Can You Wash Converse in a Washer and Dryer? A Care Guide
Learn whether Converse sneakers can be washed in a washing machine and dried in a dryer, plus step-by-step care tips to clean, dry, and maintain their shape.
Yes, you can wash Converse sneakers in a washer under careful conditions, and you can air-dry or use low heat if you choose a dryer. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a protective bag to minimize glue damage and creasing. Remove laces and insoles, wash with similar colors, and avoid washing leather or suede versions. Best Washing Machine recommends testing a small area first.
What to Consider Before Washing Converse
If you're weighing the question, can you put Converse in the washing machine and dryer, the answer depends on the shoe material and glue. Canvas sneakers with vulcanized rubber soles generally tolerate gentle machine care, while leather, suede, or heavily glued variants may not hold up to agitation or heat. Before you start, assess the specific Converse you own, and decide whether to use machine washing at all. This mindset aligns with the expert guidance from Best Washing Machine: start with the mildest method and proceed with caution. Keep expectations realistic—colors can fade slightly, glue may loosen over time, and the interior padding may take longer to dry. With careful preparation, many Converse can come out refreshed without compromising your washing machine.
Washer Type and Load Considerations
Washing machines vary in how aggressively they treat items inside. Front-load machines tend to be gentler on shoes than traditional top-load units with an agitator. Regardless of your machine type, using a protective approach is essential. Always wash sneakers with similar colors to avoid dye transfer, and aim for a balanced load so the drum spins smoothly. If you own several pairs or bulky items, consider washing one pair per cycle to reduce impact on the drum and door seal. The core idea remains consistent: gentle handling minimizes wear while maximizing cleaning results.
Preparing Converse for the Wash: Laces, Insoles, and Pre-Cleaning
Before any washing, remove laces and insoles to ensure every surface gets cleaned and to prevent tangling. Laces can be washed separately in a small mesh bag or with similar colors. Lightly brush off loose dirt with a soft brush or cloth to prevent gritty debris from embedding deeper during the wash. If there are stubborn stains, treat them with a small amount of mild detergent on the stained area and allow it to sit briefly before washing. Preparing your shoes this way helps protect the fabric and glue during the cycle.
Detergent, Water, and Cycle Settings That Work
Choose a mild detergent that is free of heavy fragrances or optical brighteners. Use cold water for most sneakers to minimize color loss and glue softening. Set the machine to a gentle or delicate cycle with a short wash time and a small load if possible. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can degrade fabrics and rubber over time. If your Converse are white, a light pre-soak with water and detergent can help lift surface dirt, but avoid aggressive whitening agents that can yellow or crack rubber.
The Bag Method: Why a Mesh Bag Helps Protect Shoes
Place each Converse pair in a sturdy mesh laundry bag to shield them from direct drum contact. The bag acts as a buffer against seams and eyelets, reducing friction and sagging. Add a couple of clean towels to balance the load and cushion the shoes during agitation. This setup decreases noise, protects the drum from scuffs, and helps preserve the shoe shape. For additional protection, consider tying the laces loosely and tucking them inside the bag.
Drying: Air Dry Is Your Safest Route, with Cautious Dryer Use
Air-drying is the safest option for most Converse: remove excess water by pressing with an absorbent towel, then air dry on a rack in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. If you must use a dryer, select a no-heat or very low-heat setting and remove the shoes promptly when dry enough to prevent heat damage. Never leave wet sneakers in the dryer for long periods, as heat can damage glue, rubber, and fabric over time. Prioritize air drying whenever possible for longevity.
Post-Wash Care: Deodorizing, Re-shaping, and Storage
After drying, reinsert insoles and lace up the shoes. If odor persists, sprinkle a light amount of baking soda inside and let it sit overnight before shaking it out. Check the sole and upper for stiffness; if needed, gently massage the fabric to restore shape. Store your Converse in a cool, dry place with enough air circulation to prevent mildew. Regular light cleaning can help maintain color and texture without excessive washing.
Material-Specific Guidance: Canvas, Leather, Suede, and Mixed Textiles
Canvas Converse respond best to cold-water washes on gentle cycles, with careful drying and minimal heat exposure. Leather Converse require much gentler handling; consider spot cleaning instead of a full wash and avoid machine washing to protect the leather finish. Suede versions demand specialized care and should generally be kept out of water; if they get wet, blot, dry slowly away from heat, and use a suede brush once dry. Mixed textiles should be treated based on the most delicate fabric present.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Heat, Overloading, and Bleach
Avoid overloading the washer, which can force more friction and slip-resistance loss. Do not use hot water or high-heat drying, which can warp parts and weaken glue. Bleach and strong whiteners can degrade fabric and rubber. Also, never assume every Converse can survive machine washing—when in doubt, opt for hand cleaning or spot treatment to preserve your shoes.
