Guide · Laundry and clothes washing ·
How to Clean Sandals
Because sandals are mostly worn barefoot in summer, sweat, dust, sand and sunscreen marks build up on the footbed and straps; by the sea, salt and sand are added. How to clean sandals depends on their material: rubber, EVA and synthetic sandals are cleaned with water, straw and jute sandals need very little moisture, and leather and suede sandals are cleaned with the manufacturer's care product. This guide explains how to clean sandals, how to clean straw sandals and how to clean white sandals. For slippers, see our guide how to wash slippers.
Sandal materials
- Rubber, EVA and plastic: water-resistant; cleaned by washing.
- Synthetic and fabric straps: cleaned with a damp brush.
- Straw and jute: absorb water; cleaned with very little moisture and a brush.
- Leather and suede: we have no product for leather and suede; use the care product recommended by the manufacturer.
How to clean sandals? Step by step
- Remove sand and dust by shaking the sandal and using a dry brush.
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add START all-purpose surface cleaner in the amount on the label. According to its safety data sheet, our START all-purpose surface cleaner has a pH of 7–8.
- Scrub the rubber, EVA and synthetic parts with a soft brush dipped in this solution.
- Rinse with clean water or wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
- Dry the sandal in the shade in an airy place.
How to clean straw sandals?
Straw and jute sandals absorb water, lose their shape when wet and dry slowly. Remove dust from the straw with a dry, soft brush in the direction of the weave. Wipe stained areas by pressing with a well-wrung cloth lightly dampened with water; do not wet the straw or submerge it. Then blot the moisture with a dry cloth and dry the sandal in the shade in an airy place. Use the same method on jute-soled espadrille sandals; rubber or synthetic straps can be cleaned separately using the steps above.
How to clean white sandals?
- Clean white rubber, EVA and synthetic sandals using the steps above.
- For yellowing and dirt on the sole: how to clean shoe soles.
- Do not use bleach on white sandals; synthetic material can turn yellow.
- Do not put white leather sandals in water; use the leather care product recommended by the manufacturer.
Soles and footbeds
- Wipe sweat and dirt marks on rubber and synthetic footbeds with a cloth dampened with diluted surface cleaner.
- Do not wet cork and leather footbeds; follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Brush fluff and sand out of the Velcro straps of sports sandals.
- Air the sandals after every wear.
After the beach and pool
- Rinse the sandals with fresh water after salt or chlorinated water.
- Shake off the sand before it dries.
- Do not leave sandals in the sun; EVA and rubber can lose their shape with heat.
- For swimsuits and beachwear: how to wash a swimsuit.
What not to do
- Submerging straw and jute sandals.
- Washing leather and suede sandals.
- Machine washing sandals unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Washing EVA sandals in hot water or drying them in the sun.
- Using bleach on sandals.
For hotels, beaches and pool businesses
At hotels, beaches and pool businesses, sandals and slippers offered to guests are used often; rinsing off sand and salt after every use, scrubbing rubber and EVA models with diluted surface cleaner and storing them only once completely dry make for a well-organised routine. For a product list, see the hotel cleaning supplies list. START All-Purpose Surface Cleaner is produced in a 5 L pack; for bulk purchases you can request a quote.
