Now that it’s finally warm outside, I can put on my favorite pair of Olukai shoes and go outside. I’ve been on a lot of trips with these shoes, but after months of use, they really need a deep cleaning. To keep my Olukai shoes looking and working their best, I have to take care of their quality and make sure they last as long as possible. So, I set out on a mission to bring back their former beauty.
My Olukai shoes have been everywhere, from muddy walks to sandy beaches, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to clean Olukai shoes the way I’ve always done it. These cleaning tips will keep your Olukai shoes clean and ready for your next journey, whether you have leather sandals, canvas slip-ons, or water-resistant sneakers.
Materials Needed
To clean your Olukai shoes, you need to make sure you have the right tools. Here’s a list of things you’ll need for a full and effective cleaning:
- Soft brush or cloth: This will be your main way to clean the outside of your Olukai shoes and get rid of free dirt, dust, and other things. Choose a soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth to keep the shoe’s material from getting damaged.
- Soap that isn’t too harsh: Choose a soap that isn’t too harsh and is good for cleaning delicate things. Don’t use harsh soaps or chemicals on your shoes because they can make them look dirty or hurt them. Look for a mild soap that doesn’t have any dyes or scents.
- Water: To clean and rinse your Olukai shoes, you’ll need both warm and clean water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature so that you don’t get cold when you’re working with the shoes.
- Towels: Keep a couple of clean, absorbent towels close by so you can dry your shoes when you’re done cleaning them. Use towels made of microfiber or cotton if possible to pat the shoes gently and soak up any wetness.
- Soft brush or cloth (for insoles and uppers): Besides a soft brush or cloth to clean the outside of your shoes, you’ll also need one to clean the insoles and treat leather or suede uppers, if necessary. Use a different brush or cloth that was made just for this job.
- Mild detergent: You might need a small amount of mild soap to clean the insoles and laces. Look for a mild detergent that doesn’t bleach and is good for the material of your shoes and laces.
- Sink or basin: You’ll need a sink or basin to soak and clean your Olukai shoes. This will make the cleaning process easier. Make sure the sink or bowl is clean and doesn’t have anything on it that could get on your shoes.
- Waterproof spray or protectant (optional): You don’t have to have a waterproof spray or protectant for your Olukai shoes for the cleaning process, but it’s a good idea. This extra step helps keep the shoes in good shape, makes them less likely to get wet, and protects them from the weather.
- Specialized leather or suede cleaner (if needed): If the uppers of your Olukai shoes are made of leather or suede, it’s best to use a cleaner that Olukai recommends or is made for these materials. Follow what the cleaner tells you to do for the best results.
Make sure to check the care directions that Olukai gives you to see if there are any specific suggestions or rules about how to clean your shoes. If you have these things on hand, you’ll be ready to take care of your Olukai shoes the way they should be.
Getting the Shoes Ready to be Cleaned
Before you start cleaning your Olukai shoes, it’s important to get them ready in the right way to make sure the cleaning goes well. To get your shoes ready, do the following:
If there are laces, take them off and set them away to clean
If your Olukais have laces, take them off before you clean them. Untie the laces and pull them carefully out of the holes. Set them aside to clean separately. This step lets you clean the shoes well and makes sure the laces don’t get twisted or get in the way of the cleaning.
Use a soft brush or a cloth to clean the shoes of loose dirt and debris
Before you wet the shoes, use a brush with soft bristles or a soft cloth to gently brush away any loose dirt, dust, or other debris from the outside. Pay extra attention to spots that are dirty or have stains. This step keeps the dirt from spreading when the shoes get wet.
Check the shoes for spots or dirt that won’t come off
Take a better look at your Olukai shoes to see if they have any stains or spots of dirt that won’t go away. With this step, you’ll be able to clean these specific places with more care. Make sure to write down the type of spots or marks so that you can use specific methods to get rid of them in the next steps.
Check to see if Olukai has given any special care instructions
Olukai might tell you how to take care of your shoes in a certain way. Check to see if the maker has any restrictions or cleaning instructions. You can find this information on the shoebox, the care tag, or Olukai’s website. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to clean your shoes in a way that keeps them in good shape and makes them last longer.
By getting your Olukai shoes ready to be cleaned the right way, you set yourself up for a full and successful cleaning. Taking off the laces, getting rid of loose dirt, checking for stains, and paying attention to any special care instructions will help you get the best results and keep your favorite Olukai shoes in good shape.
