Rubber and foam flip flops can be scrubbed with warm water, dish soap and an old toothbrush, then rinsed and air dried. Leather sandals should only be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap, and fabric straps spot cleaned. In every case, dry them in the shade, because heat and strong sun shrink foam and crack leather.
In this guide
Cleaning method by material
| Material | How to clean | Machine wash? |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber and EVA foam flip flops | Dish soap or baking soda paste, toothbrush, rinse | Sometimes, cold and gentle; hand washing is safer |
| Sport sandals with webbing straps | Soak in cool soapy water, scrub straps and footbed, rinse | Often allowed; check the brand |
| Leather sandals | Damp cloth with mild soap, dry, condition | No |
| Suede footbeds and straps | Dry brush, suede eraser, baking soda for odour | No |
| Cork footbeds | Baking soda paste, minimal water | No |
| Fabric and canvas straps | Spot clean with detergent solution | Only if the sole allows |
How to clean rubber and foam flip flops
- Rinse off sand and loose dirt.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, or make a paste of baking soda and water for dark footprints.
- Scrub the footbed and straps with an old toothbrush. Work the bristles into the textured areas where dirt collects.
- For stubborn marks on white soles, rub with a damp melamine sponge.
- Rinse well and shake off the water.
- Air dry in the shade.
To disinfect, wipe with a cloth dampened with equal parts white vinegar and water, then rinse.
How to clean sport and hiking sandals
- Undo all the straps.
- Soak the sandals for 10 to 15 minutes in cool water with a little mild detergent.
- Scrub the footbed and both sides of the webbing with a brush.
- Rinse thoroughly; trapped detergent irritates skin and attracts dirt.
- Air dry away from direct heat.
Related: How to Walk in Heels: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
How to clean leather sandals
- Brush off dust.
- Wipe the straps and footbed with a cloth dampened in water with a drop of mild soap.
- Wipe again with a clean damp cloth and pat dry.
- Let them dry at room temperature, then apply a little leather conditioner to the straps.
For dark footprints on a leather or suede footbed, rub gently with a baking soda paste on a toothbrush and wipe it off with a barely damp cloth. Cork-footbed sandals have their own routine; see how to clean Birkenstocks.
How to get rid of sandal odour
- Sprinkle baking soda on dry footbeds and leave overnight.
- Wipe rubber and synthetic footbeds with diluted white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
- Let sandals dry fully between wears, and alternate pairs in hot weather.
- Wash your feet; odour starts with bacteria on skin and sweat.
See how to get rid of shoe odor for more options.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving foam flip flops in a hot car or in direct sun to dry. They shrink and warp.
- Soaking leather or cork.
- Using bleach on coloured straps.
- Putting any sandal in the tumble dryer.
Repairs and replacement
A pulled-out toe post or snapped strap can often be fixed in minutes; see how to fix flip flops. Replace sandals when the tread is worn smooth or the footbed has compressed flat, because they no longer cushion or grip.
Open-backed sandals can dry out your heels. See how to fix cracked heels.
For rocky beaches and rivers, see what water shoes are good for.
Buying a new pair? Compare the types of sandals first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put flip flops in the washing machine?
Many rubber and foam pairs survive a cold, gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but hand washing is quicker and safer. Never machine wash leather or cork.
How do I remove black footprints from sandals?
Scrub with a paste of baking soda and water using a toothbrush, then wipe or rinse. A melamine sponge helps on rubber.
How often should I clean sandals?
Rinse after the beach or muddy wear, and give them a proper scrub every couple of weeks in summer.
Why do my sandals smell?
Sweat and bacteria build up on the footbed. Regular cleaning and full drying between wears prevent it.
