Summer footwear must-haves like sandals are easily contaminated with mud, grime, sweat, and odors. So how to clean sandals?
Many people don’t realize that sandals require special care for cleaning. Since it comes into contact with your feet, the footbed of the sandal is the most important component to keep clean.
This article will teach you everything you need to know to get your sandal‘s footbeds clean and look like new again!
How to Clean Sandals?
There are several things you can use to clean your sandals, depending on what they are made out of.
Method 1: Use of Vinegar
Alcohol that has been fermented yields vinegar, a liquid with a sour flavor. The most popular kind of vinegar is white vinegar, but there are other kinds as well.
Beyond the kitchen, vinegar has many other uses. Because vinegar is acidic, it can be used to break down and remove dirt, grime, and other buildups from the footbed. It can also be used to polish surfaces and even kill weeds.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
- A soft cloth or brush
Step 1: Prepare Your Sandal
Start by removing any dirt or debris on the surface of your sandal with a soft brush. Before moving on to the next step, you can pre-treat any stains that are particularly difficult to remove with a small amount of laundry detergent.
Step 2: Mix the Solution
1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 cup warm water should be combined in a bowl or other container.
Step 3: Apply to Footbed
Apply the cleaning solution to the sandal’s footbed with a soft cloth or brush. The vinegar needs time to penetrate the fabric and dissolve any possible dirt or grime, so leave it alone for a while.
Step 4: Let Sit
In order to remove any dirt or grime that is stuck to the footbed, let the cleaning solution sit on it for a few minutes.
Step 5: Rinse
Put clean water on the footbed and rinse it. To help get rid of any tenacious dirt or grime, you might need to use a brush or cloth.
Step 5: Dry Completely
Before putting on another pair of sandals, let the footbed completely air dry.
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Method 2: Use a Professional Shoe Cleaner Kit
A professional shoe cleaner kit is a great way to clean your sandals and keep them looking new. The brushes and cleaners included in this kind of kit are frequently made specifically for cleaning shoes.
The most effective method for cleaning your sandals is to use a professional shoe cleaner kit, which will remove all the dirt and grime that has accumulated on them over time. Additionally, each brush and cleaner in these kits has instructions for use, ensuring that you are using the proper tools for your sandals.
What You’ll Need:
- Professional shoe cleaner kit
- Soft cloth
- Old toothbrush
Step 1: Choose the Right Professional Shoe Cleaner Kit
Selecting the proper professional shoe cleaner kit for your sandals is crucial because there are numerous variations on the market. You will need to buy a kit made especially for cleaning leather shoes if you own a pair of leather sandals.
You can buy a general shoe cleaner kit if your sandals are made of a different material, like canvas or synthetics. Most of the time, these kits contain a variety of brushes and cleaners that can be applied to all types of shoes.
Step 2: Remove Dirt and Grime
Once you have chosen the suitable professional shoe cleaner kit, it is time to start cleaning your sandals. Cleaning off any dirt and grime that has accumulated over time is the first step.
You can gently wipe away the grime with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush. Make sure to concentrate on the locations with the most dirt and grime.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaner
It’s time to apply the cleaner after cleaning your sandals completely of all debris. You can apply the cleaner to your sandals using the brush that is typically included in professional shoe cleaner kits.
Brush your sandals with the brush after dipping it in the cleaner. Make sure to apply the cleaner uniformly across the entire surface of your sandals.
Step 4: Rinse Off the Cleaner
You must rinse your sandals off after using the cleaner on them. By placing your sandals in running water, you can accomplish this.
For the purpose of getting rid of all the cleaners, make sure to hold them under the water for a while. You can use a soft cloth to dry your sandals after rinsing off the cleaner.
Step 5: Condition Your Sandals
Once your sandals are clean and dry, you will need to condition them. Your sandals’ leather will be less likely to crack and dry out if you do this.
You must select the appropriate shoe conditioner for your sandals from the many options on the market. Utilizing a soft cloth, rub your sandals with the conditioner after applying it to the cloth.
Make sure to apply the conditioner to your sandals’ entire surface in an even layer. Your sandals can be stored in a cool, dry location after you’ve condition them.
Read More: How to Stop Feet from Sweating in Sandals?
Method 3: Use Baking Soda Mixture
Cleaning, baking, and even deodorizing can all be done with baking soda, a common household ingredient. It also functions as a natural abrasive to aid in cleaning surfaces of dirt and grime.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Old toothbrush or other soft bristle brush
- Towel
Step 1: Knock Off Any Excess Dirt.
Remove any extra dirt or debris from the sandal’s surface before you begin cleaning them. The cleaning procedure will become more efficient as a result.
Step 2: Mix Together Baking Soda and Water.
Combine 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of baking soda in a small bowl. Stirring is necessary to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Step 3: Apply the Baking Soda Mixture to the Footbeds.
Apply the baking soda solution to the sandal footbeds using an old toothbrush or another brush with soft bristles. Be sure to fill in all the nooks and crannies.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Sit for a Few Minutes.
