How To Clean White Converse
How can I get tough stains out of my white sneakers? – What you use to remove stains depends on whether your Converse sneakers are canvas or leather. In either case, you’ll likely already have what you need in your cabinets already: either hydrogen peroxide or baking soda,

For canvas shoes, dip a soft brush in hydrogen peroxide and scrub. For stains on leather, dip a wet brush in baking soda and rub gently. Rinse the brush as it picks up the stain and apply more peroxide or baking soda as needed. Finally, for both materials, wipe the area with a clean, wet cloth to thoroughly rinse.

Blot with a dry cloth and let air dry.

What is the best way to clean white Converse?

How to hand-wash white Converse-style shoes – If you decide to try washing Converse by hand there are some easy steps for you to follow to give you the best clean white Converse.

Remove the laces to expose as much of the canvas shoe material as possible. Soak your Converse in cold water. Create a paste using two parts baking soda and three parts white vinegar (other vinegar types are likely to stain.) If you would prefer not to use vinegar you can also use a gentle laundry detergent instead. Use a toothbrush or nail brush to gently scrub the canvas. Make sure you cover the entire surface of the shoe. Rinse your Converse in cold water. Leave your Converse to air dry. The best way to brighten their whiteness and speed up the drying process is to hang them in a warm, sunny area. If there are persistent stains, follow the steps below to give them an extra clean in the washing machine.

Our instructions are generalised and should be safe for most footwear brands but remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions first to avoid unwanted damage as some brands may use more delicate materials than others. The Poll Which brand of dishwasher tablets do you usually purchase? 0 Votes

Can I wash my white Converse?

Frequently Asked Questions –

  • Can’t I just toss my Converse shoes in the washing machine? You could, but throwing them in the washer can damage your shoes. Besides, Converse sneakers are easy to clean because you need only three items to give them a good scrub. Just water, soap, a microfiber towel, and an optional toothbrush will spiff up your Chucks to near-new status.
  • Can I soak my Converse in water? In short, the answer is no. If the water is too hot, the shoe’s color may run, and the canvas may shrink. The shoe’s insoles may soak up much water, making them harder to dry completely, leaving you with a bad smell. You don’t need a lot of water or soap to get the job done. A damp towel will work just fine.
  • Can I use dish soap to clean my Converse? Any mild soap will work to clean your Converse, including dish soap, as long as it doesn’t contain bleach or other harsh cleaning additives. Bleach can not only cause skin irritation, but it can cause the color of your shoes to fade and run.
  • How do I get my converse white again? When washing white Converse, it is okay to use a bit of baking soda in addition to your mild soap and lukewarm water. Wash the entire shoe as directed above, then dip a wet toothbrush into baking soda. Scrub away at stains with the toothbrush, wipe clean, and repeat until desired results are obtained.
  • Can I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean my Converse? You can use a Mr. Clean magic eraser to clean the non-fabric parts of your shoes. This includes the soles, rubber sides, and the toe cap. Wet and make sure to ring it out so it is not dripping with water. It just needs to be damp to get the job done. Scrub with enough pressure to clean the stains but not too hard to scuff the fabric.

: How to Wash Converse the Right Way

Does toothpaste clean white Converse?

Brush with White Toothpaste – Like baking soda, toothpaste also has many uses apart from cleaning your teeth. Using an old toothbrush, smear a non-gel white toothpaste all over your sneakers. Leave it for around ten minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Will bleach turn white Converse yellow?

Download Article Download Article Using bleach can be a great way to clean grime and dirt off your white shoes. If you leave the bleach on too long or don’t dilute it properly, however, it can leave yellow stains behind. While yellow bleach stains can be difficult to get out completely, you can remove or greatly diminish the appearance of the stains by using a salt and hot water scrub, soaking your shoes in a cream of tartar solution, or by washing your shoes with laundry detergent and white vinegar.

  1. 1 Fill a small bowl with 1 cup (240 mL) of very hot water. First, select a small, heat-safe bowl. Then, turn the sink on as hot as it will go and let it run for a few seconds to heat up. Fill the bowl with about 1 cup (240 mL) of the hot water.
    • The water should be very hot but not boiling.
  2. 2 Dissolve 1 tablespoon (17 grams) of table salt in the water. Using a measuring spoon, measure out the salt and pour it into the bowl holding the hot water. Stir the water and salt with a clean toothbrush until the salt is completely dissolved. Advertisement
  3. 3 Scrub the salt solution onto the yellow bleach stain with the toothbrush. First, put a towel down to protect the surface from the hot water and any dirt on the shoes. Then, dip the toothbrush head back into the salt solution, making sure it’s fully saturated. Use the bristles to scrub the salt solution vigorously on the yellow bleach stain on your white shoes.
    • You can re-dip the toothbrush head into the solution every minute or so to re-saturate the bristles and apply more salt solution to the stain.
    • You’ll likely need to scrub for several minutes before the stain will start to fade.
  4. 4 Let the shoes air dry for 20 minutes before scrubbing again. Once the stain has faded a bit, leave the shoes out on the towel to air dry for about 20 minutes, or until they are dry to the touch. Then, re-saturate the toothbrush and scrub the stain with the toothbrush bristles vigorously again for several more minutes.
  5. 5 Stop scrubbing when the stain has faded as much as possible. Once the stain has faded considerably and has not gotten any lighter for several minutes, stop scrubbing and leave the shoes to dry. The stain may not ever fade completely, but it will have faded considerably and hopefully, enough that you can continue to wear your white shoes.

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  1. 1 Fill a large container with 4 cups (950 mL) of very hot water. First, select a bowl, bucket, or other heat-safe container that is large enough to hold both the water and your shoes. Then, turn the sink on as hot as it will go and let it run for a few seconds to heat up. Use a measuring cup to fill the container with 4 cups (950 mL) of the hot water.
    • The water should be very hot but not boiling.
  2. 2 Mix 1/2 cup (110 grams) of cream of tartar into the water. Use a measuring cup to measure out the cream of tartar. Then, pour it into the hot water. Use a large spoon to mix the water and cream of tartar until they are completely combined.
    • Cream of tartar is available at most grocery stores in small containers, so you may have to purchase multiple containers to get enough to fill 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL).
    • You can purchase larger quantities of cream of tartar online.
  3. 3 Soak your shoes in the cream of tartar solution for 30 to 90 minutes. Place your bleach-stained shoes into the solution, making sure they are completely submerged. Then, leave them to soak, checking on them after 30 minutes to see if they are clean. If not, return the shoes to soak in the solution for another 30 minutes to an hour.
    • If the bleach stains are new or relatively light, the yellow may fade more quickly. If the yellow stains are darker or have had longer to set in, you’ll likely need to soak your shoes for longer, up to an hour and a half.
  4. 4 Remove your shoes from the solution and rinse them with cold water. Once the yellow stain has been removed or faded as much as possible, take your shoes out of the cream of tartar solution. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with cool water to remove any remaining cream of tartar solution.
    • Because cream of tartar is an acid, it can be a bit harsh on shoe materials. Therefore, it’s important that you rinse the shoes thoroughly to remove any residual acidic solution.
  5. 5 Let your shoes dry completely before wearing them. Lay a towel down on a flat surface, then place your now-clean white shoes on top. Leave them out to dry for several hours or overnight. Make sure that the soles are completely dry before wearing them again.
    • You can also dry your shoes by placing them in the dryer on the low heat setting for 30 minutes. If they aren’t quite dry after 30 minutes, put them through the dryer on low heat again for another 30 minutes.

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  1. 1 Remove the laces from your white shoes. Shoelaces tend to get tangled and knotted when washed in the washing machine on the shoes. Therefore, to keep them tangle-free, remove the shoelaces from the shoes and set them aside to wash them separately.
    • If you’re afraid you might lose track of the shoelaces in the wash, you can put them in a zip pillowcase or lingerie bag to keep them together.
  2. 2 Fill a clean sink with lukewarm water. First, make sure that your sink is clean by wiping it down with a cleaning wipe and rinsing it with water. Turn on both the hot and cold water and let the water run, adjusting the hot and cold as needed until it’s lukewarm. Then, place the drain stopper in the drain to prevent the sink from draining and let the sink fill about ¾ of the way up.
  3. 3 Mix in 1 ⁄ 2 tablespoon (7.4 mL) of laundry detergent. Use a measuring spoon to measure out the laundry detergent and pour it into the lukewarm water. Stir the water and detergent mixture well with your hands or a spoon until the detergent is completely mixed in and the water is sudsy.
    • You can also mix the detergent in by pouring it under the running water while the sink is filling up.
  4. 4 Put your shoes in the sink and scrub the stains with a toothbrush. First, place your shoes in the sudsy water to soak while you work. Then, submerge a clean toothbrush into the detergent water to wet the bristles. Use the toothbrush to scrub the bleach stains on each of the shoes for several minutes, until the yellow begins to fade.
    • While you work on scrubbing one shoe, leave the other shoe submerged in the detergent solution to soak.
  5. 5 Start the washing machine on a gentle cycle and let the drum fill with water. Once the yellow stains have begun to fade, remove your shoes from the detergent solution and place them into the washing machine. Then, set the washing machine on a warm water, low agitation cycle and turn it on. Let the washing machine fill up with water for a few sections before adding the white vinegar.
    • You don’t need to rinse out the detergent before transferring the shoes into the washing machine.
  6. 6 Add 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Once the washing machine is on and filled up with water, open the lid slightly and pour 1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of white vinegar into the water. Close the lid and let the washing machine run the rest of the wash cycle.
    • Adding white vinegar to the agitating water will help break down the stain even more and make your shoes whiter and brighter.
    • Vinegar will also help remove any odors from your shoes.
  7. 7 Remove the shoes from the washing machine and dry them completely. Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the shoes from the washing machine. You can then lay them out on a towel or drying rack to air dry, or put them in the dryer on low heat for 30 minutes.
    • If the shoes aren’t dry after 30 minutes, put them through the dryer on low heat again for another 30 minutes.

