Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Removing dirt and odors
• Method 2 of 2: Taking care of your sandals

In summer, sandals are the main shoe, but dust, dirt, sweat and odors can easily accumulate on them. There are several methods you can use to clean your sandals, depending on the material. But no matter what kind of sandals you have, they can be easily cleaned with a little effort and time.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Removing dirt and odors

1. 1 Use a bristled brush to remove dirt and dust. If the sandals are covered in dust or dirt, take them outside and use a stiff-bristled brush to remove large pieces of dirt. Brush the upper and sole to remove as much loose dirt as possible.
2. 2 Wipe your cloth or canvas sandals with baking soda and water. In a small container, combine equal parts baking soda and water until a paste is obtained. Use an old toothbrush to rub the mixture into your sandals to remove dirt and odors. Rinse off the paste with cool running water, then use an old towel to absorb excess moisture from the sandals.
3. 3 Wipe leather sandals with a mixture of vinegar and water. Soak a sponge with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, and then wipe the outside of your leather sandals with it.This will remove dust and dirt from the surface without damaging your skin. When the leather is dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep your sandals in top condition.
4. 4 Sandals made of suede, treat with rubbing alcohol and fine sandpaper. Stubborn stains can be removed with a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. However, water stains the suede, so try not to get your sandals wet. To remove dust and dirt, gently sand the suede with fine sandpaper. Be careful not to sand the entire surface of the suede; you only need to buff it lightly.
5. 5 Wash rubber slippers in the washing machine. The rubber slides can be washed all at once with minimal effort. Set a delicate cycle and a low temperature. Add 1/4 of the usual amount of detergent and 59 ml of distilled white vinegar to remove odors. Start the wash cycle as usual.
   • Do not machine wash slippers with beads, stones, or other embellishments.
   • Some Chaco and Keen sandals are also machine washable.
6. 6 Clean the insoles with rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and wipe the insoles of your sandals with it. Alcohol not only kills germs, but also removes dust and dirt. Then wipe the insole with a damp cloth. To keep your sandals clean and fresh, repeat these steps every few weeks.
7. 7 Air dry the sandals. Whichever method you choose to clean your sandals, dry them is the same: outdoors, away from sources of heat or direct sunlight. Heat and light can ruin damp material, so leave your shoes on a darkened porch or garage. Also make sure that there is enough fresh air in the selected area.
   • Never put sandals in the dryer.

Method 2 of 2: Taking care of your sandals

1. 1 Scrub your feet in the shower before putting on your sandals. Dead skin that gets stuck in the insole is often the cause of unpleasant odors. Every time you shower or bathe, take the time to clean your feet. And several times a week, use a skin exfoliator or pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
2. 2 Dry sandals completely between wearing periods. Sweaty feet, rain, river and lake water, mud - all this can lead to the fact that sandals get wet. Once you've removed your sandals, let them dry completely before wearing them again. You can buy a second pair of sandals to avoid wearing one pair every day without a chance to dry out and ventilate.
3. 3 Sprinkle baby powder or baking soda on the insole. Both baby powder and baking soda absorb moisture and odors, making your sandals smell fresh again. You can sprinkle baby powder or baking soda on the insoles as soon as you remove your sandals to help dry them. Then simply shake off any remaining powder or baking soda before putting on the sandals again.
4. 4 Place newspapers in your sandals when not wearing them. When you are not wearing sandals, stuff them with newspapers. so that they absorb moisture and odors. Just throw the newspaper away when you decide to put on your sandals again. And fill your shoes with fresh newspapers when you take them off.