The Sunday Mail
Remove the shoelaces
BRUSH away any obvious dry dirt. You can use an old toothbrush to get into the crevices on the sole and a toothpick to remove any lodged stones. You can also try clapping the shoes together outside to break away the dirt quickly.
Wash your canvas shoes by hand
Use one of the following methods:
Soap and water: The first option is use of soap and water. You can use either a mild laundry detergent or dish soap depending on what you have to hand. Mix a small amount of either with warm water and then apply directly with a clean toothbrush or microfibre cloth.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide will brighten your shoes, as well as disinfect them. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide to two parts baking soda to make a paste (add water if needed). Apply that paste to the uppers, as well as the soles. Leave to dry for 30 minutes before the next step.
Bleach: Bleach is the most powerful method if you really want to make your shoes shine. Simply mix one tablespoon of bleach with four tablespoons of water. Then, while wearing gloves, scrub the solution onto the shoes in a circular motion.
Rinse
Rinse your chosen solution from your shoes with a damp microfibre cloth. If the soles still look grubby, you can try using a magic eraser around the edges and on the underside. Simply wet the sponge and start to scrub. Then rinse again. Alternatively, toothpaste can also be used to clean the soles.
Leave your shoes to dry completely
Place them in sunlight to brighten them even more. There you have it — your white canvas shoes should look like new again.
How to clean white leather shoes
Follow the first step as for canvas shoes, removing the laces and any initial dry dirt.
Next, use a shoe tree to help them hold their shape as you clean. Alternatively, you can just stuff each shoe with paper towels.
Then use one of the following cleaning methods to remove stains:
Soap and water: Again, soap and water are always a safe first bet. Mix a few drops of dish soap with some warm water and then apply to the leather with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a microfibre cloth.
Leather cleaner: If you want to play it safe, you can always use a designated leather cleaner to remove the stains. Simply follow the instructions of your chosen cleaner.
Baking soda and white vinegar: Is there anything baking soda and vinegar cannot clean? You can mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of white vinegar (be prepared for it to fizz), and one cup of water. Then apply with a soft-bristled toothbrush or microfibre cloth in a circular motion.
Micellar water: If you have some micellar water to hand, you can also use it to remove stains from your leather shoes. Simply apply it directly using a microfibre cloth.
Magic eraser: You can also use a magic eraser on the leather upper and the soles. Be sure to test it on an inconspicuous area first, though, as soft leather may scuff from this method.
Rinse your solution away with a damp microfibre cloth.
Fill your leather shoes with fresh paper towels to help absorb the moisture as they dry.
Leave to dry completely before wearing again. — Wires