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  • If you do choose to wash your white shoes with bleach, diluting the bleach with water will prevent the bleach from staining your shoes yellow. To dilute bleach, mix 1 ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of bleach for every 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water.
  • If you’re unable to remove the yellow bleach stains from your shoes using a salt scrub, cream of tartar soak, or detergent and vinegar wash, you might want to try taking them to the dry cleaner. The dry cleaner could have a product available only for professional use that may be able to diminish the appearance of the stain.

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  • Table salt
  • Hot water
  • Small bowl
  • Clean toothbrush
  • Cream of tartar
  • Hot water
  • Large heat-proof container
  • Laundry detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Sink
  • Water
  • Clean toothbrush
  • Washing machine

Article Summary X If your white shoes have yellow bleach stains, you may be able to get them out with a salt and hot water scrub. Fill a bowl with about 1 cup (240 mL) of very hot tap water and mix in 1 tablespoon (17 g) of salt. Stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved.

Why did my white Converse turned yellow?

Overexposure to sunlight – Sunlight is one of the main culprits for yellow stains on shoes. This is because of a chemical reaction between ultraviolet light and the shoe’s paint or dye. Thus, prolonged sun exposure can cause your white shoes to become yellow.

Does vinegar clean white Converse?

How to Keep Your White Shoes Clean Longer – Now that your white sneakers are sparkling clean, you want to keep them that way. Though you may be tempted to wrap them in plastic, return them to their original box, and never wear them again, that’s not why you bought them. These tips will help keep your white shoes clean longer:

Be selective about where and when you wear white shoes, Make a different choice if it’s raining or muddy outside. Invest in a good-quality shoe protection spray, which provides a clear, tough protective layer that repels liquids, mud, dirt, and accidental spills. A good spray still enables your shoes to breathe and keeps your feet dry. Keep sneaker wipes handy. Give your white sneakers a quick wipe after each use to prevent dirt buildup and stains. Use a water-based cleaner. Frequently touch up your white shoes with a commercial water-based cleaner or mix your own: 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar. Brush, don’t scrub. Treat your white shoes to a gentle brush instead of a hard scrub, which can be damaging.

What can I use to clean my Converse?

How do I clean my sneakers? – Caution: When attempting to clean your Converse sneakers, please test the cleaning process on a section of the sneaker which is not visible, such as the outer edges of the tongue. This is to ensure that the mild soap used does not affect the color or material.

  • Canvas: Using a damp cloth, rub gently with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  • DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY.
  • Leather/Synthetic: Using a damp cloth, rub gently with lukewarm water and mild soap.
  • DO NOT MACHINE WASH OR DRY.
  • Suede: Brush away dirt with a suede brush, when dry.
  • DO NOT USE WATER.
  • DO NOT MACHINE DRY.
  • Drying: Dry at room temperature, stuff with paper to help maintain their shape.

Change paper occasionally throughout drying process. To prolong the life, DO NOT APPLY DIRECT HEAT.

How do you clean white canvas sneakers?

Baking Soda and Vinegar Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar, dilute with a cup of warm water, and use a cloth or toothbrush to scrub your shoes with the paste. The baking soda mixture will dry fairly quickly, at which point you can brush it off and allow the shoes to air-dry.

Can I put my Converse in washing machine?

1. WASHING MACHINE – You can simply put Converse All Stars in the washing machine! Remove the laces and put the shoes and laces in a laundry bag or pillowcase with a good knot in it. Set the machine to a maximum of 30°C and add a little detergent. Important: DO NOT SPIN! Let them dry and they’ll be all fresh and new again.

Does toothpaste make shoes white again?

How to Clean White Shoes with Toothpaste – Here’s a trick you may be surprised about: toothpaste is an excellent way to clean white shoes, especially if you’re in a hurry. White toothpaste can cover a stain in a pinch–just rub it directly over the stain and feather it out to the edges.

Squeeze some toothpaste onto an old toothbrush and work in circular motions on the stains. Let the paste stand on the shoes for 10-15 minutes. Use a damp towel or clean sponge to wipe the paste off the shoe. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.

Toothpaste also works very well to clean the white strip on the edges of your shoes, or the reinforced toe of certain shoes.

Does white vinegar clean white shoes?

What are the Options? – There are so many ways you can get your white shoes looking like new again and most use basic household products you hopefully already have at home! Here are our go-to cleaning hacks to clean white sneakers, sandals or heels:

Warm soapy water: Good for cleaning shoes made from almost any material, just add about one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to one cup of warm water and stir. Using a cloth or toothbrush, gently scrub the shoe until clean, wipe off any excess water and leave to air dry for several hours. Baking soda and white vinegar: Great for canvas shoes but also works for other shoe types. Mix one tablespoon of hot water with one tablespoon of white vinegar and one tablespoon of baking soda together to form a paste. Using a toothbrush, apply to the shoes in a circular motion, then leave shoes to air for several hours before brushing and shaking off the dried paste. Heavily diluted bleach: A very effective way to clean fabric shoes provided you do it in a well-ventilated location while protecting your skin and eyes. Create a cleaning solution made from one part bleach and five parts water (adding too much bleach could turn your shoes yellow), and work it into the shoes using a toothbrush in circular motions. When finished, use a damp cloth to wipe off the solution and leave to dry for at least 5 hours. Toothpaste: You can also try using toothpaste (the white creamy type and not a coloured gel). Apply it to the entire shoe in a circular motion, paying extra attention to any heavy stains. Leave for 10 minutes before wiping away with a damp towel, then repeat if needed.

