Toms are popular casual shoes due to their canvas uppers and comfy design. They can get soiled or stained with constant use. Fear not! Make your Toms shine again with this simple approach. We’ll clean them after spills, mud, or just to keep them clean. We’ll explain the ingredients and give simple guidelines for normal cleaning and harder stains. Learn how to use a gentle cleaning solution, spot cleaning, baking soda, and lemon juice to fit your needs.
Steps To Clean Your Toms Shoes
Toms shoes are easy to clean with household products. Since canvas is a common material for Toms shoes, we created a step-by-step cleaning tutorial:
Materials You’ll Need
- Toms shoes
- A soft brush (an old toothbrush or a shoe brush will work)
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- A small bowl or container
- Warm water
- A clean cloth or sponge
- A towel
- Optional: baking soda, white vinegar, and a washing machine (for more intense cleaning)
Step 1: Prepare
Prepare everything before cleaning your Toms sneakers. Remove laces from Toms. The shoe is easier to clean overall. Shake your shoes or use a soft brush (even an old toothbrush) to remove loose dirt and debris from the bottoms.
Step 2. Mix a Cleaning Solution
Create a Toms cleaning potion! Put warm water in a small basin or container. Next, add a little dish soap or light detergent. You only need a little. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals that can harm Toms. They should be cheerful and clean!
Step 3: Spot Clean
Let’s address those stains and spots. Dip your toothbrush or soft brush into the soapy water you produced earlier. Scrub such stains gently. Don’t scrub too hard to avoid damaging your Toms’ soft canvas. Just a gentle touch should improve their appearance.
Step 4: General Cleaning
Give your Toms a soothing bath. Put a clean cloth or sponge in the soapy water you made earlier. Squeeze it to avoid leakage. Use that damp cloth to gently wipe the shoe. That includes the tops, insides, and bottoms. Toes and heels are dirt magnets, so pay additional attention to them. We want your Toms to stay comfy like a canvas hug for your feet, so be kind.
Step 5: Rinse
Rinse your Toms after their soapy spa day. Wipe soap from your shoes with another clean, moist towel or sponge. Soap residue might make your Toms sticky, which is not fun. After a good clean, they’ll be ready for the next excursion.
Step 6: Drying
After cleaning and refreshing, let your Toms dry. Put clean paper towels or newspaper in your shoes gently. This preserves Toms’ form during drying. Then, set your Toms near a window but away from direct sunshine and heat sources for comfortable ventilation. Let them air-dry naturally. Too much heat from a hairdryer or heater might make Toms sad and shrink.
Optional Step 7: Deodorize
Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into each shoe if your Toms have a nasty smell. Leave it overnight. Baking soda absorbs smells. After shaking out the extra baking soda in the morning, your Toms will smell fresh.
Optional Step 8: Machine Wash
You can give your Toms a mild washing machine bath after a tough journey to show them some affection. Remove your laces and put your shoes in a pillowcase or wash bag first. It keeps them from being beaten. Use a moderate cycle with cold water and some mild detergent. Bleach and fabric softeners hate Toms. Remove your Toms after washing, air-dry them like in Step 6, and they’ll be like new.
Step 9: Relace
Finally, replace your laces after your Toms are dry and pleased. Through those little holes, tie them up as desired. Your Toms are ready for your next excursion in style and comfort.
These procedures will keep your Toms shoes clean and in good condition, assuring long-term comfort and style. Your beloved Toms can last longer with regular cleaning and upkeep.
Alternative Cleaning Methods For Toms Shoes
To clean your favorite Toms shoes, try these four alternate methods, each with its unique twist:
1. Vinegar-Water Solution
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a bowl. Dip the fabric or sponge in the magic solution until it’s damp but not dripping. Rub your Toms with a gentle cloth in circles to remove stains and dirt. This product cleans and deodorizes. After a final rinse with clean water, let them dry outside.
2. Baking Soda Paste
Make a paste by blending baking soda and water until thick to remove stubborn stains. Use a lot of this paste on your troubled Toms. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to work its magic. Take a soft brush or old toothbrush and scrub such areas carefully. After washing, let your Toms dry naturally. They’ll seem refreshed.
3. Lemon Juice and Sunlight
Lemons are good for Toms and more than just lemonade. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a bowl. Wring out a cloth or sponge with this zesty concoction to get it slightly damp, then start working. Most grocery stores sell lemon juice, which removes stains and whitens canvas. After that, hang your sneakers to dry in the sun to use the sun’s natural deodorizer and sanitizer.
4. Freezing (For Odor Elimination)
If your Toms start smelling bad, don’t worry. Put your shoes in a resealable plastic bag. Put them in the freezer before bed. Extremely low temperatures will kill the stenchiest bacteria while you sleep. In the morning, wipe them down after removing them from the freezer, but don’t worry about ice or moisture. After drying, they should smell fresh and be ready to party.
These alternative cleaning solutions provide you some tricks to keep your Toms clean no matter what. Remember to be gentle, and your Toms will repay you with clean, comfy feet!
