Are your beloved Converse looking more "vintage distressed" than "effortlessly cool"? We understand exactly how you feel. 

Those crisp white Chucks that perfectly completed every outfit are now sporting mysterious stains and that not-so-fresh gray tinge. 

But the solution is simpler than you think, and you don't need expensive cleaners or hours of intensive care. 

This guide breaks down foolproof methods to clean your Converse to their box-fresh glory. From quick emergency touch-ups to deep-cleaning sessions, plus the prevention tricks that'll keep them cleaner longer.

Ready to make your Converse look brand new again? Let's dive in.

What You'll Need to Clean Your Converse

Essential Cleaning Supplies

• Mild laundry detergent or dish soap

• Warm water

• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush

• Microfiber cloth or a clean towel

• Baking soda

• White vinegar (for tough stains)

• Paper towels or newspaper

Optional Supplies for Deep Cleaning

• SneakERASERS sneaker cleaners (optional, but highly recommended if you want to save time)

• White toothpaste (non-gel)

• Shoe protector spray

How to Prepare Your Converse Shoes to Be Cleaned

Before you begin the process of cleaning your Converse shoes, they need to be prepped. Follow these three steps to get your sneakers ready.

Step 1: Remove Laces and Insoles

Taking out your laces before cleaning is a game-changer. When laces stay in, they block soap and water from reaching all the dirty spots around the eyelets and tongue. 

Plus, laces need their own cleaning session since they collect just as much grime as your shoes. 

For the laces themselves, you can either toss them in the washing machine with a load of whites or hand wash them with a bit of detergent and warm water. 

Give them a good cleaning, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry completely.

Step 2: Brush Away Loose Dirt

Before you add any water or cleaning products, grab an old toothbrush or soft brush and go after the dried dirt first. 

This step might seem tedious, but it streamlines everything else. Start by knocking your shoes together to get rid of loose chunks, then brush in circular motions to work out persistent dirt from the canvas texture. 

Pay extra attention to the rubber toe area and the grooves in the sole where mud loves to hide. 

Getting this stuff off first means your cleaning solution can actually do its job instead of just pushing mud around. 

If you've encountered particularly muddy conditions during a hike or rainy day walk, you’re not just cleaning Converse sneakers anymore.

Read our guide on how to clean muddy shoes if you want to do it the right way. 

Step 3: Patch Test First

Before you go all-in with any cleaning solution, test it on a hidden spot first. 

Pick an area like the inside edge of the tongue or the back heel where nobody will notice if something goes wrong.

Dab a tiny amount of your cleaning mixture on the spot and wait exactly 10 minutes to see what happens. 

This simple step can save you from turning your white Converse pink or accidentally weakening the canvas material. 

Different shoe materials and colors can react unexpectedly to cleaners, so this quick test lets you know if your cleaning method is safe before you commit to the whole shoe.

How to Clean Canvas Converse: Step-by-Step Methods

Now that you’ve prepped the shoe, it’s time to get into the good stuff: actually cleaning your Converse sneakers. 

We’re going to take a look at three methods: the hand-washing method, the baking soda method, and our favorite way…the SneakERASERS method. 

Traditional Hand-Washing Method

Start by mixing 1 teaspoon of mild soap (like dish soap or laundry detergent) with 2 cups lukewarm water (around 85°F) in a bowl. 

Grab a microfiber cloth or soft sponge, dip it in the soapy mixture, and gently wipe your Converse in circular motions. 

Pay special attention to the dirtiest areas like the tongue, toe box, and around the eyelets, where grime loves to accumulate. 

Avoid soaking the shoes completely. You want them damp, not dripping wet. 

Once you've worked over the whole shoe, use a clean cloth with fresh water to rinse away all the soap residue, then let it air dry away from direct heat.

Baking Soda Paste Method for Stubborn Stains

When regular soap isn't cutting it, mix equal parts baking soda, white vinegar, and warm water (2 tablespoons each) to create a thick paste. 

