Canvas sneakers are lightweight, comfortable and versatile, but they do require a little extra care when it comes to cleaning. If you have a passion for white canvas you already know that one false step in the mud leaves them looking like your little brother wore them to a swamp. But don't let that stop you from wearing the sneakers you love. Cleaning canvas sneakers is relatively quick and easy unless you ignore them for weeks and let the stains set in.
Step 1
Allow soiled sneakers to dry and brush away loose dirt with a soft brush. Check that the soles are clear of dirt or mud. Tapping them together over the trash can generally clears any dirt and mud from treads.
Step 2
Remove the shoelaces. Place the laces in a bowl of warm water with a little laundry detergent and let them soak while you clean the sneakers.
Step 3
Pour warm water in a small basin and add few drops of laundry detergent or ordinary dish detergent. Dip an old toothbrush into the soapy water and scrub the outside of the sneakers to remove dirt and stains. An old electric toothbrush works well as the circular motion of the brush lifts and removes dirt with little effort from you.
Step 4
Rinse and repeat until the canvas is clean and free of stains. Give them a final rinse with clear water to remove any soap residue. Improper rinsing results in ugly stains on the shoes when they dry. Avoid getting water in the sneaker.
Step 5
Place crumpled newspaper or wadded paper towels in the sneaker to hold its form and place in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Step 6
Scrub shoelaces vigorously to remove dirt or stains, rinse with clear water and hang over a line to dry.
ingredients
Laundry detergent or dish detergent
Scrub brush or old toothbrush
Basin
Newspapers or paper towels
tips
Canvas sneakers can be washed it the washing machine, but this may weaken fibers or loosen bonds and shorten the life of your sneaker.
warnings
Do not use bleach on canvas as it may turn the canvas yellow.