HOW TO CLEAN CANVAS STEP BY STEP
Canvas fabric is a sturdy, plain-woven material that’s usually made of cotton or linen. Due to its durability, it’s used in everyday items such as shoes, totes, bags and backpacks, as well as outdoor gear like tents, boats, awnings and patio furniture.
Canvas items tend to be used heavily, which exposes them to dirt and grime. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor item, this guide can show you step-by-step how to clean canvas and offer tips for protecting this fabric.
CAN YOU WASH CANVAS?
You can hand-wash most items made with canvas fabric. If your item has a care label, follow the instructions. It’s best to only machine-wash if the care label recommends it. For items that don’t have a care label, you can do a spot clean test on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t transfer color or spot.
HOW DO YOU CLEAN CANVAS?
If your canvas item doesn’t have a care label with cleaning instructions or you prefer to hand-wash it, the following steps can guide you on how to clean canvas. Learn more on how to do laundry.
SUPPLIES:
Dish soap or laundry detergent
Warm water
TOOLS:
Toothbrush or bristled cleaning brush
Paper towels or clean, soft cloth
Small bowl
STEP 1: BRUSH DIRT OFF CANVAS
Lightly brush any excess or loose dirt on the canvas fabric with a toothbrush or bristled cleaning brush. Be gentle so you don’t push the soil deeper into the fabric. If you come across stains, you may want to pretreat the area.
If your canvas item is a pair of shoes, you’ll want to remove the shoe laces and insoles before you begin. Find more detailed instructions on hand-washing and machine-washing shoes.
An outdoor canvas item, such as a boat canvas cover, can be brushed and sprayed down with a hose to wet the surface of the fabric to loosen any grime. When cleaning your outdoor canvas furniture coverings, remove them if possible and shake to loosen the dirt.
STEP 2: PREPARE CLEANING SOLUTION
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap or laundry detergent with two cups of warm water in the small bowl and swirl until bubbles start to form.
STEP 3: SPOT CLEAN TEST
To make sure that there is no color transfer or spotting, choose a small area on your canvas fabric to spot clean.
STEP 4: WASH CANVAS
Dip a clean toothbrush, bristle cleaning brush or a soft cloth into your bowl of soapy water. Lightly scrub with the grain of the fabric to remove any dirt. Use care on certain canvas items, as over-wetting or saturating an area may cause spotting or color transfer.
For canvas items that have seams in the fabric, such as a boat canvas cover or outdoor furniture, focus on cleaning this area as it tends to collect dirt.
STEP 5: RINSE CANVAS
Use wet paper towels with clean water to wipe away any soapy residue. It may take a few rinses to fully remove the soap. You can use a water hose to rinse outdoor canvas items.
STEP 6: DRY CANVAS
Allow your canvas item to air dry away from direct sunlight, unless it’s an outdoor canvas fabric. If you’re storing an item, make sure that it’s completely dry before packing it away to prevent mold or mildew.
TIPS FOR PROTECTING CANVAS
Cleaning canvas on a routine basis can make for easier cleanup.
Consider using a fabric protectant on any canvas item, such as totes, shoes or outdoor furniture for sun protection, waterproofing and stain resistance.
You may want to avoid using bleach as it can discolor and wear out the canvas fabric.
You can protect an outdoor canvas item with a cover.
If storing an outdoor canvas item, make sure that it’s completely dry before packing it away and store it in a cool, dry place.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES
Maytag® washers are designed with performance and durability in mind to help you gently clean delicate fabrics or tackle tough messes. Select models have convenient features such as the Optimal Dose Dispenser system which provides convenient cleaning by dispensing the right amount of detergent and fabric softener at the right time. Explore washing machines by Maytag brand to find the one that’s right for your home.
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