Keds are comfortable and fashionable shoes, but if worn for a long time, the canvas risks getting dirty and stained. They can't be put in the washing machine, but luckily they are easy to wash by hand. You can use a baking soda paste to remove dirt or water and a detergent. If they are pretty dirty, use both methods for more effective cleaning. You can also try some particular techniques to get rid of certain stains.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Dirt with Sodium Bicarbonate Paste
Step 1. Remove the laces and insoles
Before cleaning the Keds, you need to remove the laces and insoles. You can wash the laces in the washing machine, by hand in the sink or simply replace them. As for the insoles, you have to put them aside until the cleaning is finished. If they are dirty or smelly, you may want to change them.
Step 2. Sweep the dirt away
Use a suitable tool, such as a toothbrush or brush, and gently wipe your shoes to remove dirt before washing. You can also bang them against each other to remove solid residue. This will make cleaning easier.
Step 3. Prepare the pasta
You will need 240ml of water, 15g of baking soda and 30ml of white vinegar. Mix the ingredients in a bowl until you get a paste.
Step 4. Scrub using a toothbrush
Apply the paste on the shoes with the help of a toothbrush. Scrub well to remove dirt all over the shoe. You can use the compound you have obtained both on the sole and on the canvas.
Do not reuse the toothbrush after cleaning the Keds
Step 5. Rinse them
Use cold or lukewarm water to get the paste out of your shoes. Let them dry for 24 hours. Ball up newspaper on the inside and place them in a dry area away from direct heat sources. You can dry them in the sun if you prefer.
- If they are still dirty, try washing them in the sink after this step.
- Fill the shoes with paper before letting them dry. This way, they will keep their shape.
Method 2 of 3: Wash the Keds
Step 1. Mix detergent and water
In a sink or bucket, mix about 15-30ml of detergent for delicates and one liter of warm or cold water. Shake to obtain a soapy solution.
A mild detergent, such as Soflan or Dash, is ideal for washing canvas shoes because it protects the colors. Look for a product for delicate clothes
Step 2. Scrub
Before putting the Keds in the water, remove the laces and insoles. Then dip them into the sink or bucket. Use a toothbrush, brush, or cotton cloth to gently clean them on the outside. Make sure you rub both the canvas and the soles.
If you prefer, you can wash the laces in the same water. Soak them and use the brush to remove the most visible traces of dirt
Step 3. Rinse them under the tap
Once they are clean, rinse them using cold running water. Do not use the same one you used for washing. Run the tap water over your shoes until all traces of foam are gone.
After rinsing, you can use a towel to remove excess water. Wrap it around your shoes and press gently so that it absorbs the water. Don't squeeze them hard and don't twist them
Step 4. Let them dry
Do not put the Keds in the dryer. Instead, let them air dry. Fill the inside with paper towels, paper towels, or newspaper. Place them in a dry area away from direct heat sources. It can take a whole night to dry.
- You can place them in the sun, but avoid placing them near direct heat, such as that produced by a hairdryer or heating system fans, otherwise it can weaken the glue.
- Do not put the laces and insoles back on until the shoes are completely dry. If you've washed your laces, make sure they're not wet.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Stains
Step 1. Apply a homemade solution to the yellow spots
Often the mistake is made of cleaning white Keds using bleach, but bleach can actually yellow the canvas. The stains it produces can be permanent, but you can try a few methods before giving up.
- Mix 160 g of cream of tartar in one liter of hot water. Soak your shoes in this solution overnight.
- You can also make a baking soda and water based paste. Apply it to the canvas and let it sit overnight. Clean them as usual the next day.
- Try using hydrogen peroxide directly on stains as well. If it doesn't work at first, repeat the application.
Step 2. Mix the vinegar and water to remove salt stains
During the winter, shoes can get stained if you walk on roads and sidewalks where salt has been sprinkled. To remedy this, combine one part of vinegar with two parts of water. Soak a paper towel or white cloth with this solution and pat it dry. Take another clean cloth dampened with water only to remove traces of vinegar. Let the shoes dry completely before putting them on.
Step 3. Use denatured alcohol to get rid of mold
Mold may form if the Keds get wet and don't dry well. To get rid of it, mix water and alcohol in equal parts. Use a cloth or cotton towel to apply the solution to the mold-stained areas and gently rub them off. Then rinse your shoes.
Step 4. Scrub the sole to remove grass and mud stains
Mix a mild detergent and 15ml bleach. Use a white cloth or toothbrush to apply the mixture to the non-linen parts of the shoe, such as the sole and the white border around the bottom of the shoe. Scrub to remove dirt.
Do not apply any bleach solution to the canvas as it may turn yellow
Advice
- Use various methods if you want a deeper clean. For example, you can apply baking soda paste and then wash your shoes in a bucket. In this way, they will return clean and shiny.
- By cleaning and washing your shoes often, you will prevent stains from taking root permanently.
