• General Cleaning Tips. Use mild soap, water, and a brush for cleaning synthetic sandals. Tread Labs knit sandals are machine-washable for easy maintenance.
• Leather Sandal Care. Use a leather cleaner and conditioner, avoiding excess water. Tread Labs leather sandals use waterproof nubuck leather, making them easy to maintain.
• Footbed Cleaning. For stubborn stains and odors, use baking soda paste or vinegar solution. Tread Labs sandals have suede microfiber footbeds with a silver-based antimicrobial treatment.
• Odor Control. Address persistent odors with baking soda or vinegar, ensuring sandals dry thoroughly.
• Regular Maintenance. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan and ensures better hygiene for your sandals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining Clean and Fresh Sandals

Regularly cleaning sandals helps maintain their look and supports foot health. Follow these simple steps to keep both your feet and sandals feeling fresh.

How to Clean Sandals

Tools Needed

1. Water
2. Mild soap
3. Soft brush
4. Toothbrush (for hard-to-reach areas)

Steps for Cleaning Synthetic (Non-Leather) Sandals

1. Prepare a Cleaning Solution. Mix mild soap with warm water.
   
   
2. Remove Loose Dirt. Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the sandals.
   
   
3. Scrub the Sandals. Dip the brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub all surfaces of the sandals, including straps and soles.
   
   
4. Clean the Footbed. Use a toothbrush to scrub the footbed of the sandals, focusing on any stains or buildup.
   
   
5. Rinse Thoroughly. Rinse the sandals with clean water to remove all soap residue.
   
   
6. Air Dry. Let the sandals air dry completely in a shaded area away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.
   
   

Can Sandals Be Washed?

Wondering how to wash sandals? We recommend the hand-washing technique described above for synthetic sandals from all other brands. With Tread Labs it's even easier: all our knit sandals are machine-washable, making clean-up extra easy.  To wash your Tread Labs knit (non-leather) sandals, simply throw them into your washing machine with your next load of dark clothes, then hang to dry. The best way to clean sandals: your washing machine!

Can I Wash Leather Sandals?

We recommend minimal use of water when cleaning leather sandals.  Leather sandals can be hand "washed" using the technique described above, but should never be machine-washed. Sandals with waterproof leather straps will resistant stains the best and can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.  All Tread Labs leather sandals use high-quality waterproof nubuck leather that makes them easy to maintain.

How To Clean A Sandal Footbed: Additional Tips

Even after basic cleaning, stubborn stains and odors can persist on the footbeds of your sandals. If you're wondering, "How can I clean the footbed of my sandals?," here are some additional recommendations to tackle these issues and clean footbeds of sandals.

1. Baking Soda Paste. Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the stained areas and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing and rinsing. For leather sandals, use dry baking soda instead of a paste, and brush or vacuum off.
   
   
2. Vinegar Solution. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray this solution on the footbeds, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. Not recommended for leather.
   
   
3. Tea Tree Oil. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a damp cloth and wipe down the footbeds. This helps eliminate bacteria and odors. Use caution with this technique on leather sandals.
   
   
4. Sunlight. After cleaning, let your sandals sit in the sun for a short period. Sunlight can help kill bacteria and freshen the footbeds. Be cautious with leather sandals as prolonged exposure can damage the material.

All Tread Labs sandals have suede microfiber footbeds with an antimicrobial treatment applied.  This helps keep your sandals smelling nice and your feet healthy.

Clean Sandals: Frequently Asked Questions

How can I clean smelly sandals?

To clean smelly sandals, start by washing them with mild soap and water. For leather sandals use a leather shampoo and minimal water. For persistent odors, sprinkle baking soda on the footbeds and let it sit overnight before brushing it off.

On synthetic sandals, you can also use a mixture of water and white vinegar to spray the footbeds, then scrub and rinse. Always ensuring that your sandals are thoroughly dried, preferably in a shaded area, will prevent any residual moisture from causing further odor.

How do you clean women's sandals at home?

Cleaning women's sandals at home follows the same general steps as any other sandals. Use a soft brush, mild soap, and water to scrub all surfaces. For delicate materials, use a softer brush and avoid any harsh chemicals.

If the sandals have leather parts, use a leather cleaner and conditioner instead of soap and water. Always let them air dry completely away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and material integrity.

Final Thoughts on Sandal Cleaning

Regular cleaning of your sandals keeps them looking good, extends their lifespan, and ensures better hygiene. Whether you have leather, synthetic, or sport sandals, following the proper cleaning methods and using the right tools can make a significant difference. Remember to address stubborn stains and odors with additional treatments like baking soda or vinegar solutions. With these tips, you can keep your sandals fresh, clean, and comfortable for all your adventures.