Sandals are mandatory accessories that are worn during hot weather. However, sandals can also easily get dirty, even smelly due to accumulation of dust, dirt, and sweat. There are several things you can use to clean your sandals, depending on the material of the sandal. However, no matter what type of sandal you have, you can easily clean them with minimal time and effort.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing Dust and Odor
Step 1. Use a brush to remove dirt and dust build-up
If your sandals are covered in dirt or mud, take them outside and remove the build-up with a stiff brush. Scrub the tops and soles to remove as much dirt as possible.
Step 2. Brush the fabric or canvas sandals with a mixture of baking soda and water
Mix equal amounts of water and baking soda in a small bowl until it forms a paste. Use an old toothbrush to rub this mixture on the sandals to clean the sandals from dirt and odor. Rinse off the remaining paste under cold running water, then use an old towel to dry the sandals.
Step 3. Rub leather sandals with a mixture of vinegar and water
Mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water, then soak a sponge in the vinegar and water mixture. Use a sponge to rub the outside of the leather sandal. The sponge will clean the dirt that sticks to the surface of the sandal without damaging the leather material. When it is dry, apply a conditioner for the leather so that the leather sandals are always in good condition.
Step 4. Use rubbing alcohol and fine sandpaper to clean suede sandals
Stubborn stains can be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. However, water can stain suede sandals. So, try not to get the sandals in the water! Sand the sandals gently with fine sandpaper to remove dirt. Be careful not to sand the entire surface. You just need to rub the dirty part gently.
Step 5. Put the rubber flip flops in the washing machine
You can wash flip-flops with just a little effort. Set the washing machine to the setting to wash soft fabrics and use cold water. Add 1/4 cup (59 ml) of distilled white vinegar to remove the odor. Run the washing machine as usual.
- Do not put flip-flops with accessories such as beads, jewelry or other accessories in the washing machine.
- Flip-flops from the Chaco and Keen brands are also machine washable.
Step 6. Clean the surface of the slipper with rubbing alcohol
Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and use it to rub the sole of the sandal. Rubbing alcohol not only kills germs, but also cleans sandals from dirt and dust buildup. Then, wipe the sole with a damp cloth. To keep your sandals clean and fresh, repeat this step every few weeks.
Step 7. Air the sandals to dry
Sandals must be aerated to dry no matter which method you use to clean them. Air the sandals in an open place, but away from heat and direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can damage materials that are still wet. So, let your sandals air out in a shady place such as a terrace or garage that has good air circulation as well.
Never put slippers in the clothes dryer
Method 2 of 2: Caring for Sandals
Step 1. Rub feet in the shower before putting on slippers
Dead skin cells that accumulate on the sole of the sandal are often the cause of the smell of sandals. Take the time to scrub your feet thoroughly after every shower, and use an exfoliating product or pumice stone to remove dead skin cells on your feet several times a week.
Step 2. Let the sandals dry before wearing them again
Sweaty feet, rain, river and lake water, and mud can make sandals wet. When finished wearing sandals, let them dry before wearing them again. You may need to buy more sandals so you don't always wear the same sandals every day without letting them dry first after wearing them.
Step 3. Sprinkle baby powder or baking soda on the slipper
Both baking soda and baby powder absorb moisture and odors to keep sandals fresh. You can sprinkle a little baby powder or baking soda on the soles after removing them to dry. Then, throw away the baby powder or baking soda before putting your sandals back on.
Step 4. Fill sandals with old newspapers when not in use
When you're not wearing sandals, fill them with old newspaper to absorb odors and moisture inside. When you are going to put your sandals back on, you can simply recycle the newspaper, and refill the sandals with old newspapers again when you are not using them.
