Tips for cleaning and whitening your canvas shoes
White canvas shoes (also known as plimsolls or espadrilles), are among the most versatile and ever-popular items of footwear. They are loved by many and make a great impression with any type of outfit, especially in the summer. The only problem is that they tend to get dirty and stained easily.
When they get dirty, treating them to bring them back to their former glory can be a bit of a challenge. But it can be done and we will prove it to you with our valuable, shoe-cleaning tips, described below:
There are four common, effective methods for cleaning and whitening canvas shoes:
Method 1:
If the shoes are sturdy enough and not too stained or dirty, you can simply wash them in the washing machine:
- Put the shoes in the washing machine, separating them from their laces.
- Set a gentle, low-temperature wash cycle.
- Use a mild detergent.
- After washing, dry them in the open air.
Method 2:
If the shoes are very dirty, graying and / or if they lack color, you will need to use bleach:
- Prepare a mixture of one part bleach and four parts water.
- Soak your shoes and scrub them, using an old toothbrush to treat stains and areas of greying and / or dullness.
- Leave the mixture on for a while, and then wash it off in the washing machine on a cold water setting.
Method 3:
When you believe that, due to the condition of your shoes, it is best not to put them in the washing machine, you can choose to wash them by hand using an all-purpose detergent:
- Spray an all-purpose cleaner onto your shoes.
- Scrub the dirty or graying areas with an old toothbrush.
- Remove the excess detergent with the help of a cloth.
- Finish treating the affected areas with a wet toothbrush.
- If necessary, rinse of in cold water and let the shoes air dry (in bright sunlight is best).
Method 4:
If you want to resort to using a more natural remedy, baking soda is always a valid alternative:
- Prepare a mixture / paste using a tablespoon of baking soda, half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and half a tablespoon of water.
- With the mixture thus obtained and an old toothbrush, treat the parts to be cleaned and the laces that you have taken out of the shoes.
- Put the mixture on the shoes again, forming a second layer and let them dry in the sun for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the paste, now dry, which will crack and peel off, revealing your clean, white shoes.
Choose the method that suits you best and enjoy your wonderful, white shoes!
