6 Easy Ways to Clean Your Converses

PDF download Download Article
Simple cleaning methods to keep your All Stars shining
PDF download Download Article

Black. White. Pink. Yellow. No matter what color you wear, Converse are classic sneakers that add personality to any outfit. While some scratches add a bit of character to your shoes, there’s nothing worse than a giant stain across the top—especially on a new pair. Luckily, there are a few tricks to remove the most stubborn scrape marks from your sneakers so you can keep them sparkling! From scuffs to food stains, here’s how to spot-clean and deep clean your Converses in just a few easy steps.

This article is based on an interview with our shoe care specialist, Marc Sigal, founder of ButlerBox. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

  • Make a homemade cleaning solution of mild laundry detergent and warm water. Soak a washcloth in the solution and use circular motions to scrub out light stains.
  • Use a magic eraser to buff out scuffs on the rubber parts of the shoe, focusing on the soles and toe box.
  • Wash your shoes in the laundry machine after removing the laces and inserts. Place them in a washable bag, and use cool water on the gentle cycle.
  • After cleaning your shoes, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry overnight at room temperature.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Removing Light Stains

PDF download Download Article
  1. To remove light stains, pour 2 cups (470 mL) of warm water in a bowl and gently stir in 0.25 cups (59 mL) of mild laundry detergent. [1]
    • If your shoes are covered in mud, you might need a second batch of solution to clean both shoes.
    • Instead of laundry detergent, you can also use dish soap, shampoo, body wash, or window cleaner.
  2. This will be your "rinse" bowl that you'll use to rinse off your washcloth after applying the cleaning solution.
    Advertisement
  3. Use small, circular motions to scrub away any dirt or stains, and 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. [2]
    • 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.
    • If you only have a small stain, use a toothbrush to spot-clean your shoes: dip a clean toothbrush in the solution and scrub the stain in circular motions.
  4. For the rubber parts of your shoe, use an old toothbrush to remove ground-in dirt and grit. [3]
    • If the rubber parts aren’t super scuffed, you can also clean them with wet wipes.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Converses
    Wipe your shoes with a damp microfiber cloth . Use it to remove any dirt or soap residue that’s still on your shoes after scrubbing them, and check for stains and scuffs—if they remain, repeat the process until you’re satisfied. [4]
    • If deep stains and scuffs remain after repeating this process twice, try another method to give your shoes a deeper clean.
  6. Stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape, and leave them in a room with good air circulation so they dry as quickly as possible. Let the laces dry separately, and relace your shoes when they're completely dry. [5]
    • You can also put your shoes outside to speed up the drying process, but proceed with caution if your shoes are colored—the sun might bleach them a few shades lighter.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Removing Tough Stains and Scuffs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a magic eraser to remove grass, food, and oil stains. Wet the eraser and squeeze out any excess water. Use the textured side to buff out scuffs on the soles and toe box, and use the smooth side to blot stains out of the canvas. [6]
  2. Mix 6 tablespoons (89 mL) of baking soda, 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of hydrogen peroxide, and 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of warm water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste onto the stained area, then leave it to dry for 30 minutes. Rinse the paste off with a damp microfiber cloth, and repeat until your shoes are sparkling. [7]
    • If you have colored Converse, spot test the paste on the underside of the tongue before using it on the rest of your shoes.
  3. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe it over the problem area of the shoe. Continue rubbing the spot until the stain or scuff is removed, and replace the cotton swab as you go (if it gets dirty). [8]
    • Rubbing alcohol can harden the rubber parts of your shoes and make them wear out more quickly—only use it if previous methods don’t work well.
    • If you’re trying to remove nail polish stains, use acetone to freshen up your Converse .
    • You can also use toothpaste to remove scuff marks on the soles.
  4. If your sneakers have food and drink stains, use a stain remover pen like Tide to Go . Blot the stain with a clean paper towel, then apply the product directly on the problem area. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully absorb, and dab the remaining liquid with a damp cloth. [9]
    • Most stain remover pens don’t include bleach, so you can use them on any colored Converse.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Converses
    Wearing gloves, mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of bleach with 5 tablespoons (74 mL) of water, and use a clean toothbrush to scrub the solution onto the stained area. Rinse the area with clean water, and repeat the process until the stain is gone. [10]
    • Be sure to work in a well-ventilated room, and wear old clothes you don't mind getting splattered with a little bleach.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using the Washing Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Converses
    This allows water to reach every crevice in your shoe. If your laces have caked on dirt or grime, gently brush them with an old toothbrush. [11]
