How to Get Mud Out of Converse Shoes

Getting mud off your Converse shoes is easier than you think! Here's a breakdown of effective methods:

Pre-Treatment: Loosen the Mud

Before you start scrubbing, loosen the dried mud. Several methods work well:

• Soaking: Submerge your Converse in a bucket of warm, soapy water. Let them soak overnight to help the mud soften and come loose. This is particularly helpful for heavily muddied shoes (as suggested by Quora).
• Pre-Scrubbing (Optional): For stubborn mud, gently scrub the mud with a soft-bristled brush before soaking. This helps remove loose particles.

Cleaning Methods

Several cleaning methods are effective, depending on the severity of the mud and your shoe's material:

Method 1: Soap and Water

This is a gentle and effective method for light to moderate mud.

1. Mix: Create a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap (hand soap or laundry detergent).
2. Clean: Dampen a soft cloth or brush with the soapy water and gently scrub the mud stains. Avoid harsh scrubbing which could damage the fabric.
3. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
4. Dry: Allow your shoes to air dry completely away from direct sunlight or heat.

Method 2: Baking Soda Toothpaste

For more stubborn stains, try this method (as suggested by multiple sources including Schuh.co.uk and others):

1. Apply: Apply a small amount of baking soda toothpaste to a soft-bristled brush.
2. Scrub: Gently scrub the mud stains.
3. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse with clean water.
4. Dry: Air dry completely.

Method 3: Borax, Oxyclean, and Detergent (for heavy mud)

For heavily soiled shoes, a more powerful solution may be necessary:

1. Mix: In a bucket of hot water, add borax, oxyclean, and a squirt of detergent.
2. Soak: Soak the Converse overnight.
3. Scrub: Gently scrub any remaining stains.
4. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Dry: Air dry completely.

Important Considerations:

• Test: Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden area of the shoe first to ensure it doesn't damage the material.
• Avoid Bleach: While bleach can remove stains, it can yellow the fabric of your Converse, so it's best avoided. (As noted by multiple sources).
• Drying: Avoid using direct heat or sunlight to dry your shoes, as this can damage them.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove mud from your Converse shoes and keep them looking their best.