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How to Clean Canvas Shoes

Expert Advice

How to Clean Canvas Shoes

Jan 26, 2024

So you got a fresh pair of Hey Dudes, your years-old Converse All Stars need a bit of a refresh or you want to keep your kids’ checkerboard Vans looking new. 

Canvas shoes are must-haves in your wardrobe, but dirt, grime and stains can cling to the fabric. We’re here to teach you how to clean canvas shoes with our comprehensive guide. And, yes, that’s whether you’re looking to keep those canvas Nike Court Legacy shoes pristine white or those grey Hey Dudes just need to return to their original like-new condition.

What You’ll Need - Cleaning Supplies at Sink

What You’ll Need

Whether you need to clean colored canvas shoes or white ones, you’ll want to first round up a few supplies you probably already have at home:


  • A soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
  • A clean sponge or cloth
  • A gentle dish soap or laundry detergent
  • Baking soda
  • Oxiclean
  • Clean towels or newspaper

Basic Cleaning Instructions for Any Color Canvas

Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles

Untie the laces and carefully remove them from the shoes. This allows you to clean every nook and cranny of the canvas. Then, take out the insoles and wash them separately with soapy water.


Step 2: Brush Away Loose Dirt and Debris

Use your soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently remove any loose dirt, dust or debris from the surface of the shoes. Pay particular attention to the seams, eyelets and rubber soles.


Step 3: Soak for Tough Stains

If your shoes are heavily stained, consider soaking them in a solution of warm water, dish soap and baking soda for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps loosen the dirt and grime.


Step 4: Clean Laces and Insoles

Wash the laces and insoles with soapy water. You can also add a little baking soda to the water for extra cleaning power. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry completely.


Step 5: Let Canvas Shoes Dry

Stuff your shoes with newspaper, old towels or rags to help them retain their shape while drying. Avoid using direct heat, as it can damage the canvas. Let them air dry completely before inserting the insoles and lacing them up.

Removing Hard-to-Treat Stains from Your Canvas Shoes - Dirty Pink Vans

Removing Hard-to-Treat Stains from Your Canvas Shoes

For extra-stubborn stains, try these methods:


  • If you have grass stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
  • Your kid doodled on their shoes with an ink pen? Dab the stain with rubbing alcohol using a clean cotton swab.
  • For oil stains on your shoes, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and let it absorb the oil for several hours before scrubbing and rinsing.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes … Without Turning Them Yellow

Crisp white canvas kicks are timeless. They do tend to attract stains, though; that drip of coffee from your morning caffeine run, grass stains from playing in the park or mud after a rainstorm can quickly turn white shoes … dirty.


With a bit of elbow grease, though, you can clean white canvas shoes without turning them yellow.


  • Mix warm water with laundry detergent and a few tablespoons of oxygen-based bleach.
  • Dip your sponge or cloth in the solution and gently scrub the canvas, focusing on stained areas.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Other Tips to Keep Your White Kicks from Yellowing

Other Tips to Keep Your White Kicks from Yellowing

  • Don’t use chlorine-based bleach, which can yellow the canvas.
  • Opt for warm or lukewarm water to prevent color bleeding.
  • Avoid direct sunlight while drying, as it can also cause yellowing.

Consider treating your canvas shoes with a fabric protector spray to prevent future stains. This creates a barrier or protection against dirt and grime, making your sneakers easier to clean in the future. Look for your next pair of canvas shoes — and the fits to go with them — at Hibbett | City Gear. 

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