The satisfaction of stepping out in a brand-new pair of canvas shoes is rarely beaten, and it’s clear to see why. A shiny new pair of trainers can make you feel as if you’re oozing style and charisma, with each step feeling better than the last. However, that excitement and confidence can soon be stripped away when scuffs and stains appear on your once-sparkling sneakers.
At Rieker, we believe all shoes should be a joy to wear, so we’ve put together a complete cleaning guide to bring your canvas shoes back to their pristine best. Follow our simple steps, and you’ll be strutting down the street with that same swagger and happiness as the day you bought them.
Table of contents
- What you’ll need to clean canvas shoes
- How to clean canvas shoes by hand
- How to machine wash canvas shoes
- How to care for canvas shoes
What you’ll need to clean canvas shoes
Before we get stuck into making your canvas shoes look as good as new, we need to know exactly what we’ll need to freshen them up. The following are our must-haves for cleaning canvas shoes:
Cleaning by hand
- Washing-up liquid
- Warm water
- Clean cloths
- Bucket/sink
- Sponge
- Soft-bristled brush/old toothbrush
Machine washing
- Laundry detergent
- Soft-bristled brush
- Mesh laundry bag
- Oxygen or chlorine-based bleach
How to clean canvas shoes by hand
Cleaning your canvas shoes by hand is a great way to tackle the marks directly and scuffs your trainers have picked up, and it’s also easier on the fabric. Hand cleaning also works a charm if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to wait for your shoes to dry.
Start by mixing a teaspoon of washing-up liquid with some warm water. If there are any visible scuffs and stains, pretreat them with a dab of washing-up liquid. Work in the liquid using the soft-bristled brush or old and clean toothbrush and rest for 15 minutes.
Remove the shoelaces and place them in the cleaning solution to soak while you get to work on the trainers. Soak up the solution with a sponge and scrub all over the shoe, using a bit of elbow grease on any tough sole stains and marks you’ve picked up.
Once you’ve given them a good scrub, rinse a clean cloth with cold water and go over the shoes to remove any lingering solution. Rinse the laces under cold water and let the shoes dry away from direct sunlight. If you need to speed up the drying process, use a clean towel.
How to machine wash canvas shoes
While it sounds as simple as throwing your canvas shoes in the washing machine and pressing go, we recommend a more specific method to ensure you’re looking after your shoes and getting the best results.
Important note: do not machine wash your canvas shoes if they have suede or leather. The washer will be far too harsh on the material and could ruin your favourite pair of shoes.
Begin by unlacing your shoes; you’ll need to wash these separately. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to avoid tangling, and you can wash them in a regular washing load or hand wash them using the previous method.
Choose either the regular or lower spin cycle for your machine. Use regular laundry detergent and add chlorine-based bleach for your white canvas shoes to add extra brightness. If your canvas shoes are coloured, you can use oxygen-based bleach.
Optionally, if you’re concerned about bacteria, you can add some disinfectant. Please check product descriptions for information on how much you should add.
Remove any surface mud before machine washing with a garden hose or running water from a sink to prevent the mud from clogging the machine. Any lingering stains can be pretreated with laundry detergent or washing-up liquid and a soft brush as in the hand cleaning method.
Load your washing machine with towels or jeans and place your shoes on top. Pull up the tongues of the shoes to ensure every surface gets cleaned. Once the cycle is up, air-dry your shoes away from direct sunlight. Fill with paper towels to preserve the shoe shape, and regularly change the towels for speedier drying.
How to care for canvas shoes
We’ve taken you through how to thoroughly clean your canvas shoes, but regular, everyday care is just as important. Wipe your shoes after every wear or two with a clean cloth and some shoe cleaner so they keep their fresh, out-of-the-box style shine. Be sure to tackle any small scuffs, marks or stains as soon as you notice them with a soft brush or old toothbrush.
We recommend machine or hand washing your shoes around once a season to retain that shine and bring vibrance back to your trainers after a long spell of action. Make sure you stick to machine or hand washing once a season, as frequent deep cleans can risk damaging your shoes..
Store your shoes in boxes or fabric bags if they’re not worn frequently. This prevents dust and dirt from gathering in places like cupboards and wardrobes. Shoes worn daily or frequently should be stored in racks or other storage spaces with good air circulation.
Shoes at Rieker
Look your best in brand-new men’s and ladies’ casual shoes from our collection at Rieker. We have casual shoes in various styles so you can strut your stuff no matter the season.
All our shoes are made using our antistress properties, designed to bring you the most comfort possible. The antistress technology in our shoes makes walking anywhere a breeze as the shoe takes the impact of the ground, not your foot. Our shoes are lighter, roomier, more reflexible and shock absorbing so you can walk easier for longer!
