Nothing spoils a crisp summer outfit more than wearing white Converse sneakers covered with stains, smudges, and scuffs. It doesn’t matter how chic you look (or how great of a steal your maxi dress is!): you probably can’t stop thinking that everyone is looking at your dingy shoes.
Our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab pros are here to answer your top questions about white sneaker-cleaning, so you can rock your look with confidence. Follow these easy steps to spiff up those Converse kicks in no time! (And if white Vans are more your style, we have cleaning tips for them, too!)
How can I clean my canvas and leather Converse sneakers?
Converse
The safest way to clean any type of Converse sneaker is by hand. Start by removing the laces and brushing off loose dust and dirt with a soft brush. Don’t forget the grooves and crevices along the rubber trim and the tongue.
Mix a little dish liquid, like Dawn, into a cup of warm water. Dip a cloth or soft brush (or toothbrush) into the solution and gently go over the entire shoe, including the outsole and toe. Drop the laces into the same solution for a soak. Next, take a cloth dampened in clear water, wipe the shoes to rinse them well.
Stuff your Converse sneakers with white paper towels to absorb moisture and help maintain the shape as they dry. Allow the sneakers to dry at room temperature away from heat and sunlight. Rinse and squeeze the water out of the laces and lay them flat to dry. Voila!
How can I get tough stains out of my white sneakers?
Depending on whether your Converse are canvas or leather, you’ll want to reach for two different cleaning products you probably have in your cabinet already: hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
For canvas shoes, dip your brush in hydrogen peroxide and scrub. For stains on leather, dip a wet brush in baking soda and rub gently. Finally, for both materials, wipe with a clean, wet cloth to rinse away any lingering stain and air dry.
Can I put my Converse in the washing machine?
No. Unlike Vans (which don’t offer care recommendations on its site), Converse specifically cautions against putting its shoes in the washing machine. The brand doesn’t say exactly why, but we suspect it’s because it can’t predict how aggressive the washer might be and how it might damage the shoes. Converse sneakers are easy enough to clean by hand, so we think that’s the way to go.
How do I keep my white Converse white?
Before your first wear and after every cleaning, spray your white sneakers with a water and stain repellant spray to help them stay cleaner longer. The GH Cleaning Lab likes Kiwi Sneaker Protector for both leather and canvas shoes. Another trick? If you don’t have time to fully clean your shoes when a mess happens, at least spot-clean stains right away with a mix of mild dish soap and water so they’re easier to remove later on.
Between cleanings, remove scuffs and marks from the rubber trim with an eraser sponge, like GH Seal star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable. To tackle stains on-the-go, tuck a Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover in your purse. They are individually wrapped so they stain moist and are our GH Cleaning Lab’s go to stain solution.