Also Read: Quick Ways to Clean Your Shoes With Oxiclean
Cleaning the Shoes on the Outside
Cleaning the outside of your Olukai shoes is a must if you want to get rid of dirt and spots and bring back their original look. Follow these steps to get the outside of your shoes clean:
Mix together some light soap and water
Start by making a solution to clean with. Put some light soap in a small amount of warm water in a sink or bowl. Don’t use harsh soaps or bleach on your Olukai shoes because they can hurt the materials. Mix the soap and water together gently to make a solution that is soapy.
Dip a soft brush or piece of cloth into the soapy water.
Dip a brush with soft bristles or a clean, lint-free cloth into the washing water. Make sure the brush or cloth is wet, but not dripping.
Scrub the outside of the shoe gently
Start cleaning the outside of the shoes in gentle circles with a soapy brush or cloth. Pay extra attention to spots that are dirty or have stains. Be careful not to put too much pressure on things, especially on suede or leather, which can get damaged if you do.
Pay attention to spots that won’t go away
For tough spots that don’t come off easily, scrub with a little more force and keep going. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach places with more precision. Don’t worry if the mark doesn’t go away. We’ll talk about that later.
Run clean water over the shoes
Once you’re happy with how clean it is, you can rinse off the soap. Fill another sink or bowl with clean water, and then dip the brush or cloth into it. Wipe the soap off the shoes carefully, making sure to get all of the cleaning solutions off. If you need to, do this step again.
Rub the shoes to dry
After washing, pat the shoes with a clean towel to get rid of any extra water. Rubbing the shoe too hard could damage the material or change its shape. If your insoles come out, it’s best to take them out and dry them on their own.
Let the shoes dry in the air
Once you’ve gotten as much water out of your Olukai shoes as you can, let them dry on their own. Put them in a place with good airflow and no direct sunlight or heat sources. Don’t use a fan or any other kind of artificial heat, as it can cause the fabric to shrink or change shape. Give the shoes enough time to dry completely before putting them on or putting them away.
Check for any lingering marks or stains
After the shoes have dried, check them carefully for any spots or marks that might still be on them. Don’t worry if you see spots that won’t go away. In the next part, we’ll talk about how to deal with them. It’s important to take care of spots right away so they don’t set in and become harder to get out.
Cleaning the outside of your Olukai shoes keeps them looking good and makes sure the materials last as long as possible. By doing these things, you can get rid of dirt and spots from your shoes and make them look clean and ready for your next trip. Now, let’s talk about those stains that won’t come out in the next part.
Cleaning the Insoles
The bottoms of your Olukai shoes are a key part that makes them comfortable and gives them support. They can get dirty, sweaty, and smelly over time. It’s important to clean the insoles often to keep them clean and fresh. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning the bottoms of your Olukai shoes:
If at all possible, take out the insoles
Check to see if the bottoms of your Olukai shoes can be taken out. If they do, take them out carefully before you clean. Taking out the insoles lets you clean the shoe more thoroughly and keeps the structure of the shoe from getting damaged while you clean it.
Put warm water and mild soap in a sink or bowl
Fill a sink or bowl with warm water. This will be used to make a cleaning solution. Add a little bit of light soap to the water. Make sure the water is warm, not hot, so that the feet don’t get hurt.
Put the soles of the shoes into the boiling water
Put the insoles in the soapy water and press down on them gently to make sure they are completely covered. Give the insoles about 15 to 20 minutes to soak. This time of soaking helps get rid of dirt, sweat, and smell.
Scrub the feet gently
After soaking, scrub the insoles lightly with a soft brush or cloth. Pay attention to places where there are spots or smells. Clean dirt and grime off with a gentle rolling motion. Don’t use too much force because that could hurt the insoles.
Run clean water over the insoles
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the insoles well with clean water to get rid of any leftover soap. Hold them under running water or put them in a bowl of clean water and squeeze them gently to get rid of all the soap.
Press out the extra water
After you rinse the insoles, squeeze out any extra water. To get rid of the moisture, gently press them between your hands or use a towel. Don’t twist or squeeze the insoles, because doing so can make them lose their shape.
Use a towel to dry the insoles
Place the insoles on top of a clean sheet on a flat surface. Fold the towel over the feet and press down gently to soak up more water. Repeat this process with a dry part of the towel until the insoles are mostly dry.
Let the insoles dry fully in the air
To make sure the insoles dry completely, put them in a place with good airflow and no direct sunlight or heat sources. If you let them dry fully in the air, mold or mildew won’t be able to grow on them. Depending on how much moisture is in the air and how fast the air moves, it could take a few hours or all night for the insoles to dry fully.
Put the dry insoles back in
When the insoles are completely dry, put them back into your Olukai shoes. Make sure they are lined up right and fit well. This is the last step in cleaning your Olukai shoes, and they are now ready to give you warmth and support.
