Do you love your Converse All Stars and can't bear to see them so dirty? Don't panic! Using a few simple home cleaning tools, you will be able to restore your sneakers to their original splendor.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Get ready to clean the Converse All Stars
Step 1. Prepare the necessary tools
Whether you want to make them look new or just get rid of a few large stains, using a few simple home cleaning tools will make them look their best in a short time.
- Get a stain remover, laundry detergent, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, and a magic eraser to remove dirt and stains.
- Also prepare a couple of towels and / or rags to scrub and store your shoes.
- Make sure none of the products you use contain bleach. Even if your All Stars are white in color, avoid putting them in contact with chemicals that can discolor them.
Step 2. Prepare a clean rag and mild soap and water solution
Fill a basin with hot water and add enough soap to foam.
- If you don't have a basin, you can use the sink or bathtub.
- Add hydrogen peroxide for even more effective cleaning.
Step 3. Remove the laces from the shoes
The easiest way to clean the laces is to remove them from your shoes and wash them separately. This will also make it easier to clean the tongue and eyelets.
For now, arrange the strings on a dry rag or towel
Step 4. Let recent mud stains dry
If you've stained or muddied your Converse recently, the best thing you can do is let the dirt dry. In view of the subsequent cleaning of the shoes, this may seem counterproductive to you, but once the mud is dry it is easier to remove.
- If you put your shoes in the bathroom or try to scrub them while the mud is still wet, you risk making the dirt penetrate further into the fabric, complicating its subsequent removal.
- Knock your shoes against each other to help release the dried mud.
- Alternatively, you can try to remove the dried mud using an old toothbrush or shoe brush.
Step 5. Fill the washing machine with fabrics of a similar shade
To protect the washing machine and prevent shoes from hitting hard against the drum, try to stuff it with some similarly colored clothes, rags or towels.
- Do not overfill the washing machine, otherwise the wash cycle will not be as effective.
- It is advisable to use only old clothes or fabrics of little value as they could be damaged due to the presence of shoes.
Part 2 of 2: Clean the Converse All Stars
Step 1. Immerse the All Stars in the soapy water
Leave the shoes to soak for a few minutes so that the fabrics absorb the soap and hydrogen peroxide, then remove them from the water and place them on a dry towel.
- All Stars are mostly made of hemp, a fiber similar to cotton, so don't be afraid to let water penetrate the fabrics.
- If there are grease stains, coat the stained areas with talcum powder or spray them with hairspray, then let the product soak into the fabric before soaking the shoes.
Step 2. Dampen a rag in the soapy water and scrub the fabric parts of the Converse
Start by trying to remove the most subtle stains. If the mop isn't effective enough, replace it with a toothbrush or shoe brush.
- Rub the fabric making small circular movements to remove stains even in depth.
- For even more effective cleaning, rub a stain remover stick on the most problem areas, just like you would a t-shirt or pants.
- If you wish, you can also use a magic eraser to scrub both rubber and fabric parts in an effort to remove stubborn stains.
Step 3. Scrub the rubber parts of the shoes
Depending on the use and age of your sneakers, it may not be possible to completely clean the rubber parts.
- Hitting a hard or greasy surface, such as a bicycle chain, may have scratched or stained the tire indelibly. In this case, get a toothbrush and prepare a solution of water and baking soda, then scrub the damaged or stained parts.
- Pay attention to the rubber strips that line the soles of the shoes laterally. Rubbing too hard you could risk breaking or ungluing them.
Step 4. Soak the strings in the stain remover
You can wash the Converse laces by simply soaking them, but you risk damaging the plastic end and having difficulty reinserting them into the buttonholes. To keep the ends intact, place the strings in a stain remover bottle and let the plastic parts dangle outside the container, then replace the cap to prevent them from falling inside.
- Leave the strings to soak for about a minute, then shake the container for about thirty seconds.
- Be careful in moving the container: the cap will not be perfectly screwed on due to the presence of the strings, so there may be some liquid leaking.
- Take the strings out of the container and scrub them with a rag or toothbrush to remove any residual stains, then allow them to air dry.
Step 5. Put the shoes in the washing machine drum
Although this is not a mandatory step, it is advisable to put your shoes in a bag to protect delicate items during washing. In addition to preserving the shoes, the bag will prevent them from bumping hard against the basket, risking damaging it.
- For ideal basket padding, slip your shoes between clothes and fabrics.
- Set a wash cycle reserved for delicate garments and use cold water to prevent fabric discoloration.
Step 6. Let your Converse All Stars dry
The best thing to do is to let them dry indoors to prevent them from discoloring due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Place them on a dry towel in a warm, bright, and moisture-free place.
- After washing in the washing machine, you may need to slightly reshape your shoes. Just gently fold the fabric and rubber to shape them again.
- Make sure the shoes are laid out on a flat surface.
Step 7. Enjoy your perfectly clean Converse
Advice
- Alternatively, you can clean the rubber parts with a toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste. First protect the fabric parts by covering them with toilet paper and duct tape, just like when you want to protect a surface from whitening, then scrub the rubber parts gently.
- If there are paint stains on the rubber parts, try removing the color using a nail polish remover.
- If your shoes aren't particularly dirty, you can just wash them by hand with soap and water, without putting them in the washing machine.
- For an ideal result, use a laundry detergent also to soak the shoes, being more aggressive than normal soaps it allows a deeper cleaning.
Warnings
- Washing your Converse in the washing machine may cause discoloration of darker or vibrant tones.
- Washing in the washing machine may also loosen or detach the rubber parts.
- Be careful when using markers, they can stain surfaces and fabrics indelibly.
- Never dry Converse in the dryer or near a hot air source. The heat will cause them to shrink and may damage the rubber parts.
