Although they are informal and comfortable, slide shoes may get soiled. This article is for you if you want to know how to get them clean again.
We’ll walk you through the process of properly cleaning your slide shoes in this article. It doesn’t take a lot of time or expensive equipment to complete. Basic items from around your house will function.
From cleaning out any loose dirt to thoroughly drying them, we will walk you through every step. You will discover how to maintain the straps and footbeds of your slide shoes, among other components. We will also provide you with some optional advice, such as how to eliminate unpleasant smells.
You may restore the attractive appearance and pleasant scent of your slide shoes by using this instruction. They will last longer and remain comfy for your feet with regular washing. Now let’s embark on the path to more hygienic slide shoes!
Steps to Clean Your Slide Shoes
Maintaining the appearance and scent of your slide shoes may be achieved with ease by doing a quick cleaning. Although they look fantastic for casual use, slides can become soiled over time. Take these simple ways to clean your slide shoes:
What is Required
- Slide shoes
- Mild detergent or soap
- Soft brush or cloth
- Water
- Towel
- Toothbrush (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Odor spray (optional)
Step 1: Take Out any Loose Dirt
The first step in cleaning your slide shoes is to remove any loose dirt or debris. Completing this step is simple. Holding your slide shoes in your hands is the first step. Next, give the shoes a little tap or a shake. This aids in removing any possible dirt from the shoes. Make sure you do this action on a surface that may collect the dropping dirt, such as the ground outside or a piece of newspaper. You won’t track additional dirt inside your house by doing this.
You may use your hands to remove large amounts of dirt from the shoes, or you can use a soft brush or cloth to wipe away any loose dirt. This is crucial since cleaning might become more difficult and ineffective if you begin with the dirt remaining on the shoes. Therefore, start by removing any loose items.
Step 2: Get a Soapy Solution Ready
After removing any loose debris, it’s time to clean your slide shoes using a soapy solution. For this stage, you’ll need some soap or mild detergent. Mild refers to not being very forceful and not damaging your shoes.
Locate a small basin or container to produce the soapy solution. Fill the container halfway full with the mild detergent or soap. Next, add just enough water to the container to create a soapy mixture—don’t add too much. Mix the water and detergent gently until you have soapy water. It might be difficult to clean the shoes if there are too many soap bubbles, so take care not to use too much detergent.
Step 3: Wipe the Straps
You may begin washing your slide shoes after you have your soapy solution ready. Start by concentrating on the straps. The portion of the straps that cover your feet is prone to filth as they come into touch with your flesh. After creating the soapy solution in the previous step, dip your soft brush or cloth into it.
Ensure that the brush or cloth is somewhat damp, but not soggy, with soapy water. Next, give your slide shoes’ straps a light cleaning. Take special notice to any stains or unclean areas. It’s essential to clean gently since rough scrubs might harm the fabric straps on your slide shoes, particularly if they have them.
Step 4: Make the Footbed Clean
It’s time to clean your slide shoes’ footbed after washing the straps. The area where your feet rest is called the footbed, and it can gradually accumulate filth. You may clean your footbed with the same soapy solution you prepared before if it’s made of plastic or rubber.
Dip your delicate brush or cloth into the water that has been scented with soap. As previously, make sure it’s somewhat damp but not drenched. Now, give the footbed a little scrape to get rid of any residue or grime. If the stains are really bad, you may scrub a little bit more vigorously with an old toothbrush, but be cautious not to harm the fabric.
Step 5: Give it a Good Rinse
It’s time to rinse your slide shoes with soapy water to get rid of any last bits of dirt and soap residue after you’ve done cleaning the straps and footbeds. To make sure there is no soap residue left on your shoes, rinsing is an essential step.
After cleaning, place your slide shoes under the flowing water. Let the water run over the shoes and assist in removing the soap with your hands. Make sure you give them a thorough rinse and make sure there isn’t any soap residue left on the footbed or straps. It’s critical to completely clean your shoes since any soap residue may adhere to them and draw in more dirt later.
Step 6: Dry Your Slide Shoes
After washing and rinsing your slide shoes, it’s time to let them air dry. Place your shoes on a fresh towel to accomplish this. To remove any extra water, gently pat the shoes with paper towels or another towel. Avoid rubbing the material too hard as this might cause harm or cause it to lose its form.
It’s important to keep your shoes out of the sun and other heat sources to prevent material deterioration or discoloration. Rather, allow them to naturally air dry in a dry, cold environment. Please be patient as this may take some time. Prior to putting the shoes back on, make sure they are totally dry.
Step 7: (Optional) Odor Removal
Present are a few more things you can do if the smell of your slide shoes is still present. Putting a tiny bit of baking soda into your shoes is one way. Odors are absorbed by baking soda. Shake off any extra baking soda in the morning after leaving the baking soda in the shoes all night. Your sliding shoes will look better after doing this.
Using a shoe-specific odor spray is an additional choice. To apply it to your shoes, just follow the directions on the container. These sprays are designed specifically to eliminate smells and improve the scent of your shoes.
Your slide shoes should be clean, new, and prepared for your next excursion if you follow these instructions. Your favorite shoes will last longer and continue to smell and look their best with regular cleaning and care.
Other Ways to Clean Your Slide Shoes
In the event that you are without access to soap and water, consider the following substitute techniques for cleaning slide shoes:
Applying Wipes
If you don’t have access to soap and water, using baby wipes is a good substitute for washing your slide shoes. Baby wipes are a handy solution for fast cleaning because they are widely accessible and lightweight. All you need to do is grab some baby wipes and give your slide shoes’ footbed and straps a quick clean.
In addition to helping to eliminate dirt and grime, baby wipes’ mild cleaning ingredients also leave a fresh aroma behind. When typical cleaning products are unavailable or you need a fast cleaning while on the road, this approach works great.
Utilizing Water and Vinegar
You can clean your slide shoes successfully using vinegar, a natural cleaning solution. In a container, combine equal parts white vinegar and water to make this solution. Vinegar’s acidic qualities aid in dissolving smells and stains. Use this combination to dampen a cloth or sponge, then gently wash and clean the shoe’s footbed and straps.
After washing, it’s critical to give the shoes a good water rinse to get rid of any remaining vinegar odor. This technique works especially well for getting rid of stains and smells from your slide shoes without using harsh cleaning agents.
Freezing
Freezing your slide shoes might be an unusual but useful way to address the problem if they have developed an odor. You may utilize this procedure by freezing your slide shoes overnight in a plastic bag. The chilly temperature will aid in eliminating any fungus and germs that may have developed in your shoes and cause odor.
Remember that this approach doesn’t clean up dirt or stains—rather, it only addresses odor. You might wish to use this procedure in conