Q&A for How to Clean Your Converses

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.

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.

You can use various methods for cleaning white Converse shoes, including using baking soda and vinegar, or a gentle laundry wash, or rubbing with a Magic Eraser for scuff marks. For a full set of instructions for cleaning your white Converse, refer to How to Clean White Converse .

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.

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.

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.

Yes. Purchase a leather cleaner and a leather conditioner.

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

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

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

It would most likely brighten it up. An old toothbrush will also help.

Place your shoes in the washer with some dishrags or towels. Add bleach to the part of your washer where you add detergent and place it on the "whites" cycle. Press start, wait for the washer to finish, take them out, and air dry them.

Inserts collect the most dirt and bad smell from your feet. It is recommend to remove them for a better clean and to help remove odors. In some cases, insoles are made of non-fabric to stop this from happening - in this case, don't wash them.

It depends. Some people find that some off-brand Converse are easily damaged, and that the colors bleed or run when the shoes get damp. Try doing a patch test on an inconspicuous area of the shoe first, such as the tongue or back first. If the shoe isn't damaged, you can proceed with the rest of the method on the rest of the shoe.

It's not likely the drycleaner would accept your sneakers, but some places might make an exception.

Yes, it will. The following steps work on most - if not all - Converse.

The same way you'd clean any Converses! Personally I recommend the baking soda method.

You can try using a dye made for shoes. They make different shades, so be careful to get the correct one.

You cannot return them to their normal color unless they were originally white.

Yes, you can. You just wash them normally like you do your clothes. It does not matter what temperature. Wash your shoelaces with light clothes to prevent turning you laces a different color.

I would recommend a hand washing process. I believe a washing machine, even on delicate, could cause damage to the fabric and pattern.

You can find it almost anywhere, in pharmacies, dollar stores, most grocery stores, Walmart, etc.

Bleaching Converse shoes tends to turn them off-white or a yellowish tone instead of pure white.

I've washed my Converses in the washing machine many times and I usually only remove the laces. Nothing has ever happened to the insoles.

No, it is sewn on and will not lose color. Also, washing it on delicate will help preserve the bright colors.

No. The heat will cause the glue that holds your shoes together to melt and the shoes will come apart much quicker then normal. Let them air-dry. If you are in a hurry, you can try a hair dryer on the cool setting.

Yes, it will turn them yellow, so I don't recommend doing this.

Yes, but it will cause the color to fade.

They will likely turn gray because the fabric was originally such a dark color, and the bleach isn't strong enough to to make them completely white

No, bleach will whiten them if your shoes aren't really dirty. Very dirty shoes may not come completely clean, even with bleach.