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If you had your canvas sneakers for a while, there is probably small bits of dirt, stains and splotches.
Although there is a charm to a loved sneaker but there is a fine line between a stylish worn in pair and one that is just too dirty.
Before you throw them out, let’s give them some TLC. Here are some DIY remedies to help keep your shoes, laces and soles of your canvas sneaker clean:
What you need
- Nylon bristle brush or an old toothbrush
- Soap, such as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, or a cleaner made for suede and fabric
- Nylon scrub pad
- Baking soda
- Plain paper
- White cream shoe polish (for white canvas sneakers)
Step 1: Wipe away the Mud
Knock off any loose dirt by smacking the sneakers on pavement or by tapping the soles together over a trash can or newspaper. Wipe the sneakers with a damp cloth to remove any remaining caked-on dirt, then remove the laces
Step 2: Clean access dirt
If you’re trying to get rid of visible scuff marks, start by rinsing the shoes with warm water inside and out, then scrubbing the canvas sneakers’ outsides, insides, and liners gently with a toothbrush and a mixture of water and mild detergent.
Next, rinse with clean, cool water. If you’re still seeing stubborn marks, you can scrub them gently with a nylon pad, rinsing as you go. And if the liners still whiff of foot odour, you can scrub them with a paste of baking soda and water.
Step 3: Laces, Laces
Dirty laces will stand out to your newly clean sneakers. Throw them in the wash and let them air dry when done.
Step 4: Paper stuffing
When you’re done washing your sneakers, shake off the excess water.
Then, to help them absorb extra moisture and maintain shape, stuff them with crumpled paper towels, or white office paper.
Next, set the sneakers aside to air dry, and make sure not to dry them near a fireplace or heater—direct heat breaks down canvas fabric and causes it to become dry and brittle.
*Tip: Don’t use newspaper or colored paper—the ink will transfer and stain the shoes
Step 5: Polish time
When the shoes are thoroughly dry, you can replace the inserts and laundered laces. Still notice some stains? Lightly dab on some white liquid shoe polish. You can even spray the tops of new canvas sneakers with a fabric protector before you wear them—but first, peep the care instructions included with the sneakers to make sure this won’t damage them.