How To Clean White Converse

Is bleach bad for white shoes?

Frequently Asked Questions –

  • What turns white shoes yellow? White shoes can turn yellow after prolonged exposure to the sun, especially if they’ve just been washed. Also, if there’s leftover detergent or cleaning products in the shoes, that can add to the yellowing. Yellowing can also occur from regular wear and tear, or if sweat and dirt is embedded in the fabric or leather.
  • Can white shoes be soaked in bleach? Fabric shoes can be cleaned with but not soaked in heavily-diluted bleach. A mix of five parts water and one part bleach will work. Use a rag to wipe the mixture on stains. However, it’s possible that using bleach on white fabric shoes will cause them to yellow, so use caution with this method.

Does bleach ruin Converse?

Download Article Download Article Whether you have old Converse shoes that used to be white that you want to bring back to their original state, or colored ones that you want to lighten up, using bleach can be a great option to change their color! You can even use a bleach pen on your shoes to create fun designs for a unique, personalized look.

  1. 1 Remove the laces from your shoes. If you leave them in place, they may become discolored or prevent the canvas from evenly bleaching in areas where the laces touch the shoes.
    • If your laces are dingy, you could bleach them separately if they are white, put them into the washing machine, or consider purchasing new ones.
  2. 2 Use a wet rag to wipe away any visible dirt from the shoes. To help your shoes bleach more evenly, clear away as much visible dirt and dust as you can. If there is a lot of caked in dirt, you may even want to use a scrub brush and cold water to loosen and remove it.
    • This applies to the base of your shoes, too, as the entire shoe will be submerged in bleach, not just the canvassed section.
    • Try to use a standard fabric cleaner first before resorting to harsh chemicals like bleach.

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  3. 3 Put the shoes facedown in a clean, plastic tub. Take your shoes and tub to a well-ventilated area, like an open garage or an outdoor patio or yard. Make sure there are no cracks in the plastic tub to prevent bleach leaks.
    • If you don’t have a plastic tub, you could also use a bucket or a large plastic bowl.
  4. 4 Pour equal amounts of bleach and water into the tub to cover the shoes. Wear plastic gloves and clothing that you won’t mind ruining in case you accidentally splash the bleach. Never use 100% bleach on your Converse shoes—it’s really abrasive and can eat away at the canvas or actually turn them yellow rather than white. Diluting the bleach 50/50 with water prevents those things from happening.
    • You do want the shoes to be completely submerged in the bleach-water mixture so they bleach evenly.
  5. 5 Leave the tub outdoors or in a well-ventilated area overnight. Or, if you started the bleaching process in the morning or afternoon, set a timer for 8 hours and check your shoes after that time. Leaving them in for longer won’t hurt them. If your goal is to completely whiten your colored Converse shoes, the longer they spend in the bleach, the better.
    • If you are simply looking to lighten a darkly colored pair of Converse shoes, try leaving them in the bleach for 2-3 hours and then check the progress to see if they’re light enough yet.
  6. 6 Remove the shoes from the bleach and scrub them with soap and water. Wearing your rubber gloves and old clothes, remove your Converse shoes from the plastic tub and take them to a kitchen sink. Rinse them in warm water, and squirt some laundry detergent onto the canvas. Use a scrub brush to clean them.
    • If you don’t have a scrub brush, you could use an old toothbrush.
    • The bleach will have already done its work, so you won’t be undoing anything, but it’s important to rinse away the bleach residue so it doesn’t transfer onto other fabrics.
    • Don’t forget to scrub the soles of the shoes as well as the canvas!
  7. 7 Repeat the process 1-2 more times if your shoes aren’t light enough. Depending on how light or white you want your shoes to be, and how dark they were to begin with, you might need to repeat the bleaching process. Remember to always wear gloves when working with bleach and to keep the plastic tub in a well-ventilated area.
    • If you were simply re-whitening dingy, white Converse shoes, 1 round in the bleach tub should be enough.
  8. 8 Allow the shoes to air dry before lacing and wearing them again. Leave your shoes outside in the sun or place them on a waterproof surface to let them dry out. It may take an entire day for them to get dry, depending on the humidity and moisture levels in your area.
    • Never put your Converse shoes into the dryer or in front of a heat source, as the heat will weaken the adhesive and change the canvas texture.

