Cleaning Canvas Shoes The Cleaning Material Guide

There are many sneaker lovers that own a big selection of sneakers in their collection. When owning multiple pairs of sneakers it is normal that each sneaker you own is made of a different material. You may own a pair of leather, suede, nubuck, patent leather, or canvas sneakers and wonder what’s the best way to clean them? Cleaning canvas shoes is a complete different process versus cleaning suede shoes. Patent leather sneakers need different treatment when cleaning then nubuck sneakers.

In this guide we will teach you how cleaning canvas shoes can be achieved as well as other popular sneaker materials. There is a different treatment method for each material. One type of treatment may be a sneaker’s best friend or worst enemy. So let us start off by explaining how cleaning canvas shoes works.

cleaning canvas shoesCleaning Canvas Shoes

The material canvas on sneakers are made from cotton or linen fibers. It is very likely that we all have a pair of canvas sneakers in our sneaker collection. We may even have multiple pairs of canvas sneakers in our possessions. Since this may be the case it is important that we know how to clean them.

First take a toothbrush and remove any excess dirt from the sneakers with just water. Now make a cleaning solution of either detergent and water, or baking soda and water. If you used detergent then scrub your canvas sneakers with the wet toothbrush inside and out. Then rinse your sneakers with warm water until all of the solution is gone. Repeat this process until your content with the results then let your sneakers air dry.

If you used water and baking soda to make your solution then dip your toothbrush into the solution. Then scrub this paste solution all over the canvas of the sneaker. Once fully covered go over to your washing machine and set it to gentle cycle. Then set your machine to cold water with heavy water flow (we have a full guide on how to wash your shoes in the washing machine here) and  add a cup full of detergent. Let your sneakers wash and afterwards allow then to fully air dry. Drying your canvas sneakers in the sun may make them shrink.

leather sneakersLeather Sneakers

If you happen to own a pair of leather sneakers then you probably know how real “smooth leather” feels. The feeling and smell of good leather is amazing. I know we all would love to maintain our leather sneakers so they can remain fresh and clean. This is why Spotless Kicks has provided you with a way to clean your leather sneakers. Alright let’s get to it then.

Get yourself a soft bristle brush and gently brush off all the extra dirt on your sneakers before wetting them. Then fill up a spray bottle with soapy water. Spray your leather sneakers piece by piece with the spray and wipe the wet pieces off with a towel. If your leather has a deep dirt mark then spray your brush and gently scrub that area. Once you’re satisfied dry your sneakers off with a towel and you’re done.

suede sneakersSuede/Nubuck Sneakers

Owning a pair of suede or nubuck sneakers can be a very scary situation for some people. They are not like cleaning canvas shoes at all.  There is a constant battle of not getting the suede on your sneakers dirty. Suede sneakers scream quality but are often hard to clean because water can sometimes ruin them. Luckily your part of the Spotless Kicks crew and we have some tips we will share with you for success.  Shall we begin!

If you were careful and did not happen to get your suede sneakers very dirty that’s awesome. In some cases you could have just got some stain marks or scruffs on your suede instead. In this case the materials you’re going to need is a soft bristle brush and a suede eraser. A suede eraser is usually cheap and can be found online or at a sneaker shop. Take your soft brush and brush the scuffed area of the sneaker. Then take your eraser and gently rub it back and forth on your scruff spot. Take the brush and rub off the excess eraser residue and repeat this step until you’re satisfied.

Let’s say instead of you having a scruff on your suede or nubuck you have a deep stain. Then you’re going to want to apply white vinegar or rubbing alcohol lightly on your soft brush. Now gently rub across the stain. Then apply your suede eraser and then brush that area again. Brushing your suede is very important in all areas because it keeps the naps up on the suede.  Brushing also keeps the suede from becoming dull thus maintaining its plushness.

A good idea when dealing with suede is buying yourself some mink oil spray. This will help bring back the plushness of your material in case it has dried up. If you want a proper visual of someone cleaning suede with water properly then check out SneakerHeadInTheBay’s Video:

Jordan 11 ConcordsPatent Leather Sneakers

Patent leather sneaker lovers cannot resist that “classic shine” that there sneakers give off when out and about. The worst feeling however is when you get a deep mark or scratch on your patent leather sneakers. This almost in some cases makes you not even want to wear them anymore. Scratches and scruffs are very noticeable on patent leather. Here is some advice for cleaning your patent leather, keeping it shiny, and removing marks.

First things first, gather up your materials. You’re going to need some water, a rag, hand/body lotion, a Q-tip and some nail polish remover. Next take your rag and damp it with water and rub the rag all across the patent leather. Take the dry side of your rag and wipe down all of the wet area until dry. Then you’re going to want to take a dab of lotion and rub it on the patent leather. Take the dry rag again and rub off the lotion on the patent leather.

On the scuffed or marked areas of your patent leather get ready to use your nail polish remover. Take the nail polish remover and dab some on your Q-tip. Now go back and forth over your mark or scruff. You should notice the mark starting to disappear. Make sure not to rub too hard or you can damage your material. Take a dry Q-tip and dab remaining nail polish remover away. Now repeat the process of the wet rag, dry rag, the dab of lotion, and the rubbing of the lotion off. In the end you should find that your patent leather is as good as new.

This concludes cleaning canvas shoes plus your leather, suede, and patent leather shoes as well. If you would like some advice on the best shoe cleaner then check out this guide we made right here.