Flip-flop or sandal odor can build up over time, turning your favorite summer shoe into something you'd rather avoid. But there's an easy, affordable way to fix this problem: baking soda. In today's guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of freshening up your flip-flops and sandals so they smell clean and are ready to wear.
Why Have Odors?
Flip-flops, slides, and sandals can develop odors for several reasons, primarily due to moisture and bacteria buildup. Here's a breakdown of why this happens:
Moisture and Sweat
When you wear flip-flops or sandals, your feet tend to sweat. The open design of these shoes doesn’t provide full coverage, which means your feet are exposed to the air, but sweat can still accumulate on the footbed and in the straps. This moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can cause unpleasant odors.
Bacteria and Fungi Growth
The warm, damp environment inside sandals can encourage bacteria and fungi to thrive. As these microorganisms break down sweat, they produce smelly compounds, leading to the odor you notice. Additionally, sandals that are worn without socks tend to collect dead skin cells, which can also fuel bacterial growth.
Material Composition
Many flip-flops and sandals are made from materials like rubber, foam, or synthetic fabrics, which can absorb moisture and trap odors. Materials like leather or fabric, if not properly maintained, can also retain moisture, exacerbating odor issues.
Limited Ventilation
While flip-flops and sandals are often designed to be breathable, the footbed, straps, or soles can still trap heat and sweat. Poor ventilation in certain designs can lead to moisture buildup that fosters odor-causing bacteria.
Improper Cleaning
Sandals and flip-flops that are not cleaned or dried properly after use can accumulate dirt, sweat, and bacteria, further contributing to the smell.
To prevent odor, it’s important to regularly clean and dry your sandals, allow them to air out between uses, and consider using foot powders or sprays to reduce moisture and bacterial growth.
Read more: how to wash compression socks
How to Clean Sandals or Flip-Flops That Smell
Before you get started, gather these three simple items:
- Your flip-flops or sandals – The ones that need cleaning.
- Baking soda – The star of the show.
- Water – A small amount to help activate the baking soda.
For best results, choose a sunny day for this cleaning method. The sun not only dries your sandals, but it kills bacteria, doubling the deodorizing effect. If you have a window in your home that gets direct sunlight, that's great too.
That’s it! No fancy cleaners or expensive products are required for this technique.
Why Baking Soda Works
Baking soda isn’t just for cooking. It’s also a natural deodorizer, known for its ability to neutralize odors. The key to reducing the smell in your sandals lies in baking soda’s ability to absorb odor-causing bacteria. Combine it with a little water and sunlight, and you’ve got a powerful combo to eliminate the stench.
1. Prepare the Surface
Start by lightly wetting the soles of your flip-flops or sandals with water. You don’t want to soak them—just enough to make the surface damp.
2. Add Baking Soda
Sprinkle a thin, even layer of baking soda across the surface of the soles. No need to pile it on; a light coating does the job.
3. Create a Paste (Optional)
As the baking soda mixes with the water, you’ll notice it begins to form a paste. If you want to speed up the cleaning process, gently massage the paste into the soles using your fingers. This helps the baking soda penetrate deeper into the material.
4. Let It Sit
Leave the baking soda on the sandals for a while so it can absorb the odors. Here’s where the environment makes a difference:
- In direct sunlight: Place your sandals in the sun for a few hours. The heat enhances the deodorizing effect.
- Indoors: If it’s not sunny, try leaving them overnight instead.
5. Brush Off the Baking Soda
Once the baking soda has done its job, brush or scrape it off. Most of it will dry up and can be easily discarded. If needed, give the soles a quick rinse or wipe them down.
If your flip-flops are heavily soiled, you might need to repeat this process once or twice for the best results. For mild odors, one round is usually enough.
Tips for Persistent Odors
- If the smell doesn’t go away after one try, repeat the process. Each round will reduce the odors further.
- For sandals with fabric elements or deep grooves, consider scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush while the baking soda paste is still on.
How to Wash Leather Slippers
Leather slippers require a gentle approach to cleaning to avoid damaging the material.
Use a Damp Cloth:
Wipe the leather with a soft, damp cloth to remove surface dirt. Avoid soaking the leather, as too much water can damage it.
Leather Cleaner:
Apply a leather-specific cleaner to a soft cloth and gently rub the slippers to clean off dirt or stains. Follow up by wiping with a dry cloth to remove any residue.
Condition the Leather:
After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and prevent it from cracking. This also helps maintain the natural appearance of the leather.
Dry Properly:
Always let leather slippers dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or using a heater, as this can cause the leather to warp or crack.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains:
For deeper stains, you can use a mixture of water and mild soap (like castile soap). Test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the leather.
How to Remove Odor From Rubber Slippers
Rubber slippers are more resistant to water and dirt, but they can still develop odors, especially from moisture and bacteria buildup. Here are some effective ways to remove odors:
Baking Soda:
Sprinkle baking soda inside the slippers and let them sit overnight. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and moisture. In the morning, shake out the excess powder.
White Vinegar:
Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Lightly spray it on the inside of the slippers and let them air dry. The vinegar helps neutralize odors and kill bacteria.
Soak in Soapy Water:
Wash rubber slippers with a mild detergent or dish soap in warm water. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any dirt or grime. Rinse thoroughly and allow the slippers to air dry completely.
Drying and Ventilation:
Make sure to dry the rubber slippers completely after cleaning. Keep them in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture from lingering, which can cause odors to return.
Use Odor Absorbers:
Place charcoal bags or odor-absorbing insoles in your slippers when not in use. These items help keep odors at bay by absorbing moisture and bacteria.
What are EVA slippers?
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) is a light, soft, and elastic-plastic material, commonly used in the manufacture of slippers, sports shoes, sandals, and other footwear products. It is a polymer made by copolymerization of two monomers, ethylene (Ethylene) and vinyl acetate (Vinyl Acetate). EVA slippers are widely used in summer casual slippers, sports shoes, and various comfortable shoes because of their comfort, lightness, durability, and affordable price.
Features of EVA slippers:
- Lightness: EVA material has a very light characteristic, making the shoes very comfortable to wear and not heavy.
- Softness and comfort: EVA has a certain elasticity and softness and can provide better foot support and comfort, so it is often used in the production of slippers.
- Water resistance: EVA material has good waterproof performance, so it is very suitable for making bathroom slippers, beach slippers, and other footwear that are easily exposed to water.
- Abrasion resistance and durability: EVA material is relatively wear-resistant, suitable for daily wear, and has a long service life.
- UV and low-temperature resistance: EVA material can resist UV damage, is suitable for outdoor use, and is not easy to harden in low-temperature environments.
- Environmental protection: EVA is a recyclable material, which is more environmentally friendly than other plastics.
If you need to throw away your irretrievably smelly slippers, you are welcome to buy Plus Size Slides at Plusock at any time. There are different styles of slippers for men and women, various colors and sizes for you to choose from. We also have Cyber Monday promotions, and you can get more discounts on compression socks and slippers, including cotton slippers.
Read more: Do compression socks help with cold feet?
Fresh Sandals in No Time
Nobody wants smelly shoes, and you don’t need to settle for them. This baking soda method is easy, cheap, and effective. Whether you’re relaxing at home or heading to the beach, clean sandals are just a few steps away.
Give it a try, and let your feet enjoy the fresh difference. If this helped you, don’t forget to share it with someone else who might need it!