Quick Reference: Step-by-Step Snapshot for Every Wash
- Inspect the shoe and remove laces/insoles. - Use a mesh bag. - Add towels to balance the load. - Wash with cold water on gentle cycle with mild detergent. - Air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area. - Re-insert insoles and laces after drying. - Avoid heat near glue and rubber. - Check for odor; deodorize as needed. - Observe for color fading or glue separation after drying.
Why This Matters: Longevity, Comfort, and Odor Control
Careful washing and drying of Converse extends their life, preserves comfort, and reduces lingering odors that build up with use. Following best practices from Best Washing Machine helps users maintain the look and feel of their favorite sneakers without compromising performance. A mindful approach to washing sneakers also keeps your laundry routine efficient and predictable, which benefits both homeowners and renters who manage multiple garments and footwear.
Tools & Materials
- Mild liquid detergent(Fragrance-free or gentle option recommended)
- Mesh laundry bag(One bag per pair, sturdy construction)
- Old towel(Balance load and reduce noise)
- Soft brush or cloth(For pre-cleaning and gentle scrubbing)
- Shoe laces(Wash separately or in a small bag)
- Insoles(Remove and wash separately if possible)
- Air-drying rack or clean surface(Ventilated area away from direct heat)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
- 1
Remove laces and insoles
Take out laces and insoles so every surface can be cleaned. Laces wash separately or in a mesh bag; insoles can be air-dried or hand-cleaned if needed.
Tip: Tying the laces together helps prevent losing them during washing. - 2
Pre-clean loose dirt
Gently brush or wipe away loose dirt from the exterior to reduce grit that can grind into fabric during washing.
Tip: A soft brush is gentler on fabric than a sponge with aggressive scrubbing. - 3
Inspect material and glue
Check for cracked glue, torn seams, or delicate upper material. Decide if machine washing is appropriate for your pair.
Tip: If the shoe has exposed glue edges, skip machine washing to avoid further damage. - 4
Choose the washing setup
Set the washer to cold water and a gentle/delicate cycle with a small load. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach.
Tip: Cold water prevents color fading and preserves glue integrity. - 5
Bag and balance
Place the Converse inside a mesh laundry bag and add a towel to balance the load.
Tip: The towel reduces banging against the drum and cushions the shoes. - 6
Run the wash
Start the cycle and avoid extending wash time; sneakers should come out cleaner but not overly saturated.
Tip: Stop the cycle early if you hear excessive banging. - 7
Remove promptly after washing
As soon as the cycle ends, remove the shoes to begin drying and prevent residual moisture from settling.
Tip: Leaving shoes in a hot drum can promote odor formation. - 8
Air-dry thoroughly
Place shoes on a rack in a ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow ample time for complete dryness.
Tip: Use a fan to speed up drying if needed. - 9
If using a dryer, proceed with caution
Only use a no-heat or very low-heat setting if you absolutely need to speed up drying, and monitor closely.
Tip: High heat can crack glue and warp rubber components. - 10
Reassemble after drying
Replace insoles and re-lace once the shoes are fully dry to maintain shape and support.
Tip: Avoid cramming wet insoles back inside; ensure they dry first. - 11
Deodorize and preserve shape
If needed, deodorize with a light baking-soda treatment and reshape the upper with gentle pressure.
Tip: Don't over-saturate with deodorizer; it can alter fabric texture. - 12
Storage and routine care
Store in a well-ventilated area and clean periodically to prevent mildew; consider hand cleaning for frequent refreshes.
Tip: Regular light cleaning slows dirt buildup and keeps color vibrant.
FAQ
Can I wash Converse in a washing machine?
Yes, you can wash Converse in a machine if you use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a protective bag, and if the shoes are canvas or similar durable materials. Always remove laces and insoles to clean thoroughly and minimize damage.
Yes, you can wash Converse in a machine if you use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a protective bag.
Can I dry Converse in a dryer?
Drying in a dryer is possible but risky. Use a no-heat or very low-heat setting and remove shoes promptly when dry. Air-drying is the safer option to protect glue and sole integrity.
Drying in a dryer is possible but risky; use no-heat and air-dry whenever possible.
What settings work best for washing sneakers?
Choose a cold-water setting with a gentle cycle and a small load. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or strong cleaners to protect fabric and adhesives.
Cold water, gentle cycle, and mild detergent work best.
Do different Converse materials need different care?
Yes. Canvas often tolerates machine washing; leather or suede usually require hand cleaning or spot treatment to avoid damage.
Yes—canvas is machine-friendly with care; leather and suede require gentler care.
How can I remove odor after washing?
If odors linger, use light baking soda inside and allow it to sit overnight before shaking out. Ensure shoes are fully dry before wearing.
Try baking soda inside overnight and ensure complete drying.
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The Essentials
- Assess material first before washing Converse.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle with a protective bag.
- Air-dry fully to preserve glue and shape.
- Avoid heat and harsh chemicals on delicate variants.
