Guide: How to Clean Sandals
Posted by Pavers Blog Team on
Summer is finally upon us, and with it comes glorious warm weather perfect for wearing sandals. Whether you prefer a wedge heel, flat or toe post, Pavers have a vast collection of summer sandals perfect for the warmer months. Sandals, like all shoes, can use a little maintenance to keep them looking their best. So, we have put together a few helpful tips on how to clean your sandals and keep them summer ready. Our sandals are crafted from premium materials using quality craftsmanship, so we recommend regular cleaning for your Pavers shoes to preserve their quality and shape.
How often should I clean my sandals?
This is dependent on how often you are wearing the shoes and in what conditions. If after wearing your sandals you have obvious dirt such as mud or debris on the shoes, we recommend removing it as soon as you can. Removing debris daily, or after each wear, can ensure that there is no long lasting damage to the surface underneath. However, a deep clean of the internals of sandals does not need to be done as often.
How to get smell out of rubber sandals
No matter how good your foot hygiene is, sometimes rubber sandals can have a slight smell after a few wears. However, this problem can be easily fixed. Sandals that are made completely from rubber can be washed in the dishwasher on a regular cycle, which is the fastest way to remove the odours. You can also hand wash the rubber sandals with a soft cloth and antibacterial soap to kill the bacteria. As always, leave the rubber shoes to dry away from a direct source of heat.
How should I clean my sandals?
1. Remove any obvious dirt such as debris and mud. We recommend doing this with a horse hair brush, which will be able to remove coarse debris and larger chunks.
2. Open any straps and buckles to ensure that you can access the full surface of the sandals. Begin cleaning the exterior of the straps and sandals with a damp brush or cloth. Use gentle, circular motions to remove any marks on the shoes.
3. Don’t forget about the insock! Lather up the insock in circular movements using some warm water and either leather shampoo or a small amount of washing detergent, depending on the material. Using a soft toothbrush can be a good way to apply the product and get into nooks.
4. Use a damp cloth to wash off any remaining product, and to ensure the sandals are clean. Do not hold the sandals under running water, allowing them to get completely wet. This will take a long time to dry out and they may lose their shape.
5. Clean the sole. Take a brush and clean the sole of the sandals, if necessary, before finishing with a damp cloth.
6. Let them dry. Let the sandals try out completely at room temperature to retain their shape. Do not put any damp or wet footwear near a direct source of heat such as a fire or radiator to dry out in order to preserve the shape, fit and colour of the sandals.
How should I clean my leather sandals?
Leather is a natural, porous material which needs to be looked after with care. Instead of using a brush to remove any obvious dirt, try a lint-free damp cloth instead which will be softer for the leather. Leather shoes of any kind should always be left to air-dry naturally after being washed or getting wet, and never placed near direct sources of heat.
What should I have in my care kit?
A shoe care kit is a great way to protect and look after your shoe collection. Our cleaning kit essentials are shoe cream, horse hair brush(es), wax polish, lint free cloths and a welt brush. This set of essentials will allow you to maintain the care of your Pavers shoes and sandals with ease.
How to stop your sandals from smelling
- A lot of shoe odours are caused by sweat, so if you are wearing some sporty sandals where you do strenuous exercise be sure to take a quick shower, or wash your feet at least, to avoid that sweat soaking into the sandals. Particles of dead skin can also contribute to shoe odour, so it is best to scrub and exfoliate your feet regularly to remove dead skin cells.
- Another recommendation is to fill the shoes with scrunched up tissue paper when they are not in use to absorb any excess liquid.
- Try spritzing your sandals with an odour-neutralising spray, or for a more natural version use a vinegar spray. Dilute three parts water to one part white vinegar, put the solution in a spray bottle and use it to mist sandal footbeds and keep pesky odours at bay.
Can I wear the same sandals every day?
Although it can be tempting when you find a pair of reliable sandals which you love, we recommend against wearing the same pair of shoes every day. Wearing the same shoes every day does not give them sufficient time to try out, which will mean that they may lose their shape and fit quicker than they should. Instead, try leaving at least a full day between wears.
How to break in new sandals
Like most shoes, sandals sometimes need a little breaking in to reach their optimum comfort level. The most important thing is that your sandals are the correct size for your feet, and to ‘break them in’ slow and steady. Start by wearing them around the house as you can slip them off easily should any discomfort start to arise. This will help the shoes begin to mould to the profile of your foot and give you a bespoke and comfortable fit.
The most common places for blisters to arise are at the back of the foot and the side of the toes, due to friction and pressure. Try and keep your feet well moisturised with a foot cream or petroleum jelly, as hydrated skin is less likely to rub. You could also try popping some precautionary plasters on your feet for extra protection.