How to Clean Faux Leather Sandals

Anyone who owns a pair of faux leather sandals knows that they are tricky to clean. The main concern is that you don’t want to damage the material and make it peel.

Other names for faux leather are artificial leather, pleather, ersatz leather, vegan leather, Naugahide, synthetic leather, and fake leather.

However, with a bit of care and the right products, you can clean your faux leather sandals and keep them looking great.

In this blog post, we’ll share four harmless methods on how to clean faux leather sandals.

We’ll also provide methods for deodorizing your faux leather sandals.

Let’s look at the precautions first.

Precautions

1. Before cleaning your faux leather sandals, always check the label for care instructions. 
2. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on faux leather. This might lead to peeling or cracking.
3. Faux leather is more delicate than real leather. It’s essential to take extra care when cleaning faux leather. 
4. Do not scrub your sandals vigorously. This can damage the material of your sandals.

Preparation

1. Before the cleaning can begin, you need a nice comfortable working area. I prefer a table. However you can clean your shoes on the floor.
2. Cover the table/floor with newspaper. You don’t want to end up with a dirty table/floor after you are done cleaning your sandals.
3. If your sandals contain straps with buckle or velcro, open the straps to their widest point. This will make the footbed easier to clean.
4. Remove loose dirt or debris using a soft-bristled brush.
5. Do not brush your faux leather sandals vigorously as the material might get damaged.

Using Mild Detergent

Materials needed

1. Mild detergent
2. Water
3. A damp cloth
4. A dry cloth 
5. A bowl

Process

1. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Mix well.
2. Dip the damp cloth in the soapy water and wring it out the excess.
3. Rub the cloth over the surface of the sandals, focusing on areas that are particularly dirty.
4. After cleaning the sandals with soapy water, rinse them with clean water.
5. Use the dry cloth to wipe the sandal dry.
6. Allow the sandals to air dry completely before wearing them again. 

Using Baking Soda and Water

Materials needed

1. Baking soda
2. A toothbrush
3. Water
4. A damp cloth
5. A bowl

Process

1. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a bowl. Stir the mixture to form a drippy paste.

2. Use the toothbrush to apply the paste to the surface of the sandals. Footbeds and straps are often the dirtiest areas. So, apply a generous amount of baking soda paste on the footbed and straps.

3. Allow the paste to sit on the sandals for around 20 minutes. Baking soda takes time to work.

4. Rinse the sandals with clean water to remove the paste.

5. Use the dry cloth to wipe away the remaining moisture.

6. Allow the sandals to air dry completely before wearing them again.

Stain Removal

For easy to remove stains like mud stains and salt stains

1. Dampen a microfiber cloth with cool or lukewarm water.
2. Rub the cloth over the stained areas of the sandals until the stains are lifted.
3. Wipe the sandals with a dry cloth.
4. Let the sandals air dry completely.

For tough stains like grease, food stains, grass stains, and oil stains

1. Gently rub a baby wipe over the stained areas of the faux leather sandals until the stains are lifted. Avoid scrubbing too hard as this might damage the faux leather.
2. Use a dry cloth to wipe away the remaining moisture.
3. Let the sandals air dry completely.
4. If the stain persists, you can try using a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.

Removing Scuffs from Faux Leather Sandals

Using Petroleum Jelly

1. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly onto the scuffed area.
2. Gently rub it in with your finger until the scuff disappears.
3. Wipe off the excess petroleum jelly with a clean cloth.
4. Repeat the process as needed until all scuffs are removed.

Petroleum jelly helps to mask scuffs and also works to condition and protect the leather.

Using Rubber Eraser

1. Gently rub the scuffed area with the eraser until the scuff disappears.
2. Wipe off the crumbs with a clean cloth.
3. If the eraser starts to break apart, you can use your fingers to help mold it back together.
4. Make sure to use gentle pressure when rubbing so that you don’t end up damaging the leather.

Colored erasers help to remove scuffs on many different surfaces, including leather sandals.

Whereas white erasers are made of a more rigid material. They might leave tiny crumbs behind that are difficult to remove.

Using Nail Polish Remover

Acetone nail polish remover can help remove scuffs from leather sandals.

1. Dip a cotton ball into the acetone and gently rub it over the scuffed area.
2. Wipe away the excess nail polish remover with a clean cloth.
3. Regular nail polish remover can also be used in a pinch. However, it might take a bit more elbow grease to get the scuff out.
4. Nail polish remover can be harsh on the skin, so be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using it.

Deodorising 

Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer and can be used on leather sandals.

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into each sandal after each wear.
2. Let the sandals sit overnight. It will allow the baking soda to absorb foul odors.
3. Brush off the baking soda from the sandals in the morning.
4. You can also place your sandals in a zip lock bag with a half cup of baking soda. Then, shake the bag vigorously and leave it overnight. 
5. Remove the sandals from the bag in the morning and brush off the baking soda.
6. If your shoes are still smelling a bit, you can repeat the process.

Using Disinfectant Spray

The disinfectant spray is an excellent bacteria killer and can be used on faux leather sandals.

1. Spray the inside of the sandals with disinfectant spray.
2. Let the spray sit on the sandals for at least 20 minutes so it can work its magic.
3. Wipe away the excess spray with a clean cloth.
4. Let the sandals air dry completely before wearing them.
5. Repeat as needed.

You can find disinfectant spray at most drugstores or supermarkets. Make sure to read the label and check if it is safe for use on faux leather.

Caring and Storing Tips

1. Clean your sandals regularly to keep them looking their best. It not only extends the life of the sandals but also helps to keep your feet healthy.
2. Do not forget to use a leather protective spray. You can find this at most shoe stores or online. Spray the shoes before wearing them to protect them against water and stains.
3. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals like perfume, hairspray, and lotion. These can damage leather sandals.
4. Store your sandals in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in a humid environment. This can cause the leather to crack and fade.
5. Clean your sandals regularly to keep them looking their best. It not only extends the life of the sandals but also helps to keep your feet healthy.
6. Always apply coconut or olive oil regularly to keep the leather from peeling.

FAQ

Can you put shoe polish on faux leather?

Yes, you can use shoe polish on faux leather sandals. However, it’s essential to choose the right type of polish. Look for a polish that is specifically designed for use on faux leather. This will help to protect the shoes and keep them looking their best. 

The polishes are also available in different colors. Therefore, use the one which matches your Faux leather sandal’s color.

How to prevent faux leather sandals from peeling?

Condition your faux leather sandals regularly with a leather conditioner or coconut oil.

This will keep the leather hydrated and prevent it from peeling. 

Petroleum jelly also works to create a barrier against water and dirt. It can also prevent faux leather from peeling.

Can faux leather be washed?

Yes, faux leather can be washed. 

Most faux leather is made up of a polyester fabric backing with a PVC coating. This means that it is possible to machine wash your sandals on a delicate cycle in cold water.  

It can also be washed with mild soap by hand. However, avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the coating on faux leather. 

Does faux leather absorb water?

No, faux leather is made from a synthetic material that is not absorbent. 

This means water will simply sit on the surface of your faux leather sandals. This makes them very easy to clean – simply wipe away the stain with a damp cloth.

Why does faux leather discolor?

Faux leather is made of PVC that can quickly become discolored. 

The most common cause of this is when the sandals are exposed to sunlight or heat for extended periods. Another cause can be chemicals in detergents, lotions, and even sweat. 

Conclusion

Now you know how to clean and care for your faux leather sandals like a professional. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your sandals looking great for a long time.

Do not forget to check out our comprehensive guide on how to clean sandals.