Sandals are a summer staple, offering comfort and breathability when the weather heats up. But after countless strolls, beach trips, and outdoor adventures, they can start to look (and smell) a little less than fresh. The obvious solution? A good cleaning. But can you simply toss them in the washing machine with your laundry? The answer, like many things, is: it depends.
This guide will walk you through which types of sandals are machine-wash friendly, how to safely clean them in your washing machine, and what to do if machine washing isn’t an option.
Understanding Your Sandals: Materials Matter
The primary factor determining whether your sandals can survive a trip through the washing machine is the material they’re made from.
Machine-Wash Friendly Materials:
- Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, EVA Foam, Rubber, Plastic): These are generally the safest bets for machine washing. Materials like those found in flip-flops, Crocs, and many athletic or water sandals are designed to withstand water and detergent.
- Canvas & Fabric: Many casual sandals with canvas or fabric straps and footbeds can be machine washed. However, be cautious if they have delicate embellishments or leather accents.
Materials to AVOID Machine Washing:
- Leather & Suede: These natural materials are highly susceptible to damage from water, heat, and harsh detergents. Machine washing can cause them to crack, shrink, stiffen, and lose their shape or color. Suede can become matted and ruined.
- Cork: Sandals with cork footbeds (like many Birkenstocks) should never go in the washing machine. Cork is a natural material that can absorb water, swell, and then crumble or disintegrate when dried.
- Embellished Sandals: Sandals with delicate beads, sequins, rhinestones, feathers, or other glued-on or fragile embellishments are at high risk of damage in a washing machine. These can break off, get tangled, or even damage your machine.
- Wood: Wooden soles or accents will warp, crack, or splinter if soaked and agitated in a washing machine.
- Espadrilles (Jute/Rope Soles): The natural fibers used in espadrille soles can unravel, fray, and break down when exposed to water and machine agitation.
- Sandals with Metal Hardware: While some metal might be fine, repeated washing can tarnish, rust, or corrode metal buckles, rings, or decorative elements.
How to Machine Wash Your Sandals Safely
If your sandals are made from machine-washable materials, follow these steps to give them a thorough cleaning without damage:
- Pre-Clean & Prepare:
- Remove Loose Debris: Before putting them in the machine, knock off any large clumps of dirt, sand, or debris. You can use an old toothbrush or a damp cloth to scrub away surface grime.
- Treat Stains: For stubborn stains, pre-treat them with a mild stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Check for Damage: Ensure there are no loose parts, rips, or tears that could worsen during the wash cycle.
- Place in a Mesh Laundry Bag: This is a crucial step! Putting your sandals in a mesh laundry bag (or even a pillowcase tied shut) will protect them from banging around in the machine, prevent straps from getting tangled, and stop small parts from going down the drain. Wash them with a few old towels to balance the load and reduce noise.
- Choose the Right Settings:
- Water Temperature: Use cold water only. Hot water can still warp or shrink some synthetic materials and degrade glues.
- Cycle: Select a gentle or delicate cycle. This minimizes agitation, protecting both your sandals and your washing machine.
- Detergent: Use a mild laundry detergent. Avoid harsh bleaches or strong stain removers that could damage colors or materials. A small amount is usually sufficient.
- Washing:
- Add your bagged sandals and a couple of old towels to the washing machine.
- Start the cycle.
- Drying:
- NEVER put sandals in the dryer. The high heat will almost certainly warp, melt, shrink, or crack most sandal materials, especially rubber, EVA foam, or synthetics.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: Remove your sandals from the washing machine and the mesh bag immediately after the cycle ends.
- Place them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. You can hang them by their straps or stand them upright.
- Allow them to air dry completely, which can take 12-48 hours depending on the material and humidity. Ensure they are bone dry before wearing them again to prevent mildew or odors.
Alternatives to Machine Washing
If your sandals aren’t suitable for machine washing, don’t despair! Hand washing is often the best and safest option.
Here’s a general approach for hand washing various sandal types:
- For Leather, Suede, Cork & Embellished Sandals:
- Spot Clean: Use a soft, damp cloth with a tiny amount of very mild soap (like saddle soap for leather, or a specialized suede cleaner for suede). Gently wipe down dirty areas. For cork, use a barely damp cloth with a mild soap solution.
- Specialized Cleaners: Invest in cleaners specifically designed for leather, suede, or cork. These products are formulated to clean without causing damage and often include conditioners.
- Brushing: For suede, use a suede brush to gently restore the nap after cleaning and drying.
- Air Dry: Always air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuff leather sandals with paper towels to help them maintain their shape as they dry.
- For Espadrilles:
- Spot Clean Sole: Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the jute sole. Avoid saturating it.
- Clean Straps: Gently scrub fabric straps with a brush and mild soap solution.
- Air Dry: Allow to air dry completely.
Final Tips for Sandal Care
- Regular Maintenance: Don’t wait until your sandals are heavily soiled. Wipe them down regularly after wearing to prevent dirt buildup.
- Deodorize: For persistent odors, sprinkle baking soda on the footbeds and let it sit overnight. Vacuum or shake it out in the morning.
- Storage: Store sandals in a cool, dry place when not in use.
By understanding the materials of your sandals and following these cleaning guidelines, you can keep your favorite pairs fresh, clean, and ready for many more sunny days!
