You love your canvas kicks. They’re comfy, cool, and go with just about everything—from lazy weekend jeans to casual office wear. But here’s the thing: canvas shoes get dirty fast. And when they do? It’s not just a “wipe and go” situation.
So, if you’ve been staring down a pair of muddy Converse or stained slip-ons wondering, “How the heck do I clean these without ruining them?”—you’re not alone. And you’re in luck.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to clean canvas shoes the right way, whether you’re spot-treating, deep-cleaning, or just trying to get rid of that musty smell from the last rainy walk.
Let’s get into it.
First Things First: What Not to Do
Before we start scrubbing, here’s what you shouldn’t do:
Don’t toss them in the washer without prepping (we’ll explain)
Don’t use bleach on colored canvas
Don’t soak them for hours—it can warp the shape
Don’t dry them with high heat (unless you enjoy surprise shrinkage)
Basically? Treat your canvas shoes like you would your favorite jeans. Gentle care = long life.
What You’ll Need (No Fancy Stuff, Promise)
Most of this stuff is probably sitting in your kitchen cabinet or laundry room:
A soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush = perfect)
Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
Baking soda (optional, but magical)
White vinegar (for tough stains)
Warm water
A soft cloth or sponge
Magic eraser (for soles)
Towel and paper towels
Mesh laundry bag (for machine option)
Got all that? Cool. Let’s clean.
Method #1: Hand Washing – The Tried-and-True Way
This is the safest method for canvas shoes, especially if they have custom prints, patches, or you just care about keeping them around for the long haul.
Step-by-step:
Remove laces and insoles.
Wash laces separately in soapy water and let them air dry. If your insoles are removable, take them out—they’ll dry faster.Brush off loose dirt.
Use your toothbrush or soft brush to knock off surface dirt, sand, and that weird gunk hiding in the seams.Mix a cleaning solution.
In a bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of detergent. Add a pinch of baking soda if things are real grimy.Scrub gently.
Dip your brush into the soapy mix and scrub your shoes in small circles. Focus on dirty spots but avoid over-wetting the fabric.Rinse with a damp cloth.
Don’t dunk your shoes. Just wipe off the suds with a cloth soaked in clean water.Pat dry and stuff.
Use a towel to blot away excess water. Then stuff the shoes with paper towels or old t-shirts to help them keep their shape.Air dry—always.
Put them in a well-ventilated area, but avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors. Let them dry overnight (or longer).
Optional: Use a magic eraser or baking soda paste on the soles to get them sparkling white again.
Method #2: Machine Wash (Yes, It’s Possible—but Be Smart)
Canvas shoes can go in the washer—but only if you’re careful. This is best for all-white or solid-color shoes that don’t have a lot of embellishments or glued-on parts.
Here’s how:
Remove laces and insoles.
Brush off dirt.
Place shoes in a mesh laundry bag (or pillowcase, tied shut).
Use cold water and gentle cycle.
Add a small amount of mild detergent.
Skip the spin cycle if possible.
Then air dry—no shortcuts.
Heads up: Machine washing shortens shoe life slightly. Save this for when they’re already looking rough and you’re ready to risk it.
Method #3: Spot Clean for Small Stains
Only got a bit of dirt or a coffee drip on the toe? No need to go full-wash mode.
Do this:
Mix 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts warm water
Dip a cloth or toothbrush in the solution
Dab and scrub the stained area gently
Blot with clean water and let air dry
This works especially well for white canvas shoes, especially when paired with baking soda.
Got Smelly Shoes? Try This.
Let’s be honest—canvas shoes can get funky. Fast. Especially without socks.
Try these:
Sprinkle baking soda inside and let it sit overnight
Use charcoal shoe inserts or sneaker deodorizers
Spray lightly with a mix of vinegar and water, then air them out
And don’t forget to let your shoes fully dry between wears—moisture = bacteria = stink.
Common Mistakes That Wreck Canvas Shoes
We’ve all done it—but now you know better.
Throwing wet shoes in the dryer = warp city
Using bleach on anything but plain white canvas = color disaster
Leaving shoes in the sun too long = fading + stiffness
Not cleaning the soles = gross buildup over time
Treat ’em like you would your favorite hoodie—some things just need a little TLC.
How Often Should You Clean Canvas Shoes?
Depends on how often you wear them and where. But as a general rule:
Light spot clean: every couple weeks
Deep clean: once a month or when they look funky
Deodorize: as needed, especially in hot weather
The good news? The more you clean them gently, the longer they last—and the better they look.
Final Word: Canvas Shoes Deserve a Little Love
They’re versatile. They’re stylish. They’re affordable. And with a little care, your canvas shoes can go from dirty to dazzling without a ton of effort.
So go ahead—scrub, rinse, dry, repeat. Your feet (and your outfit) will thank you.
FAQs: How to Clean Canvas Shoes
1. Can I put canvas shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, but only on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Avoid if your shoes have embellishments or glued parts.
2. What’s the best way to get rid of stains on white canvas shoes?
Try a paste of baking soda and water or use white vinegar with a toothbrush. Let it sit, then rinse gently.
3. How can I dry canvas shoes quickly?
Air dry only—never use a dryer. Stuff with paper towels and place near (not on) a fan or open window.
4. Can I use bleach on canvas shoes?
Only on all-white shoes, and diluted. For colored canvas, bleach can ruin the fabric.
5. How do I keep canvas shoes smelling fresh?
Use baking soda, let them dry completely after wearing, and store in a breathable area.