  2. Pretreat your shoes with a stain remover . If your shoes have any set-in stains, apply the remover directly on the problem area, and let it sit for the recommended amount of time before washing your shoes. [12]
    • If you have colored Converse, test the stain remover on the inside of the tongue to make sure it doesn’t lighten your shoes.
    • To avoid clogging your washer, clap your shoes together to get rid of large chunks of dirt, and use an old toothbrush to scrub away excess debris.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Clean Your Converses
    Tie the bag securely, and place it into your washing machine. If you’re using a front-loading washer, pad out the drum with towels to protect your shoes during the wash cycle. [13]
    • If you don’t have a delicates or washable bag, use a pillowcase tied at the top.
  4. Pour in the same amount of detergent that you normally use for a small load of laundry. Turn the load dial to “Small,” and choose the cool water setting to maintain the color of your shoes. [14] Put the spin mode to “Gentle,” then double-check your settings before starting the wash cycle. [15]
    • If your shoes are extremely dirty, you can use warm water to lift the stains from your shoes, but never choose hot water—it can loosen the glue that holds your shoes together, causing them to fall apart faster.
    • Don't wash your shoes with other articles of clothing; your shoes could damage the fabric, especially if it is delicate.
  5. Stuff them with newspaper or another stiff material and let them dry in a spot with good air circulation. When they’re fully dry, put the inserts and laces back in. [16]
    • Never dry your shoes in the dryer, even using low heat—it can damage the glue in your shoes and cause them to fall apart.
    6. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you machine wash converse?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do you get Chuck Taylors clean?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 13
  • Question
    How do I clean my white Converse?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    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 .
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you have white Converse, mix 1 tablespoon of hot water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda together. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the mixture over any dirt and stains.
      • Always air dry your Converse after washing them. Avoid direct heat sources, like radiators or hair dryers, since high heat can warp the shoes or damage the glue that holds them together.
      • Strong detergents and bleaches can damage the fabric of your Converse, so stick to mild cleaning solutions to preserve the color and integrity of the material.
      • If your Converse has a bad odor, sprinkle baking soda on the inside and let it sit overnight. Vacuum or shake out the baking soda the next day.
      • Soak a cotton bud in nail polish remover, then wipe it over the rubber part of the shoe to remove stains.
      • Use hand sanitizer on the rubber of your shoes to get rid of scuff marks and dirt.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • If you have colored Converse, be sure to test your cleaning product on the underside of the tongue—certain solutions can cause the color to fade or lighten.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean Stinky Shoes: Home Remedies for Fresh Feet
      How to
      Make Your Sneakers Look New Again
      How to
      Shine Shoes
      How to
      Polish Shoes
      The Best Ways to Clean Suede Shoes without Ruining Them
      Hand-Wash or Machine-Wash Your On Cloud Running Shoes
      The 4 Best Ways to Clean White Shoes
      How to
      Wash Shoes in a Washing Machine
      How to
      Wash Mesh Shoes by Hand or in the Washing Machine
      Are Your White Converse Dirty? Here’s How to Get Them Looking Fresh
      How to
      Clean Adidas Gazelles
      How to
      Clean Skechers Shoes
      How to
      Get Oil Out of Shoes
      How to
      Clean Dr. Martens Shoes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.converse.com/uk/en/product-care/product-care-faq.html
      2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-white-sneakers
      3. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-white-sneakers
      5. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      6. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/o4hLOYGXA9o?t=31
      8. ↑ https://smnw.com/17724/news/how-to-clean-white-converse-shoes
      9. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-white-sneakers
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/NLKAIh7CrE8?t=134
      2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/10/10/smarter-living/how-to-clean-sneakers.html
      3. ↑ https://smnw.com/17724/news/how-to-clean-white-converse-shoes
      4. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/10/10/smarter-living/how-to-clean-sneakers.html
      5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/10/10/smarter-living/how-to-clean-sneakers.html
      6. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      7. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      8. Videos provided by Jill's Creative Lifestyle

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      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!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,393,602 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Trinity Shotwell

        Mar 11, 2017

        "I have black/white/purple-striped Converse, and I have a performance coming up where I have to wear them, so having ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement