How do I clean canvas shoes?

Start by removing the laces and inserts, then rinse the shoes and scrub the canvas with a soft brush and a gentle detergent. The American Cleaning Institute recommends mild cleaning and says to avoid bleach, solvents, harsh chemicals, and abrasives.

If the shoes are machine-washable according to the care label, a laundry bag helps protect them. If the label is missing or unclear, hand cleaning is the safer move because adhesives and trim can fail in a rough wash cycle.

Let the shoes air-dry naturally and keep them out of direct sunlight or a dryer. Heat can warp canvas shoes, weaken glue, and leave them looking more tired than dirty.

A reliable canvas shoe cleaner is a small investment that makes this easier: canvas shoe cleaner.