Whether it be clothes, shoes, hats or any other apparel, white is a notoriously difficult color to clean. That faded quality that it acquires after a while is nearly impossible to eradicate, which is exactly why most people avoid purchasing white.
Which is a shame because white can look incredibly attractive and decent. The same is true for white converse shoes; they do look mighty fine if only they never got dirty. Alas, we cannot afford to keep buying new ones every few months or so.
However, there are a few handy tips which you can adopt to clean white converse. Surprisingly, these methods work quite well, even if they do seem somewhat radical.
The first step is to remove the shoelaces; you need to get into those eye sockets if you want to properly clean the whole thing. The laces can be cleaned separately. Dampen your shoes by dunking them in warm water or placing under a running tap, then shake off the excess.
DETERGENTS
One of the easiest ways to clean shoes is to use an abrasive powder of your choosing. If you like, you can use baking soda instead which works equally well. Do not use bleach; it is bound to discolor the shoes and you will be left with a permanently off-white fabric.
Pour the powder into a bowl full of hot water, mix it into a paste and then apply it to the stained areas using a brush. Thoroughly scrub the stains until they disappear. It may take a few attempts; Scrub, wash, dry then repeat until you feel satisfied that it is as good as it gets.
In most cases, the stains will disappear entirely. Your motions should be forceful and focused on particular areas. Don’t just start scraping all over the shoe in one go. Proceed step by step in small, circular movements from one area to the next, without neglecting any part.
Once you’re done, rinse them and use a towel to dry them off.
TOOTHPASTE
This is a rather unorthodox method, but it works well if you do it right. Of course, it depends a lot on the brand of the toothpaste you’re using.
Take a look at the ingredients and then test the solution on a small patch of white to make sure it doesn’t stain the shoe instead of cleaning it. Of course, that means using only white toothpaste. Any other color would definitely stain it; it’s not a washing powder.
Apply the paste using a toothbrush to all the stained regions, scrub it just enough to get it into the spaces and then leave it for ten to fifteen minutes for the magic to work.
Then wipe it off with a wet cloth or towel. No need to wash it off.
We are sure there is no need to remind you that once you’re done with this toothbrush, do not use it to brush your teeth.
SOAP
Quite possibly the simplest and easiest method for cleaning your white converse shoes.
Mix the soap with water. Not too much; Just enough for a frothy mixture to form. Apply the solution to your shoes using a sponge. As before, use circular, forceful motions to scrape away as much dirt as possible.
As to what kind of soap to use, it is best if you pick one that is free of chemicals as they can damage the material or give it a faded quality.
WASHING MACHINE
Machine washing can be effective but there are a few pre-requisites. You first need to scrape off the gunk caked around the toe, the soles and any other areas using the same procedure we initially described.
Pour baking soda into a bowl of warm water, mix it until it becomes a paste and then use a toothbrush to clean off the heavy smudges on the shoes. As always, dampen your shoes before the process.
Once you’re done with this, toss them in the machine along with laundry detergent and set it to a low wash cycle. Avoid using bleach as this will probably ruin the coloring of your white converse shoes.
DISHWASHER
Remove any and all dishes from the machine, then add the detergent. Place your shoes on the top rack and let the machine do its job.
This method works just as well as the washing machine does; maybe even better. Who said a dishwasher should only be for washing dishes. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all.
VINEGAR
A concoction containing Vinegar is also pretty effective in eradicating stubborn little spots that refuse to quit. So, if baking soda alone doesn’t get the job done, you can always add a dash of vinegar.
The rest of the steps are similar. Add relatively same amounts of vinegar and baking soda to a small amount of water and mix until you get a thick paste. Use a toothbrush to apply it where needed and then scrub in small, circular motions until clean.
LEMON
Now a days, we are hearing more and more about the miracle benefits of lemon related to a variety of subjects. A lot of it seems like speculation and some of it is indeed make-believe.
However, it is true that lemons do contains ingredients that work very well as cleansing agents.
There are two ways you can use lemons to clean white converse. Either apply a lemon directly to your shoes, rubbing it all over the surface until the stains are removed. Or use a toothbrush to apply lemon juice to the stained areas as with the other methods described before.
You can use this method in coalition with the others to see maximum results.
NAIL POLISH REMOVER
Well, this one is definitely out of the norm but it’s not as crazy as it seems. It works surprisingly well in many instances where other methods don’t work.
You may use any type of nail polish remover for the task. Personally we recommend an acetone-based one because of it’s been tried and tested, and proven to work.
Pick a cotton ball (or alternatively a soft cloth), dip it into the nail polish remover and use it to rub off the stains.
LACES
Do not forget the laces while you’re at it. Simply fill a bowl with warm water, add your favorite detergent or soap and then place the laces inside them. Rub them between your fingers to get rid of the grime and they will be looking splendid in no time.
Don’t just toss them in the washing machine. Cleaning them manually is a lot more effective.
FURTHER TIPS
Now that we have provided you with plenty of options for cleaning your white converse shoes, how about we talk about a few preventative measures you can take, so that your shoes do not have to get so stained and dirty in the first place.
After all, prevention is better than treatment, right?
WATER AND STAIN REPELLENT
There are plenty of water and stain repellents of different varieties and brands. Pick whichever suits you and spray it all over your sneakers. Do not use them immediately after doing so. It’s best to let them dry for twelve to twenty-four hours.
A spray session every month or so will help to keep your converse shoes in excellent condition, preventing the accumulation of dust and grime on the surface.
SHAMPOO
Let’s say you up-ended a bottle of ketchup over your fine sneakers. There is no need to fret and start rubbing away at it with a rag; chances are you will do a lot more damage than good.
Such fresh stains can be easily removed by using mild shampoo mixed in warm water. Equip a soft cloth, and use the mixture to wipe away the stains.
AVOID EXPOSURE
If you’re not wearing your shoes, store them inside, in the dark, as excess UV light can affect the material and lead to discoloration over extended periods of time.
AVOID BLEACH
You’d be best served to avoid bleach at all costs. If you absolutely have to use it, then try a very diluted form and use it sparingly.
Bleach can fade a fabric quicker than you’d expect.
MAGIC ERASER
This is not exactly a preventative measure but it is a quick and effective way to get rid of stains without having to go to too much trouble.
It removes the need for detergents, baking soda or any other products. Simply wet the eraser and use it to scrub the dirty surface of the shoe.
COVER UP
If the stains are permanently embedded and there is no way to remove them, you can always cover them up. For example, you can use a white nail polish and mildly smear it on the affected areas. It’s impossible to tell the difference.
It doesn’t exist if nobody can see it, am I right?
DRYING
The easiest way to dry your shoes is to leave them out in the sun for a while. If, however, the weather is unfavorable, you can place paper towels inside the shoes in order to soak up the excess water.
