White shoes are cool, but unfortunately they can get dirty easily. Scratched, stained, dirty; all of these will leave a hard-to-remove mark on your new Vans. Luckily Vans shoes are easy to clean, and there are many ways you can make them look like new again.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Vans By Hand
Step 1. Mix the cleaning solution
Clean Vans easily with a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water. Mix 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 2 cups warm water in a large bowl. For very dirty Vans, make another mixture for the second shoe. If you don't have enough laundry detergent available, here are other cleaning solutions you can try:
- Mix 1/4 cup dish soap with 2 cups warm water
- Mix 1/4 cup of window cleaner with 2 cups of warm water
- Mix 1/4 cup shampoo with 2 cups warm water
- Use a special Vans cleaning solution, available at Vans retailers
Step 2. Prepare a second bowl of clean water
You will use this to rinse the napkins while cleaning the shoes.
Step 3. Soak a washcloth in the solution and scrub the shoes
Work one section at a time by dipping the cloth in water and rubbing the shoe in a circular motion. Rinse the napkin in clean water, then dip it in the cleaning solution and continue scrubbing until the canvas on both shoes is clean.
- You can also use this method to clean the inside of your shoes.
- If you want to wash the straps separately, pour a small amount of the cleaning solution into a separate small bowl and soak the straps in it. When you're done cleaning your shoes, rinse the laces in clean warm water.
Step 4. Clean the rubber part with an old toothbrush
Dirt and dust can get into the rubber parts of Vans shoes, so you'll need something stiff to clean these areas. Dip an old toothbrush in the cleaning solution and use it to scrub the sides of the sole and all other rubber parts of the shoe.
- If a toothbrush is not available, use the abrasive side of a kitchen sponge or small brush.
- If the rubber part of the shoe isn't that dirty, you can clean it with a damp cloth to remove scratches and other minor marks.
Step 5. Rub the shoes again with a clean damp cloth
Wipe off any dirt and soap residue left on the shoes. When you're done, check the shoes to see if they match the color of the shoes. If there are parts of the shoes that are not clean, use a shoe stain removal technique.
Step 6. Fill the shoe with newspaper and air it
Using newspaper will help keep the shoe in shape as it dries. Place it in a sunny place and allow the shoes to dry completely before reattaching the laces.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Vans in the Washing Machine
Step 1. Remove the laces and shoe inserts
This easy method is great for mud-covered Vans canvas (don't use it on suede or leather shoes). Remove the laces and shoe inserts so that everything comes back nice and clean.
Step 2. Place the shoes and all parts in a pillowcase or soft bag
Putting everything in a bag will protect the shoes as well as the washing machine during the wash cycle. Make sure the pillowcase or bag is tied tightly so it doesn't open during washing.
Step 3. Wash the shoes on a gentle cycle using warm water
This is enough to clean the shoes without damaging them. Don't be tempted to use hot water, even if your shoes are very dirty. Hot water can cause the shoe-holding glue to loosen.
- Remember to add the same amount of detergent as the amount for a small load of washing.
- Do not wash shoes with other clothes, especially those made of delicate materials. Shoes can damage the clothes.
Step 4. Fill the shoe with newspaper and air it
Do not use the dryer even on low heat, as the heat will damage the glue in the shoes. Fill the shoes with newspaper to keep them in shape, place them in a sunny place to dry.
- Check the shoes to see if you are happy with the results. If you notice spots and blemishes, use the stain removal method.
- Once the shoes are dry, you can reattach the inserts and laces.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Stains and Blemishes
Step 1. Use a magic eraser or other stain remover
The magic eraser contains cleaning agents that are effective in removing most stains from white Vans, including grass and mud stains. You can also use it to remove scratch marks from the soles of your shoes. Use a magic eraser or other stain remover according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 2. Use alcohol
Alcohol is an effective cleaning agent for cleaning scuffs, ink stains and other minor stains. Dip a cotton ball in some rubbing alcohol and dab it on the stained area. Gently wipe the stain with a cotton ball. Repeat until the stain is gone.
- You can also try using a nail polish remover to remove scuff marks and ink stains.
- If your Vans are stained with paint, use a drop of paint thinner.
Step 3. Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
A mixture of water, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can clean your shoes. If hydrogen peroxide isn't available at home, use a simple paste made with baking soda and water. Here's how:
- Make a paste with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1/2 tablespoon each of hydrogen peroxide and warm water.
- Take a brush or toothbrush, dip it in the baking soda solution, then rub it over the stain.
- Let the baking soda solution sit on the shoes for at least thirty minutes.
- Once the baking soda has dried, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Repeat as many times as needed.
Step 4. Use lemon juice
Lemon juice is another home remedy that works wonders on stains. Mix one part lemon juice and four parts water. Dip a sponge in the mixture and use it to scrub the stain. When the stain is gone, rinse the area with clean water.
Step 5. Use bleach
To clean stubborn stains on white Vans, use bleach. Bleach is a hazardous substance, be careful not to inhale it or get it on the skin. Wear old or unused clothes, as bleach will turn anything on the fabric white. Here's an effective way to use bleach:
- Mix one part bleach and five parts water. Pure bleach can turn white fabrics yellow.
- Take a brush or toothbrush, dip it in the bleach solution, then rub it over the stain.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Repeat this process until the stain is gone.
Step 6. Use toothpaste to cover the stain
If you can't spend a lot of time cleaning white shoes, carefully apply a small amount of white toothpaste to the stained area. Make sure the toothpaste goes into the cloth until the stain is no longer visible, then clean the stain as described above.
Tips
Get a waterproof Vans. If you're buying a new Vans, prevent your shoes from staining too quickly by making them waterproof. Purchase a waterproof solution yourself or visit a shoe store for that matter
Warning
- Washing shoes by soaking them in water is not suitable for shoes made of leather.
- The bleach will wear off the colored parts of the shoe.
