Learn how to maintain your Converse shoes the right way. Click here to find cleaning tips for canvas, leather, and suede, plus drying and maintenance advice!
Key Points:
- Converse shoes are made from canvas, leather, suede, and rubber. Each requires different cleaning and maintenance methods.
- Canvas is durable and breathable but absorbs stains easily, needing gentle cleaning with mild detergent and proper drying.
- Leather offers a luxurious feel but needs regular cleaning with leather cleaner and conditioning to prevent scuffs and cracking.
- Suede is delicate and prone to staining, so it requires careful cleaning with a suede brush and eraser and protection with a suede protector spray.
- Rubber parts of Converse are more resistant to dirt and can be cleaned with soap and water, focusing on scrubbing the grooves and textured areas.
- Use a soft brush for canvas, a soft cloth for leather, and a suede brush for suede to avoid damaging the materials.
- Always air dry shoes away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their shape and prevent damage.
Understanding the Difference in Converse Materials
Converse shoes are usually made of canvas, rubber, suede, or leather, but canvas is the most common.
All these materials have different properties, as some are lightweight and breathable but more susceptible to stains (like canvas), while others have a more polished appearance and durability but require extra care to maintain their quality (such as leather and suede).
According to Converse’s official website, all these materials require different cleaning methods. The only thing similar is how you should dry them, which is machine drying. These shoes are meant to air dry at room temperature, using paper to maintain their shape and changing the paper as needed.
Therefore, knowing the difference in these materials will help you a lot in cleaning and maintaining your Converse shoes. Let’s do that!
Canvas Converse Shoes
Canvas is a durable, woven fabric typically made from cotton or a cotton blend. It is known for its breathability and lightweight nature, making it a popular choice for casual footwear.
However, because of its slightly textured surface, it can absorb stains and dirt more readily than other materials.
Leather Converse Shoes
Leather is a high-quality, durable material known for its luxurious feel and classic appearance. It is resistant to water and general wear but requires proper care to maintain its appearance and flexibility.
Suede Converse Shoes
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish, known for its rich texture and luxurious appearance. While it is softer than other types of leather, suede is also more susceptible to staining and water damage.
Rubber
Rubber is used mainly for the outsole and toe cap of Converse shoes. It provides durability, flexibility, and traction. It is also resilient and resistant to wear but can accumulate dirt and debris quickly.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Canvas Converse Shoes?
Canvas Converse shoes are easy to clean, but they require careful handling to avoid damaging the fabric or affecting the color. Usually, any mild detergent would work but it's important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
You Will Need
Grab these items to clean your Converse shoes made of canvas:
- Mild detergent (liquid or powder)
- Warm water
- Soft brush (or just use an old toothbrush)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Clean towels or paper towels
- White vinegar (for stubborn stains)
- Baking soda (optional, for deodorizing shoes)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Canvas Converse Shoes
Canvas shoes are light, so they need gentle treatment. Even for tougher stains, keep your touch light and consistent, and do not use force in any way.
- Remove laces from your Converse shoes.
- Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently remove any loose dirt or debris from the canvas. Remember to brush in a gentle, circular motion to avoid damaging the fabric, as the canvas is already very light material.
- Take a tub and fill it with warm water (alternatively, you can also fill a basin with warm water).
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.
- Stir until the detergent is fully dissolved and the solution becomes soapy.
- If your canvas Converse shoes have stubborn stains, gently clean them with a soapy solution. Apply a small amount of the soapy solution directly to the affected areas using a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub the stain in a circular motion.
- If the stain is still there, you can mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and apply it to the stain before scrubbing.
- After removing all the stains, dip the soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the entire surface of the canvas in a gentle, circular motion. Clean the sides and the toe cap as well.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the soapy solution from the canvas. Rinse the cloth frequently to remove all the soap residue.
- Pat the shoes with a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Reshape the shoes by inserting shoe trees or stuffing them with paper to keep their shape as they dry.
- While the shoes are drying, clean the laces by soaking them in a bowl of soapy water. Gently scrub them with a brush or cloth if needed. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.
- Air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that can cause the canvas to become brittle.
Tips & Tricks to Maintaining Canvas Converse Shoes
- Regularly brush off loose dirt and dust with a soft brush to prevent buildup and keep your shoes looking fresh.
- Try to keep your canvas shoes dry. If they do get wet, air dry them promptly and avoid using a dryer or exposing them to direct sunlight.
