8 Best Ways To Clean Your White Converse Shoes

If you want to learn how to clean white converse, then we are glad to inform you that you are on the right page. Today, this article will introduce you to some of the most amazing hacks to clean your converse and make them appear new. It is true that these shoes are versatile. You can just wear them with literally anything and still look awesome. But they can easily get dirty too. This is why the hacks mentioned below are going to come in handy for you. They are easy, quick, and super effective. These tips can also be used if you are confused about how to clean white shoes. So, now without holding yourself up, go ahead and check them out because it is time for you to rock these shoes and steal the show forever.

Ace The Look

• Occasion: Converse shoes are versatile and can be worn for various casual occasions such as a day out with friends, a shopping trip, or a casual gathering.
• Outfit: Pair them with distressed jeans, a graphic t-shirt, and a denim jacket for a cool and effortless vibe.
• Accessories: Complete your outfit with a crossbody bag, a trendy baseball cap, or a fedora hat for a stylish touch. Minimalist stud earrings or a dainty necklace can add a subtle hint of elegance.
• Materials: Converse is made with suede, leather, and/or cotton. Choose cotton converse shoes for a more casual look. Opt for the suede shoes for a more dressy affair.

Overview Of Cleaning White Converse Shoes

1. Remove the laces of the shoes.
2. Run them under cold water and ensure that they are wet.
3. Use one of the following ways to make a cleaning agent, and rub it all over with a brush.
4. Thoroughly rub the paste all over the shoes – tongue, rubber sole, and edges.
5. Either rinse them with cold water or toss them in the washing machine.
6. Hang them dry and avoid putting them in the dryer.

Quick Tip

You may also add a little standard detergent if you are putting them in the washing machine. Wait until the machine finishes a full cycle.

8 Best Ways To Clean White Converse Shoes

Method 1 – With Baking Soda And Vinegar

What You Will Need

1. Vinegar
2. Baking soda
3. Brush for scrubbing
4. Glass bowl
5. Hot Water
6. Old tooth brush or applicator brush

How To Use It

1. Use a glass bowl to add one part baking soda to two parts vinegar.
2. Add a little warm water.
3. You can increase the quantity depending on your need.
4. With an old toothbrush, rub the paste all over the shoes for a few minutes.
5. Repeat the procedure if needed.
6. Throw it in a washing machine or rinse it with water.
7. Hang them dry.

Method 2 – With Toothpaste

What You Will Need

1. Toothpaste
2. Old toothbrush

How To Use It

1. Apply the toothpaste on all the dirty spots on your canvas shoes.
2. Use a paste and not a gel, plus anything in white and not colored.
3. Let it soak in for about 15 minutes.
4. Rinse the shoes in cold water or put it in the washing machine.
5. Hang them dry, and repeat the process if need be.

In this YouTube video, Stephanie McQueen, a vlogger, shares her experience of testing two popular methods—toothpaste vs. baking soda and vinegar—for cleaning white shoes, where the Colgate White toothpaste turned out to be the clear winner. Stephanie confidently declares, “It was definitely the Colgate White toothpaste (i).”

Method 3 – With Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda

What You Will Need

1. Hydrogen peroxide
2. Baking Soda
3. Warm water
4. Old Toothbrush
5. Gloves

How To Use It

1. Take one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and warm water respectively.
2. Make it into a paste.
3. With an old toothbrush, apply the paste all over the shoes or the affected areas.
4. Leave them for thirty minutes.
5. Rinse them off with water or put them in the washing machine.
6. Wear gloves if you have them handy.

Method 4 – With Bleach

What You Will Need

1. Bleach
2. Toothpaste
3. Baking soda
4. Tooth brush
5. Lemon(optional)
6. Warm water

How To Use It

1. Use liquid bleach preferably and take about 50 ml of the agent.
2. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and toothpaste.
3. Add a little warm and make it into a runny paste.
4. Apply this all over your shoes and soak them for a couple of hours.
5. Wash your shoes with cold water or in a washing machine.
6. You could alternatively just rub lemon and sprinkle baking soda all over your shoes, since lemon has natural bleaching properties.
7. But, remember that bleach might make your shoes old and faded.

Method 5 – With Baking Soda, Laundry Detergent And Water 

What You Will Need

1. Baking Soda.
2. Laundry Detergent.
3. Water
4. Old Toothbrush

How To Use It

1. Take equal parts baking soda and laundry detergent.
2. Add a little water to make it into a smooth, runny paste.
3. Apply this all over the shoes. You could also soak the lace in this liquid.
4. Leave it for about 30 minutes.
5. Wash the shoes with water or put it in the washing machine.
6. Hang them dry.

You can also use a shoe stain remover to remove the pesky stains.

Method 6 – With Nail Polish Remover/Acetone

What You Will Need

1. Nail polish remover
2. Acetone
3. Cotton pads

How To Use It

1. Dip cotton pads in acetone, preferably or any other nail polish remover in hand.
2. Rub it over the affected areas.
3. Scrub the shoes thoroughly.
4. Wash them in powdered or liquid soap water.
5. Toss them in the washing machine and hang them dry.
6. It might not be the most effective method, but it’s your best bet during emergencies.

