How to Clean Converse Trainers

Remove stains from your Converse trainers with these cleaning methods.

Converse shoes, also known as Chuck Taylor All-Stars, were originally manufactured as basketball trainers but have evolved into an everyday sneaker. Converse trainers are trademarked by their rubber soles and canvas fabric, so you will want to keep your sneakers in clean condition. However, certain cleaning methods may damage your Converse trainers. In order to safely care for your trainers, you can follow a few steps for proper at-home cleaning care.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Washcloth
• Sponge
• Detergent

Instructions

1. Create a simple soap and water solution. Mix warm water with a common household hand soap. Using a washcloth, gently rub the desired area of the Converse trainers.

2. Use a wet sponge. Many simple stains will come off with a sponge and some warm water. Rub the affected area gently.

3. Put your trainers in the washing machine if simple soap and water solutions are not enough. Put the washer on gentle settings (i.e. hand wash) so as not to dilute the color of your Converse shoes. Use a capful of mild detergent that does not contain bleach.

4. Dry your shoes. With any of the above methods, dry your Converse trainers by letting them sit out at room temperature until dry (in the case of being in the washer, they may have to be left out overnight). Do not put your Converse trainers in the dryer, as this may pull apart the fabric of the shoe and damage the rubber sole.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using any petroleum products on your Converse trainers. Petroleum will deteriorate the rubber on the shoe.

• Do not use a product that contains bleach as it will destroy the fabric and rubber sole of the shoe.

References

• Chucks Connection: Caring for Your Chucks

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish