How Do I Clean Cloth Shoes? 10 Simple Ways That Work

2025年12月6日 Freaky Shoes

“How do I clean cloth shoes?” is something we’ve asked ourselves plenty of times, especially after getting random stains all over our shoes.

The answer is simple:

To clean cloth shoes, you just need warm water, a soft brush, and something mild like dish soap or baking soda. Gently clean the dirty spots and wipe off the soap. After this, let the shoes dry in the shade.

No need for fancy products or washing machines. We’ve cleaned all kinds of cloth shoes this way, and they always come out looking fresh again.

Want more methods?

In this guide, we’re showing 10 ways to clean cloth shoes. The best part? Anyone can do them.

Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

Use warm water and a soft brush with mild soap to clean cloth shoes.
Baking soda and vinegar paste is great for getting out tough stains.
For small dirty spots, spot cleaning is easier and safer than full washing.
Cloth shoes should never be scrubbed too hard or soaked in hot water.
Oil stains can be treated with cornstarch or baking soda first.
If you machine wash, use cold water, mild detergent, and a laundry bag.
Dry brush your shoes now and then to keep them looking clean.
Always let them air dry in the shade, not under the sun.

How do I clean cloth shoes? (10 Easy Ways)

The best way to clean cloth shoes is by gently scrubbing them with mild detergent and warm water using a soft brush. For tougher stains, you can make a baking soda and vinegar paste and apply it on the spots. Always avoid harsh cleaners and drying machines. Rinse with a damp cloth and let them air dry in shade to keep the fabric and shape safe.

Method 01: Cleaning with Mild Detergent and Soft Brush

If your cloth shoes are just dirty, this is the safest way to get them looking clean again.

Mix a small amount of mild liquid detergent or dish soap into a bowl of warm water
Dip a soft brush (a toothbrush works great) into the soapy water
Gently scrub the cloth surface in small circles, focusing more where dirt is heavier
Take a clean damp cloth and wipe off all the soap until the fabric feels clean
Leave the shoes to air dry naturally in a cool, shaded spot so they don’t get discolored

Method 02: Using Baking Soda and White Vinegar Paste

Sometimes cloth shoes get stains that regular soap can’t handle. We’ve had coffee spills and even ketchup. For things like that, we use a paste made from baking soda and white vinegar. It’s perfect for white or light-colored shoes, especially when you want to brighten them up without using bleach.

Here’s how we apply the paste:

Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of white vinegar to form a thick paste
Use a brush or even your fingers to gently apply the paste over the stained areas
Let the paste dry completely; this might take about 30 minutes
Once it’s dry, use a dry brush to dust off the hardened layer
Wipe off any remaining residue with a damp cloth

Method 03: Soaking in Laundry Detergent and Gently Scrubbing

You can use laundry detergent to clean cloth shoes.

First, take off the laces and insoles to let everything get cleaned properly
Fill a basin or bucket with warm water and add some mild laundry detergent
Let the shoes soak for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how dirty they are
Use a soft brush to gently scrub off the loosened dirt
Rinse with fresh water and use a damp cloth to remove leftover soap
Air dry in shade until completely dry before putting the laces and insoles back

Method 04: Spot Cleaning with Diluted Detergent

When your shoes are mostly clean but have one or two dirty marks, you don’t need to wash the whole thing. We like this approach when we're in a hurry. It helps us clean what’s needed without messing with the parts that are already clean.

Here’s how to spot clean cloth shoes the right way:

Mix a few drops of mild detergent in warm water until it's soapy
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and squeeze out excess liquid
Lightly rub the stained area without soaking the shoe
Use a second clean damp cloth to wipe off any soap
Let the cleaned area dry naturally before wearing

Method 05: Cleaning Rubber Parts with a Melamine Sponge

Cloth shoes often have rubber midsoles or toe caps that collect scuffs and marks. Instead of scrubbing the whole shoe, we focus just on those areas using a melamine sponge. It’s also known as a magic eraser, and it works like magic on rubber without touching the fabric.

We use this mostly on white soles. It takes off black marks and keeps the edges looking sharp.

