Do you look after your favourite sandals properly? The best way to wash and care for your sandals depends on the material - rubber, fabric, genuine leather, suede, cork, etc. In this issue, we also introduce tips to prevent odours and care for them. With correct care, you can keep your sandals clean & comfortable at all times.

Table of Contents

• What you need to know before caring for your sandals
• Washing & care instructions for sandals by material
• Measures to prevent odours and stains on sandals
• Notes on washing and caring for sandals
• Clean your favourite sandals by washing & caring for them correctly

What you need to know before caring for your sandals

Sandals are often worn barefoot and tend to accumulate dirt and odour without being noticed. To keep your favourite pair of sandals clean and worn for longer, here are the basics on how to clean and wash them.

What causes stains and odours on sandals?

The main causes of sandal stains and odours are the accumulation of sweat, sebum and dead skin cells. The soles of the feet are particularly prone to perspiration, which can lead to the growth of bacteria as a result of moisture, and the adhesion of dead skin cells and sebum can cause darkening. In addition, leaving grit and mud stains unattended can lead to deterioration and discolouration.

Main causes of sandal stains and odours

• Sweat and sebum stains: sweat soaks into the soles, causing dark spots and odour 
• Corns and skin debris: peeling skin adheres, causing dark spots
• Mud and grit: easily adheres after outdoor use, causing discolouration and deterioration if left unattended 
• Mould caused by moisture: left wet from sweat or rain, mould can develop

Some materials can be washed with water; others cannot

Before caring for your sandals, check which materials are "washable" and which are not. Washing them incorrectly can cause them to lose their shape and colour.

Washable in water or not

• Washable: Rubber, Fabric
• Materials that cannot be washed in water: Genuine Leather, Suede/Nubuck, Cork, Jute/Linen

Washing & Care Instructions for Sandals by Material

Suitable washing and care procedures for sandals differ for each material. Check out the washing and care procedures suitable for each material to avoid loss of shape and deterioration due to incorrect methods.

How to Wash Rubber Sandals

Rubber sandals are a relatively easy material to care for as they are resistant to water and dirt and can be washed in cold water. However, it is important to wash them frequently, as dirt build-up can cause darkening and odour. Keep them clean by washing them appropriately.

What You Need to Wash Rubber Sandals

• Neutral detergent 
• Brushes
• Towels

How to Wash Rubber Sandals

1. Brush lightly to remove dust and dirt (rinse off  large stains in the shower) 
2. Mix warm water and a small amount of neutral detergent in a wash basin and leave the sandals to soak 
3. Scrub with a brush
4. Rinse thoroughly under running water to avoid any detergent residue 
5. Wipe excess water with a highly absorbent towel 
6. Keep out of direct sunlight Dry naturally in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight
   
   

How to Wash Fabric Sandals

Fabric sandals can be washed in water and are relatively easy to care for, but dirt tends to accumulate deep in the fibres. If left unattended, they can cause stains and odours, so wash them regularly. Gentle washing prevents loss of shape and colour fading, and keeps them looking good for a long time.

What You Need to Wash Fabric Sandals

• Neutral detergent 
• Brushes 
• Towels

How to Wash Fabric Sandals

1. Brush lightly to remove dust and dirt (Rinse off large stains in the shower) 
2. Add lukewarm water and a small amount of neutral detergent to a wash basin, whisk and leave the sandal on
3. Scrub with a brush 
4. Rinse thoroughly under running water to ensure no detergent residue 
5. Wipe excess water off with a highly absorbent towel
6. Dry naturally in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight

Steps for Caring for Suede and Nubuck Sandals

Suede and nubuck sandals are delicate materials that cannot be washed in water. If not properly cared for, they can cause fluffing and colour fading. Use a special brush and cleaner and care for them gently to maintain their beautiful texture. Steps for caring for suede and nubuck sandals.

What You Need to Care for Suede and Nubuck Sandals

• Special brush for suede and nubuck 
• Towel

How to Care for Suede and Nubuck Sandals

1. Brush lightly to remove dust and dirt 
2. Wet with water and wipe gently with a tightly wrung towel 
3. Use a special cleaner if the dirt is severe 
4. Dry naturally in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight
5. After drying, brush the fur again to condition it

Steps for Caring for Genuine Leather Sandals

Genuine leather sandals have a luxurious feel and develop a taste as they are used, but they are vulnerable to water and dirt, so proper care is essential. If left unattended, they can become stained or cracked, so regular care is recommended to keep them looking good.

