How To Clean White Converse: 9 Easiest Ways & DIY Methods

Since the dawn of age, people have been subscribing to the idea of wearing Converse sneakers for their feet. Okay, I might have exaggerated a bit there, but I believe you get the idea, right? Converse is like a major brand of sneakers that has been around for many, many years and you need to know how to clean white Converse correctly.

Converse sneakers tend to have similar models, with the design and painting being their main highlights. If you love unique converse sneakers just like I do, especially the ones with a white base, then you would want to know some of my personal tricks and secrets to keep them clean and fresh.

Below, I’ll be sharing my experience with you on how to clean white Converse effectively. If you follow my secrets to cleaning, I can guarantee that your white Converse will stay pure and fresh for as long as you need them to be! Moreover, you can even prevent the dreaded yellowing from happening!

Contents

I. Prepare the Cleaning Kit
II. The Cleaning Process of White Converse Sneakers
III. Best Alternative Ways To Clean Your White Sneakers
IV. Tackling Common Converse Stains
V. A Guide to Cleaning and Whitening Converse Laces
VI. Preserving The Brightness: Preventing Yellowing and Discoloration
VII. Do & Don’ts
VIII. Conclusion
IX. Frequently Asked Questions

I. Prepare the Cleaning Kit

The first thing you need to do is to prepare the cleaning kit. As for myself, I always have the following tools ready, and they are pretty easy to find as well since I already have them at home.

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II. The Cleaning Process of White Converse Sneakers

Now that you have the tools to clean your white Converse, it is time to start with the cleaning process. Based on my experience, there are 12 steps that need to be followed to make your white Converse clean and fresh.

Step 1: Remove the laces from your shoes and soak the laces in water that has been mixed with shoe cleaner. The, clean the laces and squeeze them a bit to remove the water, and leave them to dry or wipe them using a microfiber cloth.

Step 2: Insert the Shoetree in your shoes to maintain the shape of your Converse when you hand wash it. Make sure to remove the insole before inserting a Shoetree.

Step 3: Brush the upper part and midsole with a dry premium brush to wipe off debris and dirt.

Step 4: Clean the Outsole and Midsole are of your shoes using medium and standard brush. Patience and diligence are needed at this stage, since there will be a lot of dirty spots that are hard to clean.

Step 5: Clean the Upper part of your White Converse using a premium brush. Brush it carefully to protect the upper part of your shoes from damage.

Step 6: Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the area that has been brushed and needs to be cleaned.

Step 7: It’s time to clean the inner part of your shoes. Use a small brush to clean the inner part of your Converse sneakers that is hard to reach, then wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

Step 8: For this step, you need to get your microfiber cloth or use a wet tissue to clean and freshen up your white Converse details that still have light dirts on them.

Step 9: Once your Converse is free of dirt, it’s time to leave them to dry. Make sure you don’t place your white sneakers under direct sunlight.

III. Best Alternative Ways To Clean Your White Sneakers

When reading through our detailed steps to clean your white Converse above, you might be wondering if there are other alternatives to get stains out of your shoes. Rest well, peeps, being a fan of Converse, I have tons of experience when it comes to cleaning my Converse collection. And yes, there are tons of ways that you can do it!

Here are some of my version of the most common solutions to clean your white sneakers including the detailed cleaning steps.

a. How to Clean White Converse with Bleach

Liquid Bleach is known as a great solution to clean white fabrics like your bedsheet, clothes and also shoes. Here are the steps on how to clean your white Converse using Liquid Bleach:

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Kit that includes the Liquid Bleach, Toothpaste, Baking Soda, Tooth Brush, Lemon (optional) and warm water.
Step 2: Use a Liquid Bleach product based on your preference and take about 50 ml of the agent, and put it on a bowl.
Step 3: Mix a table spoon of baking soda and toothpaste into the bowl.
Step 4: Add warm water and make it into a runny paste.
Step 5: Apply the paste all over the shoes and soak them for a couple of hours.
Step 6: Rinse your white Converse with cold water and leave them to dry.

