How to Wash TOMS Canvas Shoes Without Damaging Them

Why Washing Method Matters

Canvas is a tightly woven fabric that holds dirt but also holds its shape when cleaned gently. The main risk in washing TOMS canvas shoes is not the water itself; it is agitation, twisting, and heat. Repeated machine cycles can stress the seams and the glued or stitched sole attachment. Hand washing gives you more control and is the gentlest way to refresh a pair. If you need a deeper clean, you can use a machine on a cold, gentle cycle, but you should expect some wear over time. For the full process, see our hand-washing guide for canvas shoes.

Before you start, check any care label inside the shoe. Some TOMS styles mix canvas with leather, suede, or synthetic trim. Those materials need different treatment, so keep water away from leather and suede accents and clean them separately. Our guides on leather care and suede care explain the difference.

Prepare the Shoes Before Washing

Remove the laces and set them aside. If the insoles are removable, take them out and wash them separately or wipe them down. Use a soft brush or dry cloth to knock loose dirt off the upper and out of the tread. Working on dry shoes first keeps the wash water from turning dirt into mud that can grind into the fabric.

For a spot stain, dampen a clean cloth, add a small amount of mild detergent, and dab the mark before full washing. Do not scrub hard; canvas can pill or fade under aggressive rubbing.

• Remove laces and insoles.
• Brush off loose dirt and dust.
• Check for stains that need spot treatment.
• Close the hook-and-loop or lace openings if you are using a machine.

How to Hand Wash TOMS Canvas Shoes

Fill a basin or sink with cool water and mix in a small amount of mild detergent. Cool water is less likely to fade canvas or weaken adhesives. Submerge each shoe and use a soft brush or cloth to work the suds over the upper, sole, and heel. Rinse each shoe thoroughly in clean cool water until the water runs clear.

After rinsing, press the shoes gently to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist them, because that can distort the toe shape and loosen the sole. Lift them out, let gravity drain the water, then move on to drying. If the shoes are very dirty, you can repeat the wash with fresh suds. When you are done, clean the basin and rinse the laces under running water separately.

How to Machine Wash Canvas Shoes

Machine washing is not the first choice, but it is an option for heavily soiled canvas pairs. Put the shoes in a mesh garment bag to limit friction, and add towels around them in the drum to cushion the load. Use a cold-water, gentle or delicate cycle with mild detergent. Remove the shoes as soon as the cycle ends so they do not sit wet in the drum.

Do not use bleach or harsh stain removers on canvas unless the care label states that they are safe. Bleach can weaken the fibers and change the color of the fabric, especially on a colored upper. If the machine leaves the shoes misshapen, reshape them while they are still damp.

• Remove laces and insoles.
• Place shoes in a garment bag.
• Use cold water and a delicate cycle.
• Skip the dryer and air dry instead.

Dry and Reshape the Shoes

Never put canvas shoes in a clothes dryer. The heat can shrink the upper, warp the sole, and loosen the adhesive. Instead, stuff each shoe with clean paper towels or a shoe tree to hold the toe shape and absorb moisture. Stand them upright in a warm, dry place with good airflow, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. For more on drying, see our guide to drying wet shoes properly.

Let the shoes dry slowly. If the paper towels become damp, replace them. Do not wear the shoes until they are fully dry, because a wet canvas shoe can stretch, lose its shape, and create an environment for odor. You can speed the process by removing the laces and leaving the tongues open. If you need to keep their structure, shoe trees can help.

Once dry, check the shape before wearing. If the toe box looks crushed, dampen the shoe lightly, restuff it, and let it dry again. For daily shape maintenance between washes, see our advice on preventing shoes from losing shape.

Keep Canvas Fresh Between Washes

Frequent washing wears canvas out faster than dirt does. Between deep cleans, brush the uppers, spot-treat new marks, and let shoes air out after wear. If odor is a problem, address the smell rather than running the shoes through another wash. Our odor-control guide covers simple ways to keep fabric fresh.

If your canvas shoes get soaked on a rainy day, dry them with the same method you use after washing. You can also add a fabric waterproofing treatment to make future messes easier to clean, but test it on a small area first. See our guide to waterproofing canvas shoes for details.

Foot Health and Shoe Care

Keeping shoes clean matters for comfort, but fit matters more. A clean shoe that is too small can still cause blisters or foot pain. Professional medical organizations such as the American Podiatric Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons publish information about foot health and help people find specialists for foot and ankle problems. If a shoe starts causing pain, address the pain before you worry about another wash. If you are in the market for a new pair of comfortable canvas shoes, start with our best TOMS shoes guide.

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Questions

Can I put TOMS canvas shoes in the washing machine?

Yes, if the care label allows it. Use a cold, gentle cycle, place the shoes in a mesh garment bag, remove the laces and insoles first, and air dry them afterward. Machine washing is harsher than hand washing, so reserve it for heavily soiled pairs.

Can I dry TOMS canvas shoes in a dryer?

No. A clothes dryer can shrink the canvas, warp the sole, and damage the adhesive. Air dry instead with paper towels or a shoe tree inside each shoe.

How do I get stains out of TOMS canvas?

Spot treat stains before a full wash. Dampen the area, apply a small amount of mild detergent, and dab gently with a soft cloth or brush. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. Avoid bleach unless the care label says it is safe.

Should I wash the insoles too?

If the insoles are removable, take them out and wash them separately in cool water with mild detergent, then air dry them. If they are glued in place, wipe them down with a damp cloth and let them dry completely before wearing the shoes.

How often should I wash canvas shoes?

Only when they are visibly dirty or smelly. Frequent washing can loosen stitching and fade the fabric. Between washes, brush off dirt, spot-treat stains, and let the shoes air out. See our odor control and waterproofing guides for maintenance.

What if my TOMS have leather or suede trim?

Clean canvas with water, but keep leather and suede parts dry. Treat suede and leather accents with their own care methods. See our guides on leather care and suede care for details.