{"id":8054,"date":"2021-04-09T12:49:46","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T19:49:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=8054"},"modified":"2025-04-29T09:22:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T16:22:00","slug":"how-to-clean-sandals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-sandals\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean Sandals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

When it comes to warm-weather footwear, sandals, also known as flip flops, are a staple. They\u2019re perfect <\/span>shoes for the beach<\/span><\/a><\/span>, <\/span>running errands, hanging out at a barbecue, going on road trips, or just padding around outside your home. And with all this action, your clean flip flops are bound to get a little dirty. If you wear your sandals every day, just a few times a week, or even just wear<\/span> sandals for the beach<\/span><\/a><\/span>, they\u2019ll start to accumulate dirt, grime, stains, and sticky residues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Needless to say, your<\/span> summertime shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> might not look or feel as fresh as they used to. And while flip-flops and slides might be open-air<\/span> footwear styles<\/span>, sweaty feet can still leave odors in the soles. The good news is that it\u2019s actually pretty easy to spruce up your sandals\u2014and there are several ways to go about it. Find step-by-step instructions on how to clean flip flops below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why You Should Clean Your Sandals Regularly<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before we get started<\/span> on our favorite <\/span>cleaning tips<\/span>, let\u2019s briefly touch on why keeping your sandals clean is crucial. <\/span>Cleaning sandals <\/span>regularly will make them look better, of course, but the reasons go beyond aesthetics. Viruses and bacteria can spread through surfaces. When you\u2019ve been out and about in your sandals, the soles can track germs <\/span>and <\/span>loose dirt<\/span> and bring them into your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, a lot of people remove their shoes before going inside, but every time you put them on, your skin is still coming into contact with the germs. You probably know why it\u2019s important to wash your hands frequently. Similarly, just because your rubber sandals don\u2019t <\/span>look<\/span><\/i> dirty doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t carrying pathogens. Cleaning your shoes can help prevent the spread of various illnesses and keep you healthy. Besides cleaning the bottoms of your shoes, you\u2019ll also want to clean the footbeds and uppers.<\/span><\/p>\n

While sandals are some of the <\/span>best shoes for sweaty feet<\/span><\/a><\/span>, they are not invincible when it comes to collecting bacteria. <\/span>You\u2019re unlikely to get athlete\u2019s foot from wearing sandals, as the fungus thrives in damp, dark areas, like inside <\/span>men’s<\/span> athletic sneakers<\/span><\/a><\/span> or <\/span>women\u2019s active sneakers<\/span><\/a><\/span>. But when your feet get sweaty in hot and humid weather, staph and other types of bacteria can dwell on your sandals and cause<\/span> skin infections<\/span><\/a><\/span>.\u00b9 So, take the time to clean and disinfect your flip-flops, wedges, slides, or strappies. Your feet and your health will thank you for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

10 Ways to Clean Sandals<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019ve been treading through the sand, wandering around the park, or pounding on the pavement, your shoes can probably use some TLC. Here are some easy ways on how to clean flip <\/span>flops<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Clean Sandals with a Bristle Brush<\/b><\/h3>\n

A<\/span> shoe-care brush<\/span><\/a><\/span> with boar or nylon bristles can help you get <\/span>loose <\/span>dirt<\/span>, dried mud, and other debris off your shoes.\u00b2 Bring them outside and scrub the tops and bottoms<\/span> with a<\/span> soft brush<\/span> to get as much off as possible. This won\u2019t disinfect your sandals, but it\u2019s a good place to start if they\u2019re extra dirty.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Hand-Wash Water-Resistant Sandals<\/b><\/h3>\n

If your sandals are made of rubber, foam, neoprene, recycled plastic, or another water-safe material, you can wash them by hand. Here\u2019s what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Fill up your sink (or a big bowl) with warm water.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Place your sandals in the water and allow them to soak for about 15 minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Gently scrub them with your fingers or a soft toothbrush to loosen up any stuck-on dirt.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Mix in a couple of drops of <\/span>a<\/span> cleaning product <\/span>like a<\/span> mild <\/span>detergent <\/span>or dish soap.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Let your sandals soak in the laundry soap solution for another 15 minutes or so.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Rinse your sandals with clean water and let them air-dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How to Clean Leather Sandals with Vinegar<\/b><\/h3>\n

    A leather sandal is a little trickier to clean, but distilled white vinegar can be a gentle yet effective leather cleaner solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Mix one part vinegar with one part water.<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Dip a clean soft cloth or a soft sponge in the solution, then wring it out so it\u2019s not dripping wet.<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Gently scrub each leather shoe to remove stuck-on grime, excess dirt, and sweat stains.<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Let your sandals air-dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      How to Clean Leather Sandals with a Toothbrush<\/b><\/h3>\n

      Strappy sandals, slides, and toe-post sandals with leather footbeds and uppers can be cleaned using a soft toothbrush and baking soda.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water to create a paste.<\/span><\/li>\n
      2. Dip the toothbrush into the paste and gently scrub it all over the uppers, footbeds, and soles, focusing on extra-dirty or discolored areas.<\/span><\/li>\n
      3. When your leather sandals appear clean, wipe off the excess baking soda with a clean, dry cloth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        How to Clean Sandals with Rubbing Alcohol<\/b><\/h3>\n

