How to Clean Converse Shoes (Without Losing Your Mind)

Converse shoes aren’t just sneakers—they’re a staple in almost everyone’s wardrobe. They’re comfortable, versatile, and honestly, they can match nearly any outfit, from jeans to casual dresses. But here’s the thing: while they look great, they are dirt magnets, especially if you share your life with a dog. One minute they’re sparkling white, and the next, they’re covered in muddy paw prints, streaks from slobber, and the occasional messy accident from outdoor adventures. As someone who’s constantly chasing after a playful pup while trying to keep my shoes wearable, I can tell you firsthand—it’s a struggle. The good news? With the right techniques, your Converse can survive anything your dog throws at them, from muddy walks to wet grass trails.

Step 1: Prep First

Before you even think about scrubbing, prepping your shoes makes everything so much easier. Start by removing the laces—they can either go in the wash separately or soak in warm, soapy water. Then, take your shoes outside and knock off any loose dirt by tapping the soles together. It might sound simple, but it prevents you from turning mud into a paste that’s much harder to clean. After that, wipe the canvas with a dry cloth to get rid of surface dust. If your dog sheds a lot, this is also the perfect time to pick out any hair caught around the tongue or seams. Doing these little prep steps saves you a ton of frustration later and makes your cleaning much more effective.

Step 2: Soap & Water (The Everyday Fix)

For everyday messes, especially those minor paw prints your dog leaves after a quick stroll, soap and water are your best friends. Mix a small amount of dish soap or gentle laundry detergent with warm water, dip a soft brush or an old toothbrush into the solution, and gently scrub the canvas in circular motions. Be careful not to soak the shoes—just dampen the fabric enough to lift dirt. After scrubbing, wipe them with a clean, damp cloth and let them air dry. This method is quick, simple, and perfect for keeping your sneakers looking fresh after most walks or park visits without investing too much time.

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

Sometimes, your Converse are more brown than white, and that’s when the baking soda and vinegar combo comes to the rescue. It’s cheap, effective, and honestly a little fun to see fizz up while cleaning. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of vinegar and a cup of warm water, then use a toothbrush to scrub this paste into the canvas. Let the shoes dry completely—they’ll look chalky at first, but once you brush off the residue, your Converse will look noticeably brighter. This method is especially handy when your dog tracks in mud deep into the fabric, turning white shoes into a muddy mess in minutes.

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

Let’s be honest—sometimes you just don’t have the energy to scrub. That’s when tossing your Converse in the washing machine can save the day. Place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag to prevent scuffing, wash on a gentle, cold-water cycle, and toss a towel or two in the drum to balance things out and reduce banging. Once the cycle is done, air dry your sneakers—never put them in the dryer unless you want misshapen, shrunken shoes. This approach is lifesaving after muddy hikes or rainy-day adventures, when the shoes would otherwise be impossible to clean by hand.

Step 5: Whitening the Rubber Soles

The white rubber soles and toe caps are classic Converse features—but they show dirt faster than the canvas. To make them shine again, a Magic Eraser works wonders, quickly removing scuffs and surface stains. You can also use plain white toothpaste—just scrub it on, wipe off, and rinse. For particularly stubborn marks, a paste made from baking soda and water will do the trick. Cleaning the soles makes a huge difference, because even if the canvas is a little dirty, bright white soles give your sneakers a fresh, cared-for look.

Step 6: Dry the Right Way

One of the biggest mistakes people make is throwing Converse in the dryer. The heat can shrink them, warp the shape, and even yellow the white fabric. Instead, always air dry your shoes. Stuff them with paper towels or newspaper to help them hold their shape and speed up drying. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or fading. Trust me, patience here pays off—a properly dried pair of Converse keeps its shape and looks far better than a rushed, heat-damaged pair.

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

Cleaning is important, but prevention saves the most headaches. Spraying your Converse with a fabric protector helps repel water and stains. Rotating pairs of shoes is also smart—don’t wear the same sneakers for every walk. After muddy or wet outings, do a quick wipe-down; it takes less than a minute and prevents dirt from setting in. Even with a well-behaved dog, accidents happen, but these small steps mean your shoes won’t look destroyed after every outdoor adventure.

My Go-To Method

Personally, when my Converse get really messy, I throw them in the washing machine, and between washes, I do quick baking soda scrubs to handle minor paw prints or stains. I’ve lost count of how many times my pup has stepped on them with muddy paws, but following these methods consistently keeps my shoes looking clean and wearable.

Key Takeaways of How to Clean Converse Shoes

• Soap and water handle everyday dirt and minor paw prints.
• Baking soda and vinegar are perfect for deep cleaning and stubborn stains.
• Washing machine is a lifesaver for very dirty sneakers.
• Magic Erasers, toothpaste, or baking soda paste restore white soles.
• Air drying only preserves shape and prevents yellowing.
• Prevention—fabric protectors, rotation, and quick wipe-downs—reduces long-term wear.

With these tips, your Converse can survive even the messiest dog walks. You get to enjoy your sneakers, and your shoes stay fresh, bright, and ready for the next adventure.