Keeping white shoes clean is a big challenge for any sneaker fan. The light color means your sneakers will show mud and discoloration more easily. When it comes to Vans, it’s even more difficult because the uppers are made from cotton canvas, which traps dirt. If you’re not careful, that box-fresh finish will be gone in seconds. Luckily, there are several cheap and easy ways to return your favorite white Vans to their former glory. Keep reading to find out how.
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How to Clean White Vans
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are well-known cleaning combinations. Peroxide is a bleach and disinfectant, while baking soda is a natural abrasive and deodorizer. Together, they can lift away dirt and leave your kicks looking fresh. To clean your Vans with hydrogen peroxide and bleach, you must paste the two ingredients plus a little water. Use an old toothbrush to apply the mixture to your Vans, then leave them out in the sun to dry. Peroxide won’t bleach your shoes back to white on their own. The liquid evaporates before it can work, but the baking soda paste will stay in place long enough to make your Vans sparkling clean again!
Bleach
Bleach and dishwashing liquid are another dynamic duo for cleaning your white Vans. However, you must be careful with your types: if they contain chlorine and ammonia, do not mix them. If your bleach and dishwashing liquid is safe to combine, mix a small amount of each in a plastic bowl, then dilute with a cup of water. This time, you want to use a cloth soaked in the liquid instead of a toothbrush to scrub your shoes clean. With this method, you can control how white you want your Vans to be. As shown in the tutorial below, you can stop scrubbing halfway through if you prefer a slightly more ‘beaten up’ look to your sneakers.
Washing Machine
Using a washing machine is the simplest way to clean your white Vans. However, this method works best if your shoes aren’t too dirty. If there’s mud on the soles of your shoes, make sure you clean it all off first. Before you put your sneakers in the washing machine, prep them by spraying them with regular bathroom bleach. A spray bottle is ideal because it will protect your hands from the chemicals. Put your white Vans inside a white pillowcase to ensure your white Vans stay white. Then, run your washing machine on the standard, cold cycle for whites with no spin and a double rinse. This tutorial will show you which mistakes to avoid and compare the machine method to using plain baking soda and water.
Magic Eraser
This is one of the best ways to restore your favorite white sneakers. Magic Erasers – also known as Cleaning Erasers or Eraser Pads – are spongy blocks that eliminate stains without chemicals. The secret is in their chemical composition; they are made from melamine foam, which activates when wet. This makes the sponge act like ultra-fine sandpaper. You can then use it to remove marks from walls, floors, and even bathroom tiles – and your white Vans! The tutorial below shows that a Magic Eraser works miracles in seconds. With the added power of a little bleach, your Vans will be back in action in no time!
How to Clean Vans FAQs
How can I clean my Vans shoes?
There are several cheap and easy ways to clean your Vans and restore their pristine white color. Some options include hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, bleach and dishwashing liquid, Magic Erasers, and simply putting them in the washing machine.
Why did my white Vans turn yellow?
White shoes can turn yellow due to oxidization, which is a chemical reaction that occurs if you wash them and leave them out in the sun. Sweat and dirt can also stain your white shoes yellow.
Can you bleach Vans?
You can bleach your Vans back to white, but it’s important to take some steps to prevent the powerful chemicals from damaging your shoes. Dilute the bleach and mix it with dishwashing liquid – make sure both are free of ammonia and chlorine – and use a soft cloth to clean your Vans with the solution.
Can you clean Vans with toothpaste?
You can use certain types of toothpaste to remove dirt and stains from your Vans, though it might not be as effective as other methods. Use an old toothbrush to apply white, non-gel toothpaste to the stain, scrub it in, and leave for 10 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
What are Vans?
Vans has been making iconic skate shoes since 1966. The brand was founded by brothers Paul and James Van Doren and their friend Gordon C Lee. Their original sneakers – now known as Vans Authentic – were an instant hit for their casual, comfortable design and California cool vibe. Since then, Vans has released five more styles including the beloved SK8-Hi, Era and Slip-On. But you don't need a board to wear them: these versatile shoes are adaptable enough to wear with any outfit, and there's a style for every aesthetic.
Arabella Roden is a skilled writer and sub-editor with over ten years of experience across print, digital, and B2B. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and specializes in beauty, hairstyles, fashion, tattoos, and lifestyle topics. Arabella is currently the Chief Sub Editor at Mecca Brands and has been writing for The Trend Spotter since 2019.
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