The mixture will fizz up a bit. That's totally normal and actually helps break down challenging stains. 

Using an old toothbrush, spread the paste over the stained areas and let it sit for exactly 15 minutes to work its magic. 

Then work the area with firm, small circles, adding a bit more paste if needed. The baking soda acts like a natural abrasive while the vinegar helps dissolve persistent dirt and odors.

The Quick-Clean Method with SneakERASERS

SneakERASERS sneaker cleaners are dual-layered cleaning sponges that come ready to use. All you need is some water to activate each sponge’s cleaning properties.

Start with the white side for your everyday cleaning, gently swiping away surface dirt, scuffs, and light stains from the canvas. 

The white layer is perfect for regular maintenance and won't be too harsh on your shoes. 

When you need to clean around sensitive areas like logos or delicate materials, flip to the orange side for a gentle clean.

These are perfect for quick touch-ups when you're heading out the door or want to freshen up your Converse between deep cleaning sessions. 

But just because they are great for touch-ups doesn’t mean SneakERASERS can’t handle heavier jobs. Our sponges can handle most stains.

And if there’s a deep stain that no eraser can handle, our SneakERASERS SOAK will take care of the job.

Remember to swipe. Don't apply excessive pressure. Light touches help the sponges last longer while still delivering satisfying results.

How to Clean White Converse Shoes

White Converse sneakers are arguably one of their most popular shoe lines. If you own a pair, you’ll want to know how to clean them.

Here are our three favorite methods for cleaning Converse shoes (including with SneakERASERS)

Toothpaste Method for Whitening

Surprisingly, white toothpaste (not the gel kind) works effectively for cleaning sneaker soles.

Apply 1 tablespoon of toothpaste on an old toothbrush and spread it all over the dirty areas. 

Let it sit and dry for 5-8 minutes, then work it off with water. This approach works best when you want to target specific stains or yellow spots on your shoes.

Oxygen Bleach for Overall Whitening

Oxygen bleach is a safer choice than regular bleach for cleaning white shoes. 

It helps whiten the material and gets rid of bad smells at the same time. You can add 1 tablespoon per cup of cleaning solution for better results.

Clean White Converse Shoes with SneakERASERS

SneakERASERS specialized cleaning sponges are effective for whitening shoe soles and the white areas around the bottom of sneakers. 

They’re free from harsh chemicals, making them safe for everyday use and gentle enough for the whole family. 

With regular cleaning, these sponges can help keep your shoes looking nearly new. The instant results are incredibly satisfying. Scuff marks seem to vanish in seconds with just a light swipe. 

For leather Converse models, read up on our guide for cleaning white leather shoes focuses on caring for delicate materials while keeping them bright and clean.

Should You Machine Wash Your Converse?

The answer is: it depends. There are times when machine washing can work, but it does have its downsides. Keep reading below to see our opinion.

When Machine Washing is Appropriate

Canvas Converse can technically survive a trip through the washing machine, but it comes with some real risks you should know about. 

The machine's agitation can weaken the glue that holds your shoes together, especially around the sole, and the canvas might shrink or lose its shape. 

Machine washing works best as a last resort for heavily soiled shoes that you've already tried cleaning by hand. 

If your Converse are less than 6 months old or you really care about keeping them in pristine condition, stick to hand-washing methods instead.

If you choose to Machine Wash, here’s what you need to do:

If you decide to machine wash your canvas Converse anyway, here's how to do it safely: take out the laces and put them in a delicates bag, then wash the shoes with durable fabrics like towels and jeans using cold water and regular detergent. 

However, it's important to know that Converse care instructions typically advise against machine washing their shoes. 

The company generally warns against this because machine washing can potentially damage your sneakers and may affect warranty coverage.

How to Dry Your Converse Sneakers Post-Clean

Drying your sneakers is just as important as washing them. Dry them incorrectly and you risk damaging the material.

Here are our recommended best practices for the next steps after you’ve cleaned your Converse shoes.