Quick Tip

You may wrap the shoes in a mesh or fabric laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine to prevent them from banging around inside the machine.

Method 7 – With Alcohol

What You Will Need

• Alcohol
• Old Toothbrush

How To Use It

• Dab a small amount of alcohol on the affected areas.
• Allow some time to set in properly.
• Use an old toothbrush to brush the stain off carefully.
• Lastly, air-dry the shoes for some time.

Method 8 – With Hot Water And Salt

What You Will Need

• Hot Water
• Salt Granules
• Old Toothbrush

How To Use It

• Prepare a mix of one tablespoon of salt in a cup of hot water.
• Mix it well so that all the salt dissolves properly.
• Dip a toothbrush in the saltwater mix and then lightly brush until the stains come off.
• Air-dry your shoes.

While these remedies can help to keep your Converse spotless, there are some popular cleaning products that may weaken the material and damage your shoes. Read on to learn more about them.

Cleaning Products To Avoid

When cleaning your white Converse, it’s important to avoid certain products that can damage the fabric, discolor the shoes, or degrade their materials over time. Here are some cleaning products to steer clear of:

1. Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Avoid using strong chemical cleaners, especially those designed for tough stains or household cleaning.

2. Abrasive Scrubbing Pads

Steel wool, wire brushes, or other abrasive scrubbing pads should be avoided, as they can wear down the canvas, cause fraying, and scratch the rubber soles.

3. Machine Detergents

While it may be tempting to throw your Converse shoes in the washing machine with regular detergent, machine detergents can be too harsh for the canvas and rubber.

4. Chlorine-Based Stain Removers

Stain removers containing chlorine can cause discoloration, especially on white fabric. These products might also degrade the stitching or rubber components, leading to premature wear and tear.

5. Heat Drying Products

Heat-based cleaning products like steamers, blow dryers, or placing Converse in a dryer should be avoided. Excessive heat can shrink the fabric, warp the rubber soles, and cause the glue to deteriorate.

6. Oil-Based Cleaners

Oil-based cleaning products can leave behind greasy residues on the canvas, making the shoes look dirty and attract more grime. These products also make it difficult to remove oil stains once absorbed into the fabric.

By avoiding these cleaning products and opting for mild, fabric-safe alternatives, you can keep your white Converse looking fresh without risking damage to the shoes.

In the following section, we will discuss some preventive care tips to keep your shoes in the best condition.

Preventive Care Tips To Keep Your Converse Sparkling White

Keeping your white Converse shoes looking clean and new requires consistent preventive care. Here are some essential tips to maintain that sparkling white look:

1. Pre-Treat Them With A Stain Repellent

Before wearing your Converse, spray them with a fabric stain repellent designed for shoes. This will create a protective barrier that helps prevent stains from setting in.

2. Clean Immediately After Use

After wearing them, wipe them down with a damp cloth or baby wipes to remove surface dirt.

3. Avoid Wearing In Dirty Or Wet Conditions

Try to avoid wearing your white Converse in rainy, muddy, or dusty environments.

4. Hand Wash Regularly

For deeper cleaning, hand wash your Converse every few weeks using a mild detergent, water, and a soft brush or toothbrush.

5. Dry Them Properly

After washing, let your Converse air-dry naturally. Stuff them with paper towels to help retain their shape and absorb excess moisture.

6. Store In A Clean Dry Place

When not wearing your white Converse, store them in a clean, dry space away from sunlight and dust.

By following these preventive care tips, you can keep your white Converse looking brand-new for longer!

Infographic: Tips To Maintain White Converse Shoes

The cleaning tips discussed in the article will help keep your white Converse shoes clean. However, only cleaning is not enough. With a bit of care, you can keep them looking brand new for a long time. The following infographic has a list of tips to help you out! Scroll down to learn more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put converse in the dryer?

Not really. Let them air dry unless you need to wear them out immediately. Try and avoid the dryer as much as you can, because there are chances of the shoes shrinking, plus the heat spoils the shine of the shoes in no time.

Can you put converse in the washing machine?

Yes. Like we just discussed, follow one of the above-mentioned methods to clean the shoes first. Throw into the washing machine as the last step, with a gentle laundry detergent, and put it on a delicate setting. Again, make sure you remove the lace.

Why did my white Converse turn yellow after washing?

Your white Converse may turn yellow due to improper washing methods, constant accumulation of dirt and sweat, or prolonged exposure to sunlight and air. This is a common phenomenon. You can follow the steps mentioned in this article to wash your Converse shoes.

How to clean white leather sneakers?

Make a mixture of baking soda and water and apply the paste on your shoes using a toothbrush while moving it in a circular motion. Once it dries off, take a damp cloth and wipe it off and let it dry.

How to remove oil stains from white suede shoes?

If you have got oil stains on your suede shoes, sprinkle some cornstarch powder on the affected area, and let it sit for a few hours. Then, using a cloth gently wipe it off from the shoes.

Learn how to keep your white Converse looking fresh and new. Check out this easy tutorial video to make your coveted shoes sparkle for long.

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