You’ve worn your Converse for months, maybe years. They’ve seen sidewalks, concerts, coffee spills, and rainy days. Now they’re grimy, dull, and definitely overdue for a deep clean. You’re wondering: can I toss them in the washing machine? The answer isn’t simple. While Converse officially advises against machine washing, many users successfully clean their canvas shoes using a careful method. This guide breaks down exactly how to wash Converse in the washing machine safely and effectively.
We’ll walk you through the only recommended way to machine-wash canvas Chucks: cold water, proper prep, and no heat. You’ll learn which materials cannot go in the wash, how to avoid yellowing and warping, and what tools you really need. Whether you’re restoring vintage whites or freshening up daily wear, this step-by-step process maximizes cleaning power while minimizing risk.
Pre-Wash Prep: Remove and Isolate Parts
Before any cleaning begins, disassemble your Converse completely. This ensures each component gets proper attention and prevents damage during washing.
Take Out Laces and Insoles
Remove the laces and insoles immediately. These parts trap sweat, dirt, and odor and should be cleaned separately.
- Laces: Soak in a mix of mild dish soap and lukewarm water for 15 to 30 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush if stained. Ring out excess water. Do not twist harshly.
- Insoles: Dab with a soapy cloth or sponge. For stubborn smells, sprinkle baking soda, let sit overnight, then brush off. Never leave insoles inside the shoe during washing or drying.
Pro Tip: If laces are lightly soiled, you can reinsert them into the shoe before machine washing. This helps clean both at once. For heavily stained laces, wash separately.
Test Your Cleaning Solution First
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap or sneaker-specific cleaner with water. Apply a drop to an inconspicuous area like under the tongue. Wait 5 minutes. Check for color bleeding or texture changes.
- Safe: No discoloration or damage
- Unsafe: Staining or material breakdown. Switch to a gentler solution.
Protect Shoes with a Laundry Bag
Machine washing without protection risks damaging both your shoes and your washer. Use a sneaker laundry bag, a mesh enclosure that keeps the shoe stable and contained.
Use a Secure Mesh Bag
Place one shoe inside a zippered sneaker laundry bag that fits up to size 12½. Ensure the bag is fully closed with its locking mechanism. Do not overload. Wash one or two pairs at a time, balanced in the drum.
Why it matters: Without a bag, shoes can bounce around, unbalancing the machine or cracking the drum. The mesh allows water flow while shielding delicate canvas.
Brush Away Surface Dirt First
Even if you plan to machine wash, pre-treatment is essential. Skipping this step leaves embedded grime intact and increases residue buildup.
Choose the Right Brush for Each Area
Use different brushes based on material and location.
- Canvas Uppers: Use a soft bristle brush with circular motions. Saturate with soapy water.
- Tongue and Midsole: Use a medium bristle brush with one-direction strokes to avoid fraying.
- Rubber Toe Cap and Outsole: Use a stiff bristle brush. Scrub aggressively on tough scuffs.
Soak the canvas thoroughly. Its porous nature means water helps flush out trapped dirt from deep in the fibers.
Warning: Never use water or brushes on suede. Only dry brush with a suede-specific tool.
Washing Machine Settings: Cold Only
This is the most critical phase. Heat destroys Converse. To safely wash Converse in the washing machine, follow these exact settings.
Set Cycle to Cold Water, Normal Mode
- Water Temperature: Cold only. Hot water sets stains and yellows white canvas over time.
- Cycle Type: Normal cycle. Not delicate or heavy-duty.
- Spin Speed: Medium to avoid excessive stress.
- Additives: Skip fabric softener. It coats fibers and reduces breathability.
Load and Start the Wash
- Insert pre-treated shoes into the laundry bag.
- Place bag in the washer drum, centered and balanced.
- Add 1 to 2 squirts of concentrated sneaker cleaner or 1 teaspoon mild dish soap.
- Start the cold, normal cycle, typically 30 to 45 minutes.
You can add a few towels to balance the load and reduce vibration. Never wash with jeans, zippers, or abrasive fabrics.
Air Dry Only: No Heat Allowed
Drying improperly causes more damage than washing. Never use a dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight.
Prevent Warping and Yellowing
After washing, remove shoes from the laundry bag. Blot exterior with a dry towel to remove surface moisture. Stuff with paper towels to maintain shape and absorb internal moisture. Place in a well-ventilated, shaded area at room temperature.
