how to clean white vans

Question

There are a couple ways to tackle cleaning your white Vans, depending on how dirty they are and what materials you have on hand. Here's a breakdown of two methods:

Answer 1

Quick Clean for Minor Dirt:

1. Brush off loose dirt: Use a soft brush or a microfiber cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the shoe's surface. You can also use the round dusting brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner for this step.

2. Make a cleaning solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bowl.

3. Scrub the shoes gently: Dip a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the dirty areas of the shoes.

4. Wipe clean with a damp cloth: Once you've scrubbed the shoes, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any cleaning solution residue.

5. Air dry: Let your Vans air dry completely out of direct sunlight to prevent any warping or discoloration.

For a Deeper Clean:

1. Prepare your cleaning paste: Here, you can choose from a few natural cleaning agents:

   • Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide: Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1/2 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide, and a little bit of warm water to create a paste.
   • Baking soda and white vinegar: Combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon baking soda.

2. Remove the laces: Take out the laces from your Vans, and if possible, remove the insoles as well. You can wash these separately with warm water and a little detergent.

3. Pre-treat stains: If there are any stubborn stains, pre-treat them with a gentle stain remover before applying the cleaning paste.

4. Apply the paste and scrub: Dip a soft-bristled brush into the cleaning paste and gently scrub the shoes in circular motions.

5. Let the paste sit: Depending on the chosen method, allow the paste to sit on the shoes for 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

6. Rinse and dry: Rinse the cleaning paste off with clean water and a soft cloth. Stuff your Vans with white paper towels to absorb excess moisture and let them air dry completely out of direct sunlight.

Additional Tips:

• Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe before applying it to the entire surface.
• For canvas Vans, you can wash them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. However, this can cause the shoes to shrink or lose their shape, so proceed with caution.
• If you're dealing with tough stains or really dirty shoes, consider taking them to a professional shoe cleaner.

By following these steps, you can get your white Vans looking fresh and clean again!