However, since Liquid Bleach is a powerful agent, I need to remind you that washing your white shoes using bleach might make your shoes look old and the color might be faded, too. However, since I have years of experience in shoe cleaning, I can tell you that it is best to use Bleach to clean stubborn stains on white Converse.

b. How to Clean White Converse with Pink Stuff

Do you know that the Pink Stuff can also clean stubborn stains and dirt on your white shoes? Being an eco-friendly household cleaner, you can use it to clean everything! That’s the reason why I love the Pink Stuff and I highly recommend you to remove stubborn stains from your white Converse using this magic solution.

Here are the step-by-step details on how to clean them with the Pink Stuff.

Step 1: Get your Pink Stuff, microfiber cloth, standard brush or tooth brush ready.
Step 2: Wet the cloth and take a pinch of the Pink Stuff on the cloth and apply them on the stained area of your shoes.
Step 3: Let them sit with the Pink Stuff on them for about 2 hours.
Step 4: Put the shoes on a 40 degree wash or gently scrub the shoes using a brush and then rinse with water.
Step 5: Let them air dry outside, but not under direct sunlight.

And that’s it, you’re done! I have been trusting the Pink Stuff to clean those stubborn stains on my shoes, especially my white Converse. For me, it is the cheapest way to clean white shoes.

c. How to Clean White Converse with Vanish

Vanish is also an agent that comes as a great household cleaner, too! It works wonderfully for me. I usually use Vanish to clean new stains on my white Converse. It’s simple, quick and effective. You can clean your white Converse using Vanish in just four easy steps below.

Step 1: Mix 10g or Vanish powder with equal amount of water, and stir for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Apply the mix on the stained area.
Step 3: Let it sit for a while and rub using a standard brush as needed.
Step 4: Clean or wipe the shoes using a microfiber cloth, and let them air dry.

Although Vanish is good for cleaning your canvas shoes, do remember not to use it to remove stains on leather shoes or boots, because it can damage the fabric.

d. How to Clean White Converse with Laundry Detergent

Apparently, laundry detergent is not only good for laundry. It is a great cleaner for other items as well, including shoes, particularly white Converse sneakers. Here’s how:

Step 1: Combine your everyday dish detergent of your choice with a small bowl or water.
Step 2: Gently scrub your sneakers and get them completely saturated if the dirt or stains have penetrated through.
Step 3: Rinse the detergent away with warm water and allow your white Converse to completely air dry.

Pretty easy, right? However, I did use a laundry detergent and washed my shoes in a washing machine a couple of times. But my personal advice is don’t do it too often since it can damage the shoes.

Based on my experience, different methods work on different stains. So, make sure you clean your white Converse using the right solution or agent based on how dirty your shoes are.

e. What Other Solutions Can be Used to Clean White Converse?

Well, there are actually several other cleaners that you can use to clean your white Converse. I tried so many agents and solutions to find what is the best ways that I can choose for maximum results. I discovered that aside from the solutions that I mentioned above, here are some of the common household items that I suggest to be used as alternatives to clean your white Converse.

Hydrogen peroxide: To use this method, you’ll need some other material in the form of baking soda and water. After mixing them with hydrogen peroxide, you can scrub the mixture across the sneakers’ surface with a toothbrush. Then, wait for three to four hours, just long enough until the paste becomes dry, so you can crack it off!
Toothpaste: This method needs to be done repeatedly. All you need is to put some toothpaste on an old toothbrush that you don’t use anymore. After brushing it across the dirty part, wait for 10-15 minutes before wiping the paste. Repeat all the steps until the dirt is gone completely.
Acetone: Acetone is a great material that can help clean light-colored shoes. To do this, you’re going to be needing a piece of clothing. After soaking the cloth with acetone, you can wipe the shoes across the stains located on the surface.
Magic Eraser: Magic Erasers are effective in cleaning sneakers with really dirty marks or stains. All you need to do is simply wipe the dirty area with this item!

