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Stained white Vans can ruin your style. But don’t worry – follow these easy steps to get them sparkling white again. Ritesh_Thakur/ShutterstockMain Points to Remember
- Protect your white Vans from heavy dirt buildup by applying a shoe fabric protector spray and regularly using a shoe brush. Clean stains quickly to prevent them from setting.
- To clean, mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide and apply with a brush for canvas Vans, or use a suede brush and leather conditioner for suede or leather Vans.
- If you're cleaning canvas Vans, you can wash them in the machine with cold water on a gentle cycle, and let them air-dry. Avoid this method for suede or leather Vans.
It often feels like the world is conspiring against white sneakers, with mud, dirt, rain, and more lurking around every corner. White shoes, especially Vans, can be particularly tricky to keep spotless due to their naturally absorbent material.
But with a few clever tricks and a bit of extra effort, you can easily banish those tough stains from your favorite white Vans and restore them to their original pristine state.
How to Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Vans
First, remember that prevention is the best solution. If you can avoid letting your white shoes get too dirty in the first place, cleaning them will be a lot simpler.
Think about getting a shoe fabric protector spray and a shoe brush. Follow the instructions carefully to apply it and keep your white canvas Vans looking fresh. Be sure to reapply as recommended for the best results!
If your white Vans get dirty, don't wait too long to clean them. Stains that are left to sit become much harder to remove. For suede and leather Vans, you can also use a suede brush and leather conditioner for cleaning.
If it's already too late to take a preventive approach, don’t worry! There are plenty of tricks to bring those white sneakers back to their original bright white look. Here are a few reliable methods to clean your white Vans.
How to Quickly Refresh Your White Vans
If your white Vans only need a light touch-up, give this quick cleaning method a go first.
- Start by removing any loose dirt or mud from the shoes.
- Mix dishwashing liquid with warm water, then dip a soft toothbrush into the mixture. Gently scrub the shoes with the toothbrush, or use any soft-bristled brush you have on hand.
- Wipe down the shoe surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
- Finally, let your shoes dry naturally in the sunlight.
How to Perform a Deep Clean on White Vans
If your white Vans have seen better days and need a little extra care, you might need to give them a deeper clean. Here's how to restore those white canvas kicks to their former glory:
- First, gently wipe off any dirt or mud with a damp cloth.
- Remove the insoles and laces. Soak the laces in warm, soapy water and gently scrub them to remove stains. For the insoles, use a shoe brush and a solution of baking soda and laundry detergent if necessary.
- If there are stubborn stains, use a stain remover like the Clorox Bleach Pen on canvas Vans. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Hand-wash your canvas Vans (not leather) with a mix of laundry detergent and warm water.
- Wrap the shoes in a clean, dry towel to absorb excess water, as recommended by the Vans website, then let them air dry in direct sunlight.
How to Machine Wash White Vans
Your white Vans might not stay looking brand new unless they’re straight out of the box, but at least they’ll still be fresh enough for your next skateboarding session. dnaveh/ShutterstockFull disclosure: Vans does not recommend machine washing their canvas or leather shoes, as it could cause damage. However, many people still successfully clean their canvas Vans in the washing machine, with great results. So, use caution and proceed at your own risk!
To get the best cleaning results, though, it’s a good idea to start with some prep work using a few common household items.
Start by gathering your cleaning supplies: laundry detergent, baking soda, and an old toothbrush or soft bristle brush. Then, follow these steps to clean your Vans:
- Mix 1 part baking soda with 1.5 parts detergent to form a smooth paste.
- Use the toothbrush or shoe brush to gently scrub the canvas of the Vans with the paste.
- Rinse the white Vans thoroughly under warm water in the sink.
- Remove the insoles and laces, and then place the canvas Vans in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Add a few towels to balance the load.
- Air dry the shoes, then put the insoles and laces back in (be sure to wash the laces in a mesh bag).
How to Clean White Vans Using Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Two more household staples that could be sitting around your home are excellent natural cleaners to refresh your white Vans.
- Combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda into a solution.
- Dip a toothbrush or small scrub brush into the mixture, then gently scrub the cotton canvas of the shoes.
- Let the baking soda mixture sit for a minimum of 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water and allow the shoes to air dry in direct sunlight.
Once your white Vans are clean and dry, it's time to show off those fresh kicks again. Whether you take them out on foot or on a skateboard is entirely up to you.
Vans are famous for their vulcanized rubber soles, designed with a waffle pattern to help skaters get a better grip on their boards. To keep the soles looking good, you can clean them with mild dish soap or even a Magic Eraser.
