How to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes (A Creative DIY Guide)

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Do you love your colored canvas shoes, but are feeling creative and want to change the way they look? Our helpful guide will show you a few simple ways to bleach colored canvas shoes so you can either alter the color or add your own unique designs. Read on for different approaches to bleaching canvas shoes that are all quick and safe to do, and a list of things you’ll need to get it done right.

How to Bleach Canvas Shoes

Fill a tub with equal parts bleach and water and soak your canvas shoes until you achieve the desired color. You can also rub a microfiber cloth or rag soaked in the bleach solution into your shoes to lighten them. For the spray bottle method, spray the shoes with the same solution to lighten or create a splatter effect.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes Using a Plastic Tub

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Fill a plastic tub with 1 part bleach and 1 part water. The plastic tub needs to be deep enough so that you can submerge the shoes completely and long enough to fit your shoes inside. [1]
    • Remember to wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from the bleach solution and work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Consider removing the laces beforehand and setting them aside.
    • This method will work best on shoes that are made completely out of canvas, such as Vans and Toms. If you have a pair of shoes that lace up or have a rubber toe cap, you might prefer the microfiber cloth method instead.
    • The tub method can be altered slightly if you’re looking to dye your canvas shoes .
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    You can place them in whatever position ensures that all of the fabric gets coated with the bleach solution. If your tub is small, this may mean bleaching one shoe at a time. [2]
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  3. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how dark the shoes are to begin with and how light you want them to be. Be sure to keep checking the color of your sneakers regularly so you don’t over-lighten them. [3]
    • Some darker colored sneakers will never fully turn white. If they’re black, they will turn orange or brown.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Remove the shoes from the solution and wash using detergent and water. Use roughly 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent per 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of warm water. In a separate tub or sink, add the detergent to the warm water until it turns soapy. Submerge your sneakers in the soapy water, gently scrub them with your hands or a scrub brush , and rinse them in clean, warm water. [4]
    • This will stop the bleach from acting and help get rid of the bleachy smell.
  5. It can take anywhere from 24 hours to 2 days for canvas shoes to dry; this depends on the weather and humidity wherever you’ve placed your shoes to dry. [5]
    • Re-lace your shoes once they’re totally dry.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes Using a Microfiber Cloth

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Pour 1 part bleach and 1 part water into a bowl . Using diluted bleach will take more time, but it will be less harsh on your fabric. Take any laces out of your sneakers beforehand and set them aside so the area beneath the laces will change color as well. [6]
    • Wear a pair of rubber gloves. This will protect your hands from the bleach if your rag gets soaked through.
    • If you can't work outside, open up a window or turn on a fan, and cover your work area with a newspaper, a plastic tablecloth, or some old towels to prevent stains.
    • This method will work best on shoes that lace up or have a rubber toe cap. It’s preferred when bleaching Converse-style shoes , but it can work on all-fabric canvas sneakers as well, like Toms or Vans.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Use a microfiber cloth or rag to rub the bleach into the surface of the shoes. Soak your cloth with the bleach solution and rub the cloth into all areas of the sneaker. Repeat as many times as necessary; if your shoes are a dark color, you may have to use more bleach and go through the process several times. The shoes will get lighter and lighter as you go—it takes both time and patience. [7]
    • You might also want to use some Q-tips or a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas like corners or between grommets.
    • The more you rub the bleach into the shoe, the lighter the resulting color.
    • Keep in mind that some shoes will never turn fully white. For example, most shades of black tend to turn brown or orange.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Fill a bucket or your sink with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent per 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of warm water. Gently scrub the sneakers and rinse them in clean, warm water. This will stop the lightning process and prevent the bleach from eating away at the fabric. [8]
  4. Avoid using heating implements to dry your shoes; for example, don’t put them in the dryer or try to dry them with a hairdryer. Allow them to air dry for 1-2 days before re-lacing and wearing them. [9]
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes Using a Spray Bottle

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Fill a clean spray bottle with 1 part bleach and 1 part water. For a weaker solution, use 1 part bleach and 2 parts water. Once filled, close the spray bottle and shake it to mix the bleach and water. The bottle should have a nozzle with 2 to 3 settings: spray, mist, and off. If going for a “splatter” effect, you can use undiluted bleach, but be careful not to spill it onto yourself or your clothes.
    • Take the laces out of your sneakers to help them bleach more evenly and prevent damage.
    • Wear your rubber gloves, even though you’re working with a spray bottle, to avoid any bleach dripping onto your skin.
    • Work in a well-ventilated area, either outside or in a room with a fan and/or window.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Use the "mist" setting and spray your shoes all over to completely lighten them. Use the "spray" setting to squirt a few splatters onto your sneakers. You’ll notice the color changing almost immediately. Pause after a few sprays, and notice what effect you’re getting. For a more direct splatter, spray closer to the shoe; for a galaxy effect, spray a bit further away. [10]
    • On very dark or black shoes, the colors begin to turn brown at first, and then orange or tan.
  3. Fill a container or sink with warm water and add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent per 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of warm water. Gently rub the shoes in the soapy water and then rinse them in clean, warm water. This will stop the lightning effect once you’re happy with your results and also get rid of the bleach smell. [11]
  4. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to 2 days. Keep in mind that some darker fabrics will never turn white. You can wash and air dry your shoes a second time if you want to get rid of any remaining bleach smell. [12]
    • Re-lace your sneakers once they’re dry.
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Draw Designs on Canvas Shoes Using Bleach