Change the paper towels every few hours. They’ll turn gray as they pull out dirt and moisture.
Drying time is up to 24 hours depending on humidity. Patience pays off. Rushing leads to cracked glue, curled edges, or yellowed canvas.
Avoid sunlight. UV rays break down cotton fibers and cause white shoes to yellow permanently.
Reassemble and Style Like New
Once fully dry with no dampness inside, it’s time to rebuild your Converse.
Reinsert Insoles and Laces
Slide clean insoles back in. Thread in fresh or cleaned laces.
Classic High-Top Styling
For that iconic look, fold the tongue down slightly. Use red laces on classic All Stars for contrast. Tuck lace ends inside for a clean silhouette.
Your Converse should now look refreshed, odor-free, and ready for another season of wear.
Material Guide: What Can You Actually Wash
Not all Converse are created equal. Only canvas models should ever be considered for machine washing, and even then with caution.
| Material | Machine Wash | Safe Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| Canvas | Risky, cold only, bagged, no heat | Hand scrub plus cold machine wash with precautions |
| Leather | No | Damp cloth plus leather cleaner. Never submerge |
| Suede | No | Dry brush only. Avoid all water |
Bottom Line: If your Converse have leather panels or are made of suede, do not put them in the washing machine. Stick to spot cleaning.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with care, issues can arise. Here’s how to fix or avoid them.
Why Do White Converse Turn Yellow
Causes include residual soap trapped in fibers, drying in direct sunlight, using hot water, and natural oxidation of aged canvas.
Fix by rewashing with no soap, just cold water rinse. Dry in shade with frequent paper towel changes. For existing yellowing, use a paste of baking soda plus hydrogen peroxide. Spot test first, then scrub gently.
Shoes Are Warped After Washing
Cause is lack of internal support during drying.
Prevention involves inserting adjustable shoe trees before drying or stuffing tightly with paper towels. Replace when wet. Avoid foam inserts. They don’t absorb moisture well.
Laces Still Look Dirty
If laces remain stained after washing, soak overnight in warm, soapy water. Or replace with new ones. It’s an inexpensive upgrade.
Warranty and Return Implications
Be aware that washing your Converse may void return eligibility.
- Returns: Converse requires shoes to be unworn and unwashed within 30 days.
- Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects like sole detachment, not damage from improper cleaning.
If you suspect a defect rather than cleaning damage, contact US and Canada at 1-800-266-8783. Email customerservice@converse.com with your order number and photos. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET.
Final Thoughts on Washing Your Converse
Yes, machine washing works if done correctly. The sneaker laundry system works because canvas is porous and traps dirt deep inside. Hand wiping only cleans the surface. A cold, contained machine wash flushes internal grime, restoring brightness and freshness.
But cut corners and you’ll ruin your shoes. Follow this protocol exactly. Remove laces and insoles. Pre-brush all areas. Use a laundry bag. Cold water only. Air dry away from sun and heat.
Stick to these rules and your Converse will come out looking nearly new without the risk.
Now go reclaim your clean kicks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Converse in the Machine
Can you put Converse in the washing machine?
Yes, but only canvas models and only with extreme caution. Use cold water only, place shoes in a laundry bag, and air dry completely. Never machine wash leather or suede Converse.
What happens if you wash Converse in hot water?
Hot water sets stains permanently into canvas and causes white shoes to yellow. It can also damage adhesives and warp the shoe structure. Always use cold water.
How do you prevent Converse from turning yellow after washing?
Prevent yellowing by using cold water only, avoiding fabric softener, and air drying in shade away from direct sunlight. Residual soap in fibers also causes yellowing, so rinse thoroughly.
Can you put Converse in the dryer?
Never put Converse in the dryer. Direct heat from dryers warps shoes, damages glue, and causes yellowing. Air dry only at room temperature, stuffed with paper towels.
How long does it take for Converse to air dry after washing?
Air drying takes up to 24 hours depending on humidity levels. Change paper towels every few hours to speed up drying and maintain shoe shape.
Does machine washing void the Converse warranty?
Yes, likely. Converse warranties cover manufacturing defects, not damage from improper cleaning like machine washing. Items must be unworn and unwashed for returns within 30 days.
