Dirty Converse can be frustrating and make you feel less confident. Nobody wants to wear such shoes and go out in public. But did you know you can easily clean your Converse sneakers with simple things?
Yes, that’s true.
We’ve used many methods and found that some of them can even make your shoes brand new.
To clean Converse sneakers, you can use nail polish remover. Simply apply and rub gently. If the shoes are a lot dirtier, then you should use baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, or magic erasers.
Want a step by step guide? Then, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Always use nail polish remover to clean the rubber parts of your Converse.
- You can mix baking soda and vinegar for an effective stain remover.
- For stubborn stains, make a paste with powdered laundry detergent and warm water to scrub your shoes.
- A Magic Eraser works wonders on tough dirt and stains.
- If you want to do some quick cleaning, combine non-gel white toothpaste with hand soap.
- You should clean your Converse after every few wears to keep them looking fresh.
Now, the details.
Method #01: Nail Polish Remover
To clean your Converse with nail polish remover, you will have to do simple steps. You will be using a cotton ball to apply the remover to the rubber areas.
However, let us tell you that this method is not for those Converse shoes that are full of stains. If the sneakers have one or two patches, then you should go for this method.
Here are the steps:
Gather Your Supplies
First, you'll need some nail polish remover and a few cotton balls. Before you purchase the remover, make sure that it contains acetone. In our experience, Acetone is what makes this method effective.
If you don't find such nail polish in the store, you can borrow it. Similarly, if you're cleaning multiple pairs, you will need more than one cotton ball.
Apply the Nail Polish Remover
Pour some nail polish remover onto a cotton ball. You don't need a lot, just enough to soak the cotton ball. After this, press the cotton ball against the rubber parts of your Converse and let it sit for a few minutes.
But why?
Well, the reason we recommend letting it sit for a few minutes is that doing this allows the acetone to break down the dirt and grime.
Scrub the Rubber Areas
After letting the nail polish remover sit, it's time to scrub. You can use the same cotton ball or grab a new one if needed.
Here, we want you to remember this: Gently rub the rubber areas in a “circular” motion. You should see the dirt and stains coming off.
In this step, be patient and take your time. You might need to apply more nail polish remover if the stains are really tough.
Wipe and Dry
Once the rubber areas look clean, we suggest wiping them down with a damp cloth. This removes any leftover nail polish remover. It's important to get rid of all the acetone residue.
After wiping, you should also let your Converse air dry. You can place them in a well-ventilated area but avoid direct sunlight. This keeps the rubber from getting damaged.
Check for Remaining Stains
Finally, take a good look at your Converse. If you see any remaining stains, repeat the process. We’ve found that stubborn stains need a second round of cleaning. If you also sense this, just apply the nail polish remover again and scrub.
Method #02: Baking Soda and Vinegar
To clean Converse with baking soda and vinegar, mix baking soda with vinegar (the ratio should be 2:3). Apply the mixture to your shoes with a brush, scrub, and rinse with water.
This method helps remove stains and leaves your Converse looking bright and fresh.
Mix the Baking Soda and Vinegar
First, you'll need to gather baking soda and vinegar. These common household items are great for cleaning.
Also, note that you should use a non-metal bowl and spoon for mixing because metal can react with the ingredients.
Combine two parts baking soda with three parts vinegar. The mixture will fizz up, which is normal. This reaction helps lift dirt and stains from your shoes.
Apply the Mixture to Your Shoes
Dip a brush into the mixture and start applying it to the dirty areas of your Converse. Use circular motions to scrub the stains.
Important Note: Make sure to cover all the dirty spots on your shoes.
Scrub Thoroughly
Keep scrubbing until you see the stains start to disappear. You might need to reapply the mixture a few times if the stains are really tough. Be patient here. The goal is to get your Converse looking as clean as possible.
If you're also cleaning the soles, focus on those areas, too.
Rinse with Water
Once you've scrubbed all the dirty spots, rinse your shoes with water. You can use a damp cloth to wipe off the baking soda and vinegar mixture. Take your time and make sure to remove all the residue.
This step is important because leftover baking soda can make your shoes look dusty.
Dry Your Shoes
After rinsing, let your shoes air dry. Stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade and the fabric to weaken.
Be patient and let them dry completely before wearing them again.
