Are you looking for tips on how to wash your Converse so they look as good as new? You’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, we’ll share everything you need to know about washing Converse footwear. We’ll cover the best way to clean them by hand, as well as how to machine wash Converse shoes. We’ll also share some helpful tips on how to keep your shoes looking their best.
So, if you’re ready to get your Converse clean and sparkling, let’s get started!
Cleaning Converse Shoes
Converse sneakers are classic American shoes that have been around for over 100 years. They’re known for their simple design, durability, and comfort. But like any other shoe, they can get dirty and need to be cleaned from time to time.
The good news is that cleaning Converse shoes is relatively easy. In most cases, you can wash them by hand or spot-clean them with a damp cloth.
Although the official converse site advises against machine washing your shoes, there are still some ways you can do it without damaging them. Machine washing them should be a last resort and only if you cannot wash them by hand.
How to Hand Wash Converse Shoes
The best way to wash your Converse shoes is by hand. This will help to preserve the shape of the shoe and prevent any damage that could occur from machine washing.
To wash your shoes by hand, you’ll need:
- A basin or sink filled with warm water
- Mild detergent or soap (I like using this natural, eco-friendly soap)
- A soft-bristled brush (toothbrushes work great!)
- A clean, dry towel
- Hairdryer (optional)
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start cleaning!
Remove laces and inner-sole:
One of the first things you’ll want to do is remove the laces and inner-sole from your shoes. Not only will this make them easier to wash, but there may be a lot of dirt and debris lurking in those areas!
You can either wash the laces and inner-sole separately or just replace them with new ones if they’re extremely dirty or worn out.
Brush away any loose dirt and debris:
Before getting your shoes wet, it’s a good idea to brush away any loose dirt or debris. This will help to loosen up any caked-on dirt and make the cleaning process a bit easier.
You can use a soft-bristled brush, toothbrush, or even an old washcloth. Just be sure not to scrub too hard as you don’t want to damage the canvas.
Test a small spot:
Once you’ve removed the laces and brushed away any loose dirt, it’s time to test a small spot on your shoes. This will help you to determine if the water and soap you’re using is too harsh for the material.
To test a small spot, simply wet a washcloth with the warm water and detergent mixture and gently rub it on an inconspicuous area of your shoes. If the color of the fabric starts to bleed or fade, you’ll want to use a different detergent.
Pre-treat tough stains:
If you have any tough stains on your shoes, you will want to pre-treat them before washing the entire shoe. You can soak the stained area with the soapy water mixture or use a stain remover specifically designed for canvas shoes.
Let the pre-treat sit for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
Scrub away the dirt:
Once you’ve pre-treated any tough stains, it’s time to start scrubbing away the dirt! Dip your shoes in soapy water and use the soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining dirt, debris, and stains.
Be sure to pay extra attention to any areas that seem especially dirty. You may need to scrub a bit harder in those areas to get them clean.
Rinse with clean water:
After you’ve scrubbed away all the dirt, it’s time to rinse your shoes with clean water. This will help to remove any soap residue and ensure that your shoes are clean.
If you’re using a basin or sink, be sure to empty it out and refill it with fresh, clean water before rinsing your shoes. Cold water is fine for this step.
Repeat as necessary:
For white or light-colored Converse sneakers, you may need to wash them more than once to get them completely clean. Pay attention to any areas that still seem dirty and repeat the process as necessary.
Dry your shoes:
Once you’re satisfied that your shoes are clean, it’s time to dry them. The best way to do this is to stuff them with clean, dry towels and let them air dry.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a hairdryer on the low setting to speed up the drying process. Just be sure not to hold the hairdryer too close to the shoes as this could damage them.
How to Machine Wash Converse Shoes
Although Converse only recommends washing shoes by hand, you can still toss them in the washing machine without ruining them.
To machine wash Converse shoes, you’ll need:
- Soft-bristled brush
- A mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Mild detergent
- Washing machine (set to a gentle cycle)
- Towels
- Hairdryer (optional)
Remove laces and inner-sole:
One of the most common reasons shoes get ruined in the washing machine is because the laces and inner soles get tangled up in the agitator. Not only will removing them prevent this from happening, but it will also give the machine a better chance to clean the shoes thoroughly.
If you don’t want to wash your laces, you can always just replace them with a fresh pair.
Brush away surface dirt:
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or debris on the surface of your shoes. If they’re particularly dirty, you can pre-treat them with a gentle stain remover before washing.
Wash on a delicate cycle:
Place your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase, and wash them on a delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent. The cold water will ensure that the shoes don’t shrink, and the delicate cycle will protect them from damage.
Drying your shoes:
Once you’re happy with how clean your shoes are, it’s time to dry them. The best way to do this is to stuff them with towels and let them air dry. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hair dryer on the low setting to speed up the process.
If your shoes are still wet after washing, you can try placing them in the dryer, while still in the mesh bag, on the lowest heat setting. Check on them every few minutes to make sure they’re not getting too hot.
Tips to Machine Wash Converse Shoes
I’ve machine-washed my Converse shoes many times, and I’ve learned a thing or two about how to do it without ruining them. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Use towels to balance the load:
If you’re washing more than one pair of shoes, be sure to place a towel or two in the washing machine to balance the load and prevent them from banging around too much. This will help to protect them from damage.
Wash separately:
To be safe, you should always wash Converse shoes separately from other items of clothing. This will prevent the shoes from getting tangled up with other items or the color from bleeding onto them.
Avoid using bleach:
While the canvas fabric Converse uses in their shoes is pretty tough, it’s still best to avoid using bleach when washing them. Bleach can damage other parts of the shoe, like the stitching, metal rings, and rubber soles.
Use a mesh laundry bag:
If you don’t have a mesh laundry bag, you can use an old pillowcase instead. Just be sure to tie it off so that the shoes don’t fall out in the wash.
And that’s it! With a little bit of care, you can machine wash your Converse shoes without ruining them.
Conclusion
Washing Converse sneakers doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little bit of care, you can clean them by hand or in the washing machine without ruining them. Just be sure to remove the laces and inner soles before washing, and use cold water and a delicate cycle. And if you’re in a hurry, you can always give them a quick blast with the hair dryer to speed up the drying process.