How To Clean White Old Skool Vans

Nothing feels better than rocking a new pair of white Vans, whether you like the classic authentic style, lace-less slip-ons or stacked platform. They're a crisp addition to any outfit — pair them with everything from a chic maxi dress to a perfect-fitting pair of jeans.

But no matter how careful you are, wearing anything white (think jeans, shirts, or shoes) can sometimes feel like a disaster waiting to happen. One step in a dirty puddle or fumble of your morning cold brew and all of a sudden, your new kicks don't look so great. And even if you aren't accident-prone, just normal wear can turn your sneakers from bright white to dingy gray in no time.

Instead of spending the whole day worried about how or when you're going to stain your shoes, be ready to tackle any smudge, spill or mystery stain with these must-know tips and tricks from the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. Our experts spill their secrets to getting sneakers super-clean, using products you likely already have at-home.

How do I clean my white Vans?

First, you'll want to whisk away any loose dust or dirt from the canvas fabric, so it's easier to clean. You can do this with a soft brush (or even your vacuum's round dusting brush) — just go over the fabric's surface with it.

Vans

Next, mix up a thin paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda and ½ tablespoon each of hydrogen peroxide and warm water. Dip an old toothbrush or soft brush into to the baking soda/peroxide paste and gently scrub your shoes. The hydrogen peroxide acts like an all-fabric bleach to whiten the canvas fabric and the baking soda helps scrub away scuffs and stains. Thoroughly wipe your sneakers with a clean wet cloth to rinse them. Be careful not to saturate them, but make sure you remove all of the cleaning paste and soil.

Last step: Clean the rubber outsoles with either the same paste you used on the fabric or with GH Seal star Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. That's it! All you have to do now is air-dry your Vans in a cool spot.

Can I put my Vans in the washing machine?

We think it's safest to wash any pair of shoes by hand, especially when they're new. But we get it, sometimes you might be tight on time. If you want to give it a try, only canvas Vans should ever be put into the washing machine. (Never put leather Vans in your washer! Keep reading for instructions on how to clean those.)

Here's the best way to wash your shoes in a washing machine: Place your sneakers in a mesh bag to help them keep their shape and toss in some old towels to balance and buffer the load. Select a delicate cycle on your machine, cold or warm water, and a low or moderate spin speed.

Skip the dryer. Instead, stuff the wet Vans with white paper towels and let them air-dry away from heat and sunlight.

How can I clean my white leather Vans?

Leather sneakers should always be washed by hand. You can follow the same recipe and technique on the leather and rubber outsole as with canvas Vans, just leave the hydrogen peroxide out of the mix. Gently brush the leather with the baking soda and water paste and rinse with a clean wet cloth.

One extra step? After they dry, apply a leather conditioner, like GH Seal star Furniture Clinic Leather Protection Cream to help keep the leather soft and supple.

Shop for Vans Cleaning Supplies

AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable

3 Expert Tips for Cleaning White Canvas Vans

Remove the laces (if your shoes have them) and wash them separately in a mix of mild dish soap and warm water. Rinse and let them air dry before re-lacing your shoes.
Before your first wear and after every cleaning, spray Vans with a water and stain repellant spray to help them stay cleaner longer. The GH Cleaning Lab likes Kiwi Sneaker Protector for both leather and canvas shoes.
Spot clean stains promptly with a mix of mild dish soap and water so they're easier to remove.

Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute Director, Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab Carolyn Forte, a consumer products expert, is the director of the Home Appliances & Cleaning Products Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

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