Inspect and Repeat if Necessary
Take a look at your shoes once they're dry. If you see any remaining stains, you can repeat the process. Sometimes, really stubborn stains need a second cleaning. Just mix up more baking soda and vinegar and go through the steps again.
With a little effort, your Converse will look bright and fresh.
Method #03: Powdered Laundry Detergent
To clean Converse with powdered laundry detergent, mix the detergent with warm water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your shoes, scrub gently, and rinse with water.
In our opinion, this method can “refresh” your Converse.
Prepare the Detergent Paste
First, you'll need powdered laundry detergent and warm water. The warm water helps dissolve the detergent and makes it easier to clean your shoes. In a bowl, mix enough powdered detergent with warm water to create a thick paste. The paste should be easy to spread but not too watery.
Apply the Paste to Your Shoes
Use a brush or cloth to apply the detergent paste to the dirty areas of your Converse. Make sure to cover all the spots that need cleaning.
We’ve found that the detergent paste works well because it's slightly abrasive. People have also told us that it helps to lift dirt and stains from the fabric.
Tip: Apply a generous amount to ensure thorough cleaning.
Scrub the Shoes
Once you've applied the paste, start scrubbing. Use a brush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the fabric. Scrub in circular motions to work the detergent into the stains. This helps break down the dirt and makes it easier to remove.
Take your time and focus on areas that are particularly dirty.
Rinse with Water
After scrubbing, rinse your shoes with clean water. You can use a damp cloth to wipe off the detergent paste. Make sure to remove all the detergent, as any leftover residue can cause the fabric to become stiff.
Dry Your Shoes
Let your shoes air dry completely before wearing them again. This helps ensure they stay in good condition.
To dry your Converse, stuff them with newspaper to help maintain their shape. Place them in a well-ventilated area (must be away from direct sunlight).
Check for Remaining Dirt
After your shoes are dry, take a close look to see if any dirt or stains remain. If needed, repeat the process with more detergent paste.
Method #04: Magic Eraser
To clean Converse with a Magic Eraser, dampen the eraser and gently scrub the rubber areas. Here’s what to do:
Get Your Magic Eraser Ready
First, you'll need a Magic Eraser. These are great for cleaning because they work like a gentle scrubber. Start by dampening the Magic Eraser with a little water. Squeeze out any excess water so it's not dripping. The eraser should be damp but not soaking wet.
Apply to Rubber Areas
Begin by focusing on the rubber parts of your Converse. The Magic Eraser works wonders in these areas. Gently scrub the rubber with the eraser. You'll see the dirt and stains coming off almost immediately.
Note: Use circular motions and be gentle to avoid damaging the rubber.
Scrub the Canvas
If the canvas part of your Converse also needs cleaning, you can use the Magic Eraser there too. Be even more gentle with the canvas to avoid any wear or tear. Dampen the eraser a bit more if needed, and scrub lightly.
The eraser helps lift dirt without being too harsh on the fabric.
Rinse and Wipe
After scrubbing with the Magic Eraser, it's a good idea to wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth. This removes any eraser residue and leftover dirt. Make sure to wipe all areas you've cleaned.
A quick rinse ensures your Converse is free from any cleaning products.
Dry Your Shoes
To dry your Converse, stuff them with newspaper and Place them in a well-ventilated area. This helps them keep their shape while they air dry.
Then, take a look at your shoes to see if there's any dirt left.
Method #05: Toothpaste and Hand Soap
To clean Converse quickly, you can mix non-gel white toothpaste with a bit of hand soap. In our experience, this combo works wonders on tough stains really well.
Gather Your Supplies
First, grab some non-gel white toothpaste and regular hand soap. These are everyday items you probably already have at home. The toothpaste should be plain white, not the gel kind, for the best results.
Also, keep a small bowl and a toothbrush handy for mixing and scrubbing.
Mix the Toothpaste and Hand Soap
In a small bowl, squeeze out an equal amount of toothpaste and hand soap. You don’t need a lot, just enough to cover the dirty spots on your shoes. Mix them together until you get a smooth paste. This combo makes a powerful cleaner for your Converse.
Apply the Mixture to Your Shoes
Dip the toothbrush into the paste and start applying it to the dirty areas of your shoes. Focus on one section at a time.
Keep scrubbing until you see the stains start to lift. This might take a few minutes, so be patient.
