How to Clean Canvas Shoes: Cleaning Guide

Canvas shoes are comfortable, versatile, and effortlessly stylish. In short, a wardrobe staple.

But they do have one big downside: they can get dirty fast, especially if you own white ones! After just a few wears, canvas shoes can pick up marks, stains, and scuffs that make them look tired.

There is good news, though: cleaning canvas shoes is simple. With a few household items and knowledge of the right methods, you can restore them to their former glory, quickly and relatively easily. In this guide, we’ll cover 7 reliable methods for getting your canvas shoes back to their prime.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What to know before you start cleaning your canvas shoes
• 7 methods for cleaning canvas shoes
• How to keep canvas shoes clean for longer

And if your shoes are made from other materials, check out our guides to cleaning suede shoes and cleaning mesh trainers.

What to Know Before You Start Cleaning Canvas Shoes

The first thing to do before you get started is check your shoe’s care label. Some canvas shoes are safe to machine wash, while others should only be cleaned by hand. Always remove the laces and insoles first and clean them separately in soapy water.

It’s also a good idea to test your cleaning method on a small, hidden area to make sure it won’t affect the colour. And finally, always air dry your canvas shoes when you’re done washing them, rather than a radiator or a tumble dryer, as these can cause shrinking or warping.

Here’s a quick checklist to follow before cleaning your canvas shoes:

• Check the care label to see if machine washing is allowed
• Remove the laces and insoles so they can be cleaned separately
• Shake off or brush away loose dirt before applying any cleaning solution
• Test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first
• Have a soft brush, cloth, and mild cleaning products ready
• Allow plenty of time for the shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct heat

7 Methods for Cleaning Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are great for casual everyday wear and are fairly low maintenance, and there are several tried-and-tested ways to get them looking new again. Here are 7 of the easiest and most effective methods.

1. Hand Wash with Soap and Water

The safest method is to mix warm water with a small amount of mild soap or washing-up liquid, then dip a soft brush or cloth into the mixture and gently scrub the canvas in circular motions. Once clean, wipe off any soapy residue with a damp cloth and let the shoes air dry completely.

This method is ideal for everyday dirt and light stains.

2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

This method is perfect for whitening shoes, especially if they’ve lost their original brightness. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar and a little water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the shoes using a toothbrush, scrub gently, and leave it to sit for around 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly and air drying.

This method is particularly effective for white canvas shoes.

3. Toothpaste for Spot Cleaning

For stubborn marks, non-gel white toothpaste works wonders. Apply a small amount directly to the stain and scrub lightly with an old toothbrush. Wipe away the toothpaste with a damp cloth and repeat as needed.

This method is great for removing individual scuffs or dirty marks without washing the entire shoe.

4. Machine Washing (If Allowed!)

Some canvas shoes can be machine-washed, but only if the care label confirms it. Place the shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase, use cold water on a gentle cycle, and avoid adding too much detergent. Never use a hot cycle or drying cycle, because heat can damage the glue that holds the shoe together.

Machine washing is best reserved for heavily soiled shoes when hand washing isn’t enough.

5. Stain Remover or Laundry Detergent Solution

Dilute a small amount of liquid laundry detergent in warm water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Use a soft brush to scrub targeted areas of the shoe in circular motions, paying extra attention to the edges and seams where dirt often builds up. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

This method works for both white and coloured canvas shoes, as it avoids the bleaching effect of some whitening products while still tackling stubborn marks.

6. Lemon Juice for Natural Whitening

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that works well on white canvas shoes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stained areas or use a cotton pad to dab it on. After applying, place the shoes in a sunny spot for 20–30 minutes to boost the whitening effect, then rinse thoroughly with water.

7. Deodorising While You Clean

If your shoes are looking clean but don’t smell fresh, sprinkle baking soda inside them while they dry. This helps absorb odours and moisture, leaving your shoes feeling as fresh as they look. For even better results, leave the baking soda in overnight and shake it out in the morning. You can also place a scented dryer sheet inside each shoe to add a light, pleasant fragrance while they air dry.

How to Keep Your Canvas Shoes Cleaner for Longer

Once you’ve cleaned your canvas shoes, there are a few preventive steps you can take to help them stay that way for longer:

• Apply a fabric protector spray to repel dirt and water
• Spot clean quickly: the faster you treat stains, the easier they are to remove
• Store your shoes properly, away from damp areas that can cause mould or odours
• Rotate your shoes so you’re not wearing the same pair every day, which helps them last longer

Small habits like these can extend the life of your shoes and reduce how often they need deep cleaning.

Keep Your Canvas Kicks Looking Fresh

Canvas shoes are a wardrobe favourite for many good reasons, one of which is how easy they are to clean - once you know how. We hope this guide has been helpful in giving you the information you need to get your favourite pair back to its optimum condition.

And if you’re in the market for a new pair, check out our new arrivals for all the latest styles.