We know you love your flip-flops. They’re easy, breezy, and go with just about everything. But let’s be honest: they get gross fast. Be it sand from the beach, city grime, or that mysterious dark layer that seems to appear out of nowhere, dirty flip-flops are unpleasant, and they wear out faster, too.
The good news? Keeping them clean and in great shape is surprisingly simple. Read on to find out how.
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Dirty Flip-Flops? Not on Our Watch! 4 Easy Fixes
Vogue once hinted that even humble house slippers can have their outdoor fashion moment. So yeah, your trusty flip-flops are totally runway-worthy (well, almost). But if they’re covered in grime, that fashion moment goes straight out the window. Keep them clean, and they’ll keep turning heads!
Here are 4 tips to keep them fresh and in top shape.
1. Give Them a Good Wash
Flip-flops experience a lot—dirt and sweat. So, proper washing is a must. For rubber or plastic pairs, soak them in soapy, warm water for 10–15 minutes, then scrub with a soft cleaning tool or an old toothbrush for best results.
If you’re cleaning foam flip-flops, then go easy. Harsh scrubbing can wear them down fast. Next, rinse thoroughly and let them air-dry completely before slipping them on. Also, never toss them in the washing machine unless you love deformed soles and regret them.
2. Dry Them Right, Away From the Sun
Although it may seem like the fastest way to dry footwear, excessive sunlight can cause the material to become brittle or even distorted. Therefore, don’t just let your flip-flops bake in the sun after a wash session.
Rather, allow them to air-dry in a shaded area so they can dry uniformly. You can even stuff them with paper towels to soak up excess moisture and help them keep their shape.
3. Keep the Funky Odors Away!
Our next piece of advice for keeping your flip-flops clean is to address odor before it becomes a major problem. Sweat and bacteria can be trapped in sandals, resulting in some rather weird odors.
A simple solution would be to add baking soda, leave it overnight, then shake it out the next morning. Additionally, because cold temperatures help eliminate bacteria that generate odors, if things get very nasty, put them in a zippered bag and place them in the freezer for a few hours. Weird, but totally effective!
4. Store Smart: No Pile-Ups or Cramming
Do not just stuff your flip-flops into a tight space. When they are stored correctly, their shape is preserved, and needless wear is avoided. To prevent warping or cracking, store them in a cool, dry location away from humidity.
If you have multiple pairs, use a simple shoe rack to organize them. Whatever you do, don’t toss them in the bottom of your bag under heavy stuff—flattened flip-flops are no fun to walk in!
What Not to Do With Your Flip-Flops?
- Harsh cleaning agents, such as bleach, acetone, or alcohol, should never be used on the material because they can dry it out and discolor it.
- Minor damage can quickly turn into a broken flip-flop at the worst moment, so don’t ignore small cracks or loose straps.
- Avoid wearing them on rough terrain, as sharp rocks can tear the soles and be dangerous to your feet.
And Finally
These simple care tips will keep your flip-flops in good condition, clean, and comfortable for a longer period. Cleaning, drying, odour prevention, and smart storage are the little keys to having your favourite sandals in tip-top condition. Taking a little time, your flip-flops will stay in excellent condition to savor each and every sunny day to come!
Our one last piece of advice is to rest your feet. Wearing flip-flops all the time might strain your arches, so occasionally replace them with supportive shoes. This will also be a rest for your favorite flip-flops!