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Converse shoes are classics for a reason: they’re comfortable, versatile, and easy to style. When they get wet or freshly washed, though, many people wonder if tossing them in the dryer is a quick, safe fix. The short answer is complicated. Dryers can save time, but heat and tumbling can warp the shoes, weaken the glue, and even cause yellowing or shrinkage. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what happens to Converse in the dryer, how to do it as safely as possible if you must, and better alternatives to dry them quickly without ruining them. You’ll also find beginner-friendly cleaning steps, special care notes for leather and suede styles, and a practical setup for drying shoes neatly at home.
The short answer: Can you put Converse in the dryer?
It’s not recommended. Converse advises air drying only, and for good reason. The heat and motion inside a dryer can damage canvas, rubber, foam midsoles, and adhesives. That said, some people do use a dryer on an air-only cycle or a very low-heat, short cycle with protection. If you choose to try it, you accept a real risk of warping, separating soles, and cosmetic damage. The safest plan is always to air dry.
Why dryers can be risky for Converse
Heat can soften glue and deform parts
Converse shoes are built from canvas or other uppers, a rubber foxing and toe cap, and adhesive layers that hold it all together. Most sneaker adhesives soften at relatively low temperatures. Typical dryer temperatures often exceed 120°F (49°C), and can reach 160°F (71°C) on higher settings. When glue softens, the sole can separate or develop gaps, especially at the toe and heel.
Canvas can shrink and wrinkle
Canvas is cotton-based and can tighten under heat. That shrinkage may make the shoe feel smaller or wrinkled, and the rubber trim may no longer align tightly with the fabric. Once warped, it’s hard to restore the original shape.
Hard tumbling stresses the shape
Shoes banging inside the drum aren’t just loud; the repeated impact can crease the toe box, crack aging rubber, loosen eyelets, and stress stitching. Even if you use a laundry bag, the tumble motion itself can deform the shoes over time.
Yellowing and discoloration
White Converse are especially prone to yellowing when exposed to heat. Residual detergent, minerals in water, or oxidizing agents can turn white canvas off-white or yellowish when heated. Heat can also cause glue stains to show through the fabric.
Damage to special materials
Leather, suede, nubuck, metallic prints, glitter finishes, and platform styles with foam midsoles are more vulnerable to heat. Leather can harden and crack, suede can stiffen and spot, and foam can warp. These versions should never go in a dryer.
When a dryer might be acceptable—and how to do it more safely
If you choose to use a dryer, treat it as a last resort and follow strict precautions. The goal is to reduce heat, reduce impact, and shorten time.
Use air-only or the lowest heat
Choose “air fluff,” “no heat,” or the absolute lowest heat option. Heat is the main culprit, so minimizing it drastically lowers your risk. Expect the process to be slower than full heat drying.
Protect the shoes inside a bag with towels
Place each shoe in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. Add two large, clean bath towels to the dryer to cushion impacts and absorb moisture. This reduces banging and helps the shoes dry more evenly.
Short cycles and frequent checks
Run 10 to 15 minute cycles, then check. If the shoes feel warm, let them cool before continuing. Remove them while still slightly damp and finish with air drying. This prevents overheating and shrinkage.
Reshape immediately
As soon as you take them out, stuff the shoes firmly with clean, dry microfiber cloths or paper to hold their shape. Replace the stuffing as it absorbs moisture. Let them dry the rest of the way in open air.
The safest drying method: No dryer needed
Basic approach
Blot the shoes well with a towel to remove excess water. Stuff with dry microfiber cloths, paper towels, or acid-free paper. Place them in a breezy spot, in front of a fan, or near a dehumidifier. Rotate and replace the stuffing every hour or two until dry. This usually takes overnight, sometimes up to 24 hours depending on humidity and the shoe’s thickness.
Speed-ups that are still safe
Use a box fan in a small room to create strong airflow. Set the shoes on a clean rack with air moving through the opening. Place silica gel packets inside to pull moisture. Use a spin-only cycle in the washing machine before air drying to remove excess water without heat. Avoid heaters or direct hot radiators, which can warp shoes similarly to a hot dryer.