Cleaning the bottoms of your Olukai shoes on a regular basis not only keeps your feet clean, but also keeps them performing well and lasting longer. By doing these things, you can make sure that your insoles stay clean, comfy, and odor-free, which will make your shoes more enjoyable as a whole.
Taking Care of the Laces
Even though it’s easy to forget, cleaning the laces on your Olukai shoes can make a big difference in how clean and nice they look overall. Laces tend to get dirty, stained, and grimy, especially when worn outside or in places where people are busy. Follow these steps to clean your Olukai shoelaces properly:
Take the shoelaces off the shoes
Start by taking your Olukai shoes’ ties off. This will let you clean them better and keep you from doing any damage to the shoes while you clean them. Untie the laces and pull them out of the holes carefully.
Make a solution to clean.
Add a small amount of mild soap to warm water in a small bowl or basin. To make a washing solution, mix the water and detergent together. Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, because that could hurt the laces.
Put the shoe straps in the soapy water
Put the laces in the bowl or pan of soapy water and make sure they are completely covered. Move the laces around a little bit in the water to help get rid of dirt and stains. Give them about 10–15 minutes to soak.
Clean the shoelaces
After soaking, lightly scrub the laces with a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth. Pay attention to places where you can see stains or dirt growth. Move back and forth or in a circle to get rid of dirt and grime. If the laces are especially dirty, you might have to scrub them again.
Run clean water over the shoelaces
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the laces well with clean water to get rid of any leftover soap. Hold them under running water or wash them in a different container of clean water. Gently squeeze the laces to get rid of any extra water.
Wet the shoes
Put the laces flat on a clean towel or hang them up to let them dry in the air. Make sure they don’t get too much direct sunlight or heat, which could cause them to shrink or lose their shape. Give the shoelaces enough time to dry out before putting them back on your Olukai shoes.
Put the dry laces back in.
Once the laces are completely dry, you can put them back through the holes in your Olukai shoes. Make sure the laces are in the right place and that they are tied well. Your Olukai shoes will look clean and well-kept if the laces are clean and new.
Cleaning your Olukai shoes’ laces not only makes them look better but also makes them cleaner overall. By doing these steps, you can get rid of dirt, stains, and dust, making sure that your shoelaces look as clean as your shoes.
Taking Care of Leather or Suede Uppers (If Needed)
If the tops of your Olukai shoes are made of leather or suede, you need to take special care of these materials to keep their quality and look. To treat and clean leather or suede uppers well, follow these steps:
Remove loose dirt and debris
Start by removing any loose dirt or debris from the leather or suede uppers with a soft brush or cloth. This step keeps bits from being scratched or ground into the material while it is being cleaned.
If a special cleaner is available, use it
If you have a leather or suede cleaner that Olukai recommends or that was made just for these materials, follow the directions on the bottle. Put a small amount of the cleaner on a clean cloth or brush and slowly rub it into the uppers, paying special attention to any dirty or stained spots.
Instead, you could use a light soap solution
You can use a weak soap solution if you don’t have a special cleaner. In a bowl or pan, mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Put some of the solution on a clean cloth or brush, but don’t soak it too much, and use it to gently clean the leather or suede uppers in a circle motion.
Rinse and dry
After you clean the leather or suede uppers with soap, wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Don’t let the material get too wet. To get rid of extra water, pat dry with a towel. If you want to dry something, don’t use heat or direct sunlight because it can damage or change the color.
Use a conditioner for leather or suede
Use a leather or suede conditioner on the leather or suede uppers to keep them in good shape. Follow the directions on the product and apply a small amount of conditioner to the uppers with a clean cloth. Massage it gently into the leather or suede, letting it soak in and feed the material. Use a clean cloth to remove any extra conditioner.
By following these steps and using the right items, you can keep your Olukai shoes’ leather or suede uppers in good shape and make them last longer. Always follow Olukai’s advice on how to clean and care for these materials, since the design of the shoe may mean that they have extra instructions or restrictions.
Rebuilding and the Last Steps
After cleaning the outside, the insoles, the laces, and (if necessary) the leather or suede uppers, it’s time to put your Olukai shoes back together and finish the last steps to make sure they are ready to wear. To finish the cleaning process, do these things:
Put the insoles back in
Once the insoles are completely dry, put them back into your Olukai shoes with care. Make sure they are straight and fit well for the most comfort and support.
Thread the ribbons and tie them
Take the clean, dry laces and put them back through the holes in your Olukai shoes. Make sure they are properly tied, and then tie them in the way you like.