Rinse with Water
After scrubbing, it’s time to rinse. Use a damp cloth or a sponge to wipe off the toothpaste and soap mixture. Make sure you remove all the residue, as any leftover paste can make your shoes look dull.
Dry Your Shoes
Let your shoes air dry completely before wearing them again. Stuff them with newspaper to help them keep their shape. Place them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Once your shoes are dry, check for any spots you might have missed. If there are still stains, just repeat the process.
But note that if you also have Chacos, then cleaning method is a little different. If you’re interested, check out our easy ways to clean Chacos that you will definitely be going to like.
How to Clean White Converse?
To clean the white Converse, remove the laces and brush off the dirt. Scrub with a mix of dish soap and warm water. For tough stains, use a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
Here’s the step-by-step guide:
Untie and Remove Laces
First, untie your Converse and remove the laces. This makes it easier to clean every part of the shoes. Set the laces aside to clean separately. Grab a toothbrush or washcloth and gently wipe off any caked-on dirt or grime from the surface of the shoes.
This step gets rid of loose dirt that could get in the way of a deep clean.
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
In a bowl, mix:
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of dish soap
- 1 cup (235 milliliters) of warm water.
This solution helps break down stains and clean the fabric.
Dip your brush or cloth into the mixture and scrub each side of your shoes. Use back-and-forth strokes to cover all areas. Make sure to scrub dirty spots until the stains disappear. This process might take a bit of time, but it's worth it for clean shoes.
Wipe and Dry Your Shoes
After scrubbing, wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any leftover suds. You don’t want soap residue drying on your shoes.
To dry your shoes, crumple some newspaper and place it inside them. The newspaper helps your shoes keep their shape while they air dry. Avoid direct heat like hairdryers, as it can damage the fabric and shape of your shoes.
Remove Stubborn Stains
For tough stains, mix:
- 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of baking soda.
- 1/2 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of water.
- 1/2 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
Spread the paste on the stained areas with a toothbrush or washcloth. Leave your shoes in the sun for 4 to 5 hours. After they’ve dried, use a clean brush or cloth to remove the dried paste.
Your shoes should look much cleaner!
Clean the Shoelaces
While your shoes dry, you can clean the laces. Soak them in a bowl of soapy water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, take them out and lay them flat to air dry.
That’s all.
How Often Should You Clean Your Converse?
We recommend cleaning your Converse whenever they look dirty. Always remember that regular cleaning helps the sneakers stay fresh and last longer.
Here’s when should you clean Converse:
After Every Few Wears
In our experience, the best time to clean your Converse is after every few wears. If you wear them regularly, dirt and grime can build up quickly. Giving them a quick clean every week helps keep them looking nice. This way, you don’t have to do a deep clean all the time.
When They Look Dirty
Another good time to clean your Converse is when they look dirty. We know that sometimes it’s easy to forget about cleaning until you notice the dirt.
If you see stains or mud on your shoes, it’s a good idea to clean them right away. This prevents the dirt from setting in and becoming harder to remove.
Before Storing Them Away
If you’re putting your Converse away for a season, make sure to clean them first. We found out that storing dirty shoes can make stains harder to clean later.
Clean shoes stay in better condition and are ready to wear when you need them again. Plus, they’ll smell fresher when you take them out.
After Getting Wet or Muddy
Have you ever worn your Converse in the rain or mud? In our opinion, this is a great time to clean them. Wet or muddy shoes can get stained if left uncleaned. Dry them properly and clean off any mud or dirt as soon as you can.
For Special Occasions
If you have a special event or outing, you’ll want your Converse to look their best. We believe giving them a good clean before any special occasion is a must. Clean shoes not only look better but also make you feel more confident.
FAQs
Can You Put Converse in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can put Converse in the washing machine. However, to do it safely, use a gentle cycle with cold water and place them in a mesh laundry bag. At the end, you should also air dry them.
What If My Converse Smells Bad?
To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda inside your Converse and let it sit overnight. Shake out the baking soda the next day. You can also use odor-neutralizing sprays (if you want to).
Can I Use Bleach to Clean My White Converse?
You should avoid using bleach as it can damage the fabric and turn white shoes yellow. Stick to mild soap and water for the best results.
How Do I Prevent My Converse from Getting Dirty?
To keep your Converse clean, spray them with a fabric protector. Also, try to avoid wearing them in muddy or wet conditions.