How to clean white canvas shoes

So you know how to wear your favorite white espadrilles (they go with almost anything), but do you know how to adequately clean them? Because white shoes are extremely versatile, they tend to show signs of wear and dirt very quickly. To protect your most prized pair, cleaning is essential. With just a few simple tips, this much-loved closet essential can get you through the year. Find out how to clean white canvas shoes in five easy ways.

1. Baking soda and vinegar
Remember what happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? These two home remedies can be used to make your white espadrilles look fresh. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar, dilute it with a cup of warm water, and then scrub your shoes with a cloth or toothbrush dampened with the paste. The baking soda mixture will dry out quickly, at which point you can brush it off and let the shoes air dry.

2. Detergent
Mix a few tablespoons of mild laundry detergent in a bucket of warm water. If you are cleaning partially, use a textured cloth or toothbrush to clean the shoes. For heavier full-body cleaning, soak the shoes for up to five minutes, then scrub thoroughly inside and out.

3. Stain Remover
Because canvas is a versatile fabric, it can usually be cleaned well with stain removers. While strong grass stains and oil-based stains may respond best to industrial-grade stain removers, basic abrasions and stains can usually be addressed with mild stain removers, which tend to be easier on fabrics due to their mild formulas.

4. Proper drying
An important step in the cleaning process is knowing how to dry them. After draining excess moisture, place the shoes in a dry place, away from heat sources. While you usually want to keep shoes out of the sun during the drying phase, direct sunlight can actually brighten white canvas shoes. Stuff them with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb the excess moisture and help them keep their proper shape.

5. An easy way out
Did you know that basic white canvas shoes can be washed in the washing machine? While this method should not be used for shoes with embellishments or any other form of decoration, it is very effective in other ways. Place your shoes in a delicate bag and wash them separately in the gentlest mode. Use only cold water and follow step 4 to dry them properly.