The whole world seems like it's stacked against white sneakers, what with all the mud, dirt, rain and such everywhere you go. White shoes, like white Vans, can seem particularly daunting to keep clean, thanks to their naturally porous surface.

However, a few tricks and a little extra effort are all you need to remove stubborn stains from your favorite white Vans shoes and return them to their former glory. No Tie Shoelaces

First, it's worth it to note that the best offense is a good defense. In other words, don't let white shoes get extremely dirty to begin with, and your job will be a lot easier.

Consider investing in a shoe fabric protector spray and shoe brush. Then apply the product per the directions immediately to keep white canvas Vans looking their best. Don't forget to reapply, as directed!

Then, if your white Vans do manage to get dirty, clean them in a timely fashion. Stains that have time to set are much more difficult to remove. You can also buy a suede brush and leather conditioner to clean suede Vans and leather Vans.

If it's already too late for the preventive approach, there are plenty of hacks to get those sneakers bright white once more. Here are a few tried-and-true ways to clean white Vans.

If your white Vans are only in need of a minor facelift, try this rapid cleaning option first.

If your white Vans are more, shall we say, well-loved, a little extra oomph might be necessary. Here's how to deep clean those white canvas sneaks:

Full disclosure time: Vans doesn't recommend you machine wash its canvas or leather shoes, as it could damage them. However, plenty of people do get their canvas shoes clean in the washing machine, to great results. So, proceed at your own risk!

Get the best result, however, by doing a little front end work involving some common household ingredients.

First, gather the tools you'll need: laundry detergent, baking soda and an old toothbrush or soft bristled brush. Then, clean as follows:

Two more natural cleaning agents that are probably just lying around your house are key ingredients to help clean up white Vans.

Once you clean white Vans and they're dry, it's time to take those sparkling shoes back out on the town. Whether on foot or skateboard is entirely up to you.

Vans are known for their vulcanized rubber soles, done in a waffle pattern that apparently helps skaters achieve a better grip on the board. You can keep the rubber soles clean with mild dish soap or a Magic Eraser.

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