When you purchase a new pair of white Converse, you don't have expectations that they will remain in their brand spanking new condition forever. While it's unrealistic to not get your shoes dirty or scuff them, you can bring them back to life with a little TLC. Here is our fool-proof guide to spruce up your white Converse so they look new again.
Baking Soda and Vinegar to Remove Stains and Dirt
- Before you throw them in the washer, it's crucial to pretreat your Converse. First, remove the shoelaces and set them aside--you will be tossing these in the washer along with your sneakers later. Also, removing your shoelaces will allow your shoes to be cleaned more thoroughly.
- Next, drench your shoes in cold water for using warm or hot water will set in any stains.
- Then, make a pretreatment paste out of baking soda and vinegar. To do this, combine even 3 parts baking soda and about 2 parts white vinegar in a bowl.
- Dip a toothbrush into the paste and scrub your shoes, giving more attention to the stains.
- When you're done scrubbing, let the mixture sit on your shoes for about half an hour.
- Afterward, rinse off the homemade pretreatment paste and throw them in the washer. For more detailed instructions check out our guide to properly machine washing sneakers.
- Once the wash cycle is complete, remove the sneakers and shoelaces from the washer and let them air dry. To dry them faster, place them in front of a window or in a place that gets the most sunlight.
Removing Scuff Marks
A signature trademark of the classic All-Star Converse sneaker is the rubber onsole and outsole. However, wearing your stylish shoes everyday can cause ugly scuff marks. Don't worry, they can easily be removed by using some of these methods.
Toothpaste
If it can whiten your teeth, it can do the same for your shoes. Taking a clean (unused) toothbrush and a dab of Arm&Hammer Baking Soda toothpaste, or a toothpaste with a whitening agent, scrub the insole and outsole of your shoe. Once the scuff marks are removed, wipe away toothpaste with a moist towel.
WD-40
Yes, you read that correctly. WD-40 can do wonders for almost anything, including your Converse. First, spray a little bit on the scuff marks and rub with a sponge or microfiber towel. Make sure to not get the WD-40 on the cloth part of the shoe, for it might leave stains.
Petroleum Jelly
For this remedy, rub a bit of petroleum over the scuff mark and let it sit for 5 minutes. The jelly will lift any dirt and debris. Like the WD-40, this can leave stains on the cloth portion of your shoe, so use with caution. After you've let it sit, wipe away with a towel.
Nail Polish Remover
Acetone nail polish remover not only removes your nail polish but it helps to buff away stubborn scuff marks, too. Take a cotton ball and dip in acetone nail polish remover. The mark should come off with ease. If not, use a little bit more elbow grease and acetone and rub until it disappears.