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  1. 1 Take the laces out of your shoes to keep them from getting discolored. If they are dingy, you could use this time to throw them into the washing machine or clean them by hand, If your laces are really old and thin, it may be time to consider purchasing some new ones.
    • Removing the laces will also give you more space to work and will let you see the entire canvas clearly.
  2. 2 Place your shoes on a work surface covered in old newspapers. If you don’t have old newspapers, you could use magazines, old folders, or cardboard. Create a large enough workspace for your shoes, as well as for your materials.
    • Work in a well-lit room if you can.
  3. 3 Practice drawing your design before using your bleach pen. If you are doing something more complex, like flowers, geometric shapes, or even animals, doing a few practice runs will help prevent you from making mistakes. Use a few sheets of paper to sketch out your design, and then lay the design over top of your Converse shoes to make sure it will fit in that space.
    • You could also use a pencil to lightly sketch a design directly onto your shoes so you have a pattern to follow.
  4. 4 Use your bleach pen to create the design on your colored shoes. Test the bleach pen on a paper towel before you start to use it, and then squeeze it gently while you draw for the best results. Take your time and enjoy being creative!
    • Make sure to shake your bleach pen really well before using it!
    • Here are some fun design ideas for your Converse: polka dots, stripes, different sized triangles and geometric shapes, a checkerboard pattern, stars, hearts, and flowers.
  5. 5 Re-bleach areas of your design that you want to stand out. If there are areas that are too light or that you want to be “brighter” than the rest, simply go over that area with the bleach pen again. Be careful to not squeeze the pen too hard and cause the bleach to bleed across the canvas, though.
    • You could make certain dots in your polka dot pattern larger for a fun variation. Or you could emphasize a big star amidst multiple smaller stars.
  6. 6 Rinse your shoes in water and wash them with dish soap. Don’t worry about washing away the work you just did—the bleach has already done its job! But you do still need to take your shoes to a sink and scrub them with dish soap and water to get rid of any bleach remnants that could stain other fabrics.
    • Because you aren’t working with stringent, undiluted bleach, you don’t need to worry about wearing plastic gloves while rinsing the shoes.
  7. 7 Let your shoes dry for several hours before re-lacing and wearing them. Squeeze any excess water out of the shoes using some paper towels, then set the shoes aside to let them dry. You could place the shoes outside in the sun or back on your workstation.
    • Do not put your Converse shoes into the dryer or near any other direct heat sources because the heat can ruin the adhesive in the shoes.

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For decorating your shoes, look up inspiration online on sites like Pinterest and Instagram.

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  • Never mix vinegar or ammonia with bleach, as that can create dangerous chemical fumes.
  • Always wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when you are using bleach.

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  • Converse shoes
  • Wet rag
  • Plastic tub
  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Dish detergent
  • Scrub brush
  • Converse shoes
  • Bleach pen
  • Paper and pen/pencil (optional)
  • Paper towels
  • Old newspapers
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Scrub brush

Article Summary X If you want to bleach your Converse shoes, all you’ll need is a plastic tub, liquid bleach, and rubber gloves. This can be done to make white converse white again or to lighten colored converse. Before you bleach them, you’ll want to clean your shoes with a wet rag to get rid of any visible dirt.

This will help them bleach more evenly. Once they’re clean, remove the laces, place the shoes face down in the tub, and pour an equal amount of bleach and water in until they’re submerged. Make sure to wear gloves as you do this to protect your skin. Let the shoes sit in the tub overnight, or at least 2-3 hours, for the best results.

When you remove them, scrub them with soap and water, then rinse them thoroughly to remove any bleach residue. To learn how to use a bleach pen to make designs on your converse, read on! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 110,574 times.

Can you bleach Converse white again?

Download Article Learn how to clean white converse at home with these DIY methods Download Article White converse are a must-have for every wardrobe. They go with almost everything, so it’s no wonder we wear them until they get filthy. Luckily, there are many ways to clean your white converse, whether they’re covered in stains or just mucky from use.

  • Always start by removing shoelaces and washing them in cold, soapy water. They won’t turn 100% white again, so opt for new laces if you want them looking white.
  • Combine baking soda + vinegar, or baking soda + hydrogen peroxide. Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture onto your converse, then rinse them with cold water.
  • Acetone, a.k.a. nail polish remover, also works well. While wearing gloves, use a handcloth to rub the acetone onto your shoes, then rinse them with cold water.
  • After cleaning converse, wash them in cold water and hang them up to air dry. Don’t use a dryer since the heat could make them shrink or change shape.
  1. 1 Remove the shoelaces and soak them in cold soapy water. Leave them in soapy water for 30-60 minutes. Then scrub them by hand and rinse them with cold water to remove the soap. Leave them on a towel or dry surface overnight to let them dry out.
    • White shoelaces may not turn fully white again after cleaning.
    • Replace your white laces with new ones if you want your laces looking perfectly white.
  2. 2 Rinse your converse under cold running water. Let them get fully soaked until they’re heavy and dripping wet. Then place them on a dry towel to let the excess water drip out.
    • Avoid using hot or warm water, since this causes stains or fabric dyes to run and damage the rest of the shoe.
    • If you prefer, you can dunk your converse in cold water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Then set them aside on a dry towel.

