how to clean converse shoes

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Converse shoes tend to pick up dirt and scuff marks, but they're also easy to clean. Spot-cleaning vans by hand will get rid of most surface dirt and stains. If your shoes need to be deep-cleaned, you can wash them in your washing machine. For the worst scuffs and stains, there are a few tricks you can try to brighten up your shoes in no time.

1
Make a cleaning solution. Since Converse shoes are made with canvas, laundry detergent works well to remove dirt and most light stains. Mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 2 cups warm water in a bowl. If your shoes are covered in mud, you might need a second batch of solution for the second shoe. In place of laundry detergent, you can use any of these cleansers:^[1]
- Dish soap
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Window cleaner
2

Fill a bowl with clean, warm water. This will be your "rinse" bowl that you'll use to rinse off your washcloth after applying the cleaning solution.
3
Dip a washcloth in the soap solution and start cleaning your shoes. Section by section, use the cloth to scrub away the dirt and stains. Work the soap into the canvas so it saturates all the way through. Periodically rinse the cloth in the clean water, then dip it in the cleaning solution and keep going.
- If necessary, remove the shoelaces and scrub them with the washcloth, too.
- You can also use this method to clean the inside of the shoes.
4
Scrub the rubber and soles. Most of the dirt will come off easily when scrubbed with a washcloth dipped in the soap solution. For tougher spots, use an old toothbrush to remove ground-in dirt and grit.^[2]
- Scrub the soles of your shoes and the rubber parts attached around the canvas.
- Focus especially on the toe, which tends to pick up a lot of scuff marks.
- A quick cleaning with wet wipes will also do the trick if the rubber parts of your shoes aren't too scuffed.
5

Wipe the shoes with a clean wet cloth. Use it to remove any dirt or soap residue that's still on your shoes after scrubbing them. Take a good look at your shoes to see if you're content with how clean you were able to get them using this method. If stains and deeper scuffs remain, try another method to give your shoes a deeper cleaning.^[3]
6
Let your shoes air dry. You can stuff them with newspaper or another stiff substance to help them keep their shape. Set them in a warm spot with good air circulation so they dry as quickly as possible. Let the laces dry separately, since they may take a little longer to get completely dry. Afterward, you can relace the shoes and wear them right away.^[4]
- To speed the drying along, try putting your shoes outside in the sun. Proceed with caution if your shoes are a dark color, though, since the sun can bleach them a few shades lighter.
- You can also use a hair dryer on a warm setting to help them finish drying.

1

Use a magic eraser to remove stains. A magic eraser is a product that effectively removes grass, food, oil and other types of stains. You can also use it to remove scuff marks from the rubber part of your shoes. Try a magic eraser if regular spot cleaning just isn't cutting it.^[5]
2
Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This mixture is a powerful natural cleaning agent. It's particularly effective for white shoes. If your shoes are another color, test it on the underside of the tongue before you use it on the rest of your shoes, since it could lighten your shoes in color. Here's how use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean your shoes:
- Make a paste with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and ¹⁄₂ tablespoon (7.4 ml) warm water.
- Dip an old toothbrush into the paste and use it to scrub the problem spot on your shoes.
- Allow the paste to dry on your shoes for twenty minutes.
- Rinse the area with clean water. Repeat if necessary.
3
Use rubbing alcohol. This works well for ink stains and small scuff marks. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and use it to saturate the area that is stained. Use the cotton swab to gently wipe the area. If you see that the stain is rubbing off onto the cotton swab, keep going until it's completely gone.
- If you're trying to remove nail polish, try using nail polish remover.
- If you're trying to remove paint, try using a bit of paint thinner.
- You can also use tooth paste to scrub scuff marks.
4
Bleach your shoes. This only works for white Converse shoes; don't try it if your shoes are another color you want to keep! If your shoes are white, bleaching them is a good way to remove the toughest stains. Work in a well-ventilated room, and wear old clothes you don't mind getting splattered with a little bleach.
- Mix one part bleach with five parts water.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain with the bleach mixture.
- Rinse the area with clean water. Repeat as necessary until the stain has been removed.

