How To Clean Vans Shoes At Home

Learning how to clean Vans shoes at home is relatively straightforward but the method you need to use will depend on the material of the sneakers (canvas, leather or suede). Since buying a canvas pair and helping my goddaughter and nieces look after theirs I have become a bit of an expert in cleaning them because they are not as hardy or as easy to maintain as my leather shoes.

Canvas is lightweight, flexible and great for summer in particular but it isn’t as waterproof as leather and it can stain and get grubby really quickly. This means that knowing how to keeping your shoes looking good is really important if you want your shoes to last.

So here’s my step-by-step guide to cleaning Vans canvas sneakers which is the most common type that most people buy. Note I talk about an easy method that costs a little which is my preferred way to cleaning them and a cheaper way using household products. Both methods work so this gives you options if you are short on cash.

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The Easy Way- Buy The Vans Shoe Cleaner Kit

The easy way is to simply buy a Vans Shoe Cleaner Kit to do the hard work for you.

Vans have created a kit that contains a foaming cleaner, a refresher, shoe brush and water and stain shield that is simple to use at home.

My favorite product in the whole kit is the foaming cleaner as when that is used on your shoes it helps to get rid of all the dirt and stains. Jason Markk also has a similar product which is one of the best canvas and sneaker cleaners of all time. I’ve mentioned both because sometimes it can be difficult to buy the Vans products.

The product isn’t particularly expensive and worth it if you love your Vans and want to keep them looking in great condition.

How To Clean Vans Old Skool At Home

If you haven’t got a proper shoe canvas cleaner or would like to try the DIY method then here are the main products that I use.

• Mild detergent or dish soap
• Soft brush (like an old toothbrush)
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Bowl of warm water
• Baking soda (optional for tough stains)
• White vinegar (optional for deodorizing)
• Magic Eraser (optional for the rubber sole)
• Clean, dry towels

The Process

Before you start if your Vans are ones which have laces then remove them as they are going to be soaked in warm soapy water and scrubbed.

Also remove an removable insoles which can be cleaned by wiping them down with a damp cloth and then being left to air dry. This post will tell you how to clean non-removable insoles.

Remove the Excess Dirt

If you Vans have dirt or debris on them then your first step is to use a brush to get rid of as much of it as you can from the shoe surface and soles. This makes them easier to clean without spreading the dirt over the surface of your shoes further.

Prepare Your Cleaning Solution and Scrub

Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bowl. You can also add a bit of baking soda if the sneakers are particularly dirty.

Dip the soft brush or toothbrush into the soapy water and start scrubbing the sneakers, focusing on stains and dirty areas. Use gentle, circular motions to avoid damaging the fabric.

For tougher stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stained areas, then scrub with the brush.

Use a brush to scrub the rubber soles as well to get rid of as much dirt as you can.

How To Clean Vans White Rubber 

Most canvas vans shoes have a white rubber bumper called foxing that binds the upper to the sole. This is one of the main places where the shoes get dirty. Partly because of the color and due to the fact it is the area of the shoe nearest the ground.

To clean this section of shoe after I have used detergent I bring out my trusty Magic Eraser.

If you don’t have a Magic Eraser go out and buy one now as this is such a handy cleaning tool. I use it to get marks off walls and worksurfaces as well as for cleaning rubber parts of shoes.

All you need to do is wet it slightly and rub it over the white rubber and marks come off like magic hence the name.

When all your shoes have been cleaned thoroughly. Dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge with clean water and wipe down the sneakers to get rid of any soapy residue.

Make sure you don’t saturate your shoes with water as that will do them no good.

Air Dry the Sneakers

Finally stuff the sneakers with clean, dry towels or paper towels to help them retain their shape and absorb moisture. Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources because that can warp your shoes.

Clean the Laces and Insoles

If you haven’t already, scrub the laces and insoles with soapy water, rinse them, and let them air dry before placing them back in the sneakers.

Optional Deodorizing

If your Vans have an odor, you can sprinkle some baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit overnight to absorb the smell. Shake out the excess baking soda in the morning.

By following these steps, your Vans sneakers should look fresh and clean, helping to extend their life and keep them looking good as new.