Let’s be real: dirty Converse are just sad to look at. Everybody gets it. That’s why a lot of sneaker lovers ask us, How to clean your Converse using safe methods?
Good news? We’ve got the answer:
To clean your Converse, remove the laces and brush off loose dirt. Make a solution with mild soap and use it to scrub the sneakers. After this, rinse the shoes and air-dry.
That’s not it. In addition, you can use baking soda, vinegar, Magic Eraser, and many other materials to clean your Converse shoes.
Want complete info?
Then, stay with us as we explain the cleaning process step-by-step.
Key Points
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Use baking soda and vinegar paste for deep cleaning Converse without harsh chemicals.
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Hand washing with mild soap and warm water works best for white canvas pairs.
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Use a magic eraser or toothpaste for cleaning rubber parts and toe caps.
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Avoid the dryer—air drying in the shade keeps your Converse safe and white.
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Machine washing is okay if done in a mesh bag with cold water only.
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Use peroxide and baking soda to brighten stained or old white Converse.
How to Clean Your Converse? (The Baking Soda Method)
To clean your Converse using baking soda and vinegar, make a simple paste and scrub the shoes gently. This method works great on both canvas and rubber areas. It's a natural and safe way to remove stains without using any harsh chemicals. You just need baking soda, vinegar, and a toothbrush.
Here’s how to clean Converse shoes at home using baking soda:
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Remove Laces: Take off the laces to clean them separately and reach all shoe areas.
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Make the Paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of warm water.
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Apply the Paste: Use a toothbrush to spread the paste onto dirty parts of the shoes.
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Scrub Gently: Scrub in small circles without pressing too hard.
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Let It Sit: Leave the paste on the shoes for 15–20 minutes to lift stains.
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Rinse Off: Wipe with a clean damp cloth or rinse under gentle running water.
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Air Dry: Let the shoes dry naturally in a shaded area.
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Clean Laces: Soak laces in soapy water or leftover paste, then rinse and air dry.
How to Clean White Canvas Converse High Tops? (Mild Soap Method)
The easiest way to clean white canvas Converse high tops is by hand using mild soap and warm water. This method keeps the fabric safe and prevents yellow stains or color fading. Use a soft brush to scrub the shoes gently, then rinse with a damp cloth.
Here are the steps:
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Remove the Laces: Take the laces out so you can clean the tongue and every part of the fabric.
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Mix Soap Solution: Combine a few drops of mild dish soap or detergent with warm water.
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Dip the Brush: Dip a soft brush or toothbrush into the soapy water.
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Scrub the Fabric: Gently scrub all over the shoes, focusing on stained or dirty spots.
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Wipe With Cloth: Use a damp cloth to wipe off leftover soap.
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Air Dry in Shade: Place the shoes in a cool shaded spot to dry completely.
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Clean the Laces: Soak laces in soapy water, rinse them, and let them air dry.
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Optional Touch-Up: For stubborn marks, use a magic eraser once the shoes are dry.
How to Clean Converse Rubber? (Magic Eraser)
To clean the rubber on your Converse shoes, use a magic eraser or a toothbrush with a bit of white toothpaste. With them, you can remove dirt, scuff marks, and stains from the rubber toe caps and soles quickly. Here’s how:
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Choose a Tool: Use a clean magic eraser or a toothbrush.
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Wet the Tool: Lightly dampen the eraser or toothbrush.
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Add Toothpaste (If Using Brush): Apply a small amount of white (non-gel) toothpaste.
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Scrub the Rubber: Focus on the rubber toe caps, soles, and edges.
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Wipe Clean: Use a damp cloth to wipe off the dirt and toothpaste.
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Repeat If Needed: If the stains are strong, repeat the process.
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Dry the Shoes: Let them air dry completely before wearing.
After cleaning, make sure you know the best ways to maintain your Converse. For this, read this guide on How to maintain your Converse shoes.
How to Clean Converse Fabric? (Hand Wash)
To clean Converse fabric properly, hand wash the shoes with gentle detergent and cold water. This method protects the material while removing dirt and stains. It’s ideal for both colored and white Converse shoes.
Follow these steps to clean converse fabric:
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Remove the Laces: Start by taking out the shoelaces to clean the fabric easily.