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  3. 3 Combine baking soda and white vinegar in a glass or plastic bowl. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of baking soda to the bowl. Then slowly add 1½ cups (360 mL) of vinegar, stirring gently with a plastic or wooden spoon. Once all the vinegar is added, keep stirring until there are no more lumps. The mixture will have a watery, sandy consistency.
    • Pour the vinegar very slowly to prevent the mixture from bubbling up and overflowing.
    • White vinegar works best. Avoid red or yellow vinegar since it might stain your fabrics.
    • Avoid using metal bowls or spoons since the metal can react with the vinegar.
  4. 4 Use a new toothbrush to scrub the vinegar mixture onto your converse. Begin with the top part of the shoe (everything but the soles). Dip the toothbrush into the vinegar mixture, then scrub the top part thoroughly. Once you’ve scrubbed all of it, scrub the sides and bottoms of the rubber soles.
    • Keep adding more vinegar mixture onto the brush as you go.
    • Scrub extra hard on stains and dirtier spots on your converse. Then let the mixture sit on the stain as you move on to the next area.
  5. 5 Rinse your converse with cold water to remove the vinegar mixture. If you still see stains or dirty spots, scrub the shoes with the vinegar mixture again. Make more of the vinegar mixture if you run out.
    • If you find a stain that won’t come out, scrub it with the vinegar mixture and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. Then wash it with cold water and scrub it again. You may need to scrub it several times to get the stain out.
    • Once both shoes are clean, rinse them with cold water and set them aside on a dry towel.
  6. 6 Wash your converse in a washing machine using cold water. Add a small amount of detergent, then run a normal wash cycle. Wrap your shoes in a towel and place them in a garment bag to prevent them from banging around violently inside the washer.
    • Avoiding using bleach or whitening agents, since these can ruin your converse.
    • If you don’t have a washing machine, clean your shoes by hand with cold water and detergent.
  7. 7 Let your converse air dry for 24 hours at room temperature. Stuff them with paper to help them keep their shape as they dry.
    • Don’t put your shoes in a dryer. This could shrink them or cause them to lose their shape.

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  1. 1 Remove the shoelaces and soak them in cold soapy water. Leave them in the water for 30-60 minutes, then scrub and rinse them with cold water to remove the soap. Leave them on a towel or dry surface overnight,
    • White shoelaces may not turn fully white again after cleaning. Replace them with new ones if you want your laces looking perfectly white.
  2. 2 Mix 1 cup (240 mL) hydrogen peroxide & ½ cup (120 mL) baking soda. First add the baking soda to a plastic bowl, then slowly add the hydrogen peroxide so that the mixture doesn’t fizz too much and overflow. Once all the hydrogen peroxide is added, stir the mixture with a plastic spoon until there are no lumps.
  3. 3 Use a fabric handcloth to spread the mixture onto your converse. Then scrub the mixture into your converse with a toothbrush, scrubbing extra hard where there are any stains or discoloring. Clean the top of the shoe first, then scrub the sides and bottom of the rubber soles. Then set your converse aside for 30 minutes.
  4. 4 Wash your converse off with cold water. Wash them thoroughly until all of the hydrogen peroxide/baking soda mixture is gone. Then set your converse aside on a towel or dry surface.
    • If your converse aren’t totally clean, try washing them again. You can also spot-clean them with a magic eraser or bleach pen to remove any stubborn stains.
  5. 5 Let your converse air dry overnight at room temperature. Stuff them with paper to help them maintain their shape as they dry.

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  1. 1 Remove the laces and soak them in cold soapy water. Leave them soaking for 30-60 minutes, then scrub them and rinse them again with cold water. Set them aside on a dry towel overnight.
    • Your white laces may not look new, even after you clean them. Buy new laces if you prefer them to be perfectly white.
  2. 2 Take a washcloth and soak the tip in acetone, Do this by pressing the cloth against the open bottle and briefly tipping the bottle over to let a small amount of acetone soak the cloth. You can also pour a small amount of acetone into a plastic bowl and dip the cloth to soak it.
    • Wear gloves when working with acetone, especially if you are wearing nail polish.
  3. 3 Scrub your converse with the acetone-soaked washcloth. Clean the top of the shoe first, scrubbing harder on stains or areas that are badly discolored. Then scrub the sides and bottom of the rubber soles. Add more acetone to the washcloth as you go.
  4. 4 Wash your converse in cold soapy water. Hand wash them or run them in a laundry machine with cold water and a small amount of detergent. Then set them out to dry.
    • If your converse aren’t totally clean, try washing them one more time. You can also spot-clean them with a magic eraser or bleach pen to remove any stubborn stains.
  5. 5 Let your converse air dry for 24 hours at room temperature. Stuff them with paper to help them keep their shape as they dry.

