How Do You Clean Toms Canvas Shoes

Before You Start: Check the Care Label

Toms canvas shoes are simple to clean, but you need to check the care label first. Most classic Toms have a canvas upper and a rope-wrapped midsole. The canvas can handle water and mild soap. The rope sole is more delicate. If the label says “spot clean only,” do not toss them in the washing machine. If it says machine washable, you have more options. Checking this takes ten seconds and prevents ruin.

You will also need a few basic supplies. Grab a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush. Get mild laundry detergent or dish soap. White vinegar works well for tough stains. Have a clean, white cloth on hand. Avoid bleach. It will yellow the canvas and damage the fibers.

Step-by-Step: Hand Washing Your Toms

Hand washing is the safest method for any Toms canvas shoe. It gives you control and protects the glue that holds the sole to the upper. Start by removing the insoles and laces. Knock the shoes together to remove loose dirt. Then, brush the entire surface with a dry brush to lift embedded grit.

Fill a bowl with cool water and add a few drops of mild detergent. Dip your brush into the soapy water. Do not soak the shoe. Scrub the canvas in small, circular motions. Focus on stained areas like the toe cap and the heel. For the rope midsole, use a nearly dry brush. Too much water can weaken the jute fibers. Wipe away soap with a damp cloth.

Do not use hot water. Heat breaks down the adhesive in the shoes. The soles can separate from the canvas. Cool water is always the right choice. Rinse your cloth frequently so you are not spreading dirt back onto the shoe.

Machine Washing: When It Is Safe

Some Toms models are machine washable. Check the label to be sure. If it is safe, use a gentle cycle with cold water. Put your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag. This protects the drum of your washer and stops the shoes from banging around. Add a small amount of liquid detergent. Skip the fabric softener. It leaves a residue that attracts dirt.

Never use a spin cycle on high. The rapid spinning can warp the shape of the shoe. After the wash, stuff the shoes with white paper towels. This absorbs moisture and holds the silhouette. Let them air dry completely. Do not put them in the dryer. The heat will shrink the canvas and melt the glue. Drying takes 24 to 48 hours. Be patient.

Machine washing is convenient, but it is harder on the shoes. The tumbling action can fray the canvas and loosen the stitching. Reserve this method for shoes that are heavily soiled. For regular upkeep, hand washing is better.

Removing Tough Stains and Odors

Mud and grass stains need extra attention. For mud, let it dry completely first. Then brush it off with a dry brush. Wet mud pushes deeper into the weave. For grass or food stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain with your toothbrush. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Then scrub gently and wipe clean.

Odors are a common problem with canvas shoes. Sweat gets trapped in the fabric. Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and leave it overnight. Shake it out in the morning. For stronger smells, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the inside of the shoe lightly. Let it air dry. The vinegar smell disappears as it dries, taking the odor with it.

Do not use harsh chemical cleaners. They can discolor the canvas. Stick to simple, gentle solutions. You can also wash the insoles separately. If the insoles are removable, hand wash them with soap and water. Let them dry fully before putting them back in.

Drying and Reshaping Your Toms

Proper drying is just as important as the wash itself. Never use a dryer or direct heat. Do not leave them in direct sunlight. The sun can fade the dye and make the canvas stiff. Instead, dry them in a well-ventilated room at room temperature.

Stuff the wet shoes with clean, white paper towels or a dry towel. This absorbs moisture and keeps the toe box from collapsing. Change the stuffing after a few hours if it becomes damp. Remove the stuffing once the shoes are mostly dry. Let them finish drying on their own. This process takes about a day. Do not wear them until they are completely dry. Wearing wet canvas stretches it out of shape.

If your shoes have a rope sole, keep them away from moisture during drying. The rope can swell and become misshapen. Wipe the rope with a dry cloth after washing. Do not scrub it with water.

Preventive Care to Keep Them Clean Longer

Prevention beats cleaning every time. Apply a fabric protector spray before you wear new Toms. Look for a spray designed for canvas or suede. It creates a barrier that repels water and stains. Reapply the spray every few weeks, especially if you wear your shoes often.

Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same pair two days in a row. Giving them a day off lets moisture evaporate. This reduces odor and prevents mildew. This is the single best habit for extending the life of canvas shoes.

Clean small spots immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Keep a damp cloth near your door. Wipe off mud or dirt as soon as you come inside. This simple habit saves you from deep cleaning later.