Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Victor Adrian. Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute.
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Flip flops are easy and comfortable to wear, but they can also be easily damaged. If you wear your flip flops in rough conditions, they might get muddy, grimy, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Read on for some quick and simple ways to make your flip flops shine like the day they were bought – and stay intact as well.
Steps
Use a washing machine. This is a quick solution, although it may use more water than other methods. Put the flip flops into the washing machine on a cold cycle, with a bit of soap and a quick program. If possible, choose a no-spin cycle. Be aware that too much detergent might damage the shoes.[1]
Spray the flip flops. Use a water hose, a shower jet, or a powerful faucet to shoot water at the shoes. Try to knock dirt loose with water pressure. Keep going until you get most of the dirt off – and try scrubbing afterward to complete the effect.[2]
Rinse your flip flops with cold water. This first step should wash away the heaviest grime from extremely dirty flops. If a standard faucet doesn't do the trick, try using a powerful jet-stream or blocking off the tip of a hose with your thumb.
Soak the flip flops. First, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. Dunk the flip flops in the water. Consider weighting them so that they are completely submerged. Leave the flops to soak for at least two hours.[3]- Use concentrated dish soap, if you have it. If your flip flops are white and incredibly dirty, you can add bleach – but be careful not to get it on your skin.
- For a deeper cleaning, try spraying some 3% peroxide hydrogen on the flip flops and letting it set for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
- Scrub the flip flops. After a few hours, remove the flops from the bucket. Rub the dirty surfaces vigorously with a toothbrush or a sponge. If the grime runs especially deep, try using steel wool or another highly abrasive surface – but be careful not to wear down the surface of the flops!
- Rinse your flip-flops again with cold water. This step should wash away the soap, the suds, and any other cleaning agents that you used. Rinse away any grime that you dislodged with your scrubbing.
Repeat until clean. If the flip-flops won't get clean, be persistent. Keep rinsing and scrubbing until they are.
Let the flops air-dry. Avoid running them through a drying machine, and don't expose the material to excessive heat. Put the flip flops out in the direct sun, and they should dry within a matter of hours.
Clean with a sponge. Choose a slightly-used sponge – not the one you're going to use on your dishes. Soak the sponge in hot water, along with a bit of dish soap. Rub the flip flops vigorously to remove any grime or mud. If it's hard to remove: put on some gloves, and use a thin towel or napkin to help you get the mud off.[4]- A bush might be needed to scrape off dirt that sponges sometimes aren't able to remove.
Cover scratches with shoeshine. If the flip flops are scratched or dented, you can mask the blemishes with shoeshine. If you find a product that is made for the material of your flip flops, you should be able to hide most of the damage. Try different shine products in order to see which you like best.- If you don't want to buy shoeshine, try learning to spit shine shoes.
- Use a toothbrush. Find an old toothbrush, or a buy a very cheap new brush. Wet the toothbrush, then grind the bristles into a bar of soap. Then, start scrubbing away at your shoes. Make sure to get into all of the cracks![5]
- The toothbrush tactic works best on fuzzy flip flops. The bristles can work between the fuzz in a way that other cleaning products cannot.
Scrub with a hot, wet towel. First, soak an old towel or dishrag in hot water. Use a bit of soap, if you like, although this is not necessary. Wipe the dirtiest spots with the towel, and remove as much as you can.
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow do I remove grass stains from flip flops?
Community AnswerBathe them in lemon, vinegar and dishwasher detergent overnight. The stains will come right off! - QuestionHow do I remove black stains from white flip flops?
Sam WarrenCommunity AnswerSoap, water, and a towel. - QuestionHow can I keep new flip flops from making black marks on the floor?Community AnswerTry to buy better quality rubber or leather sandals if you are concerned about the marks they can leave on the floor, or don't wear them inside.
Tips
- Always use clean water when cleaning flip flops.Thanks
- Use soap compatible with flip flops.Thanks
- Wear them once or twice in a long hot shower. You'll save money on cleaning products because the shampoo, soap and other products used while taking a shower will help clean them. You'll avoid a lot of scrubbing work by just having your feet provide the friction necessary to raise the dirt off the shoe.Thanks
Warnings
- Sometimes shoes can't be fixed. Chances are, your shoes may have permanent damage and you might need to get new ones.Thanks
- The washing machine will probably ruin your flip-flops, though many foam ones may not be harmed (such as reefs or Tevas)Thanks
- If your flip flops are plastic, don't put them in the drier as they might melt.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Shoeshine
- Sponges
- Rubber gloves
- Thin towel or napkin
- Water hose
- Towel
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning flip flops, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Adrian.
References
- ↑ http://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/06/12/the-stinky-sandal-solution/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNJpMhbhOMo
- ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/fitness/dirty-flip-flops/
- ↑ http://nymag.com/guides/everything/summer-feet/flip-flops-2012-6/
- ↑ http://adequateman.deadspin.com/how-to-clean-your-fancy-flip-flops-1697479719
About This Article
If you need to clean a pair of flip-flops, wipe them down with a sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. You may have to scrub to remove grime or mud that have dried on the sandals If that doesn’t work, scrub the shoes with a toothbrush coated with a little bit of soap. If the flip-flops are scratched or dented, rub a little shoeshine on them to hide the damage. Let the sandals air dry to avoid damaging them with excessive heat. For tips on cleaning flip-flops in the washing machine, keep reading!
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