How to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes

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This article will show you a few ways to bleach canvas shoes white. It will also show you a few ways you can add interesting designs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using a Rag

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  1. Prior to starting, make sure your shoes are clean to improve the effect of the bleach.
    • The best place to work is outside. If you can't work outside, open up a window or turn on a fan, and cover your work area with newspaper, a plastic tablecloth, or some old towels to prevent stains. [1]
    • Bleach often has strong fumes which can cause headaches if you don't have enough fresh air.
  2. This method will work best on shoes that lace up or have a rubber toe cap, such as Converse, but it can work on all-fabric canvas sneakers as well, such as Toms and Vans. Here's a list of what you will need:
    • Canvas
    • Bleach
    • Water (optional)
    • Bowl
    • Old rag
    • Rubber gloves
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    If you don't take them off, then the spaces under the laces will still be the original color. You might also end up bleaching the laces.
  4. This will protect your hands from the bleach if your rag gets soaked through.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    You can use the bleach full-strength or you can dilute it with water. Pure bleach will give you faster results, but it may also eat away at the fabric. Using diluted bleach will take more time, but it will be less harsh on your fabric. [2]
    • If you are diluting bleach, use one part bleach to one part water.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    You might also want to bring out some Q-tips or an old toothbrush to reach small areas.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    If you rub the bleach into the shoe it will lighten the cloth more. Don't be worried if the canvas turns weird colors — for example, navy may turn brown. This will go away.
    • Keep in mind, however, that some shoes will never turn fully white. For example, most shades of black tend to turn brown or orange.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    If it's a dark color, you may have to use a lot of bleach and go through this step several times. They will get lighter and lighter as you go. It may take some time and patience.
    • Use a Q-tip to get into small areas, such as corners and between grommets.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    This will stop the bleach from acting and prevent it from eating away at the fabric.
  10. After that you may want to wash them so they stop smelling like bleach.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using a Plastic Tub

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  1. 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, try this method instead. Here's a list of what you'll need:
    • Canvas sneakers
    • Bleach
    • Water
    • Plastic tub
    • Rubber gloves
  2. If your sneakers have inserts inside, you can pull those out and set them aside. This way, they will be their original color when you put them back in. This can create a nice contrast. [3]
  3. You want to protect your hands from the bleach solution.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    For a stronger solution, use one part bleach and one part water. For a weaker solution, use one part bleach and two parts water. [4]
    • The water-bleach solution needs to be deep enough so that you can submerge the shoes completely.
    • The plastic tub needs to be long enough so that you can sit your shoes inside.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Try to set them upside down in the tub. This way, more of the fabric gets covered with bleach. [5]
  6. This will take one to five hours, depending on how dark the shoes are to begin with, and how light you want them to become. Keep in mind that some of the darker colors will never fully turn white. Some colors, such as black, will turn orange or brown.
    • Be sure to check back on the shoes every 10 to 60 minutes.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    This will stop the bleach from acting. It will also get rid of the smell.
  8. It will take about three hours for them to fully dry.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using a Spray Bottle

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  1. You can use a spray bottle to completely cover your sneakers with bleach, or to splatter them. Here's a lit of what you will need:
    • Canvas sneakers
    • Bleach
    • Water
    • Spray bottle with nozzle
    • Rubber gloves
  2. This will help you bleach them more evenly, and prevent you from damaging the laces.
  3. Even though you are working with a spray bottle, there is a good chance that some bleach may drip onto your skin. The gloves will keep your skin safe.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    For a stronger solution, use one part bleach and one part water. For a weaker solution, use one part bleach and two parts water. The bottle should have a nozzle with two to three settings: spray, mist, and off. [6]
  5. 5
    Close the spray bottle and shake it. This will mix up the bleach and water inside.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Use the "spray" setting to squirt a few splatters onto your sneakers. This will give you a sort of galaxy effect. Use the "mist" setting and spray your shoes all over to completely bleach them.
  7. This may take around 20 minutes to several hours. The longer you leave them out, the lighter they will become. Keep in mind that some darker fabrics will never turn white. Some, such as black, may turn brown or orange.
  8. This will not only stop the bleach from acting, but it will also get rid of the smell.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Drawing Designs with Bleach

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  1. You don't have to bleach your shoes all the way; you can paint or draw designs onto them as well. Here's a list of what you will need:
    • Canvas sneakers
    • Bowl
    • Bleach
    • Small, cheap, stiff-bristled paintbrush
    • Bleach pen (optional)
  2. Once you start drawing on your shoes, it will be impossible to erase the bleach. Get out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil, and sketch out your design.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    This will allow you to see where you are drawing and keep you from making mistakes.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    Make sure that the bristles are stiff and made of plastic. If the bristles are too soft, they won't hold the bleach. If they are made of natural fibers, such as boar bristle, sable, or camel hair, the bleach will eat through them.
    • You can also use a bleach pen, although some people find those difficult to control. Consider testing the bleach pen out on some scrap fabric first.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
    The bleach won't work at first, but after a while, you should see the colors start to fade. It will take about an hour or so.
    • 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.
  6. This will stop the bleach from acting, and prevent it from deteriorating the fabric.
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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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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • 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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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Bleach may cause any 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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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      Using a Rag

      • Canvas sneakers
      • Bleach
      • Water (optional)
      • Bowl
      • Old rag or stiff paintbrush
      • Rubber gloves

      Using a Plastic Tub

      • Canvas sneakers
      • Bleach
      • Water
      • Bucket
      • Rubber gloves

      Using a Spray Bottle

      • Canvas sneakers
      • Bleach
      • Water
      • Spray bottle with nozzle
      • Rubber gloves

      Drawing Designs with Bleach

      • Canvas sneakers
      • Bowl
      • Bleach
      • Small, cheap, stiff-bristled paintbrush
      • Bleach pen (optional)


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ritdye.com/instructions/how-to-dye-shoes/
      2. ↑ https://www.clorox.com/how-to/hacks-crafts-diy/bleaching-clothing/bleaching-colored-items/
      3. ↑ https://www.ritdye.com/instructions/how-to-dye-shoes/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQULkEiYgxc
      5. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+To+Dye+Faded+Canvas+Shoes/40136
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQULkEiYgxc

      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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