How to Clean Converse Shoes (Without Losing Your Mind)

Converse are iconic. They’re comfy, stylish, and go with literally everything. But they also have a secret talent: attracting dirt like it’s their full-time job. And if you’re a dog owner? Forget it—muddy paw prints, slobber streaks, maybe even the occasional “oops” from stepping in something gross on your walk.

Good news: cleaning Converse isn’t hard. It just takes the right hacks. Let’s get into it.

Step 1: Prep First

Before you dive in, take a minute to prep your shoes. Trust me, it makes everything easier.

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Remove the laces – throw them in the wash or soak in warm water + detergent.
Knock off excess dirt – clap the soles together outside to get rid of loose mud or dust.
Wipe with a dry cloth – no point scrubbing mud soup into the fabric.

Got a dog that sheds like crazy? This is also a good time to pull off the inevitable fur stuck around the tongue and seams.

Step 2: Soap & Water (The Everyday Fix)

Most Converse can be freshened up with just soap and water—especially if your pup only left a couple of paw prints.

How to do it:

Mix a little dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water.
Dip a soft brush or toothbrush into the soapy mix.
Scrub the canvas gently in circles.
Rinse with a damp cloth (don’t soak them).
Air dry.

Quick, simple, and it gets rid of the day-to-day grime.

Step 3: Baking Soda + Vinegar (The Deep Clean)

This one’s a lifesaver when your Converse look more brown than white. It’s also my personal go-to because it’s cheap and actually fun to watch fizz.

How to do it:

Mix 1 tbsp baking soda, 2 tbsp vinegar, and 1 cup warm water.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the mixture into your shoes.
Let it dry completely (they’ll look chalky, don’t panic).
Brush off the dried paste.

Boom—brighter Converse. FYI: this works especially well if your dog has tracked mud into the canvas itself.

Step 4: Washing Machine (The Lazy Dog-Parent Method)

Let’s be real: sometimes you just don’t feel like scrubbing. Tossing your Converse in the washing machine is totally fine—if you do it right.

Tips for success:

Put them in a pillowcase or laundry bag.
Wash with cold water, gentle cycle.
Add a towel or two to balance the drum (and reduce banging).
Air dry—never use a dryer unless you want shrunken, floppy shoes.

This is perfect after a really messy dog walk (muddy trails, rainy day chaos, etc.).

Step 5: Whitening the Rubber Soles

The white rubber toe cap and sole are classic Converse features—but also dirt magnets. Here’s how to get them gleaming again:

Use a Magic Eraser to wipe away scuffs and stains.
Toothpaste (the plain white kind) works too—just scrub, wipe, and rinse.
For stubborn marks, a little baking soda paste does wonders.

Honestly, the soles are where most of the “eww” shows up—clean them and your Converse look instantly fresher.

Step 6: Dry the Right Way

Biggest mistake people make? Tossing Converse in the dryer. Don’t. Ever.

Always air dry.
Stuff them with paper towels or newspaper to help hold their shape.
Keep them out of direct sunlight unless you want them to fade into an odd yellowish tone.

Patience = better looking shoes.

Step 7: Prevent Future Damage (Because Dogs Will Be Dogs)

Keeping Converse clean isn’t just about fixing messes—it’s about dodging them in the first place.

Spray them with a fabric protector to repel water and stains.
Rotate shoes—don’t wear the same pair every single dog walk.
Do mini wipe-downs after muddy outings (takes 30 seconds, saves you hours later).

Your dog will still find ways to test your patience, but at least your shoes won’t look destroyed after every adventure.

My Go-To Method

Personally, I throw my Converse in the wash when they’re really trashed and do quick baking soda scrubs in between. I’ve lost count of how many times my pup has stepped on my sneakers with muddy paws—but with these hacks, they’ve survived.

Key Takeaways:

Soap and water for light dirt.
Baking soda + vinegar for a deeper clean.
Washing machine = lazy but effective.
Magic Erasers and toothpaste make rubber soles shine.
Air dry only. Always.

So go ahead—wear those Converse on your next dog walk. Worst case? You know exactly how to bring them back from the dead.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