How To Clean White Converse: 8 Simple Methods

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White converse sneakers are a staple for any shoe collection. They go with anything and they can be worn at any time of the year.

They can be worn with everything from jeans to shorts, dresses, skirts, shirts, you name it!

However, white sneakers are hard to clean and maintain! Fear not, with this simple tutorial you will be able to keep your white converse shoes in top condition with minimal effort.

However, if you’re sneakers are already stained and dirty, we’re also going to show you exactly how to get white converse white again!

Here are 8 simple methods to use to get your converse looking new!

How To Clean White Converse Shoes

There are several ways you can clean white converse without destroying them. Here are the 8 easiest ways.

Taking the easiest and less messy way first is your best bet and that’s where the Magic Eraser comes in!

1. With A Magic Eraser

Surely by now, you’ve heard of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Its main use is for around the home but here’s how to get stains out of white converse with the ever-so-popular cleaning item.

Step 1: Wet your Magic Eraser

Step 2: Squeeze out the excess water

Step 3: Scrub the rubber toecaps and soles. Spot test canvas then apply all over. Scrub them then let them dry. Once dry, throw them in the washing machine then let them air dry.

We suggest grabbing the Extra Durable Magic Eraser in case you really need to do some tough scrubbing.

Side note: We’ve even used the Magic Eraser to take stains out of white quartz countertops (true story). It’s a powerful little guy!

2. With Bleach

Here’s how to clean white converse without turning them yellow:

Step 1: Put on gloves and make sure that you are working on a surface that is covered or safe from any splashes or spills.

Step 2: Dilute the bleach in water (1 part bleach to 4 parts water).

Step 3: Wet your sneakers and then apply the diluted bleach mixture to them. Scrub them then let them dry. Once they are completely dry, put them in the washing machine on cold and air dry.

3. With baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

If you don’t want to use bleach or if your sneakers are already stained past the point of no return, we suggest using a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture instead.

Baking soda is also great because it has very little abrasiveness. It will remove dirt and grime with ease, without damaging the delicate material of your shoes.

The baking soda will also absorb any bad smells from them (like if you’ve been wearing them without socks).

Step 1: Mix together two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part baking soda

Step 2: Apply the mixture to the sneakers and scrub until clean. Let it sit for about thirty minutes before rinsing it off with water. Lastly, let them air dry.

A good tip to follow for all these methods is to remove the laces if your sneakers (or laces) are really dirty. Put your laces in a bowl and with gloves, follow the same steps you did for the sneakers. Then, reinsert the laces when your sneakers are clean and dry.

4. With Vinegar & Baking Soda

Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that’s cheap and easy to use! It’s also effective at getting rid of any bacteria or fungus that may be living on your sneakers.

Another plus? Vinegar doesn’t leave any residue or smell behind after cleaning.

Step 1: Mix equal parts vinegar, water, and baking soda and mix it until it turns into a paste.

Step 2: Cover sneakers in the mixture and let them sit for about an hour. Scrub if needed. Rinse off with water or put them in the washing machine then let them air dry.

5. Use an Oxiclean Gel Stick

Oxiclean gets out the toughest stains. This stick is a convenient way to apply cleaner without a mess.

Step 1: Cover your sneakers with the stick and allow them to sit for a few minutes up to a few hours.

Step 2: Put them in the washing machine on hot water (can be done with or without detergent) then let them air dry.

6. With Dish Detergent & Water

Dish detergent is a great cleaner for not just dishes, but for many other items around the home as well. Here’s how to whiten converse with dish detergent:

Step 1: Combine your everyday dish detergent (like Palmolive or Dawn) with a small bowl of water.

Step 2: Gently scrub your sneakers making sure to get them completely saturated if the dirt/stains have penetrated through.

Step 3: Rinse the detergent away with warm water and allow the sneakers to fully air dry.

7. Spray With Shout Spray

Shout spray is a laundry stain remover that can be used on many different types of fabrics. Here’s how to use it to clean your converse.

Step 1: Spray the sneakers from about 12 inches away and make sure to saturate them pretty well.

Step 2: Let them sit for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse off with water or put them in the washing machine then let them air dry.

8. Spot Clean With toothpaste

Toothpaste is really best for spot cleaning white converse. If you have just a few spots that need to be removed here’s how to clean white converse with toothpaste.

Step 1: Squeeze a pea-size amount of toothpaste onto a cloth.

Step 2: Rub the toothpaste all over the sneakers in a circular motion.

Step 3: Let them sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse off with water or put them in the washing machine then let them air dry.

How to clean white converse that turned yellow

If your white converse have turned yellow over time, then you may need to use a different method to clean them. Follow these steps below to get your sneakers back to their original color.

Step 1: fill a bucket or sink with hot water and laundry detergent

Step 2: Place the sneakers in the water and let them soak for about an hour

Step 3: Take out the sneakers and scrub them with a toothbrush (or other brush) until they are clean

Step 4: Rinse off with water and let them air dry.

How To Wash White Converse In A Washing Machine

If you’re washing white converse in a washing machine, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Place the sneakers in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase, especially if you plan to wash them with other items.

Step 2: Wash on a gentle cycle with detergent.

Step 3: Air dry.

How To Clean White Converse Fast

If you need to clean your white converse quickly, follow these steps.

Step 1: Mix one part laundry detergent with two parts water in a bowl or bucket.

Step 2: Dunk the sneakers in the mixture and let them soak for about an hour.

Step 3: Take out the sneakers and scrub them with a toothbrush (or other brush) until they are clean.

Step 4: Rinse off with water and let them air dry.

What is the best way to clean white converse?

When trying to restore white converse, the method you choose will depend on just how dirty your sneakers are and how long the stains have been there. The newer the stain, the easier it usually is to get out. There is no single best way to clean white converse.

Hopefully, one of these methods will help you get your kicks back to being squeaky clean so you can wear them for years to come!

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How To Clean White Converse: 8 Simple Methods