion and focusing on any areas that are particularly dirty or dingy. Be careful not to scrub too hard, and remember to scrub the insoles of your shoes as well.
If you want to skip the handwashing, you can put your canvas shoes in the washing machine. Be warned, though, that this method is not recommended for all types of footwear, and it may cause the shoes to shrink or lose shape.
Regardless of which method you choose to clean your canvas shoes, it’s important to wash them regularly in order to prolong their life and maintain their appearance. Once you’ve scrubbed away the dirt and grime, be sure to treat your shoes with a stain and water repellent. This will help to protect your shoes from future stains and water damage, and will also ensure that your sneakers stay looking brand-new for as long as possible. So, if your canvas sneakers are starting to look a little dingy and worn out, be sure to give one of these five methods a go! And who knows, you might just end up finding a pair that you love even more.