How to Wash Converse Shoes in Washing Machine the Right Way

You love your Converse shoes, right? But now they look dirty, smelly, or stained. You don't want to throw them out, and you're not sure how to clean them properly. Well, the good news is — you can wash Converse shoes in a washing machine without ruining them. I've done it myself many times and it works great when done the right way. In this article, I'll show you the safest and easiest way to wash your Converse shoes in a machine and make them look fresh again.

Take Out the Laces and Insoles Before Washing

Before you even touch the washing machine, the first thing you should do is prepare your Converse shoes the right way. This part is very important. You don't want to just toss your shoes inside without doing this, or else they might get damaged or stay dirty even after a full wash cycle.

Start by removing the laces. Just pull them out carefully. It's easy, but it's very important. If you leave the laces in, the dirt and grime hiding underneath won't get cleaned. Plus, laces can get tangled or stuck during the wash.

Now, check inside your shoes and take out the insoles, if they are removable. Some Converse shoes have glued-in insoles, so don't try to force them out if they don't come off easily. But if they are removable, it's better to clean them by hand. You can soak them in warm water with a little bit of soap for about 10-15 minutes. Then, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub off any dirt or bad smell. Rinse them and leave them in a sunny spot to air dry.

If you wash your shoes with the insoles and laces still inside, they won't get fully clean. Also, the washing machine can't clean the tight spots properly if you don't separate the parts.

Once your laces and insoles are out, you can put the laces in a small mesh laundry bag or even a pillowcase. Tie it up so they don't get lost inside the washer. You can wash them along with the shoes, just make sure they are not loose.

This whole prep step may seem small, but it makes a big difference. Doing this will make the wash work better, and your shoes will come out fresher and cleaner.

• Remove shoelaces carefully
• Take out insoles if they are removable
• Soak insoles in warm soapy water
• Use a mesh bag for laces
• Don't leave anything inside the shoes

Brush Off Dirt and Mud from the Shoes First

Before your Converse shoes go into the washing machine, you need to get rid of any loose dirt, mud, or dust on the surface. If you skip this part, all that grime will just swirl around in the machine and might stick right back to your shoes.

First, take your shoes outside or do this step over a trash can or a towel. Grab a soft-bristle brush, like an old toothbrush or a shoe brush. If you don't have either, even a soft dish brush can work.

Now gently brush off all the dry dirt, especially around the sole, the edges, and any areas that look extra dusty or muddy. Be gentle, especially if your Converse are made of canvas, because rough brushing can damage the fabric.

If there's mud on your shoes, wait until it's completely dry before you try to brush it off. Wet mud can smear and make your shoes even dirtier. Once the mud is dry, it'll flake off more easily with a few good brushes.

Look at the tongue of the shoe, the seams, and the area near the toe. These are the spots where dirt hides the most. Try to clean those places well.

This dry cleaning step is helpful because it stops dirt from clogging your washing machine. It also keeps the water cleaner and helps the detergent focus on deep cleaning instead of just dissolving outside dust.

You don't need to make the shoes spotless at this stage. You just want to remove the surface dirt, so the machine can handle the rest.

• Use a soft brush or old toothbrush
• Gently scrub off all loose dirt
• Let mud dry before brushing
• Pay attention to seams and soles
• Do this over trash can or towel to avoid mess

Place the Shoes in a Laundry Bag or Pillowcase

Now your Converse shoes are ready to go into the machine. But wait — don't just throw them in as they are. That can cause damage to your shoes or the machine drum. The fabric of the shoes can get scratched, or the rubber soles might bang around loudly and cause problems.

The best way to protect your Converse shoes is to place them in a mesh laundry bag. If you don't have a laundry bag, you can use a pillowcase and tie the end with a rubber band or string.

Why do this? Because it keeps your shoes from spinning too wildly inside the machine. It also keeps the fabric safe and reduces the chance of tearing. Plus, it helps prevent too much noise or knocking.

Make sure the pillowcase or laundry bag is strong and not too tight. You want the shoes to move around a little so the water and soap can reach every part.

Also, if you're washing more than one pair of shoes at a time (which is okay), give them their own bags if possible. Don't overcrowd the bag. That way, each shoe gets a proper clean.

While placing the shoes inside the bag, you can add a couple of old towels to the washer drum. Towels help balance the load and reduce the banging noise from the shoes hitting the washer walls. This also protects both your machine and your shoes.

• Use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
• Tie the end to keep shoes inside
• Keep the shoes slightly loose inside the bag
• Add old towels to washer drum for balance
• Avoid overstuffing the bag

Use Cold Water and Gentle Wash Cycle

This step is where most people make mistakes. Using the wrong water temperature or wrong wash cycle can totally mess up your Converse shoes. They might shrink, lose shape, or the colors may fade.

Always use cold water when washing Converse shoes. Hot water can melt the glue in the sole or shrink the canvas fabric. Cold water keeps the shape and color safe.

Set your washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. If your machine has a 'hand wash' option, that's even better. These settings use less spinning and slow movement, which means less pressure on the shoes.

You can use regular liquid laundry detergent, but don't use bleach or fabric softener. Bleach can cause yellow stains and fabric softener leaves a residue that doesn't rinse well.

Put the mesh bag or pillowcase with your shoes into the machine along with the towels you added earlier. Make sure the load isn't too heavy.

Start the wash cycle and wait for it to finish. Usually, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Don't interrupt it. Let it go all the way to the rinse and spin part.