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  1. Get out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, and sketch out your design; don’t be afraid to do it several times until you’re completely sure it’s what you want. Once you start drawing on your shoes, it will be impossible to erase the bleach.
    • You can also choose to copy your design onto your sneakers using a pencil so it’s easier to see where you are drawing and prevent any mistakes.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Set the bowl onto a protected surface in a well-ventilated area. You can use garbage bags or paper shopping bags to protect the surface you’re working on.
    • Even though you’re not coming into direct contact with the bleach, it’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves to keep your hands safe.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Dip your brush into the bleach solution and outline the designs you may have already drawn in pencil on your shoes. It may take a few re-applications to get the look you want. Once you apply the bleach, wait a few moments until you see the color start to fade. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the original color of your sneakers.
    • Make sure your paintbrush has bristles that are stiff and made of plastic. If the bristles are too soft or made of natural fibers, such as boar bristle, sable, or camel hair, the bleach can eat through them.
    • You can also draw using a bleach pen , although some people find those difficult to control. Consider testing the bleach pen out on some scrap fabric first.
    • Keep in mind that some designs won't fade completely to white. If you want really white designs, you may want to try drawing them with a white, opaque fabric pen instead.
  4. Fill a container or sink with warm water and add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of detergent per 2 US quarts (1,900 mL) of warm water. Gently scrub the sneakers in the soapy water and rinse the shoes under clean, warm water. This will stop the bleach from continuing to lighten your shoes, and prevent it from deteriorating the fabric. [13]
  5. It can take 24 hours to 2 days for sneakers to completely dry. You can wash and air dry your shoes a second time if you want to get rid of any remaining bleach smell. [14]
    • Re-lace your sneakers after they air dry.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Does the bleach affect the black line on the gumsole?
    Community Answer
    No, it doesn't (at least not if they are Vans or Converse). If it has black stitches, it will dye those, though.
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  • Question
    How do I turn my white shoes pink?
    Community Answer
    You have to dye it whatever shade of pink you want. Get a big bucket that you're not worried about ruining and fill it halfway. Then follow the instructions on the back of the dye that you are going to use to dye your shoes.
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  • Question
    What sort of bleach is required?
    Community Answer
    Regular liquid bleach that you find in the laundry section. Someone above said Rit dye works as well, and it's easier on the fabrics.
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      Tips

      • Bleach may cause rubber toe caps to discolor. If you are worried about this, cover them up with duct tape.
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      • If your shoes are dirty, you may not see the results of the bleach as well. If necessary, wash your shoes in a bucket of soap and water and let them dry before starting the project.
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      • Consider different methods to keep your sneakers looking new , including hand-washing them, cleaning your soles, and using a washing machine.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      Using a Plastic Tub

      Using a Microfiber Cloth

      Using a Spray Bottle

      Drawing Designs with Bleach

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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=hL5r6wf7qnaP9Tt6&t=45
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=gMbdF4Z039idA_-4&t=76
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=AeFVk_oh5JxO_JrO&t=88
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=DGnKMZiMyqxLtngc&t=133
      5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-clean-white-shoes/
      6. ↑ https://www.ritdye.com/instructions/how-to-dye-shoes/
      7. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-clean-shoes/
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=DGnKMZiMyqxLtngc&t=133
      9. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-clean-white-shoes/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/fo9CZDsVJ3U?si=KV6UohGuKzS5uILO&t=75
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=DGnKMZiMyqxLtngc&t=133
      3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-clean-shoes/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/BKMAKnNsfp8?si=DGnKMZiMyqxLtngc&t=133
      5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/stain-removal/how-to-clean-shoes/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      It’s easy to lighten colored canvas shoes at home using a rag and some bleach. Wear rubber gloves as you work on your shoes to protect your skin from the bleach. First, dip a clean rag into the bleach and apply it to the fabric exterior of the shoes. Repeat the process until the shoes lighten to the shade you want. Once you’ve finished bleaching your shoes, wash them in a bucket with soapy water to remove the bleach. You can also lighten colored canvas shoes using a plastic tub of bleach. Simply pour bleach into a plastic tub and then place your shoes in upside down so that the bleach soaks the fabric. Leave your shoes in the plastic tub for 1 to 5 hours, until they reach the effect you want. Wash the shoes well with soapy water to rinse away the bleach. For more information about bleaching colored canvas shoes, like how to draw designs with bleach, read on!

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