How to Clean Canvas Shoes? By Hand, Bleach, Machine, & More

19 ottobre 2025 Freaky Shoes

Thinking about how to clean canvas shoes? The easiest way is to take out the laces, brush off the dirt, scrub gently with soapy water, and let them dry in the shade. That alone can make them look new again without any damage.

But there are more cleaning methods, and you’ll learn all about them here. In this guide, we’re discussing how you can clean canvas shoes by hand, bleach, washing machine, baking soda, and a lot of other things.

Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

Always take off the laces and insoles before cleaning your canvas shoes.
Warm water and mild detergent work for most cleaning jobs.
Scrub slowly and gently so the fabric stays in good shape.
Dry in the shade to keep colors bright and whites from turning yellow.
Use baking soda and vinegar for tough stains and odors.
Put canvas shoes in a mesh bag for safe machine washing.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes? The Best Method

It’s easy to clean Canvas shoes if you follow the right steps.

Remove the laces and insoles so you can clean every part properly. Put the laces aside to wash separately.
Brush off all loose dirt from the surface, sides, and soles using a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Tap the soles together to shake off dried mud.
Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild detergent or dish soap in a bowl.
Dip your brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the fabric in small circles. Work on one section at a time.
Pay extra attention to stained areas (scrub gently but longer so you don’t damage the fibers).
Clean the soles with the same brush or a tougher scrubber for stubborn dirt.
Rinse away soap by wiping the shoes with a clean cloth dipped in plain water. Repeat until no soap is left.
Pat dry with a towel to remove extra moisture.
Air dry your shoes indoors or in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can fade colors or make white shoes yellow.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes by Hand

Hand cleaning is the safest way to wash your canvas shoes. It’s perfect when you want full control over how much water they soak up. Just do the following:

Take out the laces and insoles. This lets you reach hidden dirt and stops water from soaking the insoles too much.
Use a dry brush or an old toothbrush to remove surface dust and grit from the shoes. Get into seams and around the sole edges.
Fill a small basin or bowl with warm water. Add two to three drops of mild laundry detergent or dish soap.
Dip the toothbrush in the soapy water, shake off extra water so it’s damp but not dripping.
Scrub the shoes in small circular motions. Start from the top and work down to the sole.
Rinse the brush in clean water regularly so you’re not rubbing dirt back in.
For tough stains, dip the brush again in soapy water and scrub a little longer, but gently.
Dampen a clean cloth in plain water and wipe over the whole shoe to remove all soap.
Pat the shoes with a dry towel to get rid of excess moisture.
Leave the shoes to air dry naturally. Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes with Baking Soda

If you’re wondering how to clean canvas shoes with baking soda, then note that it’s super simple. Here’s what to do:

Remove the laces and insoles so you can reach every spot.
Brush off loose dirt.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 cup warm water to make a fizzy mixture.
Dip a toothbrush in the mixture and scrub the shoes in small circles. Focus on stains and dirty areas.
For deep stains, apply a thicker paste of baking soda and vinegar directly on the spot. Let it sit for 13–15 minutes.
Use the brush to scrub the paste gently into the fabric.
Wipe off the mixture with a damp cloth. Make sure no powdery residue is left.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes in Washing Machine

The washing machine can make cleaning quick, but the wrong settings can ruin shoes. Here’s how to clean canvas shoes in a washing machine the right way:

Remove the laces and insoles. Wash the laces in a small mesh bag or by hand.
Brush away surface dirt so it doesn’t get stuck in the machine.
Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash.
Add a few old towels to the machine. They help balance the load and reduce banging noises.
Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach — it can damage canvas and rubber.
After the cycle finishes, take the shoes out immediately so they don’t lose shape.
Stuff the shoes with paper towels or clean cloths to help them keep form while drying.
Air dry indoors or in shade.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes Without Washing

If you don’t want to soak your canvas shoes, you can still clean them enough to look fresh. This is handy for quick touch-ups or when you need them the same day. Here are the steps:

Use a dry brush to remove loose dirt from the surface and soles. Get into creases and stitching.
Mix a few drops of mild detergent with warm water in a small bowl.
Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water, wring it out until it’s just damp.
Wipe the shoes gently, focusing on dirty spots.
For stubborn marks, rub them lightly with the damp cloth until they fade.
Dampen another cloth with plain water and wipe again to remove soap.
Stuff the shoes with paper towels to keep their shape as they dry.
Let them air dry away from heat and sunlight.

If you’re also dealing with leather shoes, here’s a complete guide on how to clean and restore leather shoes properly.

How to Clean Canvas Shoes with Bleach

Bleach can brighten white canvas shoes and remove deep stains, but it must be diluted to avoid damaging the fabric. Using it the wrong way can leave yellow marks or weaken the material. Here’s what to do:

Work in a well-ventilated area or outside to avoid strong fumes.
Remove laces and insoles. Wash them separately.
Brush away loose dirt from the shoes with a dry brush.
Mix 1 part bleach with 5 parts water in a bowl. This keeps the bleach strong enough to clean but gentle on canvas.
Put on gloves to protect your hands.
Dip an old toothbrush into the diluted bleach solution and scrub the shoes gently in circles.
For stubborn stains, apply a bit more solution and scrub longer, but avoid soaking the fabric.
Wipe the shoes with a clean damp cloth to remove bleach residue.
Pat dry with a towel.
Air dry indoors or in shade (never under direct sunlight as bleach can cause yellowing).

