The Converse brand produces practical and durable textile sneakers, which are very popular among young people. However, like any other shoes, they tend to get dirty.
Since Converse is made of fabric, the question arises about possible ways to wash them.
In this article, we will look at whether and how to wash Converse in a washing machine, and how to wash Converse sneakers by hand.
What are Converse
The general name “converse” usually refers to sneakers, slip-ons and espadrilles from a well-known brand. The classic All Star is a high-top sneaker with a rubber toe and the famous logo on the side.
This model entered mass production at the beginning of the twentieth century. Initially, the iconic sneakers were produced only in black, but by the fifties, white and colored products began to appear.
Today, Converse shoes have thousands of models, different colors and shapes. When releasing new collections, designers do not limit themselves to changing shades. A variety of prints, embroidery, metal rivets and other decorative elements allow you to fit your favorite shoes into almost any look.
In addition to expanding the range of colors, the list of materials for manufacturing and finishing of models has increased. To the classic sneakers made of thick fabric, leather and suede versions have been added.
No matter which of the Converse shoes are permanent residents of the dressing room, they all need regular and proper care and cleaning. Maintaining the impeccable appearance of your products is not at all difficult, the main thing is to adhere to the basic recommendations.
Caring for Converse sneakers
Wash by hand
Hand washing is the only sure way to clean shoes, which are abundantly decorated with rhinestones, rivets and other decorative elements.
In order not to spoil the product and wash your sneakers efficiently the first time, you should strictly follow the algorithm:
- Remove laces and insoles; they should be washed separately.
- Clean Converse from excess dirt, shake out dust, get rid of pebbles and grass.
- Rinse your sneakers with cold tap water.
- Soak the sneakers in warm water with powder for 1.5-2 hours.
- If the water becomes very dirty, you should change it to clean water.
- Treat heavily soiled areas with a brush. Pay special attention to the sole - rubber absorbs dirt well.
- Rinse items thoroughly to remove any remaining powder.
- Let the water drain, leaving the sneakers in the basin. Under no circumstances should you wring them out or use heating devices to dry them.
- After the water has drained, dry the shoes in a well-ventilated area or in the fresh air.
To dry your sneakers quickly, you can use white paper: crumple it and place it inside. The paper perfectly absorbs excess moisture.
Washing rules
The legendary sneakers are completely easy to care for. The exception is suede and leather models.
There are a few important points to consider before washing:
- First of all, the sole is cleaned from dust and dirt;
- it is necessary to remove and clean the insoles separately;
- the product is unlaced if there are laces;
- bright, with a lot of contrasting shades, sneakers are hand washed;
- Suede products are cleaned exclusively using a dry method;
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Following these recommendations will allow you to wash your Converse without the risk of ruining them.
History of creation
In 1908, Marquis Mills Converse created a company that made casual shoes for the whole family. In 1917, the first black sneakers were produced for basketball players. Chuck Taylor, an American basketball player, brought many ideas to improve the model so that they were soft, flexible, and glue a round patch with a star on the outside to protect the ankle from damage. This model was named after Chuck Taylor. In 1947, they began to produce them in white, and in 1960 seven more different shades were added. Since then, Converse has become a cult name, a style icon and a fashionable feature of any outfit.
Handwash
Cleaning by hand will help remove dirt and stains from the most difficult to reach areas without missing anything. This type of washing can be called the most gentle and delicate.
Hand wash converse
The cleansing procedure is quite simple and takes place in several stages:
- Adhering particles of dirt and dust are removed from the sole;
- the insole is removed;
- shoes are unlaced;
- sneakers are immersed in a container of water at a temperature of no higher than thirty degrees;
- Clean the surface with soapy water and a sponge;
- soap suds are washed off with plenty of cool water;
- excess moisture can be removed with a towel.
Leather models are washed in a similar way, but without immersion in a container of water. Instead, the skin is treated with a damp, well-wrung out sponge. There is no need to use detergent; dust and dirt can be easily removed from the skin with plain water.
Hand-washed Converse is guaranteed to retain its shape and color vibrancy.
General recommendations
Only owners of the original products can wash Converse sneakers using any of the methods described above. If you purchased a fake, it is better to wash it by machine, and sometimes even by hand. In order for branded shoes to last as long as possible, they need to be properly cared for. Adhere to the following rules:
- the soles are washed or wiped after each walk;
- laces are washed from time to time;
- any dirt is removed as quickly as possible, try not to allow stains to be absorbed into the fabric part of the shoe;
- Before storage, sneakers are washed, dried well and placed in a box or bag made of breathable fabric. To prevent Converse from becoming deformed, they are stuffed with paper;
- washing partially or completely removes the water-repellent coating. You can restore durability using a special protective spray.
Remember these rules, take care of your sneakers and enjoy the cleanliness, beauty and freshness of your favorite shoes. Remember - Converse is not designed for walking through mud and puddles.
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Machine washable
This is by far the easiest way for the owner to clean their sneakers. Classic Converse shoes are made of canvas, a fairly wear-resistant fabric. Leather and suede models cannot be washed in this way.
