How to Clean Sandals? | Material-by-Material Guide

The right way to clean sandals changes with the material, and using the wrong method can crack leather, warp synthetics, or ruin suede. The safe default for most pairs is simple: brush off loose dirt, wipe with a cloth dampened in mild soap and water, remove the soap residue, and let them dry naturally in a shaded spot.

This guide covers the general sequence that works on most sandals, then walks through the specific steps for leather, fabric, rubber, and suede — so you can clean your pair without damaging it.

The Basic Cleaning Sequence That Works on Most Sandals

Start dry. Brush off dried dirt and dust with a soft brush before adding any water — scrubbing wet sandals while they’re still gritty just grinds dirt into the material.

Then mix a small amount of mild soap into warm water, dampen a cloth or soft brush, and work in gentle circles across the straps and footbed. Pay extra attention to seams and crevices where sweat and grime collect. Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth to pull off the soap, then set the sandals aside to air-dry.

Two rules protect every pair: don’t fully immerse sandals in water unless the manufacturer says it’s safe, and never dry them in direct sunlight or near a heat source. A Taos care guide warns that soaking sandals completely can ruin them, and heat can crack leather or warp synthetic materials.

How to Clean Leather Sandals

Leather takes the gentlest touch. Timberland’s leather-sandal care guide recommends brushing away dried dirt, wiping with a damp cloth, then applying a few drops of leather cleaner to a soft cloth and rubbing gently. Remove the cleaner with a soft, damp cloth, then air-dry.

Avoid soaking leather or using harsh brushes — too much moisture or aggressive scrubbing damages the surface and stitching. For routine upkeep between cleanings, a leather conditioner keeps the material supple. Suede is a separate case: use a suede brush or eraser instead of water, since soaking suede ruins its texture.

Cleaning Fabric, Rubber, and Synthetic Sandals

Fabric and canvas sandals handle mild soap or detergent well. For stains or odor, a baking soda paste is a common spot treatment, but keep the scrubbing gentle — abrasive tools can fray the weave or fade the color.

Rubber and synthetic sandals are the easiest to clean; mild soap and water usually does the job completely. Some guides say certain rubber pairs can go through a delicate machine cycle, but only do that if the manufacturer explicitly labels the sandals machine-safe. Machine-washing sandals that aren’t labeled for it can break down glue and deform the shape.

Handling Odor and Footbed Build-Up

Footbeds pick up the most sweat and grime, so they need the most attention. Wolky recommends brushing away debris, mixing mild soap with lukewarm water, and wiping the footbed in circular motions with a damp cloth or sponge, then going over it again with clean water. Taos adds that a toothbrush helps reach corners, and suggests letting footbeds dry for 24 hours at room temperature.

For lingering smell, baking soda or a vinegar-water wipe can help, applied before the final rinse. Whatever you use on odor, don’t skip the clean-water wipe — soap residue left behind attracts more dirt and can irritate skin. If you’re shopping for a pair that’s easier to maintain, the best everyday sandals for comfortable wear tend to use materials that clean up quickly.

Sandals by Material: At-a-Glance Care

No matter the material, the finish line is the same: wipe away soap completely, then air-dry in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated place. Direct sun and heat sources are the fastest way to ruin a freshly cleaned pair.