Converse: machine and hand wash

Converse sneakers are legendary shoes, the object of desire of millions of teenagers for many decades. They are worn by people of all ages and genders. They go with any style of clothing, both with a classic suit and with jeans, skirts, dresses, they are universal and loved.

History of creation

In 1908, Marquis Mills Converse created a company that made casual shoes for the whole family. In 1917, the first black sneakers were produced for basketball players. Chuck Taylor, an American basketball player, brought many ideas to improve the model so that they were soft, flexible, and glue a round patch with a star on the outside to protect the ankle from damage. This model was named after Chuck Taylor. In 1947, they began to produce them in white, and in 1960 seven more different shades were added. Since then, Converse has become a cult name, a style icon and a fashionable feature of any outfit.

How to care for Converse

All original sneakers are made of high-quality canvas, which repels dust and is durable. You can wear them for years. But, like any thing, they love care - you need to wash the sole, prevent stains from being absorbed, and remove them in a timely manner, wash the laces, and carefully store them in the off-season. You can push paper towels inside to maintain shape. However, no matter how you take care of them, you still have to wash them.

Preparatory stage

First, you need to prepare your shoes for washing - completely unlace them so that the laces do not get dirty from rust, remove the insoles so that they do not become deformed. Laces and insoles are washed separately. Then you need to wash the sole from dirt and wipe the top with a sponge. The sneakers are ready for washing.

How to wash sneakers in the washing machine

You can wash Converse in a machine, this is even the best option - it will save time, and the correct mode in the washing machine will not allow them to lose color. Yes, and soaking, as with manual, can be avoided. It is recommended to place them in a special laundry bag, or simply in any fabric bag or pillowcase. The laces can be washed by hand, or you can put them in a bag with the sneakers.

The mode in the washing machine should be set to gentle for delicate washing, at 30-40 degrees, for colored sneakers at 30 degrees, to avoid shedding of the product. We choose the products, as when washing clothes, apply powder marked for colored underwear to colored sneakers and white underwear, respectively, for white Converse, you can add bleach, but in no case does it contain chlorine, this will make the material turn yellow. And, of course, rinse thoroughly.

Drying

To avoid deformation, it is better not to spin at more than 400-600 rpm, but rather to dry it naturally. It is advisable to hang the shoes to dry in a well-ventilated place, not in the sun, to protect them from fading, and push white paper or lumps of paper towels inside, this will help maintain their shape. Drying on radiators and heaters is also not recommended, as the item may become deformed.

How to wash Converse by hand

Converse sneakers can be washed carefully by hand.To do this, we go through the preparatory stage of unlacing and cleaning the shoes from dirt. Next, add a spoonful of washing powder or liquid detergent to a small container and beat until foamy. Then you should wet the sneakers with cold water and apply foam with a sponge, wait 10-15 minutes until it is absorbed. After this, use a sponge to thoroughly rinse off the foam in clean water. Rinse Converse well in cool water. Wring out the shoes as gently as possible and you can proceed to the drying step described above.

How to bleach white sneakers

You need to make a special paste, mix regular baking soda and vinegar in a ratio of 2 to 3, respectively. Stir until foamy, use plastic dishes, a reaction may occur in metal ones. You can also use washing powder instead of baking soda, and detergent instead of vinegar.

Rinse your sneakers under cold water. Take an old toothbrush and apply the paste to the entire surface of the shoe, paying careful attention to stains and dirt. Next, they need to be rinsed to remove any remaining paste and washed in the washing machine.

Soap and a toothbrush will also help get rid of stains. Lather your favorite sneakers, let them soak in and scrub with a toothbrush. Next, according to the written scheme - rinse, wash, dry.

Currently, there are a lot of products for removing stains: magic eraser, stain stick. Follow the instructions included with these products and there will be no trace of stains left. And remember the washing and drying rules.

How to remove scratches

It happens that scratches appear on shoes; they can be removed in several simple ways.

• Acetone.Using acetone or nail polish remover will help remove scratches. Dampen a piece of cotton wool with nail polish remover and acetone and rub the scratch area thoroughly.
• Lemon. You can use lemon as a bleach. It is necessary to cut the fruit in half and rub the scratch with half, leave for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
• Petrolatum. Rub the damaged surface with Vaseline; it captures dirt particles and leaves stains on the fabric base. After 5 minutes, remove dirt with a damp cloth.
• Alcohol. Soak a piece of cloth or cotton pad with alcohol. Rub the scratch well.
• Bleach. It is recommended to dilute bleach (white) with water, then gently scrub the damage with a toothbrush. Do not apply to fabric - stains will remain.
• Dentifrice. Tooth powder or whitening paste can also help hide scratches. Apply to a toothbrush and rub over dirt and scratches. Then use a damp sponge or cloth to remove any remaining toothpaste.

So, following the care tips and with careful wear, Converse sneakers will please their owner for a very long time. It is advisable not to forget that canvas sneakers are not intended for walking through puddles in the rain, otherwise no amount of whiteness and lemon will save you from dirty spots. A few important points:

• remove insoles and laces when washing;
• do not add chlorine bleach to wash white sneakers;
• do not add bleach at all for colored sneakers;
• Do not soak for a long time when hand washing - they will come apart;
• do not dry on a heater or radiator - they will deteriorate;
• dry in a well-ventilated place.

Feel like a legend when you have on your feet the same shoes worn by Kurt Cobain and Rihanna, Alain Delon and John Lennon, David Beckham and Gwen Stefani.