Useful instructions on how to wash Converse sneakers in the machine and by hand
The Converse brand produces practical and durable textile sneakers, which are very popular among young people. However, like any other shoes, they tend to get dirty.
Since Converse is made of fabric, the question arises about possible ways to wash them.
In this article, we will look at whether and how to wash Converse in a washing machine, and how to wash Converse sneakers by hand.
Content
Is it possible?
Original Converse is not afraid of machine washing if carried out according to the rules. You must only refuse automatic processing in the following cases:
- The shoes have damage in the form of burst soles, loose seams, etc.
- The sneakers have metal decorations that cannot be removed.
- The pair is not original. Inexpensive replicas are of low quality, so they may not withstand intense friction and drum and prolonged contact with soapy water.
Machine washing is convenient, it does not take much time and does not require effort. At the same time, manual cleaning is preferable, as it allows you to carefully remove dirt and control the process at all its stages.
You can find out more about the rules for washing sneakers Here.
In the washing machine
To ensure that washing in a machine does not become the last time for Converse, it must be done according to the rules. First you need to prepare a couple:
- The insoles and laces are removed from the sneakers and washed separately, most often by hand;
- rinse shoes under running water;
- if there are persistent stains, they are cleaned with soapy water and a soft brush;
- shake out all the dirt from the sneakers themselves;
- thoroughly clean the sole - stones and other small debris may get stuck in it;
- if you have a laundry bag, you should use it;
- if there is no mesh, take any old pillowcase.
When preparation is completed, proceed to the main wash:
- Place the steam in the drum.
- Set up a suitable program. Optimal modes that will not harm Converse: “sports shoes”, “delicate” or “gentle” wash.
Manual configuration can be done. The water temperature should be no higher than 30 degrees for colored shoes and no higher than 40 degrees for white ones.
The spin is turned off or its speed is reduced to 500 rpm.
- Pour detergent into the compartment. It is recommended to use liquid concentrate. Such compositions can be rinsed well in cool water and effectively cope with various contaminants.
- Start the wash cycle and wait for it to complete.
- Remove the steam from the drum and send it to dry.
How to wash Converse sneakers in a washing machine, video instructions:
Handwash
Hand washing Converse starts with preparing them. The laces and insoles are removed from the shoes and will be processed separately. Dust is washed off under running water.
After this, you can proceed to further actions:
- Pour warm water into a basin, about 40 degrees. Dissolve the detergent composition in it. It must be mixed thoroughly.
- Immerse the sneakers in the soapy solution and leave them for 40-60 minutes.
- Remove the shoes and inspect them for stubborn dirt. If there are stains on the sneakers, wash them with laundry soap and a soft brush.
- Rinse the shoes until the water stops foaming. They let it drain. You cannot wring out or twist the sneakers.
- They send the shoes out to dry.
If the sneakers are white, then they can be soaked in optical brightener. Do not use products containing chlorine under any circumstances.
How to carefully wash Converse sneakers by hand, video instructions:
How to remove stains?
The sole of the Converse is light, so even minor stains are visible on it. You can whiten it using such means as:
- Toothpaste. It is applied with a brush to the sole, left for 30 minutes, after which it is washed off with clean water.
- Hydrogen peroxide. It helps push the smallest dust particles out, causing the sole to turn white. Peroxide is poured into a suitable container, sneakers are placed in it and left for half an hour.
There is no need to completely soak the shoes; it is enough for the liquid to cover the sole without contacting the fabric.
After 30 minutes it needs to be rinsed. To enhance the effect, the sole can be soaped with laundry soap and cleaned with a brush.
- Melamine sponge. It is sold in hardware stores (price - 50 rubles per 1 piece). It is moistened, wrung out and the sole is cleaned with an angle. All that remains is to rinse it with water.
If yellow stains appear on white sneakers, the following formulations will help get rid of them:
- Soda. A paste is prepared from it, which is applied to the problem area and lightly rubbed in with a sponge. After half an hour, the shoes should be washed as usual.
- Ammonia. It is applied to a cotton pad, which is used to treat the yellowed fabric. After half an hour, the sneakers are washed.
- Lemon juice. When exposed to acid, the tissue turns white. For the juice to take effect, it must be left on the shoes for about an hour. Then the pair must be washed.
There are universal recipes that allow you to remove stains from grass, paint, blood and more from the surface of a sneaker:
- Turpentine. It is applied to the problem area with a cotton pad. Processing is continued until the contamination is completely dissolved.
- A mixture of baking soda and vinegar. The stain is slightly moistened, sprinkled with soda and sprinkled with table vinegar. When the reaction is complete, the dirt is brushed off and washed off.
- Dish soap and alcohol. Take 1 part alcohol for 2 parts of gel. The composition is applied to the stain, left for 30 minutes and cleaned.
When working with caustic substances, you must take care of your own safety. To do this, put gloves on your hands and cover your nose and mouth with a mask.
Drying shoes
To quickly dry Converse, you need to follow a certain sequence of actions:
- Let the water drain. You can speed up this process by using a terry towel. They wrap the sneakers with it and press lightly. The fabric will absorb excess water.
- White paper or cloth is stuffed inside the pair. An hour later it is removed and replaced with a new one.
- Place shoes on a windowsill or balcony, but in such a way that the sun's rays do not fall on them. Ultraviolet light causes color fading, and yellow spots may appear on white fabric.
If you follow these recommendations, the Converse will dry in 1-2 days. Until this time, there is no need to lace up or put in insoles in them.
You can slightly speed up the drying process using a hairdryer or fan.. It is important that the air blowing over the couple is not hot. During the cold season, you can place your sneakers near heating radiators. The distance should not be less than 20 cm. The shoes are turned from time to time.
You cannot stuff newspapers inside your sneakers. Printing ink will get wet and will print unsightly spots on the product. It will be difficult to get rid of them. For the same reason, do not use fabric that is susceptible to shedding.
Important Tips
To prevent Converse from being damaged during the washing process, the following recommendations must be adhered to:
- do not load more than two pairs into the drum;
- use a counterweight in the form of some material, for example, an old towel;
- Do not wash white and colored sneakers together;
- do not use aggressive detergents;
- Gels and powders containing bleaching agents are not used for treating colored shoes.
If the shoes have been stained with any foreign substance, for example, grass stains have appeared on them, you need to begin removing them as quickly as possible. Old and dried stains are difficult to remove.
Conclusion
Keeping Converse clean is easy. These durable sneakers can withstand both machine and hand washing..
To prevent it from harming your shoes, you need to adhere to the recommended temperature conditions and choose the right detergent composition.