Canvas shoes are popular because they’re lightweight, breathable, and versatile—but they also show dirt quickly. Whether you’re dealing with everyday dust, grass stains, or mystery marks from a long walk, cleaning canvas shoes properly helps extend their life and keeps them looking fresh.
The good news is that canvas is relatively easy to clean if you follow the right process. Rushing the job or using harsh methods can cause discoloration, warping, or stiffness. A careful, step-by-step approach works best.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before cleaning, gather your supplies so you don’t have to stop midway through the process. You’ll want:
- Mild liquid laundry detergent or dish soap
- Baking soda (optional, for odor or stains)
- A soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush
- A microfiber cloth or clean rag
- A bowl of warm water
- Paper towels or a dry towel
Avoid bleach unless the shoes are completely white and you understand the risk of yellowing.
Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles
Start by removing the shoelaces and any removable insoles. Laces trap dirt and should be cleaned separately, while insoles hold moisture and odor. Set the laces aside to soak in warm, soapy water. Insoles should be cleaned gently with a damp cloth and mild soap, then left to air-dry completely. This step ensures you can clean every part of the shoe evenly.
Step 2: Dry Brush Loose Dirt
Before adding water, use a dry brush to remove loose dirt, dust, and dried mud from the canvas surface and sole edges. Brush gently in one direction rather than scrubbing aggressively. This prevents dirt from being pushed deeper into the fabric and helps avoid fraying. Pay attention to seams and stitching, where debris often collects. See shoe cleaning kits.
Step 3: Make a Gentle Cleaning Solution
In a bowl, mix warm water with a small amount of mild detergent. You only need enough soap to create light suds. For tougher stains or odors, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture. This helps lift grime without damaging the canvas fibers. Avoid using hot water, which can shrink canvas or set stains.
Step 4: Clean the Canvas Upper
Dip your soft brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the canvas in small, circular motions. Focus on visibly dirty areas first, then work across the entire shoe to avoid uneven coloring. Don’t oversaturate the fabric—canvas cleans best when damp, not soaked. If stains persist, let the solution sit for five to ten minutes before gently scrubbing again
Step 5: Clean the Rubber Soles
Rubber soles usually need a bit more pressure than canvas. Use the same brush or a separate one to scrub the soles, especially along the edge where dirt tends to build up. For stubborn scuff marks, a paste of baking soda and water applied directly to the rubber can help. Wipe away residue with a damp cloth once clean.
Step 6: Rinse Carefully
Instead of placing the shoes under running water, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away soap and residue. This controlled rinse prevents water from soaking into the inner layers of the shoe, which can cause odors and slow drying. Repeat with a fresh cloth if needed until no soap remains.
Step 7: Blot and Reshape
Use paper towels or a dry towel to blot excess moisture from the canvas. Press gently—do not wring or twist the shoes. Stuff the shoes with paper towels or plain white paper to help them hold their shape while drying. Avoid newspaper, as ink can transfer to the fabric.
Step 8: Air-Dry Completely
Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Direct heat can cause canvas to stiffen, shrink, or discolor. Allow the shoes to dry naturally, which may take 12–24 hours depending on humidity. Do not put canvas shoes in the dryer.
Step 9: Clean and Reinstall Laces
Rinse the laces you soaked earlier, squeeze out excess water, and hang them to air-dry. Once the shoes are fully dry, reinsert the insoles and lace them back up.
You can also replace the laces. See options on Amazon.
Extra Tips for Keeping Canvas Shoes Clean Longer
Regular maintenance makes deep cleaning less frequent. Brushing off dirt after each wear and allowing shoes to dry fully between uses goes a long way.
Applying a fabric protector spray designed for canvas can also help repel stains and moisture, especially if you wear your shoes outdoors often.
When to Replace Canvas Shoes
Canvas shoes should be replaced when wear starts affecting comfort, support, or structure rather than appearance alone. Holes in the canvas, thinning fabric at the toe, split seams, or worn-down soles are signs the shoe is no longer providing proper support. If the shoe feels unstable, causes foot or knee discomfort, or no longer holds its shape after drying, it’s time to replace it. You can browse new canvas shoes on Amazon to find updated styles and better support options that match your needs:
Shop new and cool canvas shoes on Amazon
