How to clean sandals

Step 1 | Know your material

Before you grab the nearest cleaning spray, take a second look at your sandals. What material are they made of? Leather, suede, synthetic?

Why it matters: each material needs its own approach. At Wolky, we only use high-quality materials. So treating them right keeps that premium feel intact.

Step 2 | Remove surface dirt

Start simple with a soft brush or dry cloth. Gently remove dust, sand, and dirt. Don’t forget the footbed and the straps!

Think of this as a mini reset on how to clean sandals. They instantly look better and you’re just getting started!

Step 3 | Clean the footbed

Your footbed bears your weight all day. And when you’re prone to sweaty feet, the footbed will catch most of it. Give it some love to keep it feeling fresh.

How to clean sandals: the footbed

• Mix lukewarm water with a little mild soap
• Use a soft cloth or brush
• Gently scrub
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth
• Let dry

If your sandals have a cushioned or memory foam footbed (like Wolky’s do), avoid soaking them. A gentle clean keeps that softness intact.

Here’s more on how to clean your sandals’ footbed.

Step 4 | Treat the upper

Leather sandals

• Use a damp cloth and mild soap
• Let them air dry
• Finish with a leather conditioner to keep it supple

Suede sandals

• Use a suede brush
• For stains: a suede eraser or specialist cleaner

Synthetic sandals

• Mild soap and water work perfectly

Step 5 | Freshen things up

If you’re dealing with odors, you might want to follow these steps.

• Sprinkle a little baking soda on the footbed overnight
• Shake it out in the morning
• Or use a gentle shoe spray

Fresh sandals equal happy feet!

Step 6 | Let them dry naturally

Resist the urge to speed things up. Heat is very bad for your shoes and can do more damage than good!

So, no radiators, no direct sunlight (the colors might change). Let them air dry. This might take a bit longer, but it’s so much better for your shoes. The fit, shape, and support stay exactly as they should be.