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  1. 1 Remove the laces and soak them in cold soapy water. Leave them soaking for 30-60 minutes, then scrub them and rinse them again with cold water. Set them aside on a dry towel overnight.
    • Your white laces may not look new, even after you clean them. Buy new laces if you prefer them to be perfectly white.
  2. 2 Soak your converse in cold water. Rinse them under a running faucet or dunk them into a large bucket of water. The moisture will make the magic eraser more effective.
    • You could moisten the magic eraser instead of the shoe, but making the shoe damp ensures that there will be enough moisture throughout the entire cleaning process.
  3. 3 Scrub your converse with a Magic Eraser Sponge, Begin by scrubbing the top of the shoe from toe to heel, spending more time on spots with visible stains. Then move on to the sides and bottom of the rubber soles. As the sponge gets dirty, turn it over and use a cleaner side. You can also swap the sponge with a new one if it gets completely covered in dirt.
    • Magic erasers are especially good for removing scuff marks from the rubber toe parts of the shoe.
    • Magic erasers do not use any harsh chemicals, making them especially good options if you have pets or young kids, or if you otherwise prefer to keep chemicals out of your home.
    • This eraser contains a melamine polymer. It feels flexible and somewhat soft to the touch, but this polymer is an effective abrasive foam. When you use the eraser, you literally scrape the dirt away with physical force.
  4. 4 Let your converse air dry for 24 hours at room temperature. Stuff them with paper to help them keep their shape as they dry.
    • Avoid using a dryer. Machine-drying white Converse will cause them to shrink or lose their shape.

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  1. 1 Remove the laces and place them in cold soapy water. Soak them for 30-60 minutes, then scrub and rinse them again with cold water. Set them aside on a dry towel overnight.
    • Your white laces may not look new, even after you clean them. Buy new laces if you prefer them to be perfectly white.
  2. 2 Add a palm-size glob of toothpaste to a small bowl. Then add 1 cup (240 mL) of baking soda, ¼ cup (60 mL) of shampoo, and 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Stir thoroughly until there are no lumps in the mixture.
    • Any liquid shampoo will work. Choose a scent you like, or use whatever you have available.
  3. 3 Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture onto your converse. Start with the top of the shoe, scrubbing extra hard on stains or particularly dirty spots. Then scrub the rubber soles. When you’re finished, rinse your converse in cold water to remove the toothpaste mixture.
    • Use a brush with firm bristles if you have one. These let you scrub extra hard, which helps remove stains and dirt.
  4. 4 Use a toothbrush to scrub your converse again with shampoo. Scrub harder on any stubborn stains that didn’t get removed by the toothpaste mixture. Make sure to scrub the soles to remove scuff marks too.
    • When finished, rinse your shoes again in cold water.
  5. 5 Use acetone or nail polish remover to spot-clean the rubber soles. Pour a small amount of acetone on a washcloth or cotton ball. Rub the acetone onto the soles. This helps get rid of stubborn stains and anything stuck to the rubber.
    • Use gloves when cleaning with acetone, especially if you’re wearing nail polish. Acetone will remove most nail polish and can irritate your skin.
  6. 6 Let your converse air dry overnight at room temperature. Stuff them with paper to help them maintain their shape as they dry.
    • Avoid using a dryer. Machine-drying white Converse will cause them to shrink or change shape.

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  1. 1 Remove the laces and place them in cold soapy water. Soak them for 30-60 minutes, then scrub and rinse them again. Set them aside on a dry towel overnight.
    • Your white laces may not look perfectly white, even after you clean them. Buy new laces if you want them looking fresh.
  2. 2 Rinse your converse with cold water and drizzle them with dish soap. Use a kitchen brush to scrub them, spreading the foamy soap as you go along. Scrub the whole shoe, including the rubber soles. Then rinse your shoes with cold water to remove the soap.
    • Make sure to scrub harder on any stains or dirtier spots.
    • If the stains won’t come out the first time, rinse your shoes with cold water and scrub them again with plenty of dish soap. Repeat as many times as needed.
    • If stains still won’t come out, try an additional cleaning method, like acetone or baking soda + white vinegar.
  3. 3 Hang dry your converse overnight at room temperature. Stuff them with paper to help them keep their shape as they dry.
    • Don’t throw your converse in a dryer. Machine-drying will cause them to shrink or change shape.

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  1. 1 Only wear them inside, or in clean public places with good weather. Avoid wearing them on rainy or snowy days. Never walk on mud or dirt while wearing them, if you can help it, and never walk through puddles with them.
    • If possible, take a change of shoes with you when go out in white converse. That way you can swap them out as if you get caught in the rain.
  2. 2 Run your converse through the wash every few weeks. Use cold water and regular detergent, with no bleach. Place them in a delicates bag and run them with towels or other soft items to prevent them from banging around during the spin cycle. Then hang them up to air dry overnight.
    • Never throw your converse in a dryer. Machine-drying will cause them to shrink or change shape.
    • Always remove the laces and wash them separately.
  3. 3 Spot-clean them regularly with a bleach pen or Magic Eraser. Spot-clean any stains as soon as possible. Use a brush to scrub off any stubborn scuff marks on the rubber soles.
    • Rinse your converse with cold water to remove the bleach, then let them air dry overnight.
  4. 4 Never wash your converse with bleach. Bleach can sometimes turn white fabric yellow, which is irreversible. It can also discolor other parts of the shoe, such as logos or the thin stripes that some converse have between the fabric and the sides of the soles.
    • Use a bleach pen to spot-clean stains and small areas of your converse. This is less intense than a bleach wash.
  5. 5 Apply sneaker protector spray to keep your converse waterproof. Follow the directions on the spray bottle to keep your converse clean and waterproof for as long as possible. This will prevent your converse from getting moldy and smelly. It’ll also repel dirt and stains.
    • Depending on the brand of sneaker protector, you may need to apply a new layer of protectant every few days or so.