IV. Tackling Common Converse Stains

If you’re just like me who wear white Converse on a daily basis, I believe you have experience a condition where you find it hard to remove some stains from your shoes. Well, you’re not alone, and now I will also share some tips which are also the best ways to clean common stains like grass, mud, ink, or paint, below.

1. How to Clean Grass Stains on Converse Shoes

Step 1: Mix a little cleaning agent of your choice, and I recommend Vanish or the Pink Stuff for common stains, with water.
Step 2: Dip a cloth or toothbrush into the mix and gently apply to the stained area on your shoes.
Step 3: Take a cloth dampened in clean water and wipe the shoes thoroughly to rinse them.
Step 4: Leave the shoes to dry at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight.

2. How to Clean Mud Stains on Converse Shoes

Step 1: Combine baking soda and vinegar, or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
Step 2: Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture onto your Converse.
Step 3: Rinse them with cold water and let them air dry before wearing them again.

3. How to Clean Ink Stains on Converse Shoes

Step 1: Mix white vinegar and toothpaste in a bowl to create thin cleaning paste.
Step 2: Use a soft brush or toothbrush and rub the stained area in circular motion.
Step 3: Rinse them with cold water and let them air dry with no direct sunlight.

4. How to Clean Paint Stains on Converse Shoes

Step 1: Use a clean cloth to blot as much paint from the shoes as possible.
Step 2: Add enough dish soap to warm water and mix vigorously to create bubbles and suds.
Step 3: Scoop up the bubbles and suds, apply them to thei stained area.
Step 4: Rub them gently using a soft cloth.
Step 5: Rinse with cold water and let them air dry.

V. A Guide to Cleaning and Whitening Converse Laces

Since laces are an important part of your shoes that need proper cleaning as well, I think I need to have a special section to share with you about how you can make your white Converse’s laces clean as new again.

The best way to clean them is actually by using a dish soap. Although you can still use other agents as well, as I mentioned earlier. But a dish soap in my opinion gives the best results for your laces.
Add enough dish soap to a bowl of water to create bubbles, and then submerge your laces in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. It is better to move the laces through the water with your hands regularly for best results.
Brush away some remaining stains using soft toothbrush, and as the finishing touch, rinse the laces and hang them to dry completely before you put them back on the shoes.

VI. Preserving The Brightness: Preventing Yellowing and Discoloration

As a longtime sneaker lover and collector, I know the frustration of seeing my favorite pair of white Converse sneakers gradually turn yellow over time. It’s a common problem for those of us who wear our sneakers regularly, but thankfully, there are some simple steps we can take to prevent yellowing and keep our Converse looking fresh and clean.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand why white Converse sneakers turn yellow in the first place. The main culprit is exposure to sunlight, which can cause the rubber soles and toe caps to oxidize and turn yellow. Other factors, such as exposure to dirt and dust, can also contribute to discoloration over time.

So, what can you do to prevent yellowing and keep your white Converse looking its best? Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years on how to prevent yellowing on your white Converse:

1. Store Your Sneakers in A Cool, Dark Place

When you’re not wearing your Converse, it’s important to store them in a place that is not exposed to sunlight. A closet or shoe rack in a cool, dark room is the best option. This will help prevent oxidation and yellowing over time.

2. Clean Your Sneakers Regularly

One of the best ways to prevent yellowing is to keep your Converse clean. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away dirt and stains, and avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach. Follow the methods that I’ve explained above!

3. Avoid Wearing Your Sneakers on Rainy Days.

Water and moisture can also contribute to yellowing over time, so it’s best to avoid wearing your Converse on rainy days or in wet conditions. If you do get caught in the rain, be sure to dry your sneakers thoroughly as soon as possible.

