Our world is constantly evolving. For instance, fashion isn’t what it was years ago. We have seen fashion and style trends change over time. Trends have come and gone, but the Converse range of shoes, though have evolved to match the trend, not much has changed.
As of 2015, Converse sold over a hundred million pairs of Chuck Taylors. No doubt, their range of shoes oozes quality. And the company has been consistent since inception. But then, Converse sneakers are famous for their affinity for dirt and stains.
So, if you own a pair of Converse sneakers, you may have been seeking a super easy way to keep them clean and sparkling after every use. The washing machine helps wash our dirty clothes. But can it work for converse? Alright let’s rephrase and answer the question.
Can you put Converse in the washer?
You can put your Converse into the washer, but you must handle the process with utmost care. Converse advises that you don’t wash your sneakers with a washing machine.
So, how do you keep your Converse clean? This post contains information on how to maintain your Converse and keep it clean after every use. Read on.
How To Clean Your Converse
One of the most effective ways to clean Converse is using the spot cleaning method.
Here are the steps to get it done
Mix soap with water in a bowl:
To remove light stains or dirt in general from your Converse, you can use a simple laundry detergent. Mix the laundry detergent and water in a bowl.
If the stains are tougher or the sneakers have been in the mud, you would need to prepare soap and water mixture for each Converse.
Also, if you don’t have laundry detergent, you can use any other cleaning agents; body wash, dish wash, window cleaners, or shampoos.
Prepare a rinsing bowl:
Keep a bowl of warm water on the side to rinse. You would need it as you scrub your shoes.
Start cleaning your sneakers:
To clean your Converse, dip a washcloth in the soap and water mixture, then use the cloth to scrub the stained parts of the sneakers or all of the sneakers bit by bit.
Make sure you scrub well so that the sneakers’ material (canvas) absorbs the soapy water. As you wash, dip the washcloth in the rinsing bowl with clean water and squeeze. Then dip it again in the soap mixture. Repeat the process until the result is satisfactory.
You can use this process for both the inside and outside parts of the sneakers. Also, you may choose to remove the shoelaces before cleaning.
Use a toothbrush for tougher stains:
When you clean with the washcloth, the dirt on your Converse would come off with ease. But there is a chance that some tough stains will remain.
To remove tough stains on your Converse, use a toothbrush. Toothbrushes would get to the places a washcloth wouldn’t reach. Scrub the rubber sole of your sneakers and the toes with the toothbrush.
Wipe your sneakers with a damp cloth:
After cleaning with soapy water and scrubbing with a toothbrush, wipe your sneakers with a clean wet cloth. This final process is to remove any residual dirt or stain on your shoes. Wipe until you’re satisfied with the shoe’s appearance.
Please leave it to air dry:
Place your sneakers at a spot where they would get the most air. Some people choose to leave their shoes out in the sun to dry. You can do this but be careful, especially when your Converse is black. The sun can lighten the shade of your shoes.
How To Use A Washer For Your Converse
Converse doesn’t recommend using a washing machine to wash your shoes because it can be bad for your shoes. That is why you must be careful when using a washer to remove stains. Here is how to use a washing machine for your Converse without harming it:
Remove the shoelace and pads:
Using a washing machine for your shoe cleaning allows you to clean both the inside and outside parts of your shoe simultaneously. So, take out the lace and all the things inside the shoe.
Use a stain remover first:
Using a stain remover (the type for clothes) on your shoes before you start washing them would make your job easier. Shoes would come out cleaner.
Please read the directions on the stain remover to find out how long to leave it on your shoes before washing. Apply the stain remover and allow it to stay for as long as the instruction reads.
Ensure that you test the stain remover on a tiny part of your shoe, preferably inside, before using it on the visible parts. Do this to know if it would make the color of your sneakers paler.
Only use the stain remover on shoes with deep stains like oil or grass stains. Take care to dust your shoes well before you put them in the washer so that you don’t introduce items that can clog your machine.
Put your shoes in a washable bag:
You would put in not just your shoes but the shoelace and the inner parts of the shoe you removed. People use different washable bags. You can use a pillowcase if you don’t have a washable bag to use.
Tie the open end of the pillowcase after you put your shoes in it. Using washable bags protects your shoes and your washer.
Be gentle:
So don’t forget that these are shoes and no matter the amount of stain on them you should handle them delicately. Set your washing machine to wash gently
Some people make the mistake of using hot water to wash their Converse. Please don’t use hot water to clean. Using hot water is the easiest way to ruin your shoes because it would weaken the glue holding them together. Use cold or warm water for deep stains.
Being gentle on your shoes also involves using a small amount of laundry detergent. At least, the exact quantity you would use for a small number of clothes. Then, do not wash your shoes with any other cloth or item.
Air dry your shoes:
After washing, expose your shoes to air so they can dry.
Can You Dry Your Converse With A Dryer?
No! Please do not put your Converse in a dryer. You’re better off wearing any other shoes if your Converse is wet. You will ruin your shoes if you put them in a dryer.
Converses are from canvas, and they will shrink if you apply heat to them. Imagine your shoes going from your size to a smaller size. Ugh!
Also, the dryer can weaken the glue holding your shoe together. And if you have one of those Converses with plastic or rubber parts, it may cause it to melt.
Air drying is the best option for your Converse, not a dryer.
How Long Would It Take Your Converse To Dry When It Is Air-dried?
One of the reasons people try to use dryers on their Converse is because of time. The dryer would most likely take a lesser time, but since this lesser time can permanently damage your Converse, you may need to learn to exercise patience.
Air drying your Converse would likely take less than 24 hours, provided it is getting enough air and a moderate amount of sunlight.
Tricks For Removing Stubborn Stains From Your Converse
Here are a few extra tricks to remove stains from your Converse:
Use Bleach:
Bleaching your Converse is one of the best ways to remove those stubborn stains that refuse to bulge. This trick is for white Converses alone.
To start this process, wear something you wouldn’t mind losing to a few bleach splashes—mix bleach with water. Properly gauge the proportion that would be most effective.
You would need a toothbrush to Scrub the stained parts with the bleach and water mixture. Rinse after scrubbing and repeat the process until you get your desired result.
Try Rubbing Alcohol:
You can use rubbing alcohol for scuff marks and for removing ink stains. All you have to do is soak a Cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and scrub until the colors start to cover the cotton wool. Keep cleaning until the stain vanishes.
Toothpaste is a good scuff marks removal. Also, if the stain on your Converse is from nail polish, you should use a nail remover.
Use a magic eraser:
Try using a magic eraser if you have tried spot cleaning, but you’re not getting the result you desire. The magic eraser is most effective on the rubber part of your Converse. It can also remove stains on the non-rubber part of your shoes, like oil or grass stains.
Try Hydrogen peroxide and Baking soda:
This mixture has a bleaching effect, but it is not as effective as bleach. However, it is better to err on the side of caution and use it only on your white Converse.
If you must use it on your colored Converse, you should try it on a tiny portion first. The mixture should include Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and water. It must form a paste.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the paste into the stained part of your shoe and allow it to dry. Leave for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water.
Conclusion
You can keep your Converse clean without ruining it. All you need to know are the right things to do and the wrong things that would destroy your Converse. This post is an overview of how to take care of your dirt-attracting Converse.