How to clean Converse properly before drying
Prep the shoes
Remove laces and insoles. Brush off dry dirt with a soft brush. Spot test any cleaner on a hidden area to check for fading or color bleed.
Hand-washing method
Mix lukewarm water with a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap. For white shoes, you can add a small spoon of oxygen bleach, not chlorine bleach. Scrub the canvas gently with a soft brush or cloth. Wipe the rubber toe cap and foxing with the same solution. Rinse thoroughly with clean water so no detergent is left behind. Residual soap increases yellowing risk when drying.
Machine-washing, if you must
Machine washing is not recommended by the manufacturer, but some people do it successfully. If you choose to, remove laces and insoles, place shoes in a mesh bag, and add towels for balance and cushioning. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and a small amount of mild detergent. Skip fabric softener and bleach. After washing, absorb water with towels and switch to safe air-drying as described above.
Laces and insoles
Wash laces in a mesh bag or by hand. Insoles should generally be hand washed and air dried flat. Many insoles contain foam that can misshape or break down in a dryer.
Drying methods compared
Air drying with a fan
This is the best combination of safe and fast. Expect 8 to 24 hours to fully dry, depending on airflow and humidity. Shoes will keep their shape if stuffed properly and rotated a few times.
Air-only tumble in a dryer
Useful when you want to remove surface moisture quickly, but still a risk. Limit the tumble to short intervals and finish with air drying. Always use towels to cushion and a bag to protect the shoes.
Low heat dryer
Not recommended. Heat increases chances of glue failure, shrinkage, and yellowing. If you proceed anyway, use the absolute minimum time and temperature, check often, and accept the risk.
Direct heat sources
Avoid hair dryers, radiators, fireplaces, or direct sunlight for long periods. These can overheat specific areas, causing warping and discoloration.
Special notes by material and style
Classic canvas Converse
These handle gentle washing well, but always prefer air drying. Dryer use is still risky due to glue and rubber components.
Leather and faux leather
Do not put leather in a dryer. Heat can harden and crack leather and loosen adhesives. Clean with a damp cloth and a leather cleaner, then dry at room temperature away from sun and heat.
Suede and nubuck
Never machine wash or dry. Use a suede brush to remove dirt and a suede eraser for marks. Spot clean lightly and air dry only.
Platform and foam midsole styles
Heat can deform EVA or other foam midsoles. Avoid the dryer completely for these models. Air drying is the only safe option.
Printed, metallic, glitter, and custom-painted designs
Heat may lift prints, dull metallic finishes, or soften painted layers. Always hand wash gently and air dry away from heat.
Preventing yellowing on white Converse
Rinse thoroughly
Soap residue is a common cause of yellowing when heated. Rinse until water runs clear and press out suds with a towel before drying.
Use oxygen bleach, not chlorine
Oxygen-based bleaches can brighten whites without the harshness of chlorine, which can yellow fabrics and degrade rubber.
Add a mild vinegar rinse
A final rinse with cool water mixed with a small splash of white vinegar helps remove detergent residue and mineral deposits. Rinse again with plain water afterward to avoid lingering odor.
Dry in the shade with airflow
Sunlight can cause yellowing on some materials. Bright indirect light with strong airflow is best.
Deodorizing and freshness tips
Remove moisture fast
Odor bacteria love damp, dark shoes. Blot and stuff the shoes promptly after cleaning or after a rainy day to shorten the wet time.
Baking soda overnight
After the shoes feel dry to the touch, sprinkle a little baking soda inside and leave overnight. Shake out the powder in the morning. Avoid using it while shoes are wet; wet powder can cake and leave residue.
Insole care
Wash insoles gently by hand and air dry fully before reinserting. Consider rotating between two sets of insoles to allow complete drying between wears.
Step-by-step: My safest cleaning and drying routine
1. Knock off dry dirt outside with a soft brush.
2. Remove laces and insoles. Place laces in a small mesh bag.
3. Mix lukewarm water with a small squeeze of mild detergent.
4. Spot clean stains first; for white canvas, add a teaspoon of oxygen bleach to your solution.
5. Scrub canvas gently with a soft brush, moving in small circles. Wipe rubber areas with the same solution.
6. Rinse with cool water. Avoid soaking for long periods; long soak times can loosen glues.
7. Press out water with a towel. Do not wring or twist the shoes.
8. Stuff shoes firmly with dry microfiber cloths or paper. Replace as they become damp.
9. Position the shoes in front of a fan. Turn them occasionally and refresh stuffing. Add silica gel packs inside if you have them.
10. Once dry, reinsert completely dry insoles and relace. If stiffness remains, flex the shoes gently with your hands.
If you still want to use the dryer: A careful method
1. Set dryer to air-only or the absolute lowest heat setting.
2. Place each shoe in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag and tie it loosely closed.
3. Add two large towels to the drum to cushion and absorb moisture.
4. Tumble for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and check. If shoes feel warm, allow them to cool for a few minutes.
5. While still slightly damp, stuff and reshape, then finish with air drying in front of a fan.
This hybrid approach reduces heat exposure and impact time, which lowers the risk compared to a full dry cycle.
Common problems and quick fixes
Sole separation
If the rubber starts to peel from the upper, clean both surfaces, let them dry completely, and use a shoe-specific contact adhesive following the instructions exactly. Clamp gently or apply steady pressure and let cure for the full recommended time. Avoid future heat exposure.
Wrinkled or misshapen toe box
While the shoes are still slightly damp, stuff them very firmly and evenly. A shoe tree can help. Let them dry fully with steady airflow. Severe wrinkling from heat may not fully reverse.
Yellowing after drying
Clean again using an oxygen bleach solution, then rinse very thoroughly. Try a mild vinegar rinse to cut residues, then air dry in shade with good airflow. Avoid heat sources going forward.
Stiff canvas
After drying, flex the shoe gently with your hands and wear for short periods around the house to soften it naturally. A light fabric softener rinse can help during washing, but rinse thoroughly afterward to avoid residue.
How to set up a simple shoe-drying station at home
Pick a ventilated spot
A laundry room with a fan or a dry bathroom with the exhaust on works well. Keep the area away from direct sun and heat vents.
Use a rack and a fan
Place a small wire rack or a clean cooling rack over a tray to allow airflow from all sides. Aim a box fan or oscillating fan across the shoes.
Keep supplies nearby
Store microfiber towels, a soft brush, mesh bags, silica gel packs, and a small bottle of mild detergent together in a bin. Having everything ready makes the process faster and tidier.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Converse take to air dry?
Usually 8 to 24 hours. With a fan and regular stuffing changes, overnight drying is common. Humid rooms take longer.
Can I hang my Converse by the laces to dry?
You can, but stuffing the shoes and placing them on a rack with a fan dries them faster and helps them keep their shape better than hanging.
Do dryer sheets help?
Skip dryer sheets. They can leave a residue on fabric and rubber, and they do nothing to protect the glue or shape. Focus on airflow instead.
What about putting rice in the shoes?
Rice absorbs moisture slowly and can leave dust behind. Silica gel packs or clean absorbent cloths are better and cleaner.
Can I dry them in the sun?
Indirect light is fine and can help. Harsh direct sun for long periods can cause yellowing and brittle rubber. Aim for shade with strong airflow.
The bottom line
Yes, you can physically put Converse in a dryer, but it is not a safe or recommended method if you care about longevity and appearance. Heat and tumbling can shrink canvas, loosen glue, warp soles, and cause yellowing, especially on white pairs. If you absolutely must use a dryer, use air-only or the lowest heat, protect the shoes in a bag with towels, run short cycles, and finish with air drying after reshaping. The best practice is still simple: wash gently, rinse thoroughly, blot, stuff, and air dry with strong airflow. Your Converse will look better, last longer, and keep their classic shape without the risks that come with heat drying.
Conclusion
Converse are beloved because they’re straightforward and durable, but they still need gentle care. Dryers promise speed, yet the hidden cost is potential damage to fabric, rubber, and adhesives. For most situations, air drying with a fan is the clear winner: it’s beginner friendly, reliable, and protects your shoes from shrinkage and yellowing. If you ever choose to use a dryer, treat it as a careful, last-resort method with no heat, short intervals, and plenty of protection. With the right cleaning routine and a simple drying station at home, you can keep your Converse fresh, shape-true, and ready for whatever your day brings—no ruined shoes required.