Converse shoes tend to accumulate dirt and scuff under the laces, but are also easy to clean. A manual cleaning will be able to remove most of the dirt and stains on the surface. If your shoes need a thorough washing, you can use the washing machine. For the worst marks and stains, there are also some tricks that can eliminate them quickly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove stains
Step 1. Prepare a cleaning solution
Because Converse are made of canvas, regular laundry detergent in the washing machine is effective on dirt and light stains. In a basin, mix 60 ml of detergent with half a liter of hot water. If your shoes are covered in mud, you may need to make two separate doses of cleaning solution, one for each shoe. Instead of washing machine detergent, you can use one of these detergents:
- Dish soap.
- Shampoo.
- Shower gel.
- Window cleaner.
Step 2. Fill a second basin with clean, warm water
It will be the container for the "rinsing", used to rinse the cloth following the application of the detergent solution.
Step 3. Dip a washcloth in the soapy solution and start cleaning the shoes
Section by section, use the washcloth to scrub away dirt and stains. You will need to saturate the fabric of the shoes with soap. Periodically rinse the cloth in clean water, then dip it back into the cleaning solution and continue.
- If necessary, remove the strings and scrub them too with the soapy cloth.
- With this same method you can also wash the inside of the shoes.
Step 4. Scrub the rubber parts and soles
Most of the dirt will be removed easily if rubbed with the soapy cloth. For stubborn stains, use an old toothbrush to remove dirt between the fibers and between the rubber details.
- Scrub the soles, spikes and side rubber parts.
- Focus especially on the tips, which tend to get marked noticeably.
- If the rubber parts are not excessively dirty or marked, even a quick cleaning performed using wet wipes can be effective.
Step 5. Wipe the shoes with a clean damp cloth
Use it to remove any dirt and soap residue after scrubbing them. Look at the shoes carefully and decide if you are satisfied with the result obtained with this method. If there are additional stains and deep marks, try a different one to clean them deeper.
Step 6. Let the shoes air dry
You can fill them with newsprint or a different stiff material to keep them in shape. Place them in a warm and well-ventilated place so that they dry as quickly as possible. Let the strings dry separately, as it will take a little longer for them to dry completely. Then reinsert the laces and immediately put on your clean shoes.
- To speed up the drying process, try exposing your shoes to the sun. However, note that the sun may tend to discolour the darker shades of fabric.
- You can try to complete the drying of your Converse with the hair dryer, setting it to medium heat.
Method 2 of 3: Use the Washing Machine
Step 1. Remove the laces from the shoes
This method is great for cleaning shoes in their entirety, both inside and out. If possible, also remove any internal insoles, to be able to wash them thoroughly, as well as the laces.
Step 2. Pretreat your shoes with a stain remover
If there are grass, food or oil stains, you will get a deeper clean by pre-treating them with a stain remover. Use the same product you normally use for clothing. Apply it to stains and let it sit for the recommended time before washing your shoes.
- If your shoes are of a dark and uniform shade, it is advisable to test the stain remover on a part of the fabric that is not very visible (such as on the tongue) before proceeding with the external application. In case the color seems to lighten, do not use it.
- Before washing the shoes, it is also good to remove the dirt and excess residues with a brush. This will prevent them from clogging the washing machine.
Step 3. Place your shoes, laces and insoles in a washable bag
You can use a pillowcase tied at the end or a special bag for delicate clothing. Your shoes, as well as your washing machine, will be protected.
Step 4. Wash your shoes on a gentle cycle
Use hot water to help loosen dirt and stains. If you are concerned that your shoes are discolored, you can opt for cold water. Don't be tempted by the idea of using boiling water, whatever the condition of your shoes; intense heat would risk detaching the rubber parts, causing them to deteriorate more rapidly.
- Use the same amount of detergent that you would use for a small amount of laundry.
- Do not wash your shoes at the same time as other items of clothing; fabrics, especially if delicate, could be damaged.
Step 5. Let the shoes air dry
Never use the dryer, not even at minimum heat; the heat would ruin the glue. Instead, fill them with newsprint or a different stiff material to keep them in good shape. Place them in a warm and well-ventilated place so that they dry as quickly as possible. Reinsert the laces and insoles as soon as they are completely dry.
Method 3 of 3: Tips for Removing Spots and Streaks
Step 1. Use a magic eraser to remove stains
Magic Eraser is a product that effectively removes stains from grass, food, oils and any other kind. You can use it to remove marks and streaks from rubber parts as well. If the regular stain remover isn't enough, try using a magic eraser.
Step 2. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
It is a powerful natural cleansing blend that is particularly effective on white shoes. For colors other than white, test a small amount on the underside of the tab first, making sure it does not discolour the tones. Here's how to use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to clean shoes:
- Make a pasty solution with 1 tablespoon of baking soda, ½ tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and ½ tablespoon of hot water.
- Dip an old toothbrush in the solution and use it to scrub the problem stains.
- Allow the solution to dry on your shoes for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse the area with clean water. Repeat as needed.
Step 3. Use denatured alcohol
It is effective on ink blots and minor streaks. Soak a cotton swab in alcohol and use it to saturate the stained area and gently clean it. If you notice that the stain is transferring to the cotton, continue until it is completely gone.
- If you're looking to get rid of some nail polish, try using acetone.
- If you have paint stains, try using a specific thinner.
- You can also use toothpaste to remove streaks.
Step 4. Bleach your shoes
This suggestion is only for white shoes; do not use it for other colors! Bleaching white shoes is a good way to remove stubborn stains. Do this in a well-ventilated room, and wear clothes you don't care about as you could ruin them with a splash of bleach.
- Mix one part of bleach with five parts of water.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub the stain with the whitening mixture.
- Rinse the area with clean water. If necessary, repeat until the stain is completely removed.
Advice
- If the strings are not the original ones, make sure they can be washed using one of the methods described.
- Do not reuse your toothbrush to clean your teeth.
- You can bleach the rubber parts but not the fabric, otherwise it will yellow.
- Do not use any type of detergent, as it may damage the shoes.
- Try to avoid using nail polish remover.
- Do not wash the shoes in the washing machine, otherwise the rubber parts will come undone.
