How to Clean White Converse (Make Them Look Brand New)

You love your white Converse shoes, but they get dirty so fast. You might feel sad when you see stains, dirt, or yellow marks on them. I know that feeling because I had the same problem. The good news is, you can clean white Converse and make them look new again at home. In this article, I will show you the exact steps that helped me bring my white Converse back to life. You do not need any special tools, just some simple things you already have at home.

Gather Everything You Need

Before you clean your white Converse, it is smart to get everything ready. When everything is in one place, you do not have to stop in the middle. Cleaning gets easier and faster. You can clean better when you have all the items in front of you. These are simple things, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen or bathroom.

First, you need a soft brush. If you do not have a shoe brush, a toothbrush works really well. It is small and can reach tight spots. You also need a clean cloth or a small towel. This will help you wipe away dirt and extra soap.

Now let's talk about what to use for cleaning. The easiest way is using mild soap or dish soap with warm water. It is gentle and works well for regular dirt. But if your shoes have deep stains or yellow marks, you can use baking soda and white vinegar. These two are strong natural cleaners.

You should also take out the laces before you begin. This way, you can wash them separately and reach all areas of your shoes. A bowl or bucket is useful too. You can mix your cleaning solution there. Keep some paper towels nearby to dry shoes after cleaning.

• A soft brush or old toothbrush
• A bowl or bucket of warm water
• Mild soap or dish soap
• Baking soda and white vinegar (for deep cleaning)
• A clean cloth or towel
• Paper towels or a dry cloth
• A place to dry shoes in shade
• Optional: magic eraser for soles
• Optional: hydrogen peroxide for yellow stains
• Optional: mesh bag if using a washing machine

Remove Loose Dirt First

The first thing to do is remove loose dirt from your white Converse. You should never put dirty shoes straight into water or soap. It will just make more mess. Dry dirt and dust can spread and make the water muddy. That's why it's important to do this step first.

Start by banging the soles of the shoes together outside. This will knock off dry mud and dust. Then take your soft brush or toothbrush and gently brush the outside. Make sure to get into the seams and edges. These spots hold lots of dirt.

Pay extra attention to the area around the sole. This part gets the dirtiest from walking on streets and grass. Use the brush with small circular motions. Do not use a lot of pressure. The goal is to lift the dirt, not push it deeper into the fabric.

If your shoes have dry mud on them, you can use a butter knife or edge of a credit card to gently scrape it off. Just be careful not to damage the canvas. After brushing, take a dry cloth and gently wipe the whole shoe. This will remove any leftover dirt dust.

Now your Converse are ready for the real cleaning. They may not look clean yet, but trust the process. You are setting a clean base to work with.

• Bang the soles together to loosen dry dirt
• Use a soft brush to gently scrub the canvas
• Scrape off dry mud with a dull edge like a butter knife
• Wipe the whole shoe with a clean dry cloth
• Remove laces before brushing for better reach

Clean With Soap and Water

Now that the dirt is off, it is time to clean the shoes with soap and water. This method is the safest and works for most people. It will not harm the fabric or the rubber. It is also easy to do if it is your first time cleaning shoes.

Start by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild soap or dish soap. Stir it until you see bubbles. Dip your brush or toothbrush into the water. Gently scrub the shoes in a circular motion. Take your time and go over each part of the canvas. Work on one shoe at a time so you can focus better.

Make sure you also scrub the rubber sole. Use a bit more pressure here since the rubber can handle it. The front toe cap gets dirty easily, so clean that area well.

If the water gets too dirty, change it with fresh soap water. Keep rinsing the brush so you are not putting dirt back on the shoe.

Once you are done scrubbing, take a clean wet cloth. Wipe off all the soap from the shoes. It is important to remove all soap because leftover soap can leave white marks after drying.

Then use a dry cloth or paper towel to pat the shoes dry. Do not twist or squeeze the shoes. Just press gently. Let the shoes dry in a cool spot with air, but keep them out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can make them turn yellow.

• Mix warm water with a little soap
• Scrub with brush in circles, gently
• Clean the soles and toe area well
• Wipe off all soap with clean wet cloth
• Let dry in air, not in sun

Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Deep Stains

Sometimes your white Converse get deep stains or yellow marks. Soap and water are not enough. That's when you need something stronger. Baking soda and vinegar are great natural cleaners. They work like magic on tough dirt and yellow spots.

First, take one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with two tablespoons of white vinegar. You can also add one tablespoon of warm water to make a paste. It may bubble a little, and that's okay.

Now use your toothbrush and dip it in the paste. Gently scrub the stained areas. Don't rush. Let the paste sit on the stains for at least 20 minutes. This gives it time to break the stain.

After waiting, use a clean cloth and warm water to wipe away the paste. Rinse the area well. You may need to repeat this process for deep stains. Be patient. Some stains need two or three tries to go away fully.

Baking soda also helps with bad smells in the shoes. If your Converse smell bad, sprinkle a little baking soda inside them and leave overnight. Shake it out in the morning.

• Mix baking soda, vinegar, and warm water
• Make a paste and scrub the stains
• Let it sit for 20 minutes
• Wipe off with clean wet cloth
• Repeat if needed
• Sprinkle inside for odor control

Wash the Laces Separately

Laces can hold a lot of dirt and grime, especially the white ones. If you forget to clean them, your shoes still look dirty. So take time to clean the laces right.

