How do you whiten white Vans?

Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide paste applied with a brush, then dried in direct sunlight. The UV activates the peroxide for a bleaching effect.

Can you clean suede Vans?

Yes, but only with dry methods. Use a suede brush and eraser. Never get suede Vans wet.

The same canvas method works. Be gentle to avoid pulling the checkerboard print loose -- use a soft brush.

Wipe the rubber after every wear. Machine wash canvas monthly. Spot clean stains as they happen.

Clothing & Footwear

Your vans shoes deserve proper care to stay looking their best. Follow these steps to clean them safely without causing damage.

1
Remove laces
Take out the laces and soak them separately in warm water with detergent.
2
Scrub the canvas
Mix a paste of baking soda and a small amount of detergent with water. Apply to the canvas with a toothbrush and scrub in circles.
3
Clean the rubber stripe and sole
Use a magic eraser on the iconic rubber foxing tape and sole. This removes yellowing and scuffs instantly.
4
Rinse or machine wash
Rinse by hand with cold water. Canvas Vans can also be machine washed on cold gentle inside a pillowcase.
5
Air dry away from heat
Stuff with paper towels and dry at room temperature. The sun helps whiten white Vans but can fade colored ones.

TIPCanvas Vans (Old Skool, Authentic, Era) are fully machine washable on cold gentle -- one of the easiest shoes to maintain.
TIPFor white Vans, the baking soda + hydrogen peroxide paste dried in the sun produces the best whitening effect.
TIPApply fabric protector spray before first wear to prevent stains from setting into the canvas.

XUsing the dryer, which shrinks canvas Vans and separates the vulcanized rubber sole from the upper.
XUsing bleach on white Vans, which yellows the canvas and weakens the fabric over time.
XIgnoring the rubber sidewall, which turns yellow and makes clean canvas look dirty by contrast.

Yes, canvas Vans handle a gentle cold cycle inside a pillowcase well. Remove laces and insoles first. Never use hot water.