How to Clean White Vans

How to Clean White Canvas Vans

1. Remove Laces and Insoles

   Remove shoelaces and removable insoles before you begin cleaning. Laces should be placed in a small bowl of hot water with a teaspoon of heavy-duty laundry detergent and allowed to soak while the shoes are being cleaned. If the laces are very dirty and dingy, add a teaspoon of powdered oxygen bleach to the soaking solution. Insoles can be hand washed or replaced.

   Tip

   To keep your Vans in top shape, hand-cleaning is the most gentle method. However, if the shoes are older or you're pressed for time, you can machine wash canvas Vans. Pretreat heavily stained areas with some laundry detergent and place them in a mesh laundry bag. Wash with white clothes like towels and underwear using warm or hot water and the normal cycle. NEVER place them in the dryer.

2. Brush Away Loose Soil

   Use a soft-bristled brush to brush away loose soil from the canvas. Removing this layer of dust will make the shoes easier to clean. Use a shoe brush or vacuum-cleaner upholstery brush or even an old, dry toothbrush to remove the soil.

3. Mix a Cleaning Solution

   In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda, two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide, and one teaspoon of warm water to create a thin paste. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to loosen soil; the hydrogen peroxide helps to whiten stained areas.

4. Scrub Away Soil

   Dip an old toothbrush or small scrub brush in the baking soda mixture and gently scrub the canvas areas. Rinse by dipping a microfiber cloth in clean water. Wring until just damp and wipe down the shoes.

5. Clean the Soles and Allow to Dry

   Use a damp melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Eraser) to remove any scuffs from the rubber soles. Allow the Vans to air-dry in a spot with good air circulation but away from direct sunlight.

How to Clean White Leather Vans

1. Remove Laces, Insoles, and Loose Soil

   If there are laces or insoles, remove and clean them separately. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm, clean water and wring to remove excess water. Wipe down the entire shoe paying extra attention to seams and areas that have trapped dust and dirt. Move to a clean area of the cloth as you clean different areas of the shoe. Allow the shoes to dry for at least 15 minutes.

2. Clean the Rubber Soles

   Dampen a melamine sponge (Mr. Clean Eraser) and clean the edges of the rubber soles. Do not use the sponge on the leather portions of the shoes; it can remove the top layer of the white leather.

3. Clean the Leather Uppers

   Mix a bit of the Castile or saddle soap with warm water to create a soapy lather. Dip a clean microfiber cloth in the solution and use a gentle, circular motion to clean a section of the leather. Begin at the toes and work along the sides and heel.

   For tough-to-remove scuffs, sprinkle a small amount of dry baking soda on the cleaning cloth to use as a gentle abrasive and gently rub away the scuff.

4. Rinse and Air-Dry

   Use a clean cloth dipped in plain water and wrung until just damp to wipe away any soapy residue. Allow the shoes to air-dry away from direct sunlight.

How to Clean White Suede Vans

1. Remove Loose Soil

   Since suede leather Vans cannot take lots of water or scrubbing, it's important to brush away loose soil after each time you wear them. When it's time for a more thorough cleaning, brush the entire shoe with a soft-bristled brush to remove loose and embedded dirt.

2. Remove Stains

   If there are oily stains, sprinkle them liberally with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil. Leave the powder on the stain for at least one hour and then brush it away. Repeat as needed.

   For scuffs and stains from soil, gently rub the suede with an art gum eraser. Do not scrub and work slowly to remove the stains in layers. If the eraser doesn't remove the stains, dip a microfiber cloth in distilled vinegar and gently rub the stained areas. Blot the treated area with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

3. Clean the Rubber Soles

   Use a damp melamine eraser to clean the white rubber soles. Be careful not to accidentally scrub the suede with the eraser because it can permanently damage the suede.

4. Air-Dry and Buff

   Allow the suede to dry completely after cleaning and use a suede brush to buff the shoes to lift any matted debris.

Tips to Keep Your White Vans Looking Great

• Before wearing for the first time, spray white canvas Vans with fabric water and stain repellant. There are special repellants to protect suede as well.
• Brush or wipe down white Vans with a dampened cloth often to remove loose soil and prevent it from building up on the shoe's surfaces.
• If shoelaces are looking dingy, replace them. It's an inexpensive way to make older shoes look new again.