        Rubbing alcohol works as a footbed cleaner as well. Not only does rubbing alcohol dissolve dirt and grime, but it also<\/span> kills germs<\/span><\/a><\/span> and bacteria-causing odors.\u00b3<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Start by soaking a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.<\/span><\/li>\n
        2. Thoroughly wipe down the footbeds of your slides, toe-post sandals, strappy sandals, or wedges.<\/span><\/li>\n
        3. Wipe a damp cloth over the material.<\/span><\/li>\n
        4. Allow your sandals to air-dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          How to Clean Suede Footbeds with Sandpaper<\/b><\/h3>\n

          If you\u2019re rocking sandals with suede footbeds, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to clean them. All you need to do is gently rub the sandpaper in small circular motions until the stubborn dirt and stains come out.<\/span><\/p>\n

          \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

          How to Clean Flip-Flops with Baking Soda<\/b><\/h3>\n

          A good wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe or a wet cloth can go a long way. But when your<\/span> rubber flip-flops<\/span><\/a><\/span> become discolored or develop an odor, baking soda can do wonders for freshening them up.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. First, rinse off your flip-flops with warm water in the sink or bathtub.<\/span><\/li>\n
          2. Without drying them off, place your flip-flops on a towel.<\/span><\/li>\n
          3. Sprinkle a spoonful of baking soda onto each sandal and let it sit for about 10 minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n
          4. Next, thoroughly scrub the soles with a soft toothbrush or a clean cloth.<\/span><\/li>\n
          5. Rinse your shoes off again and let your flip-flops air-dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            How to Hand-Wash Flip-Flops<\/b><\/h3>\n

            Hand-washing is another excellent way to give flip-flops new life.<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water.<\/span><\/li>\n
            2. Add a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent.<\/span><\/li>\n
            3. Place your flip-flops in the soapy solution and let them soak for an hour or two. If your rubber or foam flip-flops float to the top, you might try weighing<\/span><\/li>\n
            4. them down with heavy mugs or another water-safe item that sinks.<\/span><\/li>\n
            5. After an hour or two, take your sandals out and scrub them with a cloth or toothbrush.<\/span><\/li>\n
            6. Rinse them with clean water and let them air-dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              How to Wash Flip-Flops in a Washing Machine<\/b><\/h3>\n

              Tossing plain, unembellished rubber sandals in the washer isn\u2019t totally out of the question. While we recommend hand-washing, this is how to wash flip-flops in a washing machine.<\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Place your flip-flops in the washer.<\/span><\/li>\n
              2. Add a small amount of laundry detergent<\/span> or <\/span>mild soap<\/span> and about a quarter-cup of white vinegar.<\/span><\/li>\n
              3. Set it to a delicate cycle with cold water.<\/span><\/li>\n
              4. At the end of the cycle, take your flip-flops out and let them air-dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Comfortable Sandals for Men and Women from Vionic<\/b><\/h2>\n

                Getting into the habit of cleaning your sandals every couple of weeks will keep them looking nice while also helping your feet stay healthy. Having said that, there comes a time when even the best sandals need to be replaced.<\/span> If you’re in need of a fresh pair of <\/span>platform sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span>, <\/span>slide sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span>, or <\/span>flip-flops<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Vionic has you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

                We\u2019re all about shoes that feel just as good as they look. That\u2019s why every pair of our sandals is embedded with our exclusive <\/span>orthotic technology<\/span><\/a><\/span> (one of the best<\/span> sore feet remedies<\/span><\/a><\/span>), but you wouldn\u2019t know it just by looking at them because our styles are always fashion-forward and endlessly cool. Shop<\/span> men\u2019s<\/span><\/a><\/span> sandals<\/span> and<\/span> women\u2019s sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span> from <\/span>Vionic<\/span><\/a><\/span> today!<\/span><\/p>\n

                \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                External sources:<\/b><\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. \u201cFoot care for a lifetime\u201d. HRSA.<\/span> https:\/\/www.hrsa.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/hansensdisease\/leap\/footcareforalifetime.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
                2. Carroll Kelly. \u201cHow to Clean Sandals\u201d. Wiki How. July 18, 2019,<\/span> https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Clean-Sandals<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
                3. Jamie Eske. \u201cDisinfecting shoes: A how-to for COVID-19 prevention\u201d. Medical News Today. April 17, 2020,<\/span> https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/how-to-disinfect-shoes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Read More ><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":9391,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[406,2607,407],"tags":[266,2687,51,81,2685,118,278,171,172,280,173,174,2686,200],"class_list":["post-8054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-vionic","category-health-wellness","category-sole-story","tag-adjustable-sandals","tag-cleaning","tag-dressy-sandals","tag-healthy-sandals","tag-how-to","tag-mens-sandals","tag-orthotic-sandal","tag-sandal","tag-sandals","tag-sandals-for-heel-pain","tag-sandals-with-arch-support","tag-sandals-with-support","tag-shoe-care","tag-summer-sandals","dwtl normal"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/HOW-TO-CLEAN-SANDALSFT.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8054"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12638,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8054\/revisions\/12638"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9391"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}