Spend three to five minutes letting your sandal footbeds soak up the baking soda mixture. This will give it some time to sift through the grime.
Step 5: Rinse With Water and Dry.
To remove the baking soda mixture, use a towel or cloth. Prior to putting on your sandals once more, thoroughly rinse the footbeds with clean water.
Method 4: Clean With Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to clean various surfaces, including the footbeds of your sandals. When removing stubborn stains and dirt accumulation, this technique is especially effective.
What You’ll Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Water
- Towel
Step 1: Determine the Right Proportion of Rubbing Alcohol
Choosing the proper ratio of rubbing alcohol to water is crucial before you begin cleaning. As an illustration, you should mix 3 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol.
Step 2: Mix the Solution
In a bowl or other container, combine the ingredients as soon as you’ve established the proper ratio.
Step 3: Apply the Solution to the Footbeds
It’s time to apply your prepared solution to your sandals’ footbeds. Gently scrub the footbeds with the solution using a fresh cloth or sponge.
Step 4: Rinse With Water
Rinse the footbeds with water after rubbing the rubbing alcohol solution on them.
Step 5: Dry With a Towel
Dry the footbeds with a towel after rinsing them off. Put your sandals back on after making sure they are completely dry.
It’s crucial to routinely clean the footbeds of your sandals. By adhering to these straightforward instructions, you can keep your footbeds clear of dirt and debris.
Method 5: Use Dish Soap
Dish soap is a kind of cleaning agent that is used to clean dishes. It is typically made from a combination of surfactants, which are elements that lower water’s surface tension and facilitate the penetration of dirt on dishes.
Furthermore, fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients that give dish soap a pleasant scent and a pleasing appearance are frequently included in it.
What You’ll Need:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Sponge or washcloth
Step 1: before You Start
Before you start cleaning your sandals with dish soap, it’s essential to ensure that they are free of any loose dirt or debris. Then, you can give them a soft brushing motion or gently wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Step 2: Add Dish Soap to Warm Water
You should add dish soap to warm water after you’ve cleaned your sandals of any loose dirt or debris. To make a sudsy solution, you’ll need to use enough dish soap.
Step 3: Clean Sandals Footbed
The footbed of your sandals should be cleaned with a sponge or washcloth after adding dish soap to warm water. Scrub completely to get rid of all dirt and debris.
Step 4: Rinse Sandals Footbed
It’s time to rinse the dish soap and dirt off your sandals’ footbeds after you’ve cleaned them. Rinse the footbed of your sandals thoroughly in warm water to get rid of all soap.
Step 5: Dry Sandals Footbed
Your sandals’ footbeds need to be thoroughly dried off after being rinsed. You can achieve this by placing them in the sun or by using a hairdryer on low. Your sandals can be worn again once they have dried.
Maintaining the best possible appearance for your sandals is simple and quick with dish soap. To make sure that your sandals are clean and free of dirt and debris, carefully follow these instructions.
How Often Should I Clean My Sandals?
This depends on how frequently you wear the shoes and under what circumstances. If after wearing your sandals you have obvious dirt such as mud or debris on the shoes, we recommend removing it as soon as you can.
It is possible to prevent permanent damage to the surface underneath by clearing away debris every day or after each use.
However, a deep clean of the internals of sandals does not need to be done as often.
Read More: Are Sandals Business Casual?
How to Stop Your Sandals from Smelling?
In order to prevent sweat from penetrating the sandals while wearing sporty sandals while engaging in vigorous exercise, be sure to take a quick shower or at the very least wash your feet.
It is best to regularly exfoliate and scrub your feet to remove dead skin cells because they can also contribute to shoe odor.
Another suggestion is to put crumpled tissue paper inside the shoes to absorb any extra liquid when they are not in use.
If you want a more natural solution, try spraying vinegar on your sandals instead of an odor-neutralizing spray. Use a solution of three parts water to one part white vinegar in a spray bottle to mist sandal footbeds and ward off unpleasant odors.
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Conclusion: How to Clean Sandals
Footbeds are often overlooked when cleaning sandals, but they play a big role in keeping your feet healthy and free of bacteria.
By following the simple methods in this article, you can keep your sandals clean and prolong the life of your sandals.
We hope you have learned how to clean sandals. Thanks for reading!
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FAQs
How to Clean Leather Sandals Footbed?
To make a paste, combine one part water and three parts baking soda. Focusing on particularly grimy or discolored areas, dip the toothbrush into the paste and gently scrub the uppers, footbeds, and soles.
Wipe off the extra baking soda with a clean, dry cloth once your leather sandals look clean.
How to Clean Clarks Sandals Footbed?
Two tablespoons of water and one tablespoon of baking soda should be combined. To remove dirt, dip a toothbrush into the mixture and scrub it gently in a circular motion.
Can Sandals Be Machine Washed?
Put your shoes in after making sure there aren’t any other clothes in the washer. Just a little laundry detergent should be added, and only use cold water.
