The first several months after I got my white Converse, I was afraid to wear them out anywhere that might get them dirty. They were so bright and pristine, I hated to ruin them. Finally, after the first couple scuffs and spots, I started being careless and eventually ended up wearing them on a rainy day where I stepped right in a puddle, with both feet… I truly thought I ruined my beloved Converse, but never give up hope! Here is how I saved them.
1. Baking Soda and Vinegar
While this combo might not smell the best, it is a lifesaver when it comes to whitening. I first rinsed the loose dirt off my shoes, then scrubbed them with a baking soda and vinegar mixture. I started off mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar but ended up just adding in various amounts as my mixture got low. I also used an old toothbrush to scrub the shoes, but any kind of brush or cloth will work.
2. OxiClean and a Washer
I had to call in a favor after the baking soda and vinegar didn’t completely get the stains out, so my mom sprayed my shoes with stain remover and threw them in the washer. I would recommend taking the shoelaces out for this part, if you haven’t already. It is safe to wash them on any cycle, and some washers already have a certain setting for shoes or bulky items.
3. Sun Dry
You want to make sure you set your shoes in the sun to dry instead of putting them in the dryer, so that they don’t shrink. If you want to throw your washed laces in the dryer that is fine, or they can be air dried with your shoes. After setting them in the sun for several hours, you will finally be able to see the difference in your shoes.
After all this your shoes might not be back to their original perfection, but you will for sure be able to see the difference. Here was my final product after all that cleaning!