Tom’s Alpargatas, a popular canvas espadrille look-alike, blends casual style with lightweight comfort. Keeping them clean helps extend their life and preserve color. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step method using common canvas shoe care products to refresh your shoes without damaging the fabric or sole.
Whether you wear them for daily errands or weekend outings, the following steps offer a reliable approach to removing dirt, neutralizing odors, and restoring the fresh appearance of canvas uppers.
Quick Answer
Gently brush off loose dirt, pre-treat stains with a fabric stain remover spray, clean with a canvas shoe cleaning kit or a brush set, rinse with a damp cloth, air-dry away from direct heat, and finish with a deodorizer and protector spray for ongoing protection.
What You’ll Need
- Canvas shoe cleaning kit
- Shoe cleaning brush set for canvas
- Fabric stain remover spray for shoes
- Microfiber cloths for cleaning canvas shoes
- Shoe deodorizer and protector spray
Before You Start
Test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to check for colorfastness. Remove loose dirt by tapping the shoes together or brushing with a soft brush. If your Alpargatas have leather or suede accents, use appropriate cleaners or avoid soaking those areas. Allow extra time for drying, especially if the shoes are heavily soiled. Avoid submerging the entire shoe in water, as excessive moisture can affect the glue and structure. Plan for a dry window of several hours to overnight, depending on climate.
Step-By-Step: How To Clean Tom’s Alpargatas
- Inspect and prep: Check for stains and colorfastness. Remove laces and insole if possible to reach all areas.
- Dry brush: Use a soft brush or the canvas shoe cleaning kit’s brush to remove loose dirt from the upper and midsole.
- Pre-treat stains: Apply fabric stain remover spray to any visible stains. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to penetrate.
- Create cleaning solution: Mix a mild cleaning solution per kit instructions or use a dedicated canvas cleaner. For best results, avoid harsh detergents.
- Clean uppers: Dip the brush into the solution and gently scrub in circular motions over the canvas. Focus on stained areas without soaking the fabric.
- Wipe away residue: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away soap and lifted dirt. Rinse the cloth as needed to prevent re-depositing grime.
- Clean the soles: Use the brush with a stiffer texture for the sole to remove scuffs and dirt, then wipe with a damp cloth.
- Dry properly: Stuff the shoes with paper towels to help form and absorb moisture, then air-dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Reassemble: Once dry, reinsert laces and replace the insole if removed. Check for any missed spots and repeat if necessary.
- Protect: After completely dry, apply a shoe deodorizer and protector spray to reduce future staining and odors.
- Maintenance routine: Regular light cleaning keeps canvas in better shape than heavy, infrequent cleanings. Schedule a gentle refresh every few weeks with light brushing and spot cleaning.
- Storage tips: Store in a well-ventilated area and avoid stacking heavy objects on top of the shoes.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discoloration after cleaning | Inadequate rinsing or harsh cleaners | Rinse with clean water, gently blot dry, repeat with milder cleaner | Use color-safe cleaners; test first |
| Fading color | Sun exposure or strong detergents | Dry in shade; avoid hot water and strong detergents | Gentle products; air-dry away from heat |
| Stains reappearing after drying | Deep-set stains not fully treated | Reapply stain remover and re-clean targeted areas | Spot-treat promptly; don’t let stains set |
| Sticky residue after cleaning | Soap buildup | Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth until residue is removed | Rinse frequently while cleaning |
Common Mistakes
- Over-wetting canvas, which can weaken glue and shape
- Using hot water or aggressive detergents on canvas
- Skipping a thorough rinse, leaving soap residues
- Drying in direct sunlight or near heaters
- Neglecting odor control after cleaning
Tips For Best Results
- Regular light brushing prevents buildup and makes deep cleanings easier
- Use microfiber cloths to lift dirt without scratching the fabric
- Test cleaners on an inconspicuous area first to ensure colorfastness
- Pair cleaning with a deodorizer and protector spray for lasting freshness
- Store shoes with breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup
Call A Professional
Consider professional cleaning if the shoes have delicate embellishments, strong dye migration, or if cleaning fails to restore color. Seek expert advice if the fabric shows signs of wear, fraying, or disintegration, or if the shoes are valued items with sentimental or high resale value.
FAQ
Can I machine-wash Tom’s Alpargatas?
Machine washing is not recommended for most canvas espadrilles as it can damage glue and shape. Hand cleaning with the steps above is preferred.
Will my colors bleed after cleaning?
Colorfast tests on a hidden area help predict bleeding. If color transfer occurs, use gentler cleaners and avoid saturating the fabric.
How long should I dry them?
A full air-dry in a shaded area typically takes several hours, depending on humidity and airflow.
Can I use scented sprays?
Perfumed sprays can leave residue or attract more dirt. Opt for a neutral shoe deodorizer or odor-control spray designed for textiles.
What about insoles and laces?
Remove insoles and laces for separate cleaning. Laces can be washed by hand or in a gentle cycle; insoles should air-dry thoroughly before reinserting.
Is there a difference between cleaning kits and generic brushes?
Canvas-specific kits and brush sets are optimized for fabric fibers and glue stability. They typically yield safer, more effective results than generic tools.
Should I treat them after every wear?
Light routine cleaning after wear can extend freshness. A full clean is advised when visible dirt accumulates or performance declines.
Buying Guide
When choosing care products for Tom’s Alpargatas, consider size and type of your canvas, typical climate, and how often you wear the shoes. Look for a canvas shoe cleaning kit that includes a gentle brush and a pH-balanced cleaner to protect fibers. A complementary fabric stain remover spray for shoes helps with stubborn marks, while microfiber cloths for cleaning canvas shoes offer lint-free, efficient wipe-downs. A shoe deodorizer and protector spray adds odor control and a protective barrier against moisture and light staining. For frequent travelers or active days, compact kits are convenient, but larger kits with multiple brushes may provide deeper cleaning. Consider the colorfastness of your canvas and choose color-safe formulas. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, check ingredient lists for mild, fragrance-free options. Finally, assess the ease of replacement parts, such as brush heads and cleaning pads, to extend the life of your kit.