How to Clean Canvas Shoes with OxiClean

OxiClean is great for cleaning canvas shoes. It can lift dirt and brighten fabric without being as harsh as bleach. It’s safe for most colors too, so we recommend it if you have colorful shoes.

Follow these steps to clean canvas shoes with OxiClean:

Remove laces and insoles. Brush off all surface dirt.
Mix 1 scoop of OxiClean with 4 cups of warm water in a basin. Stir until dissolved.
Dip a soft brush or old toothbrush into the solution.
Scrub the shoes gently, working the cleaner into the fabric.
For heavy stains, apply the OxiClean paste (mix powder with less water) directly on the spot. Let it sit for 8–10 minutes.
Rinse the shoes by wiping with a damp cloth dipped in clean water.
Repeat if stains remain.
Pat dry with a towel and air dry away from sunlight to keep the color bright.

How to Clean Vans Canvas White Shoes

White Vans get dirty quickly, but with the right cleaning method, they can look almost brand new. Vans’ canvas is tough, so it can handle both hand and machine washing. But in our opinion, hand washing gives more control.

Here’s how to clean white Vans canvas shoes:

Take off the laces and insoles. Brush away dirt.
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent.
Dip an old toothbrush into the soapy water.
Scrub the canvas in small circles, starting at the dirtiest areas.
Clean the rubber sides with the same brush or a magic eraser for extra brightness.
Wipe the shoes with a clean damp cloth to remove soap.
Pat them dry with a towel and air dry in a shaded place.

Cleaning Converse is a lot like cleaning any canvas shoe. Here’s what actually works. Read the Converse cleaning guide.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes Without Turning Them Yellow

Yellowing happens when shoes are dried in sunlight, or when soap and cleaning products aren’t fully rinsed out. To keep them perfectly white, clean gently and dry in the shade.

Here’s how to clean white Canvas shoes without turning them yellow:

Remove the laces and insoles. Wash the laces separately in warm soapy water.
Brush off dust and dirt from the shoes using a soft dry brush.
In a bowl, mix warm water with a small amount of mild liquid detergent or baking soda solution (1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 cup warm water).
Dip a toothbrush into the cleaning mix and scrub the canvas in small circles. Focus on stained spots but don’t oversaturate the fabric.
Rinse the shoes by wiping them with a cloth soaked in plain water. Make sure all soap or cleaner is removed (leftover soap can cause yellowing).
Stuff the shoes with white paper towels to keep their shape and absorb moisture. Avoid newspapers, as ink can transfer.
Air dry indoors or in a shaded, airy spot. Never put them in direct sunlight or use a dryer.

Just like canvas, Crocs can get stained too. Here’s how to clean white Crocs with minimal effort.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes That Turned Yellow

If your white canvas shoes turn yellow, you can clean them by following these steps:

Remove the laces and insoles. Brush away loose dirt.
Make a paste using 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and ½ tablespoon of water.
Apply the paste to the yellowed areas using a toothbrush.
Gently scrub in circles, working the paste into the fabric.
Let the paste sit for 26–30 minutes in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
Wipe away the paste with a clean, damp cloth.
Repeat if needed for stubborn yellow stains.
Pat dry with a towel and air dry indoors away from sunlight.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

The mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is great for whitening shoes and removing deep stains from canvas shoes. Hydrogen peroxide helps brighten the fabric, while baking soda gently scrubs away dirt.

Here are the steps to follow to clean white canvas shoes:

Remove the laces and insoles so every part is easy to clean.
Use a dry brush to remove loose dirt from the canvas and soles.
In a small bowl, make a paste with 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and ½ tablespoon water.
Dip an old toothbrush into the paste and scrub the shoes in small circles, focusing on stained or yellowed areas.
Once covered, let the paste sit on the shoes for 20–30 minutes in a shaded area.
Wipe away the paste with a clean damp cloth.
Repeat the process if needed for stubborn marks.

Does Dawn Dish Soap Clean Canvas Shoes?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is gentle yet strong enough to clean canvas shoes.

Take off the laces and insoles. Wash the laces separately.
Mix a few drops of Dawn dish soap into a bowl of warm water.
Dip an old toothbrush or cloth into the soapy water and scrub the shoes gently in circles.
Clean the soles with the same brush or a separate scrubbing brush.
Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth to remove soap and air dry indoors or in the shade to avoid fading.

Can I Use Toothpaste to Clean Canvas Shoes?

Yes, toothpaste can help remove dirt and brighten small areas of canvas shoes. It’s best for spot cleaning and works well on the white parts of the shoe. Follow these steps to clean canvas shoes with toothpaste:

Use white, non-gel toothpaste. Colored or gel toothpaste can stain fabric.
Remove laces.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to the dirty spot.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the toothpaste into the fabric in small circles.
Let it sit for 10 to 14 minutes to lift the stain.
Wipe away the toothpaste with a damp cloth and repeat if needed.

How to Clean Colored Canvas Shoes

Colored canvas shoes need extra care so the colors don’t fade or bleed. Always use mild cleaners and avoid bleach.

Remove laces and insoles.
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent.
Dip a soft brush or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the shoes in small circles.
Avoid soaking the fabric, as too much water can cause colors to bleed.
Wipe the shoes with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap.
Air dry in a shaded, airy spot. Never dry colored shoes in direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Cleaning canvas shoes is simple when you know the right steps. With just a few tools and some care, you can remove dirt and make your shoes look almost new again. Once you get used to this routine, it becomes quick and easy to do. Give them a little care today and enjoy that clean, crisp look every time you put them on.