After the cycle ends, check the shoes. They might still look wet and heavy. Don't panic. That's normal.

• Always use cold water
• Set to gentle or hand-wash cycle
• Use mild liquid detergent only
• Avoid bleach or fabric softener
• Let the wash complete fully

Air Dry the Shoes Properly (Never Use Dryer)

Now that your shoes are freshly washed, it's time to dry them. But here's something very important — never put Converse shoes in a dryer. The heat from a dryer can shrink them, bend the rubber, or damage the glue that holds the shoes together.

Always let your shoes air dry naturally. That's the safest way. Start by taking them out of the mesh bag or pillowcase. Gently shake off extra water.

Now stuff your shoes with dry paper towels or newspaper. This helps in two ways. First, it soaks up extra water. Second, it helps the shoes hold their shape while drying.

Find a well-ventilated spot to place them. A place near a window, a fan, or outdoors in the shade is perfect. Never put them in direct sunlight for too long, as it can fade the color. But light sun or warm breeze is okay.

Change the paper inside your shoes every few hours until they feel mostly dry. Depending on the weather, air drying can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

Also, let the laces and insoles dry separately. Place them on a clean towel near the shoes. Don't try to rush the drying process. Be patient — it's worth it.

• Never use dryer for drying
• Stuff with paper towels to hold shape
• Dry in a shady, well-ventilated area
• Avoid strong sunlight and heat
• Let insoles and laces dry separately

Clean and Reassemble Your Converse Shoes

Once your shoes are completely dry, it's time to put everything back together. This last part makes your shoes look brand new and ready to wear again.

Check your laces. If they still look dirty, you can wash them again by hand. Or you can even replace them with new ones if they are too worn out.

Look at the insoles. If they're clean and smell fresh, go ahead and put them back into the shoes. Make sure they sit flat and even.

Now put the laces back in. This is a good time to try new lacing styles if you like to switch things up. Otherwise, just go back to your usual style.

Give your shoes one final check. Look at the soles and sides. If you see any leftover marks, use a damp cloth or brush to clean those small spots.

Once everything is back in place, your Converse shoes should look and feel fresh. They're ready for your next adventure — clean, comfortable, and smelling nice.

• Wash laces again if needed
• Replace old or worn laces
• Insert insoles gently and flat
• Try new lacing style if you want
• Do a final wipe for small spots

Quick Guide

Final Thoughts

Washing Converse shoes in a washing machine is simple if you follow the right steps. You just need to prepare them well, use the right settings, and be patient with drying. This way, your favorite shoes can stay clean and last a long time. I've washed my own pairs many times, and they always come out looking fresh. Just treat them with care, and they'll keep looking great for every outfit and season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to wash Converse shoes in a washing machine?

Yes, it is safe to wash Converse shoes in a washing machine if you do it the right way. Always use cold water and a gentle cycle. Never use bleach or hot water, and avoid putting them directly into the machine without protection. Always put the shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase to keep them safe during the wash. Also, stuff them with paper towels after washing to help them dry properly. With these steps, your shoes won't get damaged.

Can Converse shoes shrink in the washer?

Converse shoes can shrink if you use hot water or high heat when drying. Always use cold water in the washing machine to keep the fabric and glue safe. Avoid putting the shoes in the dryer, as the high heat can also shrink the canvas or damage the rubber parts. Air drying is the best method. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or paper towels while they dry to keep their shape.

Do I need to use a laundry bag?

Yes, it's a good idea to use a laundry bag or a pillowcase when washing Converse shoes. This protects the shoes from rubbing too hard against the washer drum. It also reduces loud banging sounds and keeps the fabric from tearing. If you don't have a laundry bag, a pillowcase tied with a string works fine. Just make sure the shoes are not too tight inside so water and soap can reach all parts.

Is it okay to wash white Converse shoes?

Yes, you can wash white Converse shoes in a machine using cold water and a gentle detergent. Make sure to brush off any dirt before washing. Don't use bleach, as it can leave yellow stains. If your white shoes are very stained, use a soft toothbrush with baking soda and water to scrub them a bit before putting them in the machine. Air dry them in a shady place to avoid fading.

Can I use bleach to clean my Converse shoes?

No, it's not a good idea to use bleach on your Converse shoes. Bleach can cause yellow stains and damage the fabric, especially if the shoes are colored. Even for white Converse, bleach can make them look worse over time. Instead, use a gentle detergent or make a mix of baking soda and water for extra cleaning. Always use cold water and let your shoes air dry for best results.

Do I have to remove the insoles?

If the insoles can come out easily, then yes, you should remove them before washing. This helps them get cleaned better and dry faster. Washing the insoles by hand with soap and water is a good idea. If the insoles are glued in and don't come out, then just leave them inside but be extra careful during the drying step. Don't force them out, or you might damage the shoe.

Is it okay to wash Converse shoes with clothes?

It's better not to wash Converse shoes with regular clothes. The shoes are heavier, and they might bang around and damage softer clothes. Also, the dirt from the shoes can mix with your laundry. If you must wash them together, make sure to put the shoes in a laundry bag and wash them with old towels or rags instead of clean clothes. This protects everything during the cycle.

Can I speed up the drying process?

You might feel tempted to dry your Converse shoes faster using a heater or dryer, but it's not safe. High heat can damage the shoes, cause them to shrink, or melt the glue. The best way is to stuff them with paper towels and place them in a cool, airy spot. If you want to dry them a bit faster, place them near a fan or in a sunny window, but not under direct sunlight for too long.