Machine washable converse
Preparation and the cleansing process itself take place in several steps:
- sneakers are cleaned of dirt particles and stubborn stains are removed;
- the insole is removed;
- shoes are unlaced;
- the product is washed in a special bag, no more than one pair per cycle;
- the temperature should not be higher than thirty degrees;
- the program is set to “delicate wash”;
- Air conditioning is not recommended;
- It is advisable to use the additional rinse function;
- machine drying and spinning at high speeds cannot be used.
After washing, the product is removed from the bag, allowed to drain and sent to dry.
In the washing machine
How to wash Converse in a machine? Preparing the shoes Of course, before you start washing you will need to get the insoles and lacing. We will wash them separately, since the insoles may wrinkle, and the lacing in the place where it contacts the iron eyelets may turn red or rust.
When we have done this, we need to clean the dirt from the sneakers. Rinse the sole thoroughly using a sponge or soft brush for clothes, and remove any dirt from the fabric upper.
It is best to wash laces separately and by hand, because if you throw them into the machine, they can easily get into the drum and cause damage to your machine.
By the way, in order to soften the sound of shoes on the drum, which is very loud, when washing Converse, you can add a couple of small textiles to the washing machine. This way the Converse in the washing machine will knock more quietly.
How to wash sneakers in the machine, and specifically how to wash Converse? You can wash Converse using any of the quick wash modes. Ideally, use the shoe mode, which, unfortunately, is not yet available in every machine.
But it can easily be replaced by delicate washing, in which the rotation of the drum will be smoother. As a rule, it is customary to wash shoes at a temperature of thirty to forty degrees. It is still better not to heat multi-colored Converse above thirty, as this can cause streaks.
In order to wash colored Converse in a machine, it is preferable to use specialized powders that have about. White sneakers can be washed with simple powder without fear. If your sneakers are very dirty, you can add bleach. It is best to avoid using chlorine bleaches, as they may cause your Converse to turn yellow.
Drying sneakers in a machine is prohibited; air currents are almost guaranteed to damage the shoes. It is for this same reason that they should not be dried near heaters. The best way to dry sneakers is to air dry them, but not in the sun, which will cause the color to fade.
A warm place that is easily ventilated is an excellent option. While drying, you can stuff your carpets with plain, colorless paper or regular paper towels, after scrunching them into balls. Crumpled newspapers are a good option, but not for white shoes, which can cause footprints.
Detergents
Liquid concentrates and gels are suitable for machine washing carpets. Washing powders are difficult to remove when rinsing and can leave white marks on textiles.
For manual cleaning you can use the following products:
- laundry soap;
- dishwashing liquid;
- neutral liquid soap;
- washing gels.
Washing gel
All of the above products foam well and are completely washed off with water. A medium-hard brush or sponge without abrasive is suitable as washing equipment.
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Dry cleaning
Converse with suede trim can only be cleaned dry. Drops of water can leave noticeable marks on the material. For cleaning you will need a special brush for suede and nubuck.
The hard side removes dirt, the rubberized part lifts the pile. If you don’t have such a brush, you can use a toothbrush and an eraser.
It is recommended to use cleaning foam as a means to remove significant dirt. You can buy it at a shoe store.
Removing stains
The appearance of stains on sneakers can significantly spoil the appearance of the product. Traces of greenery or drops of juice are not at all a death sentence for shoes.
There are effective ways to combat various types of pollution:
- industrial stain removers cope with most types of stains without harming the fabric;
- traces of tea and coffee are removed with baking soda;
- greasy stains can be washed with dishwashing liquid;
- green stains from the grass will help remove lemon juice;
- A solution of table vinegar will remove stains and will not harm the pigments on colored items;
- It is possible to remove stains from suede with purified gasoline;
- Glycerin cleanses natural leather.
After removing stubborn and stubborn stains, Converse should be washed as usual and dried.
Traces remain
If you can't get rid of dirty stains, you can try using a very strong bleaching solution.
To make it, mix the following components in a ceramic bowl (plastic and metal are not suitable): Take the ingredients in equal proportions. Add one tablespoon of powder and stir the mixture until homogeneous. Wear protective gloves on your hands and cover the work surface with old newspapers. Treat stains on sneakers with a bleaching solution inside and out. Monitor the effect and after five to seven minutes, when the stains are equal in tone to the main fabric, remove the bleach with a damp cloth. Rinse your sneakers in running water.
Whitening
White espadrilles, sneakers and slip-ons look appropriate and stylish in any look. But only if they are immaculately clean. Yellowed or gray Converse can be returned to its original whiteness using both industrial means and improvised methods.
How to clean white sneakers
When using bleach, it is important to choose solutions that do not contain chlorine. The glue may react with chlorine and yellow streaks will appear on the surface.
An effective “folk” way to remove yellowness is a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. The mixture is applied to the textile part of the product and intensively brushed. After treatment, the sneakers should be rinsed with cool water.
