Any sneaker aficionado knows how difficult it is to keep white shoes spotless. Because of the pale shade, dirt and stains will show up very easily on your sneakers.
It’s much more difficult with Vans because the upper part of the shoe is composed of cotton canvas, which collects dirt. That box-fresh shine will go in moments if you’re not careful.
You must be wondering how to clean white Vans? Fortunately, there are several inexpensive and simple ways to restore your beloved white Vans to their former splendor. Continue reading to learn how.
How to Clean White Vans?
There are many ways to clean your white fans. Some of the best ways include using bleach, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, magic eraser, and washing them in the washing machine.
Cleaning White Vans
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are well-known cleaning combo. This is an organic abrasive and odor remover, whereas peroxide is a disinfectant and bleach. They can lift filth and leave your kicks looking brand new when used together.
To clean your Vans with hydrogen peroxide and bleach, mix the two with a little water to produce a paste.
Apply the mixture on your Vans with an old toothbrush, then set them out in the sun to dry.
Peroxide won’t restore the whiteness of your shoes on its own.
The liquid evaporates before it can do its job, but the baking soda paste keeps it in place for quite a while to clean your Vans!
Bleach
You may clean your white Vans with a combination of bleach and dishwashing liquid as well. Be cautious about the types you use; do not mix chlorine and ammonia-containing products.
Mix a little quantity of each in a plastic bowl, then dilute with a cup of water if your bleach and dishwashing liquid are appropriate to mix.
Rather than using a toothbrush, you’ll want to scrub your shoes clean using a cloth soaked in the liquid.
This method allows you to choose the level of whiteness for your Vans. If you like a bit more ‘beaten up’ aspect to your sneakers, you can stop cleaning halfway down.
Washing Machine
Cleaning your white Vans using a washing machine is the easiest option. But, if your shoes aren’t too unclean, this method will work well.
Ensure you remove the mud from the bottoms of your shoes beforehand.
Spray ordinary bathroom bleach on your sneakers before putting them in the washing machine.
A spray bottle is good since it keeps the chemicals away from your hands.
Place your white Vans in a white pillowcase to keep them white.
Next, for whites, use the regular cold cycle with no spinning and a double rinse in your washing machine.
Magic Eraser
One of several best ways to restore your beloved pair of white sneakers is to use a magic eraser. Cleaning Erasers or Eraser Pads are squishy blocks that remove stains without the need for chemicals.
Their chemical makeup is the trick; they are made of melamine foam, which activates when wet. This transforms the sponge into ultra-fine sandpaper.
After that, you may use it to remove markings off walls, carpets, and even bathroom tiles — as well as your white Vans!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent product for removing dirt and grime from leather shoes while preserving their natural suppleness.
- To prepare a paste, use 2 parts water with 1 part baking soda.
- Using a microfiber cloth, rub the paste into your vans carefully. You should apply a mild but abrasive force to remove spots. If your vans are very filthy, don’t be afraid to clean sections lightly and repeat the process.
- White leather should never be cleaned with a toothbrush. The bristles are extremely harsh and could leave permanent imprints on the skin.
- Fill your shoes with paper or a towel after they’ve been cleaned to keep their shape while drying. Your shoes will sink or distort if you don’t stuff them.
- Dry your shoes in a warm, non-sunny location.
Your Vans will stay soft if you apply leather conditioners after they’ve been washed. Keep your Vans moisturized to lengthen their life. Leather demands more maintenance than cotton canvas.
Cleaning Slip-On Vans
Slip-on Vans are the most convenient to clean since they can be washed without causing damage to your footwear or the machine.
- Before washing your Vans, put them in a mesh shoe bag.
- Set your washer to a low or gentle cold wash cycle and skip the spin cycle.
- To prevent any damage, let your Vans air dry outside. Simply keep them away from direct sunshine.
How Can Toothpaste Be Used to Clean Vans?
Although more efficient cleaning chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and bleach are available, toothpaste can contribute to the removal of dust and stains off white Vans.
To begin, scrub your shoes with a toothbrush after applying white non-gel toothpaste. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the toothpaste to dry before wiping it away with a moist cloth.
You should avoid cleaning your Vans with whitening or toothpaste gel because these products include additional chemicals that could harm or stain them.
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vans:
Of course, the insides of your Vans might become quite filthy. Here’s how to properly clean them.
- To maintain your surfaces clean, put down a towel.
- Make a paste with baking soda and mild detergent.
- Apply the paste to the inside of the shoe using an old toothbrush or scrubbing brush.
- Allow 15 minutes for it to sit.
- Wash away the residue with a warm towel.
- Allow to air dry in a warm, shady area away from direct sunshine.
Upon Washing, Why Did My White Vans Become Yellow?
Whenever white shoes are kept in the sun for too long, they will become yellow. When you clean your white Vans and then air dry them, this chemical reaction, also known as oxidization, happens.
If you don’t carefully rinse your shoes, the residue left on the canvas will turn them yellow, and this discoloration might become permanent if you don’t clean them often.
Wrap your Vans in tissue paper as they dry to keep them from turning yellow. Wash your shoes in hot water with dye-free bleach, baking soda, or white vinegar to get rid of the yellow stains.
Final Thoughts
Your shoes are an important aspect of your whole look. If your shoes are meant to be white but are unclean, filthy, or stained with grass or oil, your entire ensemble suffers. Why not wash them instead of spending extra money on a new pair or keeping them in the closet for special events?