Here’s how do you clean cloth shoes:

Wet the melamine sponge just slightly with clean water
Gently rub it along the rubber areas like the sides or front of the shoe
Be careful not to touch the cloth fabric, as the sponge can be too strong for it
Wipe off any dirt left behind with a dry cloth

Method 06: Cleaning Small Spots with Toothpaste

Toothpaste can be a quick fix when you don’t have anything else around. It works well for tiny stains or scuff marks on cloth shoes because it’s slightly abrasive. Here’s how we use toothpaste on cloth shoes to clean them:

Choose a plain white, non-gel toothpaste (don’t use colored or whitening ones)
Put a small amount on a soft toothbrush
Gently scrub the stained area using light circular motions
Wipe off the toothpaste with a clean damp cloth
Let the shoe air dry before wearing again

Method 07: Removing Mild Stains with a White Vinegar Spray

White vinegar mixed with water makes a gentle cleaning solution that works well for surface stains. We like using it for touch-ups when the fabric looks dull or slightly grimy. It’s especially useful for canvas or light cloth that gets dirty easily.

Here’s how we apply vinegar to clean cloth shoes:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or bowl
Spray directly onto the stained fabric or use a cloth to dab it on
Let it sit for five to ten minutes so it can break down the dirt
Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the spot
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and let it dry in a shaded spot

Method 08: Lifting Grease or Oil Stains with Cornstarch or Baking Soda

Grease stains on cloth shoes are tricky because water alone won’t help. You use cornstarch or baking soda to soak up the oil before doing any cleaning.

Here’s how to treat oil stains on cloth shoes:

Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda directly over the greasy spot
Let it sit for at least two hours, or even overnight if it’s a big stain
Gently brush off the powder using a soft brush
If needed, follow up with a mild soap and water cleaning on that area
Let it air dry

Method 09: Using Enzyme or Oxygen-Based Cleaner for Tough Stains

Sometimes stains are too tough for regular detergent or home tricks. That’s when we turn to enzymes or oxygen-based cleaners. These are made to break down things like food or grass without damaging fabric. We’ve used this for shoes that had been sitting in storage or had really stubborn marks.

Here’s how you can use these cleaners safely:

Choose a fabric-safe enzyme or oxygen cleaner (make sure it says color-safe)
Read the label and mix as directed with water
Apply only on the stained areas using a cloth or sponge
Let it sit as instructed, usually five to fifteen minutes
Gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse with a damp cloth
Leave the shoes to dry fully in shade

Method 10: Brushing Off Dirt, Airing Out, and Using a Protective Spray

Here’s our go-to routine for keeping cloth shoes fresh:

Use a dry soft brush to remove dust, lint, or surface dirt
Place the shoes outside in a breezy, shaded spot for at least 30 minutes
After they’re dry, spray a light layer of fabric protector evenly over the shoe
Let the spray dry fully before wearing or storing
Repeat the spray once every few weeks to keep shoes stain-resistant

How do I clean cloth shoes without washing them

Spot cleaning with diluted detergent is the best way to clean cloth shoes when you don’t want to soak or fully wash them. Cloth shoes are more delicate than synthetic or leather ones, and full washing can cause warping. This method works because you’re only targeting the dirty spots.

Here’s how you can clean cloth shoes without washing them:

Mix a small amount of mild detergent in a bowl of warm water
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the mix and wring out the excess water
Dab or gently rub only the stained or dirty areas of the fabric
Take a second clean cloth dampened with plain water and wipe off any soap
Let the shoes air dry completely in a shaded spot

How to clean fabric shoes without washing them

Follow these steps to clean your fabric shoes using vinegar, without needing a full wash:

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a small bowl or spray bottle
Spray directly on the stained area or dab it on using a soft cloth
Let the solution sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt
Gently blot or rub the area with a cloth or soft brush
Wipe off the surface using a damp cloth and let the shoes air dry

How to clean fabric shoes Nike

Here’s how we clean our Nike fabric shoes the same way Nike suggests:

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap
Dip a soft brush or old toothbrush into the solution
Gently scrub the fabric upper using light pressure in small circles
Blot with a clean dry cloth to absorb extra moisture and loosened dirt
Let the shoes air dry fully in a shaded place

How do I clean cloth shoes at home

Baking soda and white vinegar paste is one of the easiest ways to clean cloth shoes at home.