Air Drying Best Practices

The best way to dry your Converse is at 68-75°F room temperature with consistent air flow. Stuff your shoes with paper towels or newspaper to help them keep their shape while they dry. 

If you can, put them in a sunny spot or somewhere with active air circulation to speed up the drying process. 

Make sure to change the paper inside your shoes a few times as it gets wet, so your shoes dry completely.

(If you’re cleaning with SneakERASERS, you’ll want to air dry)

What to Avoid

Never use direct heat on your Converse shoes, which means no hair dryers, heaters, or tumble dryers. 

These can damage the glue that holds your shoes together and might even melt parts of your sneakers. 

While sunlight helps white Converse dry faster, keep colored Converse out of direct sunlight because the colors might fade.

How to Maintain Your Converse Shoes (So They Last Longer)

The best way to keep your Converse clean is to protect them before they get dirty. Spray your new shoes with shoe protector spray before wearing them for the first time. 

Clean up stains as soon as they occur when they happen with SneakERASERS, and brush your shoes regularly to stop dirt from accumulating. 

This approach aligns with a quality over quantity mindset, extending your shoe life and embracing sustainability.

Storing and Caring for your Converse Sneakers

When you're not wearing your Converse, store them in breathable cotton bags instead of plastic bags that can trap moisture. 

If your shoes start to smell, sprinkle some baking soda inside them between wears to eliminate odors. 

Also, remember to replace your shoelaces when they get too dirty to clean properly, since clean laces make a big difference in how your shoes look overall. 

These small details contribute to those enhanced everyday moments that come with well-maintained footwear.

When to Deep Clean vs. Do Quick Touch-Ups of Your Shoe

Sometimes, your sneakers need a few swipes from a SneakERASERS sponge. Other times, they’ll need heavier cleaning job to get them looking like their past self.

Here’s how to tell when you’ll need each type.

When to Deep Clean Your Converse Shoes

Traditional deep cleaning with soap and water or our SOAK solution is ideal for once-a-month upkeep or when your Converse have seen better days and need a more thorough wash. 

It’s especially useful at the end of a season, just before storing your shoes. Although this method takes a little more time, it’s often the most effective way to get rid of built-up grime.

 If you're working with athletic pairs or different materials, you might already be familiar with how cleaning routines can vary.

How you clean your shoes depends on what they’re made of and how often you wear them.

When a Sneaker Touch-Up is Better

Touch-ups are better when you need quick results before an important event (like a meeting) or when you're traveling and don't have access to water and soap. 

Products like a shoe brush or SneakERASERS help you maintain your Converse's appearance without the time and mess of traditional cleaning methods.

This makes them ideal for busy lifestyles and on-the-go situations. Quick, easy, and effective. That's what makes the difference between a chore and a satisfying experience.

When to Clean vs. Replace Your Converse Sneakers

Sometimes, parts of your Converse need to be replaced rather than cleaned. Converse shoes that are frayed, stretched, or permanently stained are usually better off swapped out for a fresh pair. 

And when the canvas has holes, the rubber sole is pulling away from the fabric, or stubborn stains and odors just won’t go away, it might be time to retire your shoes altogether. 

That said, if you’re not experiencing any of the above, you can get a lot more life out of your favorite pair with the right care and products

This is especially true for secondhand finds. Thrifted shoes often need a bit of extra attention, but they can still look and feel almost new with a little effort.

Keep Your Converse Looking Fresh Today

Your favorite Converse are sitting in your closet looking dirty and stained, and you're not sure if they're worth saving or if you should just buy a new pair.

 We understand that frustration completely. But with the right cleaning methods, your Converse can look fresh and clean for years to come. 

The truth is, cleaning Converse shoes is much easier than most people think. Don't let dirty shoes sit in your closet when most stains are easily removable. 

Try SneakERASERS on your own Converse or use one of the traditional cleaning methods listed above and see the difference for yourself.