How to Clean White Canvas Shoes at Home

Comfy white sneakers are a versatile wardrobe staple, whether rocking a suit, sundress, or classic jeans and a T-shirt. The downside is figuring out how to clean white canvas shoes that turned yellow or suffered an inadvertent meeting with a muddy puddle. But there's a way to clean white shoes like Vans or Converse without harsh chemicals, a dry cleaner, or a washing machine. Follow our step-by-step guide for cleaning white shoes—with ease, naturally—using several methods.

How Often to Clean White Canvas Shoes

You should clean your white canvas shoes about every two weeks—and on the spot if they get stained. This depends on how often you wear them—if worn daily, you may need to clean white shoes weekly.

Periodic deep-cleaning helps deter odors as well as dirt and stains. However, if only worn occasionally, you can probably clean them less often (about once a month).

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes With a Magic Eraser

What You Need:

• Paper towels
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Step 1: Tackle Surface Dirt

Wet a paper towel, squeeze out excess water, and gently wipe down the outside surface of your shoes. This helps remove big pieces of dirt caught on different parts of the shoe. Once done, let your shoes air dry for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Clean the Shoes

Wet your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and squeeze out excess water. (You want your Magic Eraser damp but not dripping all over your shoes.)

Gently use the Magic Eraser to spot-clean the fabric. Use only enough pressure to remove any stains, but not so much that you risk scuffing the cloth.

Step 3: Scrub the Soles

Next, run the Magic Eraser up and down the bottom edge and soles of your sneakers until dirt and stains are gone. Depending on how dirty your shoes are, you may need to repeat steps two and three a few times.

Step 4: Dry the Shoes

Set your cleaned white shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Be sure to let them completely dry before storing or using them.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes With Baking Soda and Vinegar or Toothpaste

What You Need:

• Soft brush
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Warm water
• Bowl
• All-white toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Cloths

Step 1: Remove Dirt

Get rid of loose dirt by gently scrubbing your white shoes with a soft brush. You want to remove excess dirt on the surface and soles, not rub it in.

Step 2: Choose a Cleaner

For baking soda and vinegar: Slowly mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 2 tablespoons white vinegar and 1 cup warm water in a bowl. Let the fizz settle down before continuing to clean your shoes.

For toothpaste: Try to find toothpaste with baking soda as an ingredient for best results. Then, proceed to the following step.

Step 3: Scrub Clean

Dip a cloth or clean toothbrush into the vinegar mixture and use it to scrub the dirt on your shoes. You can clean both the fabric and soles with this solution. Clean the cloth or toothbrush as you go to avoid spreading dirt from one area to another.

If using toothpaste, simply apply the toothpaste to stains and dirty spots on the fabric. Use a clean toothbrush and a circular motion when applying.

After scrubbing all surfaces of the shoes, let the toothpaste sit for about 15 minutes. This should help the ingredients soak in and remove stains.

Step 4: Wipe and Dry

Once you're finished scrubbing, brush off any remaining cleaning mixture or clean off the dried toothpaste with a damp cloth. Let your shoes air dry. Again, your sneakers must be completely dry before storing or using them.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes With Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent

What You Need:

• Soft brush
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• Bowl
• Mild laundry detergent
• Cloth or toothbrush

Step 1: Brush Away Dirt

Brush any loose dirt on the surface of the shoes using a soft scrubbing brush or a clean toothbrush. Don't rub it in—gently wipe away the dirt. Remember to wipe the tongue, sole, and any edges in addition to the fabric.

Step 2: Choose a Cleaner and Mix Cleaning Solution

For dish soap: Mix water with mild dish soap in a small bowl to make a soapy cleaning solution. Don't use too much soap (a tablespoon should suffice) to avoid oversaturating the cloth.

For laundry detergent: Mix a small amount (no more than a capful) of laundry detergent with lukewarm water in a bowl. You'll want enough to clean both shoes, but you can also mix more as you go along.

Step 3: Scrub Clean

Using a clean cloth or toothbrush, apply the mixture to the surface of the shoes one area at a time. Gently scrub any stains away, working in circular motions.

Step 4: Wipe and Dry

Wipe your white shoes clean with a damp cloth to remove the soapy solution. Do not submerge them in water. Then, set them aside in a ventilated area to thoroughly air dry. Be sure the shoes are fully dry before wearing or storing them.

How to Clean White Suede Shoes With a Pencil Eraser and White Vinegar

Cleaning suede shoes can be tricky since suede is a delicate fabric that stains easily. You've probably noticed that most suede shoes don't come in a true white hue, but off-white shades easily get dirty, too. Here's how to clean white suede shoes gently and effectively.

What You Need:

• Soft cotton cloth
• Pink pencil eraser
• Paper towel
• White vinegar
• Suede brush

Step 1: Begin by Blotting

Before cleaning suede shoes, make sure they're completely dry by blotting them with a soft cloth. This is important because if you treat stains while the shoes are damp, they can settle deeper into the material, making them harder to remove.

Step 2: Erase Stains

Once dry, gently rub any stains with the pink pencil eraser.

Step 3: Dry With a Paper Towel

Place a paper towel onto the wet stains and apply pressure to blot. Make sure not to rub the dirt and stains with the paper towel, as they could spread across the shoe.

Step 4: Treat Remaining Stains

If any stains remain, dip your soft cloth in white vinegar and gently rub to remove it.

Step 5: Dry and Brush

Allow your clean shoes to air-dry, then rub the outside of each shoe with a suede brush. This helps them get that velvety texture back.

How to Keep Your White Canvas Shoes Clean Longer

Now that your white sneakers are sparkling clean, you want to keep them that way. Though you may be tempted to wrap them in plastic, return them to their original box, and never wear them again, that's not why you bought them. These tips will help keep your white shoes clean longer:

• Be selective about where and when you wear white shoes. Choose different shoes if it's raining or muddy outside.
• Invest in a good-quality shoe protection spray. This provides a clear, tough protective layer that repels liquids, mud, dirt, and accidental spills. A good spray still enables your shoes to breathe and keeps your feet dry.
• Keep sneaker wipes handy. Give your white sneakers a quick wipe after each use to prevent dirt buildup and stains.
  

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Smells in White Canvas Shoes

Dirt and stains aren't the only maladies that can mar your beautiful white shoes. No one will notice how clean they are if they stink.

Most odors are caused by moisture, so the drier you keep your shoes, the less likely they'll smell bad. Try these tactics for getting rid of shoe odors and keeping them away.

• Use baking soda. Just as it rids your pantry or refrigerator of odors, baking soda can do the same for your white shoes. Place an open box where you store your shoes or—for a more direct approach—fill a pair of socks with baking soda and place one in each shoe during storage.
• Apply a disinfecting spray, powder, or inserts. There are plenty of commercial products that help to rid or deter odors. Some are shoe-specific, and others are general disinfectants that work on shoes, too. Be sure to read the labels to ensure they're suitable for your shoes' material.
• Store your white shoes properly. When not wearing them, keep your white shoes in a cool, dry place. Humidity is conducive to odor-inducing bacteria, so plastic bag storage is a definite no-no!
• Wear socks. Socks absorb sweat and dampness before your shoes do, helping them stay odor-free.
• Rotate your shoe selection. Give each pair a day or two to air out between outings.