Yes, you can put some sandals in the washing machine, but not all of them. The machine can ruin leather, suede, and sandals with glued soles. Before you toss them in, check the materials and the care label. For many casual sandals made of canvas, rubber, or synthetic mesh, a gentle cycle works fine.<\/p>\n
Washing machines are harsh. They spin, twist, and pound your footwear. This can break down glues and warp the footbed. The safest approach is to know exactly what your sandals are made of. If you are unsure, hand washing is always the safer choice.<\/p>\n
Stick to simple, durable materials. Athletic sandals like Tevas or Chacos are built for water and rough use. Their straps are usually woven nylon or polyester. The soles are glued and stitched. These can handle a gentle cycle with cold water.<\/p>\n
Canvas sandals, like espadrilles with rubber soles, are also safe. Look for sandals with no leather trim or delicate embellishments. If the sandal has metal buckles, remove them if possible. Metal can scratch the drum of your machine and cause rust stains.<\/p>\n
Here is a quick checklist for machine-washable sandals:<\/p>\n
If your sandals pass this checklist, you can proceed. If not, stop and hand wash instead.<\/p>\n
Leather sandals are a hard no. The agitation and water will strip natural oils. This causes the leather to dry out, crack, and lose its shape. Even a gentle cycle is too rough. Suede is even worse. Water permanently stains and stiffens suede.<\/p>\n
Sandals with cork footbeds also need to stay out. Cork absorbs water and becomes soft and mushy. It will crumble and lose its supportive shape. Birkenstocks are a classic example. Never put them in the washing machine.<\/p>\n
Glued sandals are risky too. Many cheap sandals are held together with basic adhesives. The washing machine will break down that glue quickly. You will pull out a sandal with the sole flapping loose. If the sole is thin or looks like it was pressed on, hand wash it.<\/p>\n
Also avoid washing sandals with:<\/p>\n
Start by removing loose dirt. Tap the soles together over a trash can. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away caked-on mud from the treads. This prevents dirt from clogging your machine’s drain.<\/p>\n
Place your sandals in a mesh laundry bag. This protects both the sandals and your washing machine. If you do not have a mesh bag, use a pillowcase and tie the end closed. Do not wash sandals loose in the drum. They can bang around and damage the machine.<\/p>\n
Set your machine to the gentle or delicate cycle. Use cold water only. Hot water can warp rubber and melt glue. Add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Bleach will discolor straps, and softener leaves a residue that attracts dirt.<\/p>\n
When the cycle finishes, do not put sandals in the dryer. The heat will shrink straps and crack soles. Instead, remove them from the bag and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist them.<\/p>\n
Stuff the toe area with dry paper towels. This helps them hold their shape while drying. Place them on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. Keep them out of direct sunlight. UV rays can fade colors and dry out materials. Let them air dry completely for 24 to 48 hours.<\/p>\n
Hand washing is the best choice for most sandals. It gives you full control and prevents damage. You only need a bowl of lukewarm water, a soft brush, and mild soap. Dish soap or a drop of laundry detergent works well.<\/p>\n
Mix the soap into the water. Dip your brush in the soapy water and scrub the straps and footbed. Use gentle circular motions. Pay extra attention to the areas where your toes and heel sit. These spots collect sweat and oils.<\/p>\n
For the soles, scrub with a stiffer brush like a nail brush. This will lift ground-in dirt from the treads. Rinse the brush in clean water and wipe away the soap suds. Use a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.<\/p>\n
For leather sandals, use a dedicated leather cleaner or saddle soap. Apply it with a soft cloth and work it in gently. After cleaning, let the leather dry naturally. Then apply a leather conditioner or mink oil to restore moisture. This keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking.<\/p>\n
For suede, use a suede brush or eraser. Do not use water at all. Brush the surface in one direction to lift dirt. For stubborn stains, a suede eraser works wonders. It rubs away marks without damaging the fibers.<\/p>\n
Drying is just as important as cleaning. The wrong drying method can undo all your work. Never use a dryer, radiator, or hairdryer. High heat causes materials to shrink, warp, and crack.<\/p>\n
Start by pressing a clean towel against the wet sandals. This absorbs the initial moisture. Then stuff them with paper towels or a dry cloth to maintain their shape. Replace the stuffing if it becomes too wet.<\/p>\n
Place the sandals on a drying rack or a towel on the floor. Keep them in a room with good air circulation. A fan can speed up the process. Avoid placing them near a heater or in direct sunlight.<\/p>\n
Check the sandals after 12 hours. If they still feel damp, flip them over and let them dry for another 12 hours. Make sure they are completely dry before wearing them. Wearing damp sandals can cause blisters and promote bacterial growth.<\/p>\n
For leather sandals, apply conditioner only after they are fully dry. This locks in moisture and keeps the leather flexible. For canvas sandals, you can lightly brush them once dry to restore the texture.<\/p>\n
It depends on how often you wear them. Daily wear in summer means they pick up sweat, dust, and grime quickly. A quick wipe-down every week keeps them fresh. A deeper clean every two to three weeks is usually enough.<\/p>\n
If you wear sandals occasionally, clean them once a month. If they start to smell, clean them immediately. Odor means bacteria are building up. Washing removes the bacteria and the smell.<\/p>\n
Between washes, use a simple routine. Shake off loose dirt after each wear. Wipe the footbed with a damp cloth to remove sweat. This small habit extends the life of your sandals and makes deep cleaning easier.<\/p>\n
Rotate your sandals too. Wearing the same pair every day does not give them time to dry out fully. Moisture trapped in the footbed leads to odors and material breakdown. Having two or three pairs in rotation keeps them all in better shape.<\/p>\n
Yes, rubber sandals are safe to machine wash. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Place them in a mesh bag to protect the machine. Air dry them completely afterward. Avoid heat, which can warp the rubber.<\/p>\n
No. Birkenstocks have cork footbeds and leather or suede straps. The machine will ruin both materials. The cork will absorb water and crumble. The leather will dry out and crack. Hand clean them with a damp cloth and a soft brush instead.<\/p>\n
First, wash them with soap and water to remove bacteria. For machine-safe sandals, use a gentle cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Vinegar neutralizes odors naturally. For hand washing, scrub with a baking soda paste. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Always dry sandals completely to prevent future smells.<\/p>\n
Only if they are made entirely of synthetic materials. Many saltwater sandals have leather components. Check the label first. If they contain leather, hand wash them. Use cold water and mild soap. Air dry away from heat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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