Mix a small amount of baking soda with white vinegar until it forms a spreadable paste
Apply it to the dirty fabric using a brush or cloth and gently scrub
Let the paste dry completely on the shoe
Brush off the dried layer or wipe with a dry cloth
Use a lightly damp cloth to remove any leftover residue and let it air dry

How do I clean cloth shoes with baking soda

Baking soda is a great choice for cleaning cloth shoes because it pulls out dirt and odors without soaking the fabric. Cloth materials like canvas or mesh absorb moisture fast, so using a dry or semi-dry method like baking soda paste keeps the shape and structure safe. It’s especially good when you want to brighten up dull areas without risking damage from water.

Here’s how to clean cloth shoes with baking soda paste the right way:

Mix baking soda with a little water or with a mix of water and white vinegar to make a paste
Use a soft cloth or brush to spread the paste over stained or dirty fabric areas
Let the paste dry completely on the shoe surface
Brush off the dried paste or wipe gently with a dry cloth
Dampen another cloth and wipe off any leftover powder before air drying

How to remove stains from fabric shoes

Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda directly over the oily stain and cover it well
Let it sit for several hours or overnight so it has time to absorb the oil
Gently brush off the powder once it’s dry
If the stain is still faint, clean the spot with mild soap and warm water using a soft cloth
Wipe off any soap left behind and let the shoe dry naturally

How do I clean cloth shoes in washing machine

Cloth shoes can go in the washing machine, but only if you’re careful. Cloth materials like canvas or mesh are soft and flexible, so they’re more at risk of shrinking than other types.

Here’s how to safely clean cloth shoes in the washing machine:

First, remove the laces and insoles and put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag
Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent
Add towels to balance the load and reduce noise
Avoid using bleach or hot water, which can damage the fabric
After washing, reshape the shoes and let them air dry fully in shade

How to clean fabric shoes in washing machine

Here’s the correct way to machine wash fabric shoes:

Take off laces and insoles and place shoes inside a mesh laundry bag
Wash on a cold gentle cycle using a mild detergent
Put a couple of towels in the drum to soften the motion and protect the shoes
Never use bleach, harsh detergent, or a dryer after the wash
Let the shoes dry naturally, out of direct sunlight

How do I clean white cloth shoes

Mix a paste using baking soda and white vinegar and apply it to stained or dull areas
Gently scrub with a soft brush and let the paste dry completely
Once dry, brush or wipe off the paste and clean any leftover with a damp cloth
For light surface stains, a white vinegar and water spray works well too
Let them air dry away from sunlight to avoid yellowing

How do I clean cloth tennis shoes

Here’s the easiest way to clean cloth tennis shoes at home:

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild laundry detergent or dish soap
Dip a soft brush or toothbrush into the soapy mix and gently scrub the surface
Focus on the dirtier areas but don’t soak the entire shoe
Wipe away any leftover soap with a clean damp cloth
Let the shoes air dry in a cool, shaded area

How do you clean cloth gym shoes

Mix a small amount of mild detergent in warm water until it’s slightly soapy
Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the fabric surface
Pay extra attention to areas around the toes and sides where dirt builds up
Wipe off the soap with a damp cloth, making sure nothing is left behind
Let the shoes dry naturally in an open, shaded space

How to clean cloth running shoes

Combine warm water and a few drops of mild detergent in a bowl
Use a soft toothbrush or cloth to scrub dirt and stains off the fabric
Gently clean around the soles and tongue where sweat collects
Rinse the cloth and wipe off any leftover soap
Let them air dry fully in a shaded spot before wearing again

Bottom Line

Cleaning cloth shoes doesn’t have to be hard or stressful. With the right method, you can make them look like new again without damaging the fabric. The simple steps discussed above will help you get great results at home. We’ve used all these methods ourselves, and they’ve worked every time.

So next time your shoes get dirty, don’t toss them out. Just clean them right and they’re good to go again.