How Often Should I Clean My Toms Shoes To Keep Them Looking Their Best?
Toms shoes must be cleaned to look good. But how often should you do this? How often you wear them and what you do with them on your feet determine the response.
If you wear Toms every day and walk a lot, clean them once a week or when they get soiled. You can clean them when they get dirty if you don’t wear them daily. A regular cleaning program is necessary to keep them clean because normal use can collect dirt and stains.
Toms worn once or twice a week need only be cleaned every two to three weeks to maintain their beauty. Cleaning shoes that have been stored in the closet for a long time is recommended.
Clean them immediately if they get soiled or damp. If they dry with dirt or stains, they may be harder to clean. If you become wet or tread in a puddle, clean your Toms immediately.
The fabric of your Toms is also significant. While leather Toms require less maintenance, canvas Toms can endure more frequent cleaning. Always consult your shoe care instructions for exact recommendations.
What should I do if my Toms Shoes start to Smell Bad?
If your Toms shoes start to smell terrible, try these strategies to freshen them up. Remove the insoles from your shoes if possible. Baking soda or shoe deodorizers can be sprinkled inside shoes and on insoles. Let them rest overnight. After wearing Toms, leave them in a well-ventilated area to air out. Don’t wear the same shoes every day to let them breathe and prevent foot odor. If the scent persists, wrap the objects in a plastic bag and freeze them for a few hours to kill any bacteria. Don’t forget to let them cool before reusing.
Is It Safe to Put My Toms Shoes in the Sun to Dry after cleaning?
You can safely dry your Toms shoes in the sun after cleaning them. Sunshine kills bacteria and eliminates moisture, preventing mold and smells. If your Toms are made of delicate materials like suede or have fancy designs, be careful when leaving them in direct sunlight for a long time. This can make them fade or get damaged. To prevent sun damage, dry your shoes indoors with a fan or store them away from the sun.
Can I Remove And Clean The Laces Of My Toms Shoes Separately?
Yes, you can remove and clean the laces of your Toms shoes. Removing laces helps clean shoes better and prevents dirt and stains. To clean laces, you can hand wash them with mild soap and water or machine wash them in a laundry bag to prevent tangling. Air dry the laces completely before putting them back in your shoes. This step can make your Toms look cleaner and better.
FAQs
Can I clean suede Toms shoes like canvas Toms?
Suede Toms need special cleaning because they are delicate. Water can harm suede, so don’t use it. Instead, use a suede brush or eraser to gently clean dirt and stains. Brush the suede in one direction to keep its texture. If you have tough stains on suede, ask a professional cleaner who knows how to handle suede for help.
Can I wash all Toms shoes in a washing machine?
Not all canvas Toms can be washed gently in a machine. Don’t put leather or suede Toms in the washing machine. It can damage or change their color. Always follow the care label or manufacturer’s instructions. When unsure, choose hand cleaning. It gives you more control and is safer for delicate materials.
Is bleach safe for tough stains on white canvas Toms?
No, don’t use bleach to clean Toms shoes, especially white canvas ones. It can damage the fabric and cause yellowing or weakening of the canvas. Instead, use a gentle stain remover or try the baking soda paste method mentioned earlier. These methods are safer for preserving fabric color and integrity.
Can I use a hairdryer to dry faster?
Don’t use a hairdryer on Toms shoes, especially on high heat. Heat can make the canvas shrink or change shape. To dry shoes faster, air dry them at room temperature or use a fan to increase airflow while keeping their shape.
Can I dry my Toms in direct sunlight?
Sunlight can help remove odors, but too much direct sunlight can fade the color and weaken the fabric of your Toms over time. Choose shaded, well-ventilated areas for drying your shoes to keep them fresh and in good condition.
Should I clean my Toms after each use?
Cleaning Toms after each wear is usually not needed. Instead, clean spots when you see stains or dirt. Clean your Toms when they get dirty or smelly. This method helps keep their condition without excessive cleaning.
Can I dry my Toms in the dryer?
Don’t use a dryer for your Toms. High heat can harm the canvas, making it shrink or lose shape. To keep your Toms shoes in good condition for longer, just let them air dry.
Can I clean my Toms shoes by putting them in water?
Getting your Toms completely wet can change their shape and make the adhesive weaker. To be safe, avoid putting it in water. Instead, clean it by wiping it gently with a damp cloth.
Can I use regular detergent for Toms?
Use mild detergent or dish soap instead of harsh laundry detergents to avoid damaging the canvas. Mix the detergent with water to avoid leaving hard-to-remove soap residue.
Should I use fabric softener on my Toms?
Skip fabric softener when cleaning Toms shoes. Fabric softeners can make your Toms sticky and less breathable. Use a mild detergent and rinse well to keep your shoes comfortable and free from softener residue.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide made cleaning your Toms shoes easy. Keeping your Toms fresh and comfy doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow our steps and tips to keep your favorite shoes in good condition for a long time. Use gentle solutions and avoid harsh chemicals to keep your Toms in good condition. Take care of your Toms shoes to keep them clean and stylish.
