White canvas shoes are an essential in your child’s wardrobe as they are smart, comfy, fashionable, and go well with a variety of casual and sporty outfits. However, being the color they are, these shoes tend to get dirty or yellow easily. So, how to clean white canvas shoes effectively? This write-up turns the spotlight on the different solutions you can try. How often you have to do it depends on the usage though. If your munchkin wears them daily, you need to clean the shoes once a week. If the usage is occasional, once-a-month cleaning will be enough.  

Now, let’s dive into each method of cleaning one by one.

Baking Soda and Vinegar/Toothpaste  

To try this method, you need warm water, white vinegar, baking soda, a soft brush, a toothbrush, and soft cloths. Keep a tube of all-white toothpaste handy as well for effective cleaning. Then follow these steps:

• Scrub the baby canvas shoes with the soft brush to eliminate any loose dirt that might be hanging on to them. Focus on the soles and surface especially.
• In a bowl, mix a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Once the fizz dies down, the solution will be ready for use. Alternatively, you can use toothpaste that contains baking soda.
• If you are going with the vinegar mixture, dip a toothbrush or cloth in it and scrub the shoes with the same. This solution is apt for both the soles and fabric. Make sure dirt doesn’t spread from one part to another by cleaning the toothbrush or cloth repeatedly.
• If you decide to use toothpaste, apply it on the dirty or stained spots with a clean toothbrush. Adopt a circular motion. Let the toothpaste act for about 15 minutes after you are done scrubbing.
• Finally, dampen a soft cloth and use it to brush away the dried up toothpaste or the vinegar solution from the baby canvas shoes.
• Let the pair dry in air before storage or letting your child use them. Stuff newspaper or paper towels inside to absorb moisture quickly and retain the shape of the shoes.
• In case of shoes with laces, remove them before commencing the cleaning process and soak them in the vinegar and baking soda solution. Once you are done cleaning the shoes, wash the laces separately and air-dry them.

Magic Eraser/Stain Remover

Wondering how to clean white canvas shoes with little effort? Get hold of a Magic Eraser or stain remover, paper towels, and follow these steps:  

• Slightly wet a paper towel and wipe the outside of the canvas shoes with a gentle motion to get rid of big dirt particles. Then air-dry the pair for around 10 minutes.
• Make the Magic Eraser wet but squeeze out any excess water so that it’s damp but not dripping. In case of another stain remover, follow the instructions on it.
• Rub stained or dirty spots with the Eraser using moderate pressure, so you get the shoes clean without damaging the fabric.
• Next, scrub the soles of the shoes along with the bottom edges with the Eraser, until all stains and dirt marks are gone.
• Let the white canvas shoes dry in open air with paper towels or crumpled newspaper stuffed inside them.

Dish Soap/Laundry Detergent

To clean baby canvas shoes this way, get hold of a mild laundry detergent or dish soap, a soft brush, and a toothbrush or soft cloth. Keep a bowl with warm water handy. Then do as follows:

• Use a clean toothbrush or soft brush to brush away loose dirt from the surface of the canvas shoes. Be gentle and pay attention to the soles, tongues, and edges.
• In a bowl, prepare a solution with a tablespoon of mild dish soap with warm water. Or you can use a capful of laundry detergent instead.
• Use a toothbrush or cloth to apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the shoes. Focus on a small area every time. Use a circular and tender motion to remove stains.
• With a damp cloth, wipe away the soapy solution from the shoes finally.
• Allow the pair to dry in the air after stuffing paper towels or newspaper inside for absorbing the moisture fast.
• If the shoes feature laces, get them out before starting with the first step and soak them in the soapy solution. After cleaning the shoes, wash the laces and air-dry them separately.

Washing Machine

How to clean white canvas shoes without using your hands? Your washing machine can help, unless the pair comes with embellishments like sequins, beads, etc. Here’s what to do:

• Take out laces (if any) and soak them in a solution of warm water and laundry detergent separately. Don’t put them in the machine.
• Then put the shoes in a bag reserved for delicate garments and throw them into the machine along with a capful of mild detergent. Avoid adding anything else for a wash.
• Run the machine on the gentlest cycle possible with cold water. This way, the glue in the shoes won’t weaken and the white color will last.
• Then air-dry the pair after stuffing them with crushed newspaper or paper towels.
• Wash the laces and dry them in open air separately.

Keeping White Canvas Shoes Clean Can Be Simple

So, by now, you know how to clean white canvas shoes efficiently and in different ways. Remember that for deep cleaning, you might need to dunk the shoes in a solution of liquid detergent, dish wash, or baking soda and vinegar. Make sure to rinse and dry out the shoes thoroughly in such cases. To keep baby canvas shoes clean for as long as possible, avoid putting them on your child when it is raining or muddy outside. Use a protective spray that repels liquid spills, mud, and dirt. Always store the shoes in a dry and cool place and use disinfecting sprays and powders to keep them smelling fresh.  

And if your munchkin needs a new pair of canvas shoes or boots or sneakers, check out what is available at Jack & Lily. For suggestions or guidance, you can also contact the professionals here.