A great pair of Converse never go out of style and complement nearly any outfit — jeans, skirts, dresses, you name it. But, white sneakers covered with stains, smudges and scuffs can quickly ruin the look. Whether it's from a backyard party or simple everyday wear, it's inevitable that your go-to shoes will need a refresh. Luckily, the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab is sharing step-by-step instructions to spiff up those Converse in no time. Our number one piece of advice? Never wash your Converse in the washing machine.
Start scrolling to find the safest and easiest way to clean your white Converse, plus advice for keeping your sneakers white for longer. While you've got our your supplies, we've also got cleaning tips for Vans and advice for cleaning all types of shoes.
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.
Everything You Need
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. The GH Cleaning Lab likes Kiwi Sneaker Protector for both leather and canvas shoes. 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, like GH Seal star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable. To tackle stains on the go, tuck a Shout Wipe & Go Instant Stain Remover in your purse or backpack. They're individually wrapped so they stay moist and are the GH Cleaning Lab's go-to stain solution for clothing, shoes and more.
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) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