Remove the laces from your shoes first. Fill a small bowl or sink with warm water and a little soap. Put the laces in and swirl them around. Let them soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps loosen the dirt.

After soaking, take one lace at a time and rub it between your hands. This helps remove the deep dirt. You can also scrub them with a toothbrush. Be gentle so the laces don't rip.

Rinse them under clean water. Then use a towel to squeeze out the extra water. Hang them or lay them flat to air dry. Don't dry them in the sun, just like the shoes.

If your laces are very stained or yellow, you can soak them in the same baking soda and vinegar mix for extra whitening.

• Soak in warm soapy water
• Rub between hands or scrub gently
• Rinse well and air dry
• Use baking soda mix for deep stains
• Never dry in direct sun

Let Your Converse Dry the Right Way

After all your hard work, you want your shoes to dry well. Drying the right way is very important. If you dry them wrong, they can lose shape or turn yellow. So take this step seriously.

First, never use a hairdryer or heater. That can damage the glue or rubber. It's also not good for the canvas. Instead, stuff your shoes with paper towels. This helps them keep their shape and also pulls out extra water.

Now place them in a cool, airy place. A room with a fan or open window works well. Make sure they are not under direct sunlight. The sun can make white shoes turn yellow, especially if they are still wet.

Change the paper towels every few hours until the shoes feel dry. This helps them dry faster. If the weather is very humid, it may take more time. Be patient and never rush.

Once they are dry, you can put the clean laces back in. Your white Converse should now look fresh and bright again.

Drying tips:

• Never use hairdryer or heater
• Stuff with paper towels to hold shape
• Dry in cool air, not in sun
• Change towels if they get too wet
• Let them dry fully before wearing

Quick Guide Table

Final Thoughts

Cleaning white Converse takes time, but it is worth it. I remember feeling proud the first time I cleaned mine and saw them look fresh again. With simple things from your home, you can do it too. Just be gentle and patient. If you follow all the steps, your Converse will look almost new. Clean them often so dirt doesn't build up. It is a great feeling to wear clean white shoes that look bright again. You do not need to buy new ones — just clean the ones you have with care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to wash white Converse in the washing machine?

Yes, you can wash them in a machine, but only with care. Always remove the laces and put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Never use hot water because it can damage the glue and make yellow stains worse. Add mild soap or detergent, not bleach. After washing, never put them in the dryer. Let them air dry slowly. Always stuff them with paper towels to keep their shape. This way, machine washing can be safe and helpful if done correctly.

Can baking soda really clean white Converse?

Yes, baking soda is one of the best things to clean white Converse. It works very well on tough stains and even helps remove smells. When mixed with white vinegar, it creates a powerful natural cleaner. It is safe for canvas and rubber. Just scrub the paste onto the dirty parts, let it sit, then rinse. It may take a few tries for deep stains, but it is very useful. Many people trust this method because it is cheap, easy, and gentle on shoes. I have used it myself and saw great results.

Do I need special shoe cleaner to clean white Converse?

No, you do not need special shoe cleaner. Simple things like dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar work very well. These are safe, easy to find, and cheap. Special shoe cleaners may help, but they are not always better. Sometimes they are too strong and can damage the fabric. If you clean your Converse gently and follow the steps, your shoes will look clean without needing anything fancy. Most of the time, home cleaners do a great job and save you money too.

Is it okay to dry white Converse in the sun?

No, it is not a good idea to dry them in the sun. Sunlight can make your white Converse turn yellow, especially if they are still wet. The heat can also damage the glue and make the rubber crack over time. It is much better to let them dry in the shade or indoors with some air flow. Use paper towels inside to help dry faster and keep the shape. Even though the sun might seem like a quick way to dry, it can ruin the clean look of your shoes.

Can I use bleach on white Converse?

It is not recommended. Bleach is strong and can damage the canvas. It might make the shoes look whiter at first, but it also weakens the fabric. Bleach can also cause yellow stains if not used right. If you do use it, always mix it with a lot of water and test it on a small spot first. But it is better to try baking soda and vinegar first. They are safer and still clean well. I would only use bleach as a last option and with great care.

Do I have to take out the laces before cleaning?

Yes, it is a good idea to take out the laces before you clean your Converse. This helps you reach all the areas of the shoe better. Also, the laces get very dirty and need to be cleaned on their own. If you leave them in, the area under the laces stays dirty. Clean laces also make your shoes look fresher. So always take them out, wash them separately, and then put them back in once everything is dry.

Is it better to hand wash or machine wash white Converse?

Hand washing is better for long life of the shoes. It is gentle and gives you more control. You can clean deep stains better with a toothbrush. Machine washing is faster, but it can wear out the shoes faster. If you must use a machine, do it rarely and with care. Use a gentle cycle, cold water, and a laundry bag. Always air dry. Hand washing takes more time, but it keeps your Converse in good shape longer.

Can I stop white Converse from getting dirty fast?

You can slow it down, but you cannot stop it fully. White shoes always get dirty faster than other colors. But you can protect them. Use a fabric spray protector that makes it harder for dirt and water to stick. Try not to wear them in rain or muddy areas. Clean small stains fast so they don't build up. Also, storing them in a clean spot helps. If you care for them regularly, they will stay white longer and be easier to clean next time.