Wearing shoes all day is bound to make them dirty, which won’t look cool at all. So, cleaning them is important to make them look good again. That’s why I’ve outlined the correct method for cleaning your Knu Skool sneakers.
In this guide, I’ll go over everything from cleaning uppers to the soles. I’ll also cover how you can clean the laces. Follow my steps if you want your shoes to get completely cleaned and ready to go anywhere you want.
Contents
How to Clean Vans Knu Skool?
Since Vans Knu Skool are typically made from canvas, cotton and rubber, we’ll be focusing specifically on how to clean these materials in this article.
For effective cleaning of your Vans Knu Skool sneaker, you make sure to get all necessary cleaning stuff ready by your side.
The Things You’ll Need To Clean Vans Knu Skool:
- Soft-bristled Brush
- Toothbrush
- Suede Eraser
- Toothpaste
- Soap or detergent
- Water
- Towel
- Shoe Care Spray
Now, if you have all of this stuff ready by your side, then let’s get to the clean part.
Preparation
First of all, remove the laces and place the laces in a mixture of warm water and soap.
Next, hold the shoe from the bottom and gently tap downwards to dislodge any dirt or debris trapped inside.
If you’re shoes smell bad, use a deodorizing shoe spray. If you don’t have one on hand, you can also try spraying some alcohol with a spray bottle. Both methods are effective for removing odor from the shoes overnight.
Must Read: Vans Knu Skool vs Vans Old Skool
Cleaning the Upper
Start by cleaning up the dust. You can use a suede brush or any soft-bristle brush. Use it to gently brush away any dirt or grime.
For stubborn stains, use a suede eraser. Rub it with great care, as a suede eraser can pull out some of the color.
If you don’t have suede erasers on hand, you can also use a towel and gently scrub the obvious stains. This technique might help lift the spots without causing discoloration.
And that’s all you have to do with the suede.
Note: Don’t use water or soap to clean suede. Many guys on YouTube suggest using water; I do not recommend it, as putting water on suede can potentially damage the material.
For the jazz stripe, apply a small amount of toothpaste to the stripe and gently rub it in, being careful not to disturb the suede. Once all the dirt is removed, wipe off the toothpaste with a cloth, and you’re done cleaning the upper part.
Cleaning Soles
The soles of Knu Skool aren’t like the suede part. Here, what I recommend is using some white toothpaste.
First, wipe down the shoes with a microfiber cloth. After that, use some white toothpaste on the side, then brush it with a toothbrush to clean the midsoles. The white toothpaste will help you restore the pure white color. Brush the toothbrush in a small circular motion.
Also, continue cleaning all the way down to the outsole. This’ll help you clean the shoes from the bottom as well.
After brushing, wipe all the toothpaste with a wet cloth and let the shoes air-dry.
Related Aritcle: Vans Knu Skool vs. Adidas Campus 00s
Finalizing
Now, at the last step, remove the laces from the soak. Wash them now with clean water and then leave them to dry.
Note: Don’t dry them in direct sun or heat. Instead, place them in a shaded area to dry naturally.
Once the shoes are dry, lace them up, and then apply some shoe care spray for added protection and maintenance. You can use whichever one is readily available to you.
Now, for the most part, you’ll notice that your sneakers are clean and looking good—maybe not the new ones, but definitely clean.
FAQ
Can You Clean Vans Knu Skool in Washing Machine?
No, I wouldn’t recommend using a washing machine to clean Vans shoes, and neither does Vans. The agitation and circular movement of a washing machine can completely damage the material and distort the shape of the shoes, potentially even breaking the glue that holds them together.
Moreover, the detergent and hot water can damage the suede uppers, causing fading or damage. The spinning of the machine can also accelerate wear and tear on the shoes.
So, it’s better to clean them with a soft-bristle brush and suede eraser.
Is Baking Soda Safe For Cleaning Vans Knu Skool Shoes?
Nope! Using baking soda to clean Vans Old Skool shoes isn’t the best idea. Baking soda can be rough and might hurt the shoes, especially the delicate parts like the canvas or suede. Also, it can leave a white powder that’s hard to get rid of, changing how the shoes look.
I’ll say, use a shoe cleaner spray; they are made for such materials instead. That way, you can clean your vans without worrying about damaging them.
How Frequently Should I Clean Vans Knu Skool Shoes?
If your Knu Skool sneakers appear dirty, clean them; otherwise, there is no need for that. My recommendation is to give them a soft-brush every time you’re going to wear them. This will effectively remove any dust and give them a nice, clean look without much effort.
Also, it’s important to remember that cleaning your Knu Skool with a brush won’t affect their lifespan negatively. In fact, it’s a good way to keep them looking fresh. If you notice any stains on the upper, you can use a suede eraser or a towel to gently remove them. Avoid using water or soap on suede. To maintain the white color of the midsole, you can use a small amount of white toothpaste. Then wipe it off with a towel.
Final Thoughts: Is It Safe To Clean Your Vans Knu Skool Sneaker?
Yes, it’s safe to clean them but you have to pick the right way to do it. There are numerous tutorials on YouTube and Instagram suggesting incorrect methods for cleaning sneakers. Some may even recommend using a mixture of water and soap, which can potentially damage certain materials like suede.
However, that method isn’t the ideal way to clean. The approach I’ve detailed above is what I personally use for my Vans Knu Skool sneakers. I clean all of my sneakers, at least before I’m going to wear them. So, if your pair of Knu Skool sneakers look dirty, give my method a try.
