How do you whiten yellowed Converse rubber?

Magic eraser is the quickest method. For deeper yellowing, apply a baking soda and peroxide paste to the rubber and set them in the sun.

Can you use bleach on white Converse?

Avoid it. Bleach causes yellowing over time. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are more effective and safer for canvas.

Use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid peroxide and baking soda paste on colored canvas -- stick to gentle soap and a soft brush.

Spot clean scuffs weekly. Machine wash monthly during regular wear. Cleaning regularly prevents stains from becoming permanent.

Clothing & Footwear

Your converse shoes deserve proper care to stay looking their best. Follow these steps to clean them safely without causing damage.

1
Remove laces
Take out the laces and soak them in warm water with Power Wash detergent. Scrub and rinse, or replace if they're beyond saving.
2
Make a cleaning paste
Mix 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tablespoon warm water into a paste.
3
Scrub the canvas
Apply the paste to the canvas uppers with a toothbrush. Scrub in circular motions, paying extra attention to stained areas.
4
Clean the rubber
Use a magic eraser on the rubber toe cap, sidewall, and sole. The melamine foam lifts yellowing and scuffs from rubber instantly.
5
Rinse or machine wash
Rinse by hand with cold water, or machine wash on cold gentle inside a pillowcase for a thorough clean. Air dry in a shaded area.

TIPConverse Chuck Taylors are canvas and fully machine washable on cold gentle -- one of the few sneakers you can safely machine wash.
TIPFor white Converse, the baking soda + peroxide paste plus sun drying produces the best whitening results.
TIPSpray new Converse with a fabric protector before first wear to make future cleaning much easier.

XPutting Converse in the dryer, which shrinks the canvas, warps the rubber, and loosens the vulcanized sole.
XUsing bleach on white Converse, which turns them yellow over time rather than keeping them white.
XIgnoring the rubber toe cap and sidewall, which yellow and make the shoes look dirty even with clean canvas.

Yes. Canvas Converse handle a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase well. Remove laces and insoles first. Never use hot water.