Alescia asked: How do I clean white, canvas vans? I got them a little dirty. I know putting them in the washer will turn them yellow. I need a guaranteed answer on how to make them all white again.
Table of Contents:
Cleaning white, canvas Vans or any other canvas shoes can be a real challenge. The yellowing that you describe in the washing machine can be caused from bleach being used or the glue that holds the base to the shoe, spreading onto the canvas. Follow these guidelines from the Vans website for proper care and cleaning.
You Will Need:
- Woolite or mild detergent
- Soft brush
- Water
- Towels
- Sink or bucket
Steps to Clean the Shoes:
- Begin by filling the sink or bucket with warm water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent (it’s important not to use harsh detergents) to the water and agitate until suds begin to form.
- Lay out a thick towel.
- Holding the shoe over the water (do not submerge it), dip the brush into the soapy water and scrub the surfaces of the shoe.
- Repeat until all of the dirt has been scrubbed away.
- Rinse with clean water.
- When the shoes are cleaned and rinsed, place them on top of the towel. Wrap the sides of the towel over the shoe and gently press out the excess water.
- Open the shoes up completely and allow them to air dry.
- Avoid wearing or storing the shoes while still wet or damp. This can lead to mold and mildew growth which is even more difficult to remove.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Canvas shoes can usually be washed on the gentle cycle in the washing machine. However, if the shoes are made from synthetic materials, it is best to hand wash them.
- There are special cleaning products available to clean suede Vans. These can be found at shoe stores or some drug stores.
- For severely dirty shoes, it may be necessary to add a small amount of bleach to the water. Using a dye-free bleach will help to avoid the yellow stains that bleach can sometimes create.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
warning
do not put um into washing machine, they will turn yellow!!!!
how to clean vans
will i need to make sure that it will look good
cleaning my white vans
I just bought white vans and unsuprisingly they got dirty the next day. I bought cleaner for them at the vans store. I used the cleaner as it instructed and as it was drying, a yellow ring formed around where i sprayed the product. It didn’t even take out the stain. Then i took a clean wash cloth and put a little water on it and scrubbed on the yellow parts and the stain. The next morning, i looked at them and the yellow was gone and the stain was baqrely visible. They arnt as white as before, but they are pretty close.
Trick of keeping your Vans White...
First wash your vans by washing machine, using toothbrush, soaking etc…
The trick to keep your vans white after washing, while still wet use cornstarch, the cornstarch will stick to the shoe make sure to get every spot, a put them it the sun to dry. After the shoe is dry scrape off dry cornstarch with a dry brush.
my vans still arent clean
umm i basically did all that and well my vans have pink and blue on them and well my vans turns pink and blue now how do i fix that?
i clean my vans in the washer now and I use arm & hammer soap. I used to brush it with warm water and soap before but the sole turned yellow. when i started washing it in the washer, the yellow part went away.