We take proper care
The main rule that should be followed when caring for white shoes is to clean them in a timely manner. Immediately after the rain, it is much easier to wash a still wet pair than a week later to organize a heroic struggle with stubborn dirt and yellowed soles. Never use oily liquids such as gasoline or kerosene to clean your keds. The result will be sad: oily stains will be added to the yellow stains on the textile surface. It is almost impossible to wash.
If you really value your sneakers, then take them to the dry cleaner. But it is worth recognizing that homemade formulations are in no way inferior to industrial ones in terms of effectiveness. Feel free to get down to business, wash and wash your shoes yourself. With enough skill, your light-colored shoes will always look stylish, fashionable, and snow-white.
Cleaning the sole
The white rubber sole of Converse shoes loses its fresh appearance very quickly, so you need to clean it often and thoroughly.
How to clean the sole
A brush and several options of detergents will help restore cleanliness to the soles:
- tooth powder or paste;
- washing powder;
- all-purpose cleaners, such as Comet;
- baking soda
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Any of the listed products can easily cope with atmospheric and soil pollution and give the sole a radiant whiteness.
In addition to traces of dust and soil, noticeable black stripes may appear on light-colored tires. They are easily removed with an eraser.
Useful tips
A few tips that will extend the wear life and presentation of branded shoes:
- wash only with products that match the color;
- Do not use bleach when cleaning colored items;
- adhere to the temperature regime for white – +400C, colored and black – +300C;
- do not twist after hand washing;
- dry in the shade, especially colored ones, so that they do not fade;
- if the surface is clean and the smell causes discomfort, you can get rid of it with baking soda: pour it into a canvas cloth and place it inside for 24 hours;
- You can clean the rubber sole with toothpaste or ammonia.
Lemon juice whitens rubber parts well.
Cleaning the interior
If textile products are entirely washed by hand or by machine, then models made of leather and suede require separate cleaning of the inner surface. If there is no significant contamination, you can limit yourself to removing dust with a damp cloth.
If necessary, you can wipe the surface with hydrogen peroxide or a solution of potassium permanganate. The product is applied using a cotton pad. It is important to act with caution; peroxide can ruin black skin.
Systematic cleaning of the inside of your shoes will extend their life and prevent the appearance of unpleasant odors.
How to remove stains?
The sole of the Converse is light, so even minor stains are visible on it. You can whiten it using such means as:
- Toothpaste . It is applied with a brush to the sole, left for 30 minutes, after which it is washed off with clean water.
Hydrogen peroxide . It helps push the smallest dust particles out, causing the sole to turn white. Peroxide is poured into a suitable container, sneakers are placed in it and left for half an hour.
There is no need to completely soak the shoes; it is enough for the liquid to cover the sole without contacting the fabric.
After 30 minutes it needs to be rinsed. To enhance the effect, the sole can be soaped with laundry soap and cleaned with a brush.
- Melamine sponge . It is sold in hardware stores (price - 50 rubles per 1 piece). It is moistened, wrung out and the sole is cleaned with an angle. All that remains is to rinse it with water.
If yellow stains appear on white sneakers, the following formulations will help get rid of them:
- Soda. A paste is prepared from it, which is applied to the problem area and lightly rubbed in with a sponge. After half an hour, the shoes should be washed as usual.
- Ammonia . It is applied to a cotton pad, which is used to treat the yellowed fabric. After half an hour, the sneakers are washed.
- Lemon juice . When exposed to acid, the tissue turns white. For the juice to take effect, it must be left on the shoes for about an hour. Then the pair must be washed.
Professional bleaches, for example, Vanish Crystal White, ACE in the form of a gel, help to cope with yellowness on Converse. The cost of these funds does not exceed 200 rubles.
There are universal recipes that allow you to remove stains from grass, paint, blood and more from the surface of a sneaker:
- Turpentine. It is applied to the problem area with a cotton pad. Processing is continued until the contamination is completely dissolved.
- A mixture of soda and vinegar . The stain is slightly moistened, sprinkled with soda and sprinkled with table vinegar. When the reaction is complete, the dirt is brushed off and washed off.
- Dishwashing liquid and alcohol . Take 1 part alcohol for 2 parts of gel. The composition is applied to the stain, left for 30 minutes and cleaned.
When working with caustic substances, you must take care of your own safety. To do this, put gloves on your hands and cover your nose and mouth with a mask.
Follow the rules for caring for Converse and they will serve you for many years, but do not forget that canvas sneakers are not intended for walking through puddles and mud, otherwise no amount of bleach and lemons will save white shoes from stains.
Drying
Once the sneakers have been washed from dirt and stains, all that remains is to dry them properly.
Drying Converse
Several recommendations will help you do this:
- light or white paper is stuffed inside to maintain its shape;
- The drying room must have good ventilation;
- Do not dry the product in close proximity to heat sources;
- Do not dry sneakers in direct sunlight;
By following these tips, you can avoid deformation, fading and roughening of Converse.
