How to Clean Converse Sneakers

While cleaning most sneakers is as easy as throwing them in the washing machine, machine washing your chucks can fade the color, wear down the canvas and even destroy the rubber soles of your well trodden friends. If your converse sneakers are looking a bit grungy, a few tricks can get them looking as good as new.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Hot water
• Bleach (optional)
• Used toothbrush
• Spray starch (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of hot water and mix until it is a pasty consistency. If you are trying to clean a pair of white converse sneakers, you can add a few drops of bleach; however, go easy on the rubber soles as the bleach can quickly destroy the rubber.

2. Remove the laces from your sneakers for easy access to the tongue and around the eyelets. Run your sneakers under lukewarm running water to dampen them thoroughly before cleaning. Shake off the excess water.

3. Use an old toothbrush to work the paste mixture into the canvas and rubber soles of your sneakers. Work in circular motions on the canvas to clean deep set stains. Mix more cleaning paste if needed.

4. Rinse your shoes thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all of the baking soda and vinegar. If any stains remain, repeat the process on specific areas. Allow your converse sneakers to dry completely in a sunny, warm location before replacing the laces.

Tips & Warnings

• For that new converse sneaker feel, apply a light spray of starch to the canvas after cleaning and before drying.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish