Introduction
Canvas shoes are a durable and stylish choice for everyday wear. Whether you’re wearing sneakers, slip-ons, or boat shoes, keeping them clean is essential for preserving their shape and color. Fortunately, with the right supplies and a bit of know-how, it’s easy to keep your canvas shoes looking their best.
Hand Washing with Mild Soap
This is the most straightforward way to clean your canvas shoes. Start by gathering the supplies you’ll need: a mild detergent (such as dish soap), a soft-bristled brush, and a small bowl.
Start by filling the bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild detergent. Dip the brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the canvas, taking care not to damage the material. Once you’ve cleaned the entire shoe, rinse it off with cool water. Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess soap and let the shoes air dry.
Use a Soft Brush and Gentle Scrubbing
If the canvas shoes are particularly dirty, you may need to use a soft-bristled brush and gentle scrubbing to remove tough stains. Start by mixing a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bowl. Dip the brush in the mixture and gently scrub the stained areas of the shoes. Rinse the shoes with cool water and wipe away any excess soap with a damp cloth.
Machine Wash on Delicate Cycle
For a deeper clean, you can machine wash your canvas shoes on a delicate cycle. Start by removing the laces and placing them in a mesh laundry bag. Place the shoes in the washer along with a mild detergent and a few towels. Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle and let it run its course. Once the cycle is finished, remove the shoes from the washer and air dry.
Clean with a Toothbrush
If you want to get into the nooks and crannies of your canvas shoes, you may want to use a toothbrush. Start by mixing a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bowl. Dip the toothbrush in the mixture and gently scrub the stained areas of the shoes. Rinse the shoes with cool water and wipe away any excess soap with a damp cloth.
Spot Clean with Stain Remover
If you have stubborn stains on your canvas shoes, you may want to use a spot cleaner. Start by applying the stain remover directly to the affected area. Rub the stain remover gently into the fabric and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, use a damp cloth to wipe away the stain remover and any dirt or debris. Finally, let the shoes air dry.
Use a Dry Shampoo
If your canvas shoes are in need of a quick pick-me-up, you may want to try a dry shampoo. Start by shaking the dry shampoo onto the canvas shoes. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the shampoo into the fabric, taking care not to damage the material. Let the dry shampoo sit for a few minutes before wiping away any excess with a damp cloth.
Air Dry in the Sunlight
To ensure that your canvas shoes dry quickly and evenly, it’s best to air dry them in the sunlight. Place the shoes in an area that receives direct sunlight and let them sit for several hours. Once the shoes are dry, they should be ready to wear again.
Conclusion
Keeping canvas shoes clean doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right supplies and a bit of know-how, you can easily hand wash, machine wash, or spot clean your shoes. For a deep clean, you may want to use a toothbrush and dry shampoo. And for the quickest drying time, air dry your shoes in the sunlight.
To prevent future stains, always make sure to remove your shoes before entering a wet or muddy area. Additionally, you may want to apply a waterproofing spray to help protect against spills and splashes.
