Tips for Keeping Your White Sandals Clean

Sandals are the type of shoes that give your feet flair. There's something about white sandals that add an extra pop! On the other hand, dirty sandals can throw off an entire wardrobe. If you're going to wear white footwear, you have to do it right. Imagine having freshly painted toes or a brand new outfit with dingy shoes—the two just don't match. Don't worry, the fashion police won't lock you up for violating the dress code. But, it's still important to look good, ya know? With that said, here are a few tips on how to clean white sandals:

Avoid Getting Your White Sandals Too Dirty

Unfortunately, there's no way to completely avoid dirt and grime. No matter where you walk, you're bound to get gunk on your shoes. However, being proactive about where you go when you have these sandals is key. If it's rainy and muddy outside, it's a good idea not to wear them. It's also smart to stay away from parks and sandy areas. Let's just say that reserving these sandals for certain occasions is the best way to keep them in good condition. If you don't wear them too often, the cleaner they'll be.

Don't Use Harsh Cleaning Products

Life happens and sometimes you can't avoid getting your shoes messy. However, understanding how to clean sandals takes a bit of knowledge.  You never want to use harsh chemicals to refresh your sandals. Not only can they trigger conditions like asthma and allergies, but they'll also ruin your footwear. Cleaning solutions that are too potent can erode the material of the shoe—especially if it's made of leather or suede. It's better to use natural products like baking soda and white vinegar; they'll give a deep clean without causing damage. Plus, all-natural products are gentle on your skin and respiratory system.

Clean With the Proper Tools

If your white sandals are battered and bruised, you might be tempted to use a scouring pad on them. However, soft brushes are the way to go. Using delicate bristles ensures that you don't tear the material or further disfigure the design of the shoes. The best advice is to scrub the area in gentle, circular motions. Utilizing this technique restores your sandals layer by layer, leaving them looking fresh and crisp!

Refresh White Sandals Regularly

Another tip on how to clean your sandals is to do it regularly. If you notice dirt and discoloration on your sandals, don't just toss them in the closet. If you can wash off your sandals soon after they get dirty, the easier they'll be to clean. Unfortunately, most people struggle with repairing their white footwear because they let stains accumulate on them. The only way to combat stubborn grime is to get the upper hand on it. The color white is very delicate, and it becomes dirty easily. Unless you want your gorgeous sandals to become a grayish-brown color, wash them after every wear!

Be Careful While Cleaning

Preserving the design of your flipflops is just as important as cleaning them. If your sandals have jewels, buttons, or beading...be careful. More than likely if you're cleaning your slippers it's because they're stylish and match your outfits. But what's the use of wearing sandals if the decorations on them are chipped, discolored, or missing? If dirt gets trapped between the designs on your shoes, use a Q-tip or toothbrush to get into the crevices. That way, you can ensure that you don't damage your shoes while trying to restore them.

Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Mr. Clean Magic erasers are a simple solution for combating dirt and grime. Not only are they good at cleaning, but the product is soft and won't destroy your footwear. Chances are you probably are already using magic erasers around the house. So you might as well try them on your shoes too. Plus, if you're the type of person who likes to do things easily without needing a lot of supplies, this is the perfect option. It completely takes the guesswork out of how to wash your sandals. Even if you've never been good at refreshing your slippers, Mr. Clean will get the job done.

Apply Shoe Polish to Your Sandals

If all else fails, consider using white shoe polish. Generally, this method works best with sneakers, but that doesn't mean it can't work on sandals too. If there are scuff marks on your sandals, they'll probably be difficult to correct. However, shoe polish can cover discoloration easily. Make sure the polish matches the color of your footwear as much as possible. Otherwise, your shoes will look blotchy, and it'll ruin the style of your sandals. 

Squeaky Clean Sandals: Putting Your Best Foot Forward

The truth is, if you wouldn't wear dirty clothes, you shouldn't put on dirty shoes. Unfortunately, white sandals look horrible once they become dingy and there's no way to hide it. Don't misunderstand, sandals are the kind of shoes that are worn when you want a relaxed, casual look. But even if that's the case, you should want to keep your footwear in good condition.  Luckily, if you clean them regularly, you can get plenty of wear out of them. With that said, if you're in need of some new sandals or you want to add to your collection, browse our online shop. We have plenty of styles for the entire family!