How to keep your converse chuck taylors looking fresh: Essential do’s & don’ts
Converse Chuck Taylors are not just shoes — they’re a whole vibe. Whether you're rocking the classic black and white pair or a colorful custom design, they add instant cool to any outfit. But let’s be honest: as much as we love them, Chucks get dirty fast. The canvas, the rubber soles, and those white laces seem to attract dirt like a magnet.
Want to keep your Chucks looking clean and stylish? Let’s go through the simple do’s and don’ts to help you keep them looking fresh for longer.
✅ Do: Clean them regularly (not just when they’re filthy)
It’s easy to forget until they look like they’ve been through a desert hike. But if you give your Chucks a quick clean every few wears, they won’t build up layers of dirt that are hard to remove later.
Quick Tip: Use a soft brush to gently scrub away dust and dirt from the canvas and rubber after each wear. For a deeper clean, a mix of shoe cleaner and water is your best friend.
❌ Don’t: Toss them in the washing machine without a second thought
We get it. Throwing your shoes in the washing machine seems like the easiest fix. But this can actually mess up the shape of your Chucks and damage the glue that holds them together.
If you must machine wash, place them in a shoe laundry bag, wash with cold water, and skip the dryer. Let them air dry naturally.
✅ Do: Use a shoe cleaning kit
A proper shoe cleaning kit isn't just for sneakerheads. A small investment in a brush, mild cleaner, and a microfiber towel can make a big difference. These kits are gentle on canvas and safe for the rubber soles too. SHOEGR provides all these things in ione kit, so just check the SHOEGR shoe cleaning kit and get the best one for you.
❌ Don’t: Bleach the white parts
Yes, the white rubber and laces are the first things to look dull. But don’t use bleach to try and brighten them up. Bleach can turn your whites yellow over time and even damage the fabric.
✅ Do: Clean the laces separately
Laces get dirty easily and can make the whole shoe look old. Remove them and wash them by hand in soapy water.
Laces get dirty faster than you think, and even if your shoes are clean, messy laces can make them look old and worn out. Always remove the laces before cleaning your Chucks so you can reach all the spots on the tongue properly. Wash the laces by hand using shoe cleaner and water, then rinse and let them air dry. If they're really dirty, you can soak them for 15–20 minutes before scrubbing gently.
❌ Don’t: Leave them out in the sun for too long
Drying your Chucks in direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade and the canvas to become stiff. After cleaning, dry them indoors or in the shade. Stuff them with a paper towel or ShapeIt - shoe tree to keep their shape and soak up watyer faster.
✅ Do: Waterproof them if you can
If you live in a rainy place or walk through wet areas often, it's a good idea to protect your Converse with a fabric water repellent. Using something like SHOEGR Coat Water & Stain Repellent spray can help keep water, stains, and dirt from soaking into the canvas. It adds a helpful layer of protection that keeps them cleaner for longer.
Quick Tip: Spray it evenly on clean, dry shoes and let it dry for a few hours before wearing them outside. Reapply every few weeks for best results.
❌ Don’t: Wear them on muddy adventures
Chucks are made for style, not wild nature walks. Wearing them in muddy parks, construction zones, or during monsoon season is a guaranteed way to destroy them.
If you really love your pair, save them for everyday wear or indoor events — not for adventures in the wilderness.
✅ Do: Store them properly
When you're not wearing your Converse, don't just kick them under the bed. Store them in a cool, dry place. If you want to go the extra mile, keep them in a shoe crate. This keeps them safe from dust, bugs, or accidentally getting squashed.
❌ Don’t: Ignore weird smells
Let’s face it — feet sweat, and canvas shoes soak it up. If your Chucks are starting to smell less than fresh, sprinkle some baking soda inside and leave it overnight. You can also use shoe deodorizer sprays to keep them smelling clean.
For a deeper clean, remove the insoles (if they’re removable) and let them air out.
✅ Do: Rotate your shoes
Wearing the same shoes every day gives them no time to breathe, literally. Give your Chucks a break and rotate them with another pair. This helps keep the shape intact and prevents odor and wear.
❌ Don’t: Drag your heels or over-bend the back
We all do it sometimes — stepping out of our shoes without untying the laces or dragging our feet when we're tired. But this habit damages the heel area, causes creases, and can wear down the rubber at the back much faster.
Final thoughts
Converse Chuck Taylors are one of those rare shoes that never go out of style. Whether you're dressing them up with a dress or keeping it casual with jeans and a tee, they always fit the mood.
With just a little care, your favorite pair can last for years — looking cool, clean, and fresh the whole time. So treat them well, clean them smartly, and show them the love they deserve.
After all, they’ve probably walked through some great memories with you already.
