How to Clean Leather Sandals

Anyone who loves leather sandals knows how dirty leather sandals can get.

However, cleaning your leather sandals is not as hard as it seems.

This blog post provides a simple cleaning process for leather sandals. We will also give you precautions to protect your leather flip-flops from cleaning-related damage.

Finally, we have some tips for deodorizing leather sandals.

You only need a few simple supplies and a little time.

Let the cleaning begin!

Precautions

1. Leather sandals should be cleaned gently. Do not scrub or rub your leather sandals vigorously. This may damage the leather.
2. Never soak your leather sandals in water. Water will dry the natural oils of the leather, thus making it more brittle and prone to cracking.
3. Do not dry your leather sandals in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leather to fade and crack. Instead, dry leather sandals in a shaded but well-ventilated area.
4. Leather sandals should not be put in the dryer as this will damage them. Instead, allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
5. Test the cleaner by applying it to an inconspicuous part of the sandal.
6. Use the correct leather conditioner or polish that matches the color of your sandals. If you have brown leather sandals, you can use a neutral conditioner or a matching shade of brown polish. There are over six shades of brown polish available. You’ll find the one perfect for your brown leather sandals.
7. If your leather sandals have delicate decorations, be careful not to scrub or rub them too hard when cleaning. You may damage the leather or the embellishment if you are not careful.

Cleaning

Materials Required

1. A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will also do)
2. A clean soft cloth
3. A clean towel
4. Leather Conditioner
5. Vinegar
6. Water
7. Leather Cleaner or mild liquid soap
8. Leather cleaner

Process

Brush Off the Dirt and Grime

The first step is to remove any dirt or grime that may be on your leather sandals.

1. Gently brush the leather with a soft-bristled brush to remove the dirt and grime. Pay special attention to the crevices and grooves on the leather sandals.
2. Be careful not to scrub too hard as you don’t want to damage the leather.
3. Once you have brushed off the dirt, take a clean soft cloth and wipe down the leather. This will remove any remaining dirt and debris from the sandal.

Spot Clean the Tougher Stains

If your leather sandals have tough stains, you can use white vinegar to spot clean them.

1. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl.
2. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and then use it to wipe the stained part of the leather sandal. Do not rub the stain vigorously with the fabric as it can damage the leather.
3. Once the stain lifts, wipe the sandal with a clean towel to remove any of the vinegar mixtures.

Before using the vinegar solution on the leather sandal, it is best to test it on a small inconspicuous area. This will ensure that the vinegar does not damage or discolor the leather. Once you have tested the solution, you can proceed to spot clean the tougher stains.

Clean the Sandal with Leather Cleaner or Liquid Soap

If your leather sandals are extremely dirty or if they have any caked-on dirt, you can use a leather cleaner or mild liquid soap to clean them.

1. Dampen a cloth with water. Make sure the cloth is damp, not soaking wet.
2. Apply a small amount of leather cleaner or liquid soap to the damp cloth.
3. Gently rub the surface with the cloth. Rub in circular motions forming a lather.

You can also clean the leather footbed with this method if it is extremely dirty.

Wipe Away the Leather Cleaner or Liquid Soap

1. Take a slightly damp towel and wipe away the leather cleaner or liquid soap.
2. Remove all traces of the leather cleaner or liquid soap as it can damage the leather if left on for too long.

Let the Sandals Air Dry

After you have removed all the dirt, grime, and leather cleaner or liquid soap, let your leather sandals air dry.

1. Do not put leather sandals in the sun to dry, as this can cause the leather to fade and crack. Instead, let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
2. Once your leather sandals are completely dry, you can apply a leather conditioner or polish if you want.

Make sure to air dry your sandals entirely before wearing them again.

Deodorizing

Method 1: Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can effectively remove bad smells from your leather sandals.

1. Place your sandals in a ziplock bag.
2. Fill the bag with half a cup of baking soda.
3. Shake the bag vigorously so that the baking soda coats the leather sandals.
4. Let them sit overnight so the baking soda can absorb any bad smells.
5. In the morning, remove the sandals from the bag and wipe off any excess baking soda.

Method 2: Using Cat Litter

Cat litter is formulated to soak up bad smells. Therefore, it can be used to deodorize leather sandals.

1. Fill a pair of clean old socks with a scoop of cat litter.
2. Tie the end of the socks with a rubber band.
3. Stuff the socks inside your sandals and leave them overnight.
4. In the morning, remove the socks and throw them away.

You don’t have to buy the whole pack of cat litter for this process. You can ask your friend who has a cat for some cat litter. Two cups of cat litter will be enough for you.

Method 3: Using Disinfectant Spray

The foul shoe Smell is caused by bacteria. Therefore, a disinfectant spray can be used to kill the bacteria and remove the bad smell.

1. After every wear, spray the leather sandals with a disinfectant spray. You can also make a disinfecting spray with water, tea tree oil, and vinegar.
2. Leave them to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from the sun. If you are using the spray in the evening, you can leave them to dry overnight.

Ensure your sandals are completely dry before wearing them.

Caring and Storing Tips

Use Leather Protectant Spray

Before wearing new leather sandals, spray them with a leather protector spray. This will protect them from water and stains.

Practice Regular Cleaning

Try to clean your leather sandals after every few wears. This will prevent them from getting too dirty and will extend their lifespan.

Keep Your Sandals Dry

Moisture can lead to discoloration, stains, and bad smells. Therefore, it is essential to keep your leather sandals dry.

After every wear, make sure to let your leather sandals air dry. You can also switch between two pairs so that they can get time to dry.

Do not wear your sandals in the rainy season, as they can get drenched in the rain.

Store the Sandals in a Dry Place

Keep your leather sandals in a dry place when you are not wearing them. Do not store them in a moist place as the humidity can cause them to develop mold and mildew. To keep them dry, you can also stuff newspaper or put silicon packets inside the sandals.

Products for Taking Care of Leather Sandals

• Leather Cleaner: You can use a leather cleaner or saddle soap to clean leather sandals. Some excellent leather cleaners are Leather Honey, Lexol, and Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner.

• Leather Conditioner: A leather conditioner will moisturize the leather and prevent it from cracking. Some good leather conditioners are Leather Honey and Sof Sole Mink Oil.

• Leather Protector Spray: Spray your new leather sandals with a leather protector spray to protect them from water and stains. Some effective leather protectant sprays are Reshoevn8r and KIWI.

• Disinfectant Spray: The disinfectant spray can kill bacteria. Thus, deodorizing your sandals. Lysol and Microban are two good choices for disinfectant spray.

FAQs

Can I put my leather sandals in the washing machine?

No, leather sandals should never be put in the washing machine as they can get damaged. Instead, clean them by hand using the method mentioned above.

How do you renew leather sandals?

Leather sandals can be renewed by using a leather conditioner. Apply the leather conditioner to the sandals and let it sit for a few minutes. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the excess conditioner.

How to clean leather sandals that smell?

Place the sandal in a ziplock bag with half a cup of baking powder. Leave them overnight. Remove the sandals from the bag in the morning and brush off any excess baking powder.

How to clean leather sandals footbed?

Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe the footbed with it. This will clean dirt and grime and deodorize them also.

Conclusion

Leather sandals are a wonderful addition to any wardrobe. However, they require proper care and maintenance.

Follow our tips to keep your leather sandals clean and odor-free. If you are a sandal lover like me, then don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide on how to clean sandals.

Do you have any other tips? Let us know in the comments section below.