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Add New Question

  • Question How do you clean Converse with detergent? Marc Sigal is the Founder of ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox places custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations so you can pick up and drop off items 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Shoe Care Specialist Expert Answer Dip a clean towel in some lukewarm water and a little bit of mild detergent. Then, take the towel and blot any dirty areas throughout the shoe.
  • Question Do I have to use a washer to rinse my shoes? No, and it would be better if you washed them by hand, as washing them in the washer and dryer can be hard on the shoes, especially if done often.
  • Question Will putting the shoes in water and the dryer ruin them? Converse shoes can be washed with water as outlined in this article. However, let them air dry as the heat from the dryer can melt the glue and cause the shoes to fall apart and can change the shape of the shoes. If you must use the dryer, pack the shoes with tissue paper to keep their shape, place inside a pillow case and tie around the shoes tightly, then use the lowest setting on the dryer. If you cannot change the setting on the dryer, don’t use it at all. However, as noted in the article, use of the dryer is not recommended at all.

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  • Shoelaces (optional)
  • Bucket
  • Bowl (glass or plastic)
  • Spoon (plastic or wood)
  • Water
  • Clean rag
  • Sponge
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar
  • Stain stick
  • Mesh or cloth laundry bag
  • Magic eraser
  • Soap
  • Acetone or nail polish remover
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Dish soap
  • Kitchen brush

Article Summary X To clean white converse, first untie the shoes and remove the laces. Then, use a toothbrush or wash cloth to wipe off any caked-on dirt or grime on the shoes. Add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of dish soap and 1 cup (235 mL) of warm water to a bowl and mix together.

Dip the brush or cloth in the mixture and scrub each side of your shoes using back-and-forth strokes. Brush dirty areas until the stains are completely removed. Next, wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any leftover suds. To dry your shoes, crumple newspaper and place it inside your shoes.

The newspaper will help your shoes maintain their shape while they air dry. For stubborn stains, you can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. First, add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda, ½ tablespoon (15 mL) of water, and ½ tablespoon (15 mL) of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl and mix together.

  • Then, spread the paste onto your shoes using a toothbrush or washcloth.
  • Leave your shoes out in the sun for 4-5 hours, then use a clean brush or cloth to remove the dried paste.
  • To clean your white shoelaces, just soak them in a bowl of soapy water 10 minutes.
  • Then, lay them out to air dry.
  • For tips on how to remove scuff marks from your Converse or clean them using a magic eraser, a lemon, petroleum jelly, or rubbing alcohol, read the article! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,705,387 times.

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Why did my white Converse turned yellow after washing?

How To Maintain White Shoes? – Make Skillful Use Of Cleanser The shoes edge will turn yellow as a result of chemical residue, namely enzymes in detergent. It triggers chemical reaction and produces yellow substance under the sun, which makes the shoes surface turn yellow.

Hence, you can choose whitening soap to wash white shoes. In this way, no residue will remain and the shoes will become much whiter. Make Skillful Use Of Pure Blue Ink Iron ion in blue inks and stains will cause a chemical reaction in water. Thus, you can first pour 3-5 drops of pure blue ink into clear water so that the water turns light blue when washing white shoes.

Then put the white shoes in the water and soak them for 10 minutes. Finally wash the white shoes with clean water. Also, air white shoes in a cool, dry and ventilated place, not in the air. Make Skillful Use Of White Tissue Cover washed white shoes with a white tissue.

  • You can wrap more layers at the junction.
  • On the one hand, it can block direct sunlight to warm white shoes.
  • On the other hand, it can use a fluorescent agent to increase the whiteness of white shoes.
  • Make Skillful Use of Lead Powder You can also use lead powder if your white shoes turn yellow seriously.

Apply some lead powder on white shoes after washing them, and then cover them with white tissue to dry off. Soon your white shoes will get a new look.

Does vinegar clean white Converse?

How to Keep Your White Shoes Clean Longer – Now that your white sneakers are sparkling clean, you want to keep them that way. Though you may be tempted to wrap them in plastic, return them to their original box, and never wear them again, that’s not why you bought them. These tips will help keep your white shoes clean longer:

Be selective about where and when you wear white shoes, Make a different choice if it’s raining or muddy outside. Invest in a good-quality shoe protection spray, which provides a clear, tough protective layer that repels liquids, mud, dirt, and accidental spills. A good spray still enables your shoes to breathe and keeps your feet dry. Keep sneaker wipes handy. Give your white sneakers a quick wipe after each use to prevent dirt buildup and stains. Use a water-based cleaner. Frequently touch up your white shoes with a commercial water-based cleaner or mix your own: 1 part water to 1 part white vinegar. Brush, don’t scrub. Treat your white shoes to a gentle brush instead of a hard scrub, which can be damaging.

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