How to Clean White Canvas Shoes

Co-authored by Melissa Maker

Last Updated: August 6, 2022

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White canvas shoes are comfortable, simple, and look great. However, they're also remarkably easy to get dirty. Since they're made of cotton, they are highly absorbent and can hold onto stains all too easily. However, just because your white canvas shoes get a little dirty doesn't mean that you should give up on them! Rather, you just need to clean them up a bit and remove any lingering stains.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Hand Washing

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Once dry, tap the soles together to clear the treads. Use an old toothbrush to scrape off the larger pieces of dirt and get into the shoe's creases.
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Take out your shoe laces. Place the laces in a container with water and a few drops of detergent to let them soak.^{[2]
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- You could also just buy new laces and save yourself the effort. Put aside the old pair for craft projects or simply get rid of them.^{[3]
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Make a solution of equal parts water and baking soda in a small bowl. Dip the toothbrush in and gently massage the paste into the soles. Then, wipe the soles clean.^{[4]
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Add a few drops of regular laundry detergent in a basin with cold water. Mix the solution together.
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Dip the toothbrush into the solution. Begin to clean your shoe using circular motions from the outside of the stain inwards.
- An old electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a regular toothbrush, since it requires minimal effort from you!
- Rinse and repeat until the canvas is clean. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the shoe, rinse it well with more cold water to remove any traces of soap. You'll want to do this carefully because dried soap residue can leave their own stains on your shoes. Then do the other shoe.
- When rinsing, try your best to not get any water inside of the shoe.
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Let your shoes dry. Place the shoes in a well ventilated area and let them air dry. Placing them outside on a warm day in the sun is a great idea.^{[5]
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- To help the shoes keep their structure as they dry, ball up a rag or paper towel and stuff them inside the shoes.^{[6]
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- Make sure they are fully dry before you wear them.
Let shoelaces hang to dry. Once your shoes and laces are washed, wait for them to fully dry. Then enjoy your almost-new looking shoes!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using the Washing Machine

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1
Let any mud or dirt dry before cleaning your shoes. Once dry, tap the soles together to clear the treads. Use an old toothbrush to scrape off the larger pieces of dirt and debris.^{[7]
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- This prep work will make for easier stain removal and washing.
Make a solution of equal parts water and baking soda in a small bowl. Dip the toothbrush in and gently massage the paste into the soles Then, wipe the soles clean.^{[8]
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Run a gentle cycle with cold water.^{[9]
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Use about half of what you normally would for a load of laundry. Add the detergent when the machine is about halfway filled with water.^{[10]
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Let the cycle run its course and then take out the shoes when it's finished.^{[11]
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Do not place them in the dryer or over a vent. This will result in shrunken and distorted shoes. Place the shoes in a well ventilated area and let them air dry.^{[12]
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They should be as white as new!

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I remove yellow stains from white canvas shoes?

Community Answer

Mix 1/4 cup of borax powder with 4 cups hot water. Soak the shoes in the mix overnight.

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Question

How would I use a bleach solution on the white canvas?

Community Answer

Don't bleach on canvas shoes because they're sealed with glue. The bleach will break down the glue, causing the shoes to detach from the soles. If you're really intent on using bleach, dilute it and use a non-chlorine bleach, as chlorine bleach can turn your white canvas shoes yellow; especially if you use too much. Again, if you're really adamant about using bleach, one part bleach mixed with 3 to 4 parts cool/cold water. ex: 1 tablespoon bleach and 3 or 4 tablespoons of water. If you're just wanting to use bleach to remove set-in stains, use a mixture of 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap and 2 tablespoons of peroxide. This will work better than bleach.

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How do I clean canvas shoes on a daily basis?

Community Answer

You probably don't need to clean them that frequently. I use a baking soda and peroxide mix on my shoes once a week, and that really helps.

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Tips

For tough stains, such as grass and oil stains, use a laundry pre-treatment product that you would use on your regular laundry. Follow the instructions accompanying the product. Make sure to do a test patch before full application. With most removers, you'll want to allow the product to soak in the stain for at least 5-10 minutes. Rinse out the remover from the shoe and then wash either by hand or in the washing machine.^{[13]
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Put newspaper in shoes while they dry so they won't lose their shape and so water won't get into the shoes.

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Warning

Do not use bleach, even on white shoes. This will cause a yellow discoloration of the material.^{[14]
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Do not put your shoes in the dryer. This will damage the structure of the shoes and cause the adhesive of the soles to loosen.