How to Clean White Canvas Shoes at Home

White canvas shoes look so good… for about a week. Then life happens—coffee spills, dirt sneaks in, and suddenly they look like you’ve been kicking around a construction site. But before you give up and throw them in the back of the closet (or worse, the trash), hear me out. You can clean them at home, no drama, no fancy products. Just a few things you already have lying around.

Let’s walk through it. You’ve got options.

How to Clean White Canvas Shoes With a Magic Eraser

Ever used one of those squishy white sponges that seem to erase everything? Yeah, they work on shoes too. Think of it like spot-cleaning for adults.

Grab a damp magic eraser and gently scrub the stained areas—especially around the rubber soles. It’s oddly satisfying, kind of like popping bubble wrap. The grime practically disappears. But don’t go ham—too much pressure and you’ll wear down the surface or make it look patchy.

This trick’s perfect for small marks or when you just want to do a quick refresh before heading out.

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

Got some chemistry-loving stains? Bring out the big guns.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar and a cup of warm water. It’ll fizz a little—science! Use an old toothbrush (or one you don’t plan on putting in your mouth ever again) to scrub that paste into the canvas. Let it sit for a bit, then rinse or wipe off with a damp cloth.

No vinegar? Plain white toothpaste (not gel, not blue glitter sparkle mint) works in a pinch. Apply it straight to the fabric, scrub in little circles, and rinse it off. Just don’t expect it to smell minty-fresh afterward.

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

This one’s basic, easy, and still surprisingly effective.

Add a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent to a bowl of warm water. Mix it around. Dip in a cloth, sponge, or soft brush—whatever feels right—and start scrubbing. Work the soapy water into the fabric, then wipe off the excess with a clean, damp rag.

If your shoes are really bad, you can take out the laces and soak the whole shoe (canvas only!) in the soapy water for about 30 minutes before scrubbing. Then rinse, stuff them with towels to keep their shape, and air dry.

Pro tip: skip the dryer unless you want shrunken shoes that don’t quite fit anymore.

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

Wait—suede? On white shoes? Bold move. But hey, they’re stylish when they’re clean.

First off, do not get them soaking wet. Suede and water are not friends. Start by brushing off loose dirt with a soft suede brush or even a clean toothbrush. For scuffs or spots, a plain old pencil eraser works surprisingly well. Just rub gently and be patient.

Still seeing stains? Lightly dab with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Not too much—just enough to dampen the stain. Let it dry completely, then brush the suede back into shape.

No shortcuts here. Suede demands a little respect.

How to Keep Your White Canvas Shoes Clean Longer

You cleaned them. They look fresh. Now let’s keep it that way.

First, consider spraying them with a fabric protector. Something water- and stain-resistant. It won’t make them invincible, but it gives you a fighting chance against rogue puddles and surprise spills.

Second, spot clean often. Don’t wait until they look like they’ve been through a mud wrestling match. A quick wipe-down every week keeps the buildup at bay.

And third—store them somewhere clean and dry. Not in your gym bag. Not under the car seat. That’s how weird smells happen.

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

Let’s be real. Even clean-looking shoes can smell like regret.

To freshen things up, sprinkle baking soda inside and let it sit overnight. In the morning, dump it out or vacuum it up. No more weird foot funk.

For extra stink-fighting power, stick a couple of dryer sheets in them when you’re not wearing them. You can also stash them with a little mesh bag of coffee grounds or activated charcoal—both soak up odors without adding a scent.

And hey, wear socks. That helps too.

White canvas shoes are never going to be low-maintenance. But they don’t have to be high-stress, either. With a few simple tricks—and a little effort here and there—you can keep them looking fresh, clean, and like you didn’t step through a dust storm on your way to brunch.

So next time you’re tempted to toss them in the washer and hope for the best, maybe give one of these home hacks a shot. Your shoes (and your wallet) will thank you.

Got your own trick for keeping your kicks clean? Drop it in the comments. Let’s swap secrets.