Cleaning Canvas TOMS Without Ruining Them

TOMS slip-ons go with everything, which is exactly why they take a beating. A few weeks of barefoot wear and the canvas picks up scuffs, dried mud, and a locker-room smell.

The good news is they clean up fast. TOMS itself recommends a gentle hand wash, though canvas pairs can survive a careful machine cycle when you are short on time.

This guide covers how to wash TOMS by hand or in the machine, plus how to deodorize the insoles and dry them without wrecking the shape.

Are TOMS Shoes Washable?

Yes, most TOMS can handle water. The classic Alpargata is made of canvas, a hard-wearing fabric that cleans up easily by hand. TOMS itself recommends hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent, then air drying ⁽¹⁾. Canvas pairs also tolerate a gentle machine cycle, but that is your call, not the brand’s.

Check the material before you start. TOMS now sells shoes in leather, suede, wool, and lace, and those need much gentler care.

Canvas and cotton are water-friendly. Delicate materials like leather, suede, or lace can lose their texture or shape if you soak them, so give them spot cleaning only. We break down each method below.

How Do You Wash Canvas TOMS?

The safest and most effective way to clean canvas TOMS is by hand. This method prevents the structure from warping and the fabric from pilling.

Hand Washing Method

Follow these steps to deep clean your canvas kicks:

1. Dry brush first: Use a soft-bristled brush or an old dry toothbrush to sweep away loose dust and dried mud. This prevents you from rubbing dirt deeper into the fabric.
2. Create a cleaning solution: Fill a bowl with cold water. Add a tablespoon of mild laundry detergent and mix until bubbly. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that could fade the dye.
3. Scrub the shoes: Dip your brush into the soapy water. Gently scrub the canvas in a circular motion, working from the toe box back to the heel.
4. Rinse carefully: Wipe the soap away with a clean, damp microfiber cloth. Repeat until no suds remain.

Machine Washing Method

If you are short on time, canvas TOMS can go in the washer, with one caveat. TOMS does not recommend machine washing unless a pair is labeled machine washable, since the cycle adds wear and can loosen the sole glue over time. Treat it as the faster, riskier option and use it only on plain canvas, never on leather, suede, wool, or lace.

1. Pre-treat stains: Dab a little mild liquid detergent directly onto grass or food stains. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Use a mesh bag: Place the shoes inside a zippered mesh laundry bag. This protects the shoes from banging against the drum and prevents snags.
3. Select settings: Set your washer to the “delicate” or “hand wash” cycle. Use only cold water to prevent shrinking.
4. Add detergent: Pour in a small amount of mild detergent. Do not use fabric softener.
5. Run the cycle: If using a top-loading washer, wait until the drum fills with water before adding the shoes. For front-loading washers, simply start the cycle.

How to Clean Delicate TOMS (Lace, Leather & Suede)

Not all TOMS are built for the spin cycle. Use these specific techniques for delicate materials.

Cleaning Lace TOMS

Lace is fragile and can snag easily. Never put lace shoes in the washing machine.

1. Mix your solution: Combine cold water with a few drops of mild detergent in a bowl.
2. Dampen a cloth: Dip a soft microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush into the water. It should be damp, not dripping.
3. Spot clean: Gently dab and rub the stained areas in a circular motion. Do not scrub hard, or you might tear the netting.
4. Rinse: Wipe away soap residue with a fresh damp cloth.

Cleaning Leather and Suede TOMS

Water is the enemy of suede, and soaking leather causes it to crack.

1. Leather: Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dust. If they are very dirty, use a dedicated leather cleaner. Follow up with a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.
2. Suede: Use a suede brush to lift nap and remove dirt. For stains, use a dedicated suede cleaner or white vinegar. Never use water and soap on suede.

How Do You Clean TOMS Insoles?

Scrub TOMS insoles with a toothbrush and a little mild detergent, then dust them with a homemade baking soda powder to pull out lingering odor. Even if the outside looks great, the inside might smell funky. Since you likely wear TOMS without socks, sweat buildup is common. Researchers tracking real-world shoe wear found in-shoe temperature at the instep measured about 84 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, and measured elevated bacterial levels on the sole skin after 5 hours of continuous wear ⁽²⁾.

1. Make a deodorizing powder: In a jar, mix one cup of cornstarch, ½ cup of baking soda, and ½ cup of baking powder. Add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree or lavender) for scent.
2. Scrub the insoles: Mix a separate small bowl of water and a drop of detergent. Use a toothbrush to lightly scrub the leather or fabric insole. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
3. Apply the powder: Once the insoles are dry, sprinkle your homemade powder inside the shoes. Shake them to distribute it.
4. Let it sit: Leave the powder overnight to absorb moisture and bacteria.
5. Clean it out: Dump the powder into the trash and vacuum the inside of the shoe to remove residue.

How Do You Dry TOMS Without Shrinking Them?

Air dry TOMS slowly, away from heat, to keep the canvas from shrinking or warping. Drying is the step people often rush, and rushing it is what leads to misshapen or moldy shoes.

Always air dry your TOMS. Set them in a well-ventilated spot away from direct heat sources like radiators and out of direct sun, which can fade the dye. At room temperature, canvas pairs usually need about 8 to 24 hours to dry all the way through, depending on humidity and how wet they got ⁽³⁾.

To help them hold their shape, stuff the toes with crumpled paper towels or newspaper. The paper wicks moisture from the inside out, so swap it once it feels damp. One caution for white or light-colored TOMS: newspaper ink can rub off onto the lining, so use plain paper towels or white paper on those.

FAQs

The Bottom Line on Washing TOMS

Hand wash canvas TOMS in cold water with a mild detergent, and save the machine cycle for pairs you don’t mind risking. Check the material first, since leather, suede, wool, and lace all need gentler, water-free care instead.

Once they’re clean, skip the heat entirely. Air dry TOMS out of direct sun for 8 to 24 hours, and never put them in the dryer, since the heat shrinks canvas and can melt the sole glue.