Keeping white sneakers clean may be difficult, whether you’re dealing with pizza grease, festival dirt, bar grime, or city streets. They’re expensive when new, but they’re no longer gleaming after a few wears. You’ll always be able to keep your white Vans white and looking like they just came out of the box if you know how to clean white Vans. It’s surprisingly simple to clean white Vans at home, and there are several options to try using common household items. So grab a scrub brush and keep reading to learn some additional cleaning techniques to clean white Vans sneakers.

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How to Clean White Vans

This post contains step-by-step directions for cleaning white Vans sneakers at home using several methods. Continue reading to find out what your new cleaning solution is.

Baking soda is one of the most popular ways to clean white Vans because it washes away filth like no other. Follow these techniques to get your Vans back to their shining white state so they complement your skatewear:

Step 1: Remove the insoles and laces (you can wash these in soapy water).

Step 2: Combine two parts baking soda with one part hydrogen peroxide in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Apply the mixture to your white Vans with a toothbrush, scrubbing in a circular motion to lift dirt from the surface. The baking soda will work to remove dirt, while the hydrogen peroxide will whiten any stains on the shoes. 

Step 4: Clean the soles with a damp soapy sponge.

Tip: If your white Vans need some extra TLC after the first pass, coat them in a thick layer of the baking soda mixture and leave them outside to dry in the sun. 

Once the mixture has hardened onto the shoes, clap them together to knock off any excess and then gently brush away the rest. Wipe your Vans down with a damp cloth and then set them to dry in a well-ventilated area but out of direct sunlight. 

You can also clean white Vans with certain kinds of toothpaste. If you wish to pursue this method, look for a white, non-gel toothpaste with baking soda in it, as this is the primary scrubbing agent.

Step 1: Squeeze some toothpaste onto an old toothbrush and apply it to the Vans in a circular scrubbing motion.

Step 2: Scrub the Vans until they’re completely coated in a thin layer of toothpaste.

Step 3: Let the toothpaste sit on the Vans for 10-15 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.

Step 4: Clean the soles with an old sponge and wash the laces in warm, soapy water. 

Note: The toothpaste method works, but not as well as using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. This method is excellent for lightly soiled Vans or for targeting minor stains. 

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How to Clean White Vans in the Washer 

“Well, why wouldn’t I just toss my skate shoes in the washing machine?” you may be thinking. While Vans may theoretically be washed in a machine, the manufacturer encourages handwashing to preserve the condition of the shoes. There is, however, a technique to avoid getting dirt beneath your fingernails. You can always wash your Vans gently with a mild detergent and air dry them in a well-ventilated area. Just remember to take the laces off before throwing them in the washer. Throw in some old towels to act as a barrier between the shoes and the metal if you want to safeguard your washing machine.

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FAQ

After being moistened, white vans can become yellow due to a multitude of factors like as perspiration, filth, and prolonged sun exposure. This is why it is critical to dry your white Vans in a well-ventilated area. It is critical to keep them out of direct sunshine after washing to avoid oxidation, often known as unsightly yellow Vans.

Vans may be bleached to restore their original white color, however it is strongly advised to dilute the bleach with water. Remember to use an ammonia and chlorine-free chemical to avoid damaging the shoes.

Keeping white vans clean is a difficult task, but spot cleaning them on a regular basis helps. This will keep additional filth from accumulating, making cleaning considerably more time-consuming and labor-intensive. An old toothbrush dipped in soapy water works wonderfully for spot cleaning. Scrubbing the soles with a moist sponge will also keep them white.