Vans shoes have become a staple in casual and skate footwear.
Known for their iconic design and durability, Vans are a favorite among many.
Whether you're rocking classic canvas Vans, sleek leather ones, or the cozy suede varieties, they require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and longevity.
How to wash vans shoes?
Cleaning Different Types of Vans Shoes
Vans shoes come in various materials, including canvas, suede, and leather. Each material requires a slightly different cleaning approach to ensure the best results.
Cleaning Canvas Vans
Canvas Vans are perhaps the most popular and versatile. Cleaning them is straightforward.
What You'll Need:
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Mild detergent or dish soap
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Baking soda (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
- Magic Eraser (for stubborn stains)
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Remove the Laces and Insoles
Start by taking out the laces and insoles from your Vans shoes. You can wash the laces separately by soaking them in warm water and mild detergent.
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Brush Off Loose Dirt and Debris
Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to gently brush off any loose dirt and debris from the surface of your shoes. Pay special attention to the soles and seams.
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Create a Cleaning Solution
Mix a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap with warm water. -
Scrub the Shoes
Dip your brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the canvas in circular motions. Focus on stained or dirty areas, but avoid soaking the fabric. -
Rinse and Wipe
Dampen a microfiber cloth or soft towel with clean water and wipe down the shoes to remove any soap residue to prevent discoloration.
Cleaning Suede Vans
Suede Vans require a more delicate touch due to the sensitive nature of the material. Cleaning suede improperly can lead to damage, so it's important to follow the right steps.
What You'll Need:
- Suede brush or soft-bristled brush
- A suede eraser or white pencil eraser
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
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Use a Suede Brush
Gently brush the suede surface with a suede brush to remove surface dirt, Brush in one direction and restore the nap of the material.
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Remove Stains
For light stains, a suede eraser or a white pencil eraser can be used to rub away marks. Gently rub the stained area until the stain lifts.
For tougher stains, mix a small amount of white vinegar with water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
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Blot and Dry
After treating the stains, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Allow the shoes to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight. -
Restore the Nap
Once dry, brush the suede again to restore its texture. Brush in one direction to maintain the suede’s soft appearance.
Cleaning Leather Vans
Leather Vans are generally easier to clean than canvas or suede but also require special care to maintain their appearance.
What You'll Need:
- Soft brush or cloth
- mild soap
- Magic Eraser
- Leather Cleaner
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth
- Leather conditioner
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Remove Surface Dirt
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the shoes. -
Clean the Soles
Use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean the rubber soles. A Magic Eraser can help remove stubborn dirt.
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Wipe Down the Shoes
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of the leather shoes, removing any dirt and grime. -
Apply Leather Cleaner
If needed, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a cloth and gently rub it into the leather. Follow the product instructions for the best results.
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Condition the Leather
Once clean, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent cracking. Buff the shoes with a clean cloth to restore their shine.
Washing Vans in washing machine(Canvas Only)
While handwashing is generally preferred, some canvas Vans can be machine-washed. Follow these steps if you choose this method:
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Place Shoes in a Mesh Laundry Bag
Put your shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash cycle. This also prevents the laces from tangling.
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Use a Gentle Cycle
Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water. Add a small amount of mild detergent.
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Air Dry
After washing, remove the shoes from the mesh bag and stuff them with paper towels or newspaper. Allow them to air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Tips for Stubborn Stains of Vans
Sometimes, regular cleaning methods may not be enough to tackle stubborn stains. Here are some tips for dealing with common stains on Vans shoes.
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Grass Stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Rinse with clean water and air dry.
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Oil or Grease Stains: Sprinkle baking soda directly on the stain and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the oil. Brush off the baking soda and clean the area with a mild detergent solution.
- Ink Stains: Dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently blot the ink stain. Be careful not to spread the ink. Rinse with clean water and allow the shoes to air dry.
- Scuff Marks: Use a magic eraser to gently rub away scuff marks from the soles and sides of the shoes. For the upper part, use a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent.
How to clean white vans shoes?
Cleaning white Vans shoes can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right materials and methods, you can keep them looking fresh and new.
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Remove Laces
Take out the shoelaces and wash them separately. You can soak them in warm, soapy water for about 15 minutes, then rinse them and let them air dry. -
Remove Loose Dirt
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove loose dirt and debris from the surface of the shoes. -
Prepare Cleaning Solution
Mix a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap with warm water.
For a stronger cleaning solution, you can also mix equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar to form a paste.
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Clean the Shoes
Dip the soft brush or sponge into the soapy water or baking soda paste.
Gently scrub the canvas in circular motions. For tougher stains, apply more pressure or use a magic eraser.
Be sure to clean the rubber soles and edges as well.
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Rinse and Wipe
Use a cloth or sponge dipped in clean water to wipe away the cleaning solution. Make sure to remove all soap or paste residue from the shoes. -
Air Dry
Wrap your white Vans with toilet paper to prevent yellowing, Allow the shoes to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
Can you put vans shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, you can put Vans shoes in the washing machine.
Washing your VANS in a washing machine not only saves time but also washes very cleanly.
Use a shoe washing bag to protect your shoes from damage. select a gentle circle, cold water, and a mild detergent, then your shoes will be like new.