How To Clean Your White Canvas Vans

Every guy should have a classic, timeless pair of white Vans sneakers in their summer shoe rotation. I mean… dam Daniel, how can you resist?

But, like any white sneaker they are destined to get dirty. Thankfully, cleaning your white canvas Vans is fairly easy. Follow these tried-and-tested steps to get your kicks looking fresh again.

Step 1: Remove shoelaces
Removing your shoelaces will make it easier to clean your sneakers. Simply remove the laces and then let them soak separately in a small container filled with warm water and a bit of detergent. If you’re trying to clean your class slip-ons… you can obviously skip this step.

Step 2: Rinse in cold water
Drench your white Vans in cold water (cold water prevents any stains from setting in or any colours from running). You can either rinse them under a running faucet or put them into a large bucket or basin of cold water.

Step 3: Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar
Next? Mix two parts baking soda with three parts vinegar in a glass or plastic bowl to create a thin, foamy paste. (Note: Do not use a metal bowl or metal spoon during the process. Metal will react negatively to the vinegar.) Need an alternative to baking soda and vinegar? Trying using powder laundry detergent or liquid laundry detergent.

Step 4: Scrub away
Thoroughly scrub the white fabric on your Vans with the baking soda/vinegar paste you just made (or detergent) using a clean toothbrush or nail brush. Make sure you scrub the entire canvas surface of the shoes, focusing on any dirty areas.

Step 5: Rinse in cold water
Rinse the paste off of your Vans with cold water.

Step 6: Toss your Vans into the washing machine
Place your Vans inside the washing machine with some detergent. Run the machine on a full cycle with cold water. If you are worried about your shoes banging around the washing machine, then you can wrap them in a laundry bag before placing them in the machine.

Step 7: Air dry
Let your white Vans air dry. Do not place them in the dryer or near excessive heat… The heat will result in the shoes losing their shape and will give them a yellow tinge.

Step 8: Wear and enjoy
Slip on those fresh, white Vans and hit the road. Repeat the above steps whenever needed.