Check for any spots or marks you may have missed
Before putting your newly cleaned Olukai shoes away or putting them on again, check them carefully for any missed spots or stains. If you find any stains that are still there, you can clean them by hand using the right cleaning method or call a professional if you need to.
Let the shoes breathe
After you clean your Olukai shoes, it’s a good idea to let them air out for a short time. Place them in a well-ventilated area to get rid of any leftover moisture and make sure they are completely dry before you wear them or put them away.
How to store your Olukai shoes
It’s important to store your Olukai shoes the right way when you’re not wearing them so they stay in good shape. Put them in a clean, dry place that isn’t in full sunlight or near a heat source. You could use shoe trees or crumpled paper to help your shoes keep their shape.
Keep up with cleaning and care
To keep your Olukai shoes looking good and lasting longer, it’s important to clean and care for them regularly. Depending on how often and where you use them, you may need to clean them every few weeks or as needed. Follow Olukai’s specific cleaning and care instructions, since different shoe types and materials may need different ways to be taken care of.
By putting your Olukai shoes back together and finishing these last steps, you can make sure they are clean, fresh, and ready for your next trip. With regular cleaning and care, your Olukai shoes will stay in good shape and last longer, so you can keep wearing them for years to come.
FAQs
Can I use the washing machine to clean my Olukai shoes?
Even though it’s not a good idea, some Olukai shoes may be able to be cleaned in a washing machine. But you should always check the care directions that Olukai gives for your specific shoe model. If you can wash your shoes in a washing machine, use a gentle mode and put them in a laundry bag to protect them.
How do I get spots out of my Olukai shoes that just won’t come out?
To get rid of tough spots, make a paste by mixing baking soda and water in equal parts. Use a soft brush or cloth to rub the paste into the damaged area. After a few minutes, rinse it off with clean water. Spread cornstarch or talcum powder on spots like oil or grease, let it soak up the oil, and then brush it off before cleaning.
Can I clean my Olukai shoes with bleach?
Bleach shouldn’t be used on Olukai shoes because it can change color and damaged materials. Clean your shoes with mild soaps or cleaners that are made for the material they are made of.
How do I get smelly smells out of my Olukai shoes?
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch inside the shoes and let them sit overnight to get rid of smells. The powders will soak up both water and smell. Shake out the powder the next day, and your shoes should smell better. You can also use odor-neutralizing sprays made for shoes to keep them smelling fresh between wears.
Can I dry my Olukai shoes in the sun or near a source of heat?
No, you shouldn’t dry Olukai shoes in full sunlight or near sources of heat. If there is too much heat, the materials can twist, shrink, or change color. Instead, let them dry naturally at room temperature in a well-ventilated place.
What should I do to take care of my leather or fur Olukai shoes?
Yes, shoes made of leather or fur need special care. To get rid of dirt, use a soft brush, and to clean them, use a special cleaner or a light soap solution. Don’t soak the leather or suede, and always follow Olukai’s cleaning and seasoning suggestions for these materials.
Can I speed up the drying process by using a heater or dryer?
You shouldn’t use a heater or dryer on Olukai shoes to speed up the drying process. When things get too hot, they can break and change shape. When it comes to drying, patience is key. Let them air dry naturally to keep their shape.
How can I keep my Olukai shoes from getting dirty or broken?
You might want to use a spray that repels water and stains and is made for the material your shoes are made of. This will make a barrier against liquids and help keep spots from happening. Don’t forget to put on more protection from time to time, especially after cleaning.
Can I put the bottoms of my Olukai shoes in the washer to clean them?
It’s best not to put the insoles in the washing machine because they could get broken or lose their shape. Follow the steps in the cleaning guide for insoles, like washing them by hand with water and light soap and letting them dry naturally.
Do wet Olukai shoes need to be dried in a certain way?
If your Olukai shoes get wet, use a towel or paper towels to get rid of the extra water. Put crumpled newspaper in the shoes or use shoe trees to help them absorb wet and keep their shape. Let them dry on their own in a place with good airflow. Don’t use heat or direct sunlight on the materials because they can hurt them.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your Olukai shoes the right way is important for keeping their look, performance, and durability. By following the step-by-step instructions in this piece, you can clean the outside, the insoles, the laces, and (if necessary) the leather or suede uppers. With regular cleaning and care, your Olukai shoes will not only look their best, but they will also stay comfy and free of smells.
When choosing how and what to use to clean your shoes, make sure to follow Olukai’s specific instructions and think about the material and style of your shoes. If you put a little time and effort into cleaning your Olukai shoes, they will continue to look good and last for a long time.
