Q&A for How to Clean Black Vans

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  • Question
    How can I clean the rubber soles on my Vans?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    A magic eraser can be really effective at removing scuffs from rubber soles. Just wet the magic eraser and rub as needed.
  • Question
    What's the best cleaning solution for canvas shoes?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    I recommend using lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Just dip a towel in the mixture and blot any dirty spots on your shoes.
  • Question
    How can I quickly dry my shoes after cleaning them?
    Marc Sigal
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Marc Sigal is a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles. Marc has over 19 years of experience working in the world of e-commerce, with extensive experience with the care of luxury goods. He is currently the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform helping consumers find products. Prior to Blutag, he founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California. ButlerBox reinvented amenity services by placing custom-designed, wrinkle-resistant lockers in luxury apartment buildings, class A office buildings, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. The company got acquired by Rinse.com in 2021. Marc has a BA in Global and International Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
    Shoe Care Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Place your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area. Setting up a fan next to them can help them dry faster.
  • Question
    Can I use boot polish on my black Vans?
    Community Answer
    No. Shoe or boot polish is not intended for use on canvas. The Vans shown in the tutorial are canvas, and a fabric polish should be used, according to the color of the shoe.
  • Question
    Will plain water cause the color to fade on my Vans?
    Community Answer
    No, it won't.
  • Question
    If my shoes get wet, will the black shoe polish run?
    Community Answer
    The shoe polish has a tendency to dry quickly, so there's no chance of it running.
  • Question
    Does the black polish spread when wet?
    Community Answer
    It may spread if it is thin, but likely will not spread if it is thicker.
  • Question
    How do I get brown stains out of my black Vans?
    Community Answer
    Use the same method. A work colleague spilled mustard on my shoe, leaving a bright yellow stain. It came off the first try using this, which surprised me. This method should work on pretty much any color stain.
  • Question
    What type of shoe polish is that and where can I get it?
    Community Answer
    Any liquid shoe polish will work, and you can get it almost anywhere, like Walmart, Target, Amazon, or pretty much any shoe store.
  • Question
    Does this work for other colors of Vans, like grey or pink?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't suggest polishing them unless you can find a very close color match. Other than that, make sure you get a scotch-guard/waterproof spray to help prevent damage/discoloration.
  • Question
    Can I use this method on old school Vans?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I used this method on my black old school Vans and it cleaned them; old school Vans are canvas as well, so it will work
  • Question
    How do I clean my black Vans without them fading?
    Community Answer
    I think the primary cause of fading is the soap mixture not being cleaned off properly. If you have time, you could completely submerge the shoes in lukewarm water; slosh them about for a bit until all soap solution is gone. (Hint: pinch the canvas of the shoe; if soap is present, it will come out in suds.) Leave them to dry overnight, possibly with help from a hairdryer.
  • Question
    Do I need to polish my shoes after using the soap mixture to clean them?
    Community Answer
    Nope, it's optional, the polish should just stop stuff sinking into the canvas, forming a layer over it. I didn't polish, and my shoes are still clean. If you've done this more than once, I recommend not polishing them over and over again each time. But you'll have to try it and see what works best for you.
  • Question
    Will Dawn dish soap work to clean black old school Vans?
    Community Answer
    Yes. As stated in the wikiHow. Mild soap and water would work when it comes to cleaning shoes.
  • Question
    What do I do if my black Vans keep turning white?
    Jaidyn Napper
    Community Answer
    Add a scotch guard/ waterproof spray to help prevent discoloration.
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