To clean canvas shoes, brush off the dry dirt, take out the laces, scrub stains with a mix of detergent and warm water, then either rinse by hand or run the shoes through a cold, gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag. Stuff them with paper and let them air dry out of direct sun.
In this guide
Canvas is a tough cotton fabric, so it handles washing well. What damages canvas shoes is heat: hot water and tumble dryers weaken the glue that holds the rubber sole on. Keep everything cool and they will survive many washes.
Hand wash or machine wash?
| Method | Use it when | Avoid it when |
|---|---|---|
| Hand wash | Shoes have leather or suede trim, glued decorations, or only a few stains | Never a problem; it is the gentlest option |
| Machine wash | Plain canvas shoes that are dirty all over | The care label says no, or the shoes have leather, suede or cork parts |
If you are unsure, check the manufacturer’s care advice. Some brands, including Converse, recommend hand cleaning only.
Before you start
- Knock off loose dirt. Bang the soles together outside and brush the uppers with a dry brush. Mud is much easier to remove dry than wet.
- Remove laces and insoles. Wash laces separately; our guide to cleaning white shoelaces covers both machine and hand methods.
How to hand wash canvas shoes
What you need
- A bowl of warm water
- Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
- Baking soda for stubborn stains
- A soft brush or old toothbrush and a cloth
- Plain paper or paper towels for stuffing
Steps
- Mix the solution: about a teaspoon of detergent in two cups of warm water.
- Scrub in small circles with the brush, working over the whole upper so it dries evenly without tide marks.
- Treat stains: make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water, work it into the mark and leave it for 15 minutes before brushing again.
- Clean the rubber: scrub the sole edges and toe cap with the same brush. A melamine sponge lifts scuffs from white rubber.
- Rinse by wiping with a clean, wet cloth until no soap is left. Leftover detergent is a common cause of yellow marks.
- Stuff and dry: fill the shoes with plain paper to hold their shape and leave them in an airy spot.
Related: How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Damaging Them
How to machine wash canvas shoes
- Pre-treat stains by hand as described above.
- Put the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or a tied pillowcase, and add a couple of old towels to the drum to cushion them.
- Use a small amount of liquid detergent. Powder can leave residue in the fabric.
- Run a cold, gentle cycle with a low spin speed.
- Air dry. Never use the tumble dryer.
Getting white canvas shoes white again
- Baking soda paste is the safest first step for general greyness.
- Oxygen bleach soaks out deeper discolouration without weakening the fabric. Follow the product’s dilution instructions.
- Chlorine bleach should be a last resort, well diluted and rinsed thoroughly. Too much turns white canvas yellow and damages rubber. Never mix it with vinegar or other cleaners.
- Dry in the shade. Strong direct sunlight can yellow white canvas, especially if any detergent is left in the fabric.
Cleaning coloured canvas shoes
Use cold water and a colour-safe detergent, skip bleach entirely, and test any stain remover on the inside of the tongue first. Wash dark and bright pairs separately the first few times, as the dye can run.
How to dry canvas shoes
- Stuff with plain white paper or paper towels and replace it once it is damp. Printed newspaper can transfer ink.
- Dry at room temperature with good airflow. A fan speeds things up.
- Keep them away from radiators, heaters and hairdryers.
- Allow 24 hours before wearing them.
If the toe box has creased while drying, the methods in our guide to uncreasing shoes will smooth it out.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put canvas shoes in the washing machine?
Most plain canvas shoes can go in on a cold, gentle cycle inside a mesh bag. Hand wash if the shoes have leather or suede trim, or if the brand advises against machine washing.
Why did my white canvas shoes turn yellow after washing?
The usual causes are detergent or bleach left in the fabric and drying in strong sun. Rinse again with clean water and dry them in the shade.
Can I put canvas shoes in the dryer?
No. The heat can shrink the canvas, warp the rubber and loosen the glue that bonds the sole.
How often should I clean canvas shoes?
Spot clean marks when they appear and do a full wash every few weeks if you wear them regularly.