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Make the Mix: Combine a bit of gentle detergent with cold water.
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Dip a Cloth or Brush: Use a soft brush or cloth, dip it in the solution, and shake off the extra water.
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Scrub the Fabric: Clean the fabric in small sections with gentle circular motion.
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Rinse with Cloth: Wipe the soap away using a clean, damp cloth.
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Let Air Dry: Set the shoes in a cool shaded area until completely dry.
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Wash the Laces: Soak the laces in the same mix, rinse, and dry them flat.
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Final Touch: Once dry, check for leftover stains and spot-clean again if needed.
How to Clean Converse in Washing Machine? (Cold Wash)
People often ask, Can you clean Converse shoes in a washing machine? Yes, you can clean Converse in the washing machine, but only if you do it right. Always use cold water, place the shoes in a mesh bag, and use mild detergent. Never use bleach or hot water, and don’t toss them in the dryer.
Simple, right?
Here are the steps to clean converse in a washing machine:
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Remove the Laces: Take out the laces so they don’t get tangled. Wash them separately.
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Put Shoes in Mesh Bag: Place both shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase.
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Use Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of gentle detergent to your washing machine.
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Set Cold Wash: Use a cold water cycle to avoid damage or shrinking.
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Skip the Spin: If possible, turn off the spin cycle or keep it gentle.
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Air Dry Only: Take the shoes out right after washing and let them dry naturally in the shade.
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Clean the Laces: Wash laces by hand or toss them in a separate laundry bag.
How to Clean Converse Toe Cap? (Toothpaste and Soft Brush Scrub Method)
The rubber toe cap on Converse can get scuffed and dirty fast. The easiest way to clean it is by using a small amount of white toothpaste and a soft brush.
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Get White Toothpaste: Use non-gel, white toothpaste for best results.
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Grab a Soft Brush: Use an old toothbrush or a soft cleaning brush.
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Apply Toothpaste: Squeeze a small amount onto the toe cap.
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Scrub Gently: Brush in small circles over the stained areas.
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Wipe Clean: Use a damp cloth to wipe off the toothpaste.
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Repeat If Needed: For tough stains, go over them a second time.
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Dry It Off: Pat dry with a clean towel and let air dry fully.
How to Clean White Converse Without Turning Them Yellow?
To clean white Converse without turning them yellow, always use cold water and then dry the shoes upside down in a shaded spot. Yellowing happens when the glue heats up or reacts with the sun.
Do these steps clean white Converse without turning them yellow:
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Remove the Laces: Take off the laces to avoid tangling and get a full clean.
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Use Gentle Detergent: Mix cold water with a small amount of mild soap.
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Scrub the Shoes: Use a soft brush or cloth to clean dirt from all over.
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Rinse with Cold Water: Wipe off soap with a damp cloth or light rinse.
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Air Dry Upside Down: Hang shoes upside down in a shaded area to prevent yellowing.
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Avoid Direct Sun: Never dry in direct sunlight—it causes glue marks and yellow stains.
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Clean the Laces: Wash them in the same solution, rinse, and dry flat.
How to Clean Converse Black?
To clean black Converse shoes, the safest way is spot cleaning with a diluted, color-safe detergent. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub gently. This method keeps the black color looking deep and rich, while getting rid of dust, mud, and stains.
If you want to clean black Converse, then follow these steps:
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Dilute the Detergent: Mix a small amount of color-safe detergent with cold water.
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Use a Soft Cloth: Dip it in the solution and wring out extra water.
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Spot Clean Gently: Wipe down the dirty areas without soaking the fabric.
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Focus on Stains: Scrub stained spots using a soft brush or cloth in circles.
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Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Go over the area with clean water to remove soap.
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Let Air Dry in Shade: Set them in a cool, shaded area to dry fully.
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Check for Color Fade: If needed, spot clean again using less water next time.
Looking to upgrade your old Converse? Here’s how to style your Converse like Mihara Yasuhiro’s.
Final Words
Now you know how to clean your Converse. Here’s a recap:
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Use the right method based on your shoe color and fabric.
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Stick to cold water and mild cleaners for safe results.
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Air dry only—never toss them in a dryer or under harsh sunlight.
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Spot clean often to avoid deep stains later.
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A toothbrush, some baking soda, and patience go a long way.
That’s all.
