How to Clean Keds

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Keds are comfortable and stylish, but if worn for a long time, the canvas can become dirty and stained. Keds should not be put in the washing machine, but fortunately, cleaning Keds by hand is a fairly simple process. You can either use a baking soda paste to remove dirt, or you can wash them with water and detergent. If your Keds are very dirty, you can use both methods for a deep clean. There are even some special techniques you can try to get rid of specific stains.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Removing Dirt with Baking Soda Paste

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  1. Before you clean your Keds, you should take out both the laces and any inserts inside of the shoe. The laces can be cleaned in the washing machine, by hand in the sink, or simply replaced. You should set aside the inserts until you are finished cleaning. If they are smelly or dirty, you may want to replace them.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    Use a toothbrush or scrub brush, and gently work your way around the shoe to remove loose dirt before you begin cleaning. You may also tap together your shoes to help knock off dust. This will make your job easier when cleaning. [1]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    You will need a cup of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and two tablespoons of white vinegar. Mix these together in a bowl until they form a paste. [2]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    Using a toothbrush, apply the paste to the shoes. Scrub thoroughly to dislodge dirt. Work your way around the entire shoe. You can use the paste on both the soles and the canvas. [3]
    • Do not use the toothbrush again after cleaning your Keds with it.
  5. Use cold or lukewarm water to rinse the paste off of the shoes. Let them dry for 24 hours. Stuff the insides with newspaper, and set them in a dry area away from direct heat. You can let them dry in the sun if you would like. [4]
    • If your Keds are still dirty, try washing them in the sink them after this step.
    • Stuffing the shoes while they dry allows them to keep their shape.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing Your Keds

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    In a sink or bucket, mix about one or two teaspoons (15 to 30 ml) of mild laundry detergent with a quart of lukewarm or cold water. Stir together so that the water is soapy. [5]
    • A mild detergent, like Ivory Snow or Seventh Generation, is best for cleaning canvas shoes like Keds because they help protect the color. Look for detergents that are labeled as suitable for delicates. [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    Before you put the shoes in the water, remove the laces and any inserts. Soak the shoes. Use a toothbrush, a scrub brush, or a cotton cloth to gently clean around the shoe. Make sure to go around both the canvas and the soles.
    • If you want, you can clean your laces in this same water. Soak the laces, and use the brush to remove any visible dirt.
  3. Once the shoes are clean, rinse them with cold, clean water. Do not use the same water that you used to wash them. Run the water over the shoes until there are no longer any soap suds.
    • After rinsing, you can use a towel to remove excess water. Wrap the towel around the shoes, and gently press to soak up water. Do not wring or squeeze the shoes tightly.
  4. Do not put your Keds in the dryer. Instead, let them air dry. Stuff the insides with tissue, paper towels, or newspaper. Keep them in a dry area without direct heat. They may take overnight to dry. [7]
    • You can place your Keds out in the sun to dry, but avoid putting them near direct heat sources, such as a hairdryer or a heat vent. Direct heat can weaken the glue in your shoes.
    • Do not put the laces and inserts back until the shoe is completely dry. If you washed your laces, make sure they are dry as well.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Removing Stains

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    It is a common mistake to try to clean white Keds using bleach, but bleach can actually cause canvas to turn yellow. These stains may be permanent, but there are a few techniques you can try before giving up.
    • Mix half a cup of cream of tartar with a quart of hot water. Soak your Keds in this overnight.
    • You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the canvas, and leave it overnight. Clean as usual the next day.
    • Applying hydrogen peroxide directly to the stains may also help. If it doesn't work at first, try a few more applications. [8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Keds
    Salt stains may appear on your shoes during winter if the streets and sidewalks are salted. To remove salt stains, mix one part vinegar with two parts water. Using a paper towel or white cloth, blot the stain with the mixture. Take another clean cloth dampened with just water, and dab the vinegar away. Let them dry completely before wearing. [9]
  3. Mold and mildew can form if your Keds became wet and dried improperly. To get rid of mold and mildew, mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Use a rag or cotton towel to apply this solution to the mildew and gently scrub it away. Rinse the shoes afterwards. [10]
  4. Mix a mild laundry detergent with about one tablespoon of bleach. Use a white cloth or toothbrush to apply this mixture to the non-canvas parts of the shoe, such as the sole and the white border around the bottom of the shoe. Scrub to remove dirt. [11]
    • Do not apply any solution with bleach in it to the canvas, as it may cause the canvas to stain yellow.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you clean white Keds?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Fill a small bowl with warm water and mix in a few drops of a mild laundry detergent. Then, grab a clean cloth and dip it in your cleaning solution. Blot any stains or dirt away before letting your shoes air dry.
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  • Question
    Can canvas sneakers go in the dryer?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    No! Don't put canvas sneakers in the dryer. Instead, stuff your shoes with paper and set them in front of a fan to dry.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    What laundry detergent is best for cleaning shoes?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Choose a mild detergent, such as Ivory Snow or Seventh Generation. These detergents can clean your shoes without damaging the color.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • You can use multiple methods together for an extra deep clean. First, apply the baking soda paste, then wash the shoes in a bucket. This will help brighten your shoes while keeping them clean.
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      • Cleaning your shoes often will prevent stains from becoming permanent.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Consider applying a water and stain repellent spray designed for canvas shoes. This can help prevent stains from setting in the first place. Make sure to apply the spray in a well-ventilated area and let your Keds dry completely before wearing them.
      • Avoid washing machines! Machine-washing can be harsh on your Keds, potentially causing them to lose shape or color.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNae5L-JPTk&feature=youtu.be&t=2
      2. ↑ http://www.fabhow.com/how-to-clean-canvas-shoes.html
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNae5L-JPTk&feature=youtu.be&t=37
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNae5L-JPTk&feature=youtu.be&t=77
      5. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      6. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      7. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      8. ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/canvas-stain-removal.html
      9. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/how-to-remove-salt-stains-from-shoes/
      1. ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/canvas-stain-removal.html
      2. ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/canvas-stain-removal.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean your Keds, start by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of mild laundry detergent with a quart of lukewarm water in a sink or bucket. Before you soak your shoes, remove the laces and inserts. Once you’ve submerged your shoes in the water, scrub them with an old toothbrush, scrub brush, or cotton cloth. If you find any stubborn stains, mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar into a paste. Scrub the stains with the paste to break down the dirt. When you’ve got rid of all the dirt, rinse your Keds with cold, clean water. Then, leave them to air dry overnight. Avoid leaving them by heaters, since this can weaken the glue in your shoes. For more tips, including how to get rid of mildew from your Keds, read on!

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