Keds shoes are comfortable to wear and look cool, but if used for a long time, the canvas material can get dirty and stained. Although it should not be put in the washing machine, fortunately washing Keds shoes by hand is quite an easy process. You can use a baking soda paste to remove the dirt, or you can wash it with water and detergent. If your shoes are very dirty, you can use both methods for a more thorough cleaning. You can even apply some special techniques to remove certain types of stains on shoes.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Removing Dirt with Baking Soda Paste
Step 1. Remove the strap and inner base
Before washing them, remove the laces and the inner base of the shoes. Shoelaces can be cleaned by washing them in the washing machine, by hand, or simply replaced. Set the inside of the shoe aside until you have finished washing the shoes. If the base is smelly or dirty, you may need to replace it.
Step 2. Brush off any dirt that doesn't stick
Use a toothbrush or clothes brush, and scrub the sides of the shoes gently to remove any loose dirt before cleaning them. You may need to tap the shoe to help remove any adhering dust. This step will make your work easier when cleaning it later.
Step 3. Make a baking soda paste
Provide a cup of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and two tablespoons of white vinegar. Mix these three ingredients in a bowl until it becomes a paste.
Step 4. Brush with a toothbrush
Use a toothbrush to apply the paste to the shoes. Scrub thoroughly to remove adhering dirt. Rub along the sides of the shoe. You can use this paste on the sole or canvas of your shoes.
Remember, don't use the toothbrush you used to clean your shoes again
Step 5. Rinse
Use cold or warm water to rinse off any remaining paste from the shoes. Let it dry for 24 hours. Fill the inside with old newspaper and place it in a dry place away from heat sources. However, you can also dry them in the sun if you wish.
- If your shoes are still dirty, try washing them again in the tub or bucket after this step.
- Filling the inside with old newspaper while drying it will keep the shape of the shoe.
Method 2 of 3: Washing Shoes
Step 1. Mix detergent with water
In a sink or bucket, mix about a teaspoon or two (15 to 30 ml) of mild laundry detergent with about a pint of cold or warm water. Stir well so that the water is soapy.
Gentle detergents such as liquid detergent are best suited for canvas shoes like Keds as they protect the color. Look for a detergent labeled suitable for soft fabrics
Step 2. Brush the shoes
Before submerging the shoe in the water, remove the laces and inner base. Soak the shoes. Use a toothbrush, laundry brush, or cotton cloth to gently clean the sides of the shoe. Be sure to brush both the canvas and the sole.
If you wish, you can clean shoelaces with this same soapy water. Soak the string and use a brush to remove any visible stains
Step 3. Rinse with running water
When the shoes are clean, rinse them under cool, clean running water. Do not use used washing water. Rinse the shoes under running water until there is no more soap suds.
After rinsing, use a rag to slightly dry the dripping water. Wrap the cloth around the shoe, and press lightly to absorb the water. Do not squeeze or twist the shoe hard
Step 4. Allow to dry
Do not put shoes in the dryer. Instead, let it dry naturally. Fill the inside with tissue paper, kitchen tissue, or old newspaper. Leave in a dry place protected from direct heat sources. It may take overnight for the shoes to dry.
- You can dry your shoes in the sun, but don't place them near a heat source such as a hairdryer or the heat outlet of the air conditioner. The heat source can directly weaken the glue on the shoe.
- Do not attach the laces and insole until the shoes are completely dry. If you wash the strap as well, make sure the strap is dry before attaching it.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Stains
Step 1. Apply a homemade solution to the yellowish stain
Cleaning white Keds shoes with bleach is a common mistake. Bleach can actually make shoe canvas yellow. These stains can be permanent. However, there are a few techniques you can try before you just give up.
- Mix half a cup of cream of tartar with a liter of hot water. Soak the shoes overnight.
- Try making a paste of baking soda and water. Apply this paste on the canvas, and leave it overnight. Wash as usual the next day.
- Apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain to help remove it. If it doesn't work at first, apply a few times.
Step 2. Mix vinegar and water to remove salt stains
Salt stains may appear on shoes when snowy roads are salted. To remove the stain, mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Use a white cloth or cloth that has been dipped in the solution to clean the stain with this solution. Take another clean cloth that has been moistened with water, and wipe off the remaining vinegar. Let it dry before wearing it.
Step 3. Use rubbing alcohol to remove mildew
Mold and mildew can appear on shoes if they are wet and not dried properly. To remove mold and mildew, mix equal amounts of water and rubbing alcohol. Use a rag or towel to apply this solution to the mushrooms, and rub gently. Rinse the shoes afterwards.
Step 4. Brush the sole of the shoe to remove dirt and grass stains
Mix a mild detergent with about a tablespoon of bleach. Use a white cloth or brush to apply this mixture to parts of the sole that are not made of canvas, such as the sole and the white hem of the bottom of the shoe. Scrub to clean the stain.
Do not apply this bleach solution to the canvas because it can cause yellow stains on the canvas
Tips
- You can use several methods at once for a thorough cleaning. First, apply baking soda paste, then wash the shoes in a bucket. This will help brighten the shoes while keeping them clean.
- Cleaning your shoes frequently will prevent the stains from sticking permanently.