4. Use a UV Protectant Spray

If you’re planning to wear your Converse in the sun, consider using a UV protectant spray to help prevent yellowing. This type of spray creates a barrier between the rubber and the sun’s harmful rays, helping to prevent oxidation and discoloration.

5. Toothpaste!

Yes, as I’ve mentioned before, toothpaste is a good alternative ingredient to clean your white Converse. It’s also good to prevent yellowing. The toothpaste helps remove any dirt or stains that may contribute to yellowing while also leaving a protective layer on the shoes to help prevent future discoloration.

6. Lemon Juice (and Baking Soda)

Another method that has worked well for me is using a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. Combine equal parts of both ingredients to create a paste, then apply the paste to the shoes using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the paste sit for a few minutes, then rinse the shoes with water and allow them to air dry. Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, while baking soda helps to remove any buildup or stains on the shoes.

VII. Do & Don’ts

1. Do’s

Be careful when trying to wipe the stains off your shoes, like dirt or yellow stains.
Use your feelings (like a Jedi does!) when wiping or brushing your shoes. After all, you wouldn’t want to damage it, right?
Make sure that the brush you’re using is all clean. This is essential, especially when cleaning white Converse sneakers.

2. Don’ts

Don’t let your Converse sneakers get moist after you clean them. Make sure to dry it immediately.
I do not recommend a laundry machine to clean white sneakers! You really need to take note of this, especially if you have white Converse sneakers that incorporate synthetic leather. If you use a laundry machine, it might leave some scratches on your shoes!
Don’t dry your shoes under direct contact with the sunlight. Based on my past experience, exposure to sunlight can make the paint on your shoes fade off. White sneakers can also become brown when left under the sunlight.

VIII. Conclusion

White Converse is the best kind of converse; prove me wrong! Unfortunately, they do get dirty quite easily. If you do not take care of them properly, a yellow tint may appear, and the soles will get scratched up!

Follow my instruction above to clean your white converse safely. Cleaning a white shoe does take a lot more time because you need to do it thoroughly; a slight notch would be visible. Nevertheless, it is well worth it!

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IX. Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to clean white converse fast?

A fast way to clean white Converse shoes is to wipe them using a wet tissue. Make sure to wipe it across the dirty part of your shoes.

2. How to clean white Converse rubber with baking soda?

To clean white Converse with baking soda, you need to mix baking soda and detergent. However, this method is only effective in cleaning true white sneakers. Don’t ever try to clean off non-white sneakers with this mixture!

3. How do I clean white Converse that turned yellow?

To clean a white Converse that turned yellow, you may try to use whitening liquid around the midsole. After some time, you’ll find that it will return to white once more.

4. How do I clean Converse sneakers with baking soda and vinegar?

To clean white sneakers with baking soda and vinegar, you can follow these steps:

Remove the shoelaces from your sneakers.
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a paste.
Apply the paste to the dirty parts of your sneakers with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Scrub gently in a circular motion.
Rinse the sneakers with water to remove the baking soda paste.
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl or a spray bottle.
Apply the vinegar solution to the dirty parts of your sneakers using a soft-bristled brush or a cloth.
Rinse your sneakers with water and allow them to air dry.

This method can effectively remove dirt and stains from your white sneakers, but be careful not to overdo it, as the vinegar solution can potentially damage certain materials.

Images	Tools	Functions
	Shoe Cleaner	Special detergent to clean your sneakers
	Apron	Protect your shirt from dirt while cleaning
	Premium Brush	Clean the upper part of your sneakers
	Medium Brush	Clean the midsole section of your sneakers
	Standard Brush	Clean the outsole section of your sneakers
	Small Brush / Toothbrush	Clean the inner part or unreachable part of the sneakers
	Microfiber Cloth	Wipe dirt or stains from your sneakers
	Shoe Tree	Keep your sneakers in shape
	Container / Bowl	Mix shoe cleaner and water