- Apply a canvas-specific water and stain-repellent spray to help protect your shoes from future stains and water damage.
- To deodorize your canvas shoes, sprinkle baking soda inside them and let them sit overnight. Shake out the excess baking soda before wearing them again.
- For quick touch-ups, keep a small bottle of cleaning solution and a sponge handy. This can help you deal with minor stains before they are set.
- Do not use bleach on canvas shoes as it can cause discoloration and damage the fabric.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Leather Converse Shoes?
Leather Converse needs extra care because they are prone to scuffs, stains, and cracking if not properly maintained. To clean them properly:
You Will Need
To clean your leather Converse sneakers:
- Leather cleaner
- Soft cloths or sponges
- Leather conditioner
- Water
- Shoe brush (better if a soft-bristled brush)
- Paper towels or shoe trees
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Leather Converse Shoes
- Take out the laces from your Converse shoes.
- Use a shoe brush or a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the leather. Focus more on the seams and the area around the eyelets, as dirt and debris accumulate more in these places.
- Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with water and apply a small amount of leather cleaner. Also, refer to the product instructions for the correct amount to use.
- Gently rub the damp cloth or sponge over the leather in circular motions. Clean areas with visible stains or dirt, but do not use too much water or cleaner. If the leather becomes overly wet, it will lose its effectiveness.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess cleaner from the leather. Leave no residue or else it will damage the material.
- Use a clean cloth to apply the conditioner in a thin, even layer. Again, refer to the product instructions for the recommended amount and application method.
- To clean laces, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild leather cleaner. Gently wipe the laces and then rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue.
- Once done, air dry your shoes and laces naturally. Stuff them with paper towels or use shoe trees. Do not dry your leather Converse shoes with direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight.
Tips & Tricks to Maintaining Leather Converse Shoes
- Clean your leather Converse shoes every few weeks. The sooner you address stains, the easier they are to remove.
- Apply leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. This is especially important if the shoes are exposed to harsh conditions or are worn frequently.
- A leather protector spray is extremely crucial to guard your Converse shoes against water and stains. Reapply as needed.
- Store your leather Converse shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in damp or excessively hot environments.
- If you are using any new cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe. This will prevent damaging the shoes in case of any discoloration.
- Leather is sensitive to excessive moisture. Always use a damp cloth rather than soaking the leather to prevent water damage.
- To prevent the back of the shoe from getting crushed or misshapen, use a shoe horn when putting them on.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Suede Converse Shoes?
Suede is a form of leather, but unlike regular leather, it has a soft, velvety texture that is more delicate and prone to damage. This requires more careful cleaning and maintenance.
You Will Need
- Suede brush
- Suede eraser
- Suede cleaner
- Clean, dry cloth
- Suede protector spray (this is optional but good to have)
- White vinegar (in case of stubborn stains)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Suede Converse Shoes
- Use a suede brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the shoes. Brush very lightly and move the brush in one direction to lift the nap (the soft, fuzzy texture of the suede). If you brush the other way, it will damage the material of the shoe.
- For minor stains, use a suede eraser to gently rub the affected area. Do not apply any pressure to lift the stain without harming the suede.
- If the stain does not go away, apply a small amount of specialized suede cleaner to a clean cloth and gently rub the stain. Try testing it on a small, inconspicuous area first to see if it doesn’t affect the color or texture.
- If any stain is still visible on the shoe, try this: lightly dab a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently rub the stained area. Let the vinegar dry naturally, then brush the suede again to restore its texture.
- If your shoes are wet or damp from cleaning, carefully blot them with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
- Air dry the shoes, but don’t keep them in direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight. Also, never use a hairdryer or other heat source as it can damage the suede’s texture.
- Once the shoes are completely dry, use the suede brush to restore the nap. Again, keep brushing the entire surface in one direction to smooth out any rough spots and bring back the suede’s original texture.
- Lastly, protect your suede shoes from future stains and water damage. Apply a suede protector spray to create a protective barrier on the suede.
Maintaining Suede Converse Shoes
- Keep your suede shoes away from water to prevent staining and damage.
- If they do get wet, remove the moisture immediately, as mentioned above.
- Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place. Use shoe trees or stuff them with paper to maintain their shape and prevent creasing.
- Do not go for a cleaner in the first round. First, use a suede eraser to remove surface stains and dirt. Only when the stain doesn’t go away, then try removing it with the cleaner.
- Frequent heavy cleaning will damage the delicate nature of suede. Only clean the shoes when necessary and use gentle methods like a suede eraser to maintain their quality.
Cleaning the Outsole and Toe Cap of Rubber Converse Shoes
Converse shoes are not made entirely of rubber, but the outsole and toe cap are usually rubber. Rubber is strong, pliable, and water-resistant. Unlike fragile materials like canvas, leather, or suede, it can withstand more harsh cleaning techniques.
Moreover, because of its non-porous surface, it is also less likely to collect stains than other materials, which makes cleaning with soap and water easier.
You Will Need
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Mild soap or dish detergent
- Warm water
- Clean, dry cloth
- White vinegar (in case of stubborn stains)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Rubber Outsoles and Toe Caps
- Take the soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub away loose dirt and debris from the rubber outsole and toe cap. Focus on the grooves and textured areas to remove as much loose dirt as possible.
- In a small bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap or dish detergent. Stir the solution to create a soapy mixture.
- Dip the brush or toothbrush into the soapy water solution. Carefully scrub the rubber outsole and toe cap with the brush, paying attention to any stained or heavily soiled areas. Use a circular motion to clean the entire surface.
- If the stains are really tough, apply a small amount of white vinegar to a clean cloth and gently rub the stained area. Let the vinegar stay for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
- Once the outsole and toe areas are clean, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the soapy residue from the rubber.
- Pat the cleaned rubber areas with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
- Air dry without exposing the shoes to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause the rubber to become brittle.
Maintenance Tips & Tricks
- Invest in a magic eraser. They are really effective in removing stains from the rubber outsole without damaging it. Simply rub the eraser over the affected area to lift the stain, then wipe away any residue.
- Try to avoid walking in muddy or dirty conditions. If the outsole becomes dirty, clean it immediately.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, taking care of Converse shoes depends on their material. However, do you know that you can also clean your Converse shoes in some fun ways? Like using nail polish remover for the rubber parts, mixing baking soda and vinegar for stains, or creating a paste with powdered laundry detergent and warm water for tougher spots? These clever and easy methods will have your Converse shoes sparkling clean in no time!
Learn how to maintain your Converse shoes the right way. Click here to find cleaning tips for canvas, leather, and suede, plus drying and maintenance advice!
Key Points:
- Converse shoes are made from canvas, leather, suede, and rubber. Each requires different cleaning and maintenance methods.
- Canvas is durable and breathable but absorbs stains easily, needing gentle cleaning with mild detergent and proper drying.
- Leather offers a luxurious feel but needs regular cleaning with leather cleaner and conditioning to prevent scuffs and cracking.
- Suede is delicate and prone to staining, so it requires careful cleaning with a suede brush and eraser and protection with a suede protector spray.
- Rubber parts of Converse are more resistant to dirt and can be cleaned with soap and water, focusing on scrubbing the grooves and textured areas.
- Use a soft brush for canvas, a soft cloth for leather, and a suede brush for suede to avoid damaging the materials.
- Always air dry shoes away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their shape and prevent damage.
Understanding the Difference in Converse Materials
Converse shoes are usually made of canvas, rubber, suede, or leather, but canvas is the most common.
All these materials have different properties, as some are lightweight and breathable but more susceptible to stains (like canvas), while others have a more polished appearance and durability but require extra care to maintain their quality (such as leather and suede).
According to Converse’s official website, all these materials require different cleaning methods. The only thing similar is how you should dry them, which is machine drying. These shoes are meant to air dry at room temperature, using paper to maintain their shape and changing the paper as needed.
Therefore, knowing the difference in these materials will help you a lot in cleaning and maintaining your Converse shoes. Let’s do that!
Canvas Converse Shoes
Canvas is a durable, woven fabric typically made from cotton or a cotton blend. It is known for its breathability and lightweight nature, making it a popular choice for casual footwear.
However, because of its slightly textured surface, it can absorb stains and dirt more readily than other materials.
Leather Converse Shoes
Leather is a high-quality, durable material known for its luxurious feel and classic appearance. It is resistant to water and general wear but requires proper care to maintain its appearance and flexibility.
Suede Converse Shoes
Suede is a type of leather with a soft, napped finish, known for its rich texture and luxurious appearance. While it is softer than other types of leather, suede is also more susceptible to staining and water damage.
