Keds are a comfortable and stylish shoe that can last for years if properly taken care of. But spills on Keds, especially those involving varnish, can leave a lasting mark if not properly cleaned and taken care of. We’ve put together this guide to help ensure that your Keds stay looking their best.
Updated 21 Jun 2023
By Isabelle Trottier
If the stain is still wet, the first thing you should do is grab some paper towels or a clean cloth and gently blot up as much of the varnish as possible. Do not scrub it in as this will only make the stain worse.
Once you’ve blotted up as much of the varnish as possible, prepare a cleaning solution of detergent, water, white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and gently scrub the affected area until the stain is no longer visible.
Rinse out the cleaning solution with a clean cloth or paper towel and then allow the Keds time to completely air dry. If needed, you can also spot dry with a hairdryer.
If the stain is still visible after you’ve followed all of the steps above, then it’s time to move on to more aggressive measures. Use an old toothbrush to dab a bit of rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain and work it into the fabric. Then rinse the area with clean water and allow it to air dry.
If you follow these simple steps, you should be able to effectively remove varnish stains from Keds. It’s important to act quickly when a spill occurs and to never scrub the stain as this will only make the stain worse. With a bit of patience and elbow grease, your Keds will be looking like new in no time.
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