Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Carroll Kelly. Carroll Kelly is a Shoe Care Specialist and the Owner of Austin Shoe Hospital in Austin, Texas. With over 37 years of experience, Carroll specializes in sustainable shoes, boots, belts, handbags, and luggage repair. Carroll graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas. Austin Shoe Hospital is a family-run business that started over 105 years ago from a single horse-drawn carriage. Today they are the largest and most recognized shoe repair company in the world.
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A lot of people love Rainbow sandals, a brand of leather flip-flops known for molding to the shape of the wearer's feet. They look great at the start of spring, but by the end of the summer they may be a little dirty and bedraggled, after being covered in dirt or sand. Fortunately, Rainbows are durable shoes, and freshening them up isn’t too tough.
Steps
Prepare some soapy water. You will want to use lukewarm water, as warm or hot water may damage the leather soles of your Rainbow sandals. Add a drop or two of dish soap and stir to combine.
Wipe your shoes down with a damp cloth. Dip a corner of a clean rag into the soapy water, and squeeze it a bit to get rid of excess water. Gently dampen and wipe off dirty areas with small circular motions.[1]Advertisement
Dry them off. Using a clean paper towel, wipe off any dampness on your sandals. Make sure to do a thorough job, as soap residue can damage the leather.[4]- It’s a good idea to let them air dry in the sun before you wear them again, just to be sure they have totally dried off.
Leave them out in the sun. Before you move on to more involved methods, try taking a hiatus from wearing your Rainbow sandals, and just leave them to dry in the sun for a few days. If they are just beginning to smell, the ultraviolet rays and fresh air may be all they need.[5]- Even if it doesn’t totally solve the problem, it’s a good idea to make sure your sandals are totally dry before you try cleaning them.
Use rubbing alcohol. Highly concentrated alcohol can help eliminate unwanted odors. Wet a couple paper towels with rubbing alcohol (they should be damp, but not soaking wet), and drape them over the parts of your sandals that come into contact with your feet. Let them sit for a couple hours, or until the paper towels dry out.[6]
Spritz them with vodka. Like rubbing alcohol, this can help neutralize bad smells. Put a little bit of vodka in a spray bottle, and mist your sandals with it. Let them air dry in the sun for several hours.[7]
Apply baking soda. This substance is highly effective at absorbing all sorts of unwanted odors. Put your Rainbow sandals in a 1 gallon (3.8 L) ziplock bag, and pour in a half cup of baking soda. Seal the bag and shake it vigorously, coating the sandals thoroughly. Leave them in there for a couple days before you remove them.[8]- It may take a little effort, but you should be able to get all the baking soda off your shoes by banging them together and wiping them off with a clean rag.
Wash your feet thoroughly. Having clean feet will go a long way to ensuring that your Rainbow sandals stay clean and odor-free. Keep a bar of deodorizing soap in the shower, and use a washcloth to vigorously scrub your feet. Not only will this remove dirt and grime that can stain your sandals, but it will also slough off the dead skin cells that contribute to smelly shoes.[9]
Dry your feet off well. When you get out of the shower, don’t stop drying yourself off when you get to your ankles. Do a thorough job of toweling off your feet, including between your toes, to discourage any fungi from setting up shop.[10]- If you have trouble with foot fungus, you may want to consider using a daily foot powder.
Spray on some foot antiperspirant. This is a good idea if you have particularly sweaty feet. While foot powders absorb sweat, antiperspirants actually stop your feet from sweating to begin with. If you find yourself constantly sweating into your sandals, spraying some on in the morning could go a long way to keeping them cleaner.[11]
Give your feet some sun. Odor-causing fungus thrives in damp, dark areas, like the soles of your shoes. Try to spend some time every day barefoot, ideally outdoors, with your feet up and the sun shining on them. Just make sure you give your feet a good rinsing and drying off if they get dirty.
Community Q&A
- QuestionWill the sandals look new if I clean them?
Community AnswerYes, if you cleaned them thoroughly.
Tips
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning rainbow sandals, check out our in-depth interview with Carroll Kelly.
References
- ↑ https://www.savannahnow.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2011/04/29/sense-fashion-break-out-flip-flops/13433104007/
- ↑ https://www.savannahnow.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2011/04/29/sense-fashion-break-out-flip-flops/13433104007/
- ↑ https://adequateman.deadspin.com/how-to-clean-your-fancy-flip-flops-1697479719
- ↑ https://www.savannahnow.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2011/04/29/sense-fashion-break-out-flip-flops/13433104007/
- ↑ https://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-get-smell-out-of-rainbow-sandals
- ↑ https://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-get-smell-out-of-rainbow-sandals
- ↑ https://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-get-smell-out-of-rainbow-sandals
- ↑ https://www.getsmellout.com/how-to-get-smell-out-of-rainbow-sandals
- ↑ https://adequateman.deadspin.com/how-to-clean-your-fancy-flip-flops-1697479719
About This Article
To clean your Rainbow sandals, wipe them with a damp cloth and warm soapy water in circular motions. For any tough dirt, scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush. Once you’ve finished cleaning your sandals, wipe up any moisture and soap with a clean paper towel, since soap residue can damage the leather. To get bad odors out of your sandals, try leaving them in the sun for a few days to air out. If that doesn’t work, put them in a resealable bag with a half cup of baking soda. Shake the bag vigorously and leave them for a few days to let the baking soda absorb the smell. For more tips, including how to remove odors from your Rainbow sandals with rubbing alcohol, read on!
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