Rubber
Rubber is used mainly for the outsole and toe cap of Converse shoes. It provides durability, flexibility, and traction. It is also resilient and resistant to wear but can accumulate dirt and debris quickly.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Canvas Converse Shoes?
Canvas Converse shoes are easy to clean, but they require careful handling to avoid damaging the fabric or affecting the color. Usually, any mild detergent would work but it's important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
You Will Need
Grab these items to clean your Converse shoes made of canvas:
- Mild detergent (liquid or powder)
- Warm water
- Soft brush (or just use an old toothbrush)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Clean towels or paper towels
- White vinegar (for stubborn stains)
- Baking soda (optional, for deodorizing shoes)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Canvas Converse Shoes
Canvas shoes are light, so they need gentle treatment. Even for tougher stains, keep your touch light and consistent, and do not use force in any way.
- Remove laces from your Converse shoes.
- Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to gently remove any loose dirt or debris from the canvas. Remember to brush in a gentle, circular motion to avoid damaging the fabric, as the canvas is already very light material.
- Take a tub and fill it with warm water (alternatively, you can also fill a basin with warm water).
- Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water.
- Stir until the detergent is fully dissolved and the solution becomes soapy.
- If your canvas Converse shoes have stubborn stains, gently clean them with a soapy solution. Apply a small amount of the soapy solution directly to the affected areas using a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub the stain in a circular motion.
- If the stain is still there, you can mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and apply it to the stain before scrubbing.
- After removing all the stains, dip the soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the entire surface of the canvas in a gentle, circular motion. Clean the sides and the toe cap as well.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the soapy solution from the canvas. Rinse the cloth frequently to remove all the soap residue.
- Pat the shoes with a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Reshape the shoes by inserting shoe trees or stuffing them with paper to keep their shape as they dry.
- While the shoes are drying, clean the laces by soaking them in a bowl of soapy water. Gently scrub them with a brush or cloth if needed. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.
- Air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that can cause the canvas to become brittle.
Tips & Tricks to Maintaining Canvas Converse Shoes
- Regularly brush off loose dirt and dust with a soft brush to prevent buildup and keep your shoes looking fresh.
- Try to keep your canvas shoes dry. If they do get wet, air dry them promptly and avoid using a dryer or exposing them to direct sunlight.
- Apply a canvas-specific water and stain-repellent spray to help protect your shoes from future stains and water damage.
- To deodorize your canvas shoes, sprinkle baking soda inside them and let them sit overnight. Shake out the excess baking soda before wearing them again.
- For quick touch-ups, keep a small bottle of cleaning solution and a sponge handy. This can help you deal with minor stains before they are set.
- Do not use bleach on canvas shoes as it can cause discoloration and damage the fabric.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Leather Converse Shoes?
Leather Converse needs extra care because they are prone to scuffs, stains, and cracking if not properly maintained. To clean them properly:
You Will Need
To clean your leather Converse sneakers:
- Leather cleaner
- Soft cloths or sponges
- Leather conditioner
- Water
- Shoe brush (better if a soft-bristled brush)
- Paper towels or shoe trees
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Leather Converse Shoes
- Take out the laces from your Converse shoes.
- Use a shoe brush or a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the leather. Focus more on the seams and the area around the eyelets, as dirt and debris accumulate more in these places.
- Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with water and apply a small amount of leather cleaner. Also, refer to the product instructions for the correct amount to use.
- Gently rub the damp cloth or sponge over the leather in circular motions. Clean areas with visible stains or dirt, but do not use too much water or cleaner. If the leather becomes overly wet, it will lose its effectiveness.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess cleaner from the leather. Leave no residue or else it will damage the material.
- Use a clean cloth to apply the conditioner in a thin, even layer. Again, refer to the product instructions for the recommended amount and application method.
- To clean laces, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild leather cleaner. Gently wipe the laces and then rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue.
- Once done, air dry your shoes and laces naturally. Stuff them with paper towels or use shoe trees. Do not dry your leather Converse shoes with direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight.
Tips & Tricks to Maintaining Leather Converse Shoes
- Clean your leather Converse shoes every few weeks. The sooner you address stains, the easier they are to remove.
- Apply leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. This is especially important if the shoes are exposed to harsh conditions or are worn frequently.
- A leather protector spray is extremely crucial to guard your Converse shoes against water and stains. Reapply as needed.
- Store your leather Converse shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in damp or excessively hot environments.
- If you are using any new cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe. This will prevent damaging the shoes in case of any discoloration.
