Can You Put Converse Shoes in the Washing Machine

Can You Put Converse Shoes in the Washing Machine?

Yes, you can put Converse shoes in the washing machine. The classic canvas styles like the Chuck Taylor All Star handle machine washing well. The rubber sole and cotton upper are tough. They can survive a normal cycle.

But you cannot just toss them in with your jeans. You need to prep them right. You also need to dry them correctly. Get this wrong and you will ruin the glue, warp the toe cap, or shrink the canvas.

That said, leather Converse are a different story. Suede pairs should never see water. Machine washing is only for canvas and mesh styles.

How to Prepare Your Converse for the Wash

Preparation takes five minutes. It saves you from a ruined pair.

First, remove the laces. Laces tangle and catch on the drum. They also hold dirt. Wash them separately in a mesh bag or by hand in the sink.

Next, pull out the insoles. Most Converse insoles are removable. If yours are glued in, skip this step. Wash removable insoles by hand with mild soap. The machine can break down their foam structure.

Now deal with the loose dirt. Tap the soles together over a trash can. Use an old toothbrush or a stiff brush to scrub the rubber sidewalls. Focus on the white rubber. Dried mud and grit will scratch the drum and embed deeper into the fabric if you skip this.

Finally, treat stains. Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or a stain stick directly to marks. Rub it in gently with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.

Step-by-Step Machine Washing Guide

Follow this exact routine for the best results.

Place your Converse inside a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag. This protects the canvas from snagging and keeps the shoes from banging against the drum. Tie the pillowcase closed with a loose knot.

Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. Use cold water only. Hot water can melt the rubber cement that holds the sole to the canvas. It can also shrink the cotton upper.

Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach. Avoid fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a residue that attracts dirt and dulls the color. A tablespoon of detergent is plenty for two shoes.

Add a few old towels to the load. They balance the machine during the spin cycle. Two shoes alone can cause the washer to shake violently.

Let the cycle finish. Do not use the extra spin setting. High spin speeds can deform the shoe shape.

What About Leather and Suede Converse?

Do not machine wash leather Converse. The leather will crack and warp. Water strips the natural oils. The stitching can also shrink faster than the leather, causing puckering.

For leather pairs, wipe them down with a damp cloth. Use a leather cleaner like saddle soap for tough marks. Condition afterward with a leather balm to keep them supple.

Suede Converse are even more fragile. Water creates permanent water spots. It also ruins the nap. Use a suede brush to lift dirt and a suede eraser for scuffs. If they get wet, stuff them with paper towels and let them dry naturally away from heat.

How to Dry Converse After Washing

Air drying is the only safe method. Never put Converse in the dryer. The heat will shrink the canvas and melt the rubber sole. The tumbling will also break down the glue bonds.

After the wash cycle ends, remove the shoes from the pillowcase. Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not twist or wring the canvas.

Stuff each shoe with white paper towels or a dry clean towel. This absorbs moisture and holds the shape. Change the paper towels after a few hours if they are soaked.

Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and radiators. Direct heat causes the rubber to yellow and the canvas to shrink.

Drying takes 12 to 24 hours. Wait until the shoes are completely dry before wearing them. Damp canvas stretches and loses its shape.

How to Keep Your Converse Looking New

Washing your Converse less often keeps them alive longer. The machine is rough on the glue and fabric. Spot cleaning handles most daily dirt.

For everyday grime, wipe the rubber with a damp cloth. Use a magic eraser on scuff marks on the white sole. It works wonders.

For canvas stains, mix a drop of dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft brush into the solution and scrub gently. Rinse with a clean damp cloth.

Protect your clean shoes with a fabric protector spray. Products like Scotchgard create a barrier against water and dirt. Reapply every few weeks.

Rotate your shoes. Wearing the same pair every day traps moisture inside. This breaks down the insole and causes odor. Give them a day to air out between wears.

When to Skip the Machine and Go to a Professional

Some Converse are not worth the risk. If your shoes have heavy embellishments, patches, or metallic details, skip the machine. These elements can peel or rust.

If the sole is separating from the canvas, machine washing will make it worse. Water and agitation will weaken the remaining glue. Take them to a cobbler for a reglue instead.

If your shoes have a strong odor, machine washing will not fix it. The smell comes from bacteria deep in the insole. Soak the insoles in a vinegar and water solution. Let them dry completely before putting them back.

For vintage or collectible Converse, always go professional. The materials are older and more fragile. A professional cleaner knows how to handle them without damage.