Do you want to maintain your sandals?
Your sandals aren’t flip-flops only lasting two years. However, proper maintenance is vital to their longevity. It applies regardless of the brand and model.
In most cases, you might never consider cleaning sandals. As such, you might not know the proper cleaning methods.
Fortunately, our guide can help. Read on as we discuss some tips on how to clean sandals now:
Clean Your Feet
Before considering the proper sandal cleaning methods, think about your feet. If your sandals have funky smells, it’s time to be more vigilant about your foot hygiene routine. When you wear leather sandals, dead skin from your foot will stick to your footwear.
The buildup of dead skin on your sandal soles is the primary cause of smelly sandals. It’s gross, but it’s the truth. So, how do you avoid this?
Whenever you shower, scrub away the dead skin using a washcloth or a body scrub. Do it from the soles to the tops of your feet. After that, ensure your feet are completely dry using a towel.
It’s critical to do these tasks before putting on any socks, slippers, sandals, or shoes.
Do you have an extra budget? If so, consider hiring the best pedicurists in your area to treat your toes. The good news is over 123,000 professionals operate within the country.
With a pedicure, you’ll get rid of corns and calluses and keep your feet pristine.
How to Clean Sandals
Now you have the hygiene concerns out of the way. With this, you can proceed to clean your women sandals. Gather the following cleaning materials beforehand:
- Brush
- Soft cotton cloth
- Water
- Mild dish soap
- Toothbrush
If you want a thorough clean, get specialty footwear cleaners. In most cases, you’ll find them in most department stores. Buying them online is also a viable alternative.
Make Cleaning Mixture
A lot of household products can serve as cleaning agents. However, the most basic is putting a few drops of dish soap into warm water. Mix it well to ensure its efficacy.
Another alternative is to use vinegar or baking soda. Use the most abundant material to ensure you don’t spend as much.
Prepare Your Sandals
Cover your floor with newspaper before setting your sandals there. It prevents anything from dripping. The way you prepare will depend on the specific types of sandals.
For example, sandals with buckled straps or velcro must be open to their widest point. It makes interior cleaning easier.
Knock Off the Dirt
Do you see dirt holding onto the sandal? Add the cleaning solution to knock them off gently. Use either a dry brush or a towel to accomplish the job.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat
Prepare the brush by dipping it into the solution. After that, create a lather on the sandal using circular motions. Scrub thoroughly and cover every inch.
Rinse your brush often and dip it again into the soap mixture. Are you having trouble getting into the corners? Use a toothbrush to make everything easier.
Wipe Clean and Air Dry
Get the cotton cloth wet and use it for cleansing the sandal. Make sure every trace of the soap disappears. However, avoid immersing them in water since it can ruin everything.
After ensuring your sandals’ cleanliness and freshness, set them out to dry. Ideally, you have to wait for 24 hours at room temperature. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight since it will make the sandals dull.
Brush and Wear
After ensuring complete dryness, get rid of lingering impurities with a leather brush. Now, your sandals are as good as new.
However, your cleanliness efforts don’t end there. Use specialized sprays to keep your sandals fresh for longer durations.
How to Store Sandals
One of the best methods of preventing dirt and damage is to store your sandals properly. It ensures your footwear remains in pristine condition when not in use.
Your first move is to keep them off the floor at all costs. It’s more critical when you’re living with pets and children. Both can do unspeakable damage to your sandals, some severe enough to warrant replacements.
The easiest way to organize your sandals and keep them out of reach is to use shelving units. It also keeps them clean, especially when they have tight seals.
When they’re off the floor, your sandals are quicker to identify. It saves you from the effort of rummaging through your collection. Otherwise, a haphazard heap will end up damaging everything.
A hanging organizer is a cheap yet convenient solution. After all, these fabric-based shelves can go over your door or within your wardrobe. Every compartment can fit a sandal pair without issues.
When to Replace Your Sandals
When your sandals aren’t as comfortable and supportive as before, it’s a sign they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. The materials are wearing down, meaning the cushioning and support are compressing. It also means the shoe materials are not bouncing back as before.
Outsole Wear
Look at the bottom of your sandal and check whether it has an excessively worn sole. After that, consider putting it on a flat, even surface. If it tips or rocks, it’s time for a replacement.
Midsole Compression
The cushioning layer of your sandals is for absorbing shock while walking. Regardless of the material, it enables mild compression and rebounds after being taken off.
Over time, it begins compressing and will crease. A significant amount means it’s likely time for a replacement.
Upper and Interior Wear
Check for holes and other unusual wear in your sandals. It’s a more common issue when you wear them all the time.
Start Cleaning Sandals Now
These are some ways on how to clean sandals. Never let your footwear break before you make the most out of them. Use these tips and make them a habit.
However, it’s only the beginning. Consider discovering better cleaning solutions to ensure a thorough clean.
Did you find this guide helpful? If so, read our other posts and learn more today.