- Leather is sensitive to excessive moisture. Always use a damp cloth rather than soaking the leather to prevent water damage.
- To prevent the back of the shoe from getting crushed or misshapen, use a shoe horn when putting them on.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Suede Converse Shoes?
Suede is a form of leather, but unlike regular leather, it has a soft, velvety texture that is more delicate and prone to damage. This requires more careful cleaning and maintenance.
You Will Need
- Suede brush
- Suede eraser
- Suede cleaner
- Clean, dry cloth
- Suede protector spray (this is optional but good to have)
- White vinegar (in case of stubborn stains)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Suede Converse Shoes
- Use a suede brush to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the shoes. Brush very lightly and move the brush in one direction to lift the nap (the soft, fuzzy texture of the suede). If you brush the other way, it will damage the material of the shoe.
- For minor stains, use a suede eraser to gently rub the affected area. Do not apply any pressure to lift the stain without harming the suede.
- If the stain does not go away, apply a small amount of specialized suede cleaner to a clean cloth and gently rub the stain. Try testing it on a small, inconspicuous area first to see if it doesn’t affect the color or texture.
- If any stain is still visible on the shoe, try this: lightly dab a clean cloth with white vinegar and gently rub the stained area. Let the vinegar dry naturally, then brush the suede again to restore its texture.
- If your shoes are wet or damp from cleaning, carefully blot them with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
- Air dry the shoes, but don’t keep them in direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight. Also, never use a hairdryer or other heat source as it can damage the suede’s texture.
- Once the shoes are completely dry, use the suede brush to restore the nap. Again, keep brushing the entire surface in one direction to smooth out any rough spots and bring back the suede’s original texture.
- Lastly, protect your suede shoes from future stains and water damage. Apply a suede protector spray to create a protective barrier on the suede.
Maintaining Suede Converse Shoes
- Keep your suede shoes away from water to prevent staining and damage.
- If they do get wet, remove the moisture immediately, as mentioned above.
- Store suede shoes in a cool, dry place. Use shoe trees or stuff them with paper to maintain their shape and prevent creasing.
- Do not go for a cleaner in the first round. First, use a suede eraser to remove surface stains and dirt. Only when the stain doesn’t go away, then try removing it with the cleaner.
- Frequent heavy cleaning will damage the delicate nature of suede. Only clean the shoes when necessary and use gentle methods like a suede eraser to maintain their quality.
Cleaning the Outsole and Toe Cap of Rubber Converse Shoes
Converse shoes are not made entirely of rubber, but the outsole and toe cap are usually rubber. Rubber is strong, pliable, and water-resistant. Unlike fragile materials like canvas, leather, or suede, it can withstand more harsh cleaning techniques.
Moreover, because of its non-porous surface, it is also less likely to collect stains than other materials, which makes cleaning with soap and water easier.
You Will Need
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Mild soap or dish detergent
- Warm water
- Clean, dry cloth
- White vinegar (in case of stubborn stains)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Rubber Outsoles and Toe Caps
- Take the soft brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub away loose dirt and debris from the rubber outsole and toe cap. Focus on the grooves and textured areas to remove as much loose dirt as possible.
- In a small bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap or dish detergent. Stir the solution to create a soapy mixture.
- Dip the brush or toothbrush into the soapy water solution. Carefully scrub the rubber outsole and toe cap with the brush, paying attention to any stained or heavily soiled areas. Use a circular motion to clean the entire surface.
- If the stains are really tough, apply a small amount of white vinegar to a clean cloth and gently rub the stained area. Let the vinegar stay for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.
- Once the outsole and toe areas are clean, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the soapy residue from the rubber.
- Pat the cleaned rubber areas with a dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.
- Air dry without exposing the shoes to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause the rubber to become brittle.
Maintenance Tips & Tricks
- Invest in a magic eraser. They are really effective in removing stains from the rubber outsole without damaging it. Simply rub the eraser over the affected area to lift the stain, then wipe away any residue.
- Try to avoid walking in muddy or dirty conditions. If the outsole becomes dirty, clean it immediately.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, taking care of Converse shoes depends on their material. However, do you know that you can also clean your Converse shoes in some fun ways? Like using nail polish remover for the rubber parts, mixing baking soda and vinegar for stains, or creating a paste with powdered laundry detergent and warm water for tougher spots? These clever and easy methods will have your Converse shoes sparkling clean in no time!
