White Converse sneakers are a classic wardrobe staple for a reason. You can wear them with dresses, athleisure, and everything in between. But like any shoe, they tend to accumulate dirt and scuffs over time. Unlike some other shoes, these ones can’t go through the washing machine. If your shoes need a refresh, we tapped a cleaning pro for tips on how to clean white Converse sneakers without damaging them.
Like your clothing and many of your other household items, your Converse need a little bit of maintenance now and again. Luckily, all you need are some household essentials and a little bit of time to make your shoes look clean again. The pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab suggest cleaning your shoes regularly to prevent stains from becoming permanent. You can also protect your shoes from getting dingy in the first place by using products designed to repel water and grime.
Ahead, you’ll find expert-backed instructions on cleaning white Converse so they look like they just came out of the box. If you’re looking to give all your shoes a spa day, read our guide on the right way to clean every type of shoe.
How to clean Converse
The best and safest way to clean any type of Converse sneakers, including high tops, is by hand. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to clean your dirty sneakers, including scuffs and stains.
- Remove the laces and brush off loose dust or dirt with a soft bristle brush. Pay extra attention to the grooves and crevices along the rubber trim and the tongue.
- Mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with a cup of warm water in two separate bowls. Drop the laces into one bowl and allow them to soak as you clean the sneakers.
- Gently scrub the entire shoe by dipping a microfiber cloth, soft brush or toothbrush into the solution. Don't forget the the rubber outsole and toe. Note: Make a fresh solution if it becomes dirty.
- For tough stains on canvas sneakers, dip a soft brush in hydrogen peroxide. To tackle stains on leather sneakers, dip a wet toothbrush in baking soda. Scrub the entire shoe gently. Rinse your brush as it picks up the stain and apply more peroxide or baking soda as needed.
- Wipe the shoe with a clean, wet cloth to thoroughly rinse.
- Blot with a dry cloth, then allow to dry at room temperature away from heat and sunlight. Stuff your Converse sneakers with white paper towels to absorb moisture and help maintain their shape as they air dry.
- Scrub laces with a small brush, then rinse with clean water. Squeeze out excess water and lay them flat to air dry.
How to keep white Converse clean longer
Before your first wear and after every cleaning, spray your white sneakers with a water-and-stain-repellent spray to help them stay cleaner longer. When a mess happens, blot and spot-clean stains right away with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water to keep stains from setting. This will make stains easier to remove later on when you have time for a thorough cleaning.
Between cleanings, remove scuffs and marks from the rubber trim with an eraser sponge. To tackle stains on the go, tuck a stain-remover wipe in your purse or backpack.
Can I put Converse in the washing machine?
No, you shouldn't put Converse sneakers in the washing machine. Converse specifically cautions against putting its shoes in the washing machine. We suspect that a washer's tumbling and spinning might damage the shoes. Luckily, handwashing Converse isn't difficult.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