What You Need to Care for Your Genuine Leather Sandals

• Leather cleaner 
• Leather cream 
• Cloth

How to Care for Genuine Leather Sandals

1. Wipe off any dirt with a dry cloth 
2. Clean with a leather cleaner 
3. Dry
4. Apply a thin coat of leather cream all over to moisturise
5. Wipe off excess cream with a cloth

Care Instructions for Cork Sandals

While cork sandals are lightweight and comfortable to wear, they are vulnerable to water and easily deteriorate. Without proper care, they can crack and discolour.

What You Need to Wash Cork Sandals

• Neutral detergent 
• Brushes 
• Towels

How to Care for Cork Sandals

1. Mix lukewarm water and a small amount of neutral detergent in a washbowl to make a detergent solution 
2. Apply the detergent solution to a brush (or towel) and gently scrub the area of concern 
3. Rinse with water and wipe off the detergent with a tightly wrung towel 
4. Dry naturally in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight.

Care Instructions for Jute and Linen Sandals

Sandals made from natural materials such as jute and linen are breathable and light. However, they are vulnerable to water and easily lose their shape, so avoid washing them in cold water and take care of them only partially

What You Need to Care for Your Jute and Linen Sandals

• Neutral detergent 
• Brushes 
• Towels

How to Care for Jute and Linen Sandals

1. Brush lightly to remove dust and dirt 
2. Mix warm water and a small amount of neutral detergent in a basin to make a detergent solution 
3. Apply the detergent solution to a brush (or towel) and gently tap the area of concern 
4. Rinse with water and wipe off the detergent with a tightly wrung towel 
5. Leave in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight and allow to air dry naturally 

Measures to Prevent Odours and Stains on Sandals

As sandals are often worn barefoot, they easily accumulate sweat and sebum stains, which can cause odour and blackheads if left unattended. To keep them clean, it is important to know how to prevent odours that cannot be prevented by washing alone and how to prevent dirt from accumulating.

Use Baking Soda to Deodorise

Baking soda, which absorbs odours, can help deodorise sandals. There are two easy ways to do this.

How to Use Baking Soda Powder

1. Baking soda in a tea packet or cloth bag 
2. Place it on the insole part of the sandal
3. Replace regularly 

How to Use Baking Soda Spray

1. Put 100 ml of water and 0.5-1 teaspoon of baking soda in a spray bottle and shake well
2. Spray on the insole and strap area of sandals
3. Wipe gently with a dry cloth and hang in the shade to dry thoroughly

Wipe with A Towel After Wearing

If sweat and sebum stains remain on the sandals, bacteria can easily multiply, causing odours and blackheads. After wearing, wipe the insoles and straps of sandals lightly with a towel to keep them clean. If it is difficult to wipe them every time, it is recommended to wipe them every two or three times.

Sole is Cleaned by Brushing

Sandal soles are prone to mud and dust build-up, which can cause darkening and odour if left unattended. Brush them lightly after wearing to keep them clean.

Notes on washing and caring for sandals

To keep your sandals clean for longer, it is important to pay attention not only to the correct way of washing them, but also to how they are dried and stored. Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid damaging your sandals. Points to note on how to wash and care for your sandals.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is one of the main causes of sandal deterioration. Rubber sandals, for example, are deformed by heat, while leather and suede sandals are exposed to strong sunlight, which increases the risk of cracking due to drying. When drying them after cleaning, take care not to expose them to direct sunlight.

Dry in A Well-Ventilated Place

It is important to dry sandals thoroughly in a well-ventilated place, as moisture can cause mould and odour. If there is no well-ventilated place indoors, a gentle fan breeze can be used to dry them efficiently. Drying in a well-ventilated place.

No Use of Dryers or Heaters

Avoid using dryers or heaters to speed up drying. This can damage the sandals, for example by deforming the rubber and hardening the leather goods. When drying, the basic rule is to dry the sandals naturally and treat them as gently as possible.

Take Care Not to Lose Shape When Storing

When storing sandals, be careful not to lose their shape. Sandals made of genuine leather or suede are particularly prone to deformation, so insert shoe keepers or stuff them with newspaper to keep their shape.

Clean Your Favourite Sandals By Washing & Caring for Them Correctly

Frequent care is essential to keep your sandals comfortable for a long time. Follow the washing instructions for each material to ensure that stains and odours are removed and that your favourite pair of sandals are always pleasant to wear.

*Pictures include some production supplies and images and may not be available in shops.