1

Remove the shoe laces and inserts. This method is great for cleaning your entire shoe, inside and out. Your shoes will get cleaner if you remove the laces and inserts so they can be cleaned separately.
2
Pretreat the shoes with stain remover. If your shoes have deep grass, food or oil stains, they'll come out cleaner if you pretreat them with stain remover. Use the same stain remover you'd use on clothing. Apply it to the stain and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before washing your shoes.
- If your shoes are a deep, saturated color, you might want to test the stain remover on a discreet part of the shoes (like inside the tongue) before applying it to the outside. If it seems to lighten the color, don't use it.
- You should also brush off excess dirt and other debris before washing the shoes. This can clog up your washing machine.
3

Place the shoes, laces and inserts in a washable bag. You can use a delicates bag or a pillowcase tied at the top. This will protect your shoes and keep your washing machine from getting pummeled during the wash cycle.
4
Wash the shoes on the gentle cycle. Use warm water to help loosen the dirt and stains from your shoes. Cool water is also fine if you're worried about keeping your shoes bright in color. Don't be tempted to use hot water, no matter how badly your shoes are stained; the heat will loosen the glue that holds your shoes together, causing them to fall apart much faster than they otherwise would.^[6]
- Use the same amount of detergent that you would use for a small load of laundry.
- Don't wash your shoes with other articles of clothing; your shoes could damage the fabric, especially if it is delicate.
5

Let the shoes air dry. Never dry your shoes in the dryer, even using low heat. Any amount of heat will cause them to fall apart by damaging the glue in your shoes. Instead, stuff them with newspaper or another stiff material and let them dry in a warm spot with good air circulation. Replace the inserts and laces when they're fully dry.^[7]

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Question

Can you machine wash converse?

Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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It's not the preferred method if you're trying to make sure your shoes last as long as possible, but it's not the end of the world if you do wash them. If you do wash them, be sure to use a gentle wash cycle and don't machine-dry your shoes.
Question

How do you get Chuck Taylors clean?

This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Remove the shoelaces first, soaking separately if needed. Rinse the Chuck Taylors under cold water to remove any debris and to stop color run, then scrub either with laundry liquid or with a paste made from 3 parts vinegar and 2 parts baking soda, concentrating most on any stains. Rinse everything off; if the shoes seem clean enough, stop here and dry. Or, wash the shoes in the washing machine on a low or gentle wash, if more cleaning is needed. Always air dry Chuck Taylors, to maintain shape and prevent damage to the shoes.
Question

How do I clean my white Converse?

This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Question

Can I put my converse in the washing machine?

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Yes, Converse shoes can be washed in the washing machine; this is a great way to get them fully cleaned both inside and out. Follow the method outlined above titled "Using the Washing Machine" for the precise instructions. Be sure to pre-treat the shoes first and only use the low or gentle washing cycle.
Question

Can you wash canvas Converse?

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Certainly, you can and it is easy to do. The article explains how to both spot clean and machine wash your canvas Converse shoes. It is always a good idea to wash the Converse by hand first though, using just soap and water and rubbing with a clean damp cloth; anything stuck on the sole can be scrubbed off with a toothbrush or similar. If this doesn't work, you can wash using a low or gentle cycle of the washing machine. Always air dry canvas shoes--the dryer can damage the shoes.
Question

What do I do to clean my white Converse laces?

You can put your laces in a bowl of diluted bleach. Let them sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour and then take them out and dry them on a paper towel. Wash them completely with soap and water to remove the bleach and let them dry in the sun.
Question

Are there changes that need to be made to the steps for those who own the leather Converse?

Yes. Purchase a leather cleaner and a leather conditioner.
Question

How do I clean my pink Converse shoes?

Use a gentle detergent and warm water to clean your shoes. Do not use bleach on the colored canvas.
Question

Can I wash different colored Converse together in the washing machine if I put each pair in a separate pillow case?

Yes, but you run the risk of the colors running. Make sure you wash the shoes on the coldest possible setting.
Question

Will the Chuck Taylor logo wash off when I put my Converse in the washing machine?

No, the logo will not wash off. It could fade a little over time, though, especially after multiple washes.

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Do not reuse the toothbrush to brush your teeth.
You can bleach the rubber part but not the fabric since the fabric will turn yellow.
Try putting toothpaste on the rubber, it makes them look new again, but don't get it on the fabric or it will stain.
Use a toothbrush to clean the shoelace.
You are allowed to wash the laces, too, just be careful if they are not the ones that came with the shoes.
If you wash them in the washing machine, follow our method faithfully or else the rubber might come off.
Don't use any sort of detergent because it might harm the shoes.
Try using nail polish remover.
*When you're done washing them, roll tissue all over the inside and outside of them. Next, paste the tissue all over the shoe and place it on the roof in the sun. This method mostly works with white All-Stars though.

Do not leave your Converse submerged inside of the water for a very long time because that can loosen the glue that holds them together! Wash one shoe, and then the other in fresh water.
Pick one cleaning fluid, and be sure not to mix them as it could cause a chemical reaction.

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Article SummaryX

To clean your Converses, mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 2 cups warm water in a bowl. In a separate bowl, add warm water to use for rinsing. Then, use a washcloth to spot clean your shoes, dipping it into the soapy solution before scrubbing and rinsing out the cloth occasionally. You can also put your Converses in the washing machine if you remove the laces, put them in a washable bag or pillow case, and use the gentle cycle. Always let your shoes air dry. To learn how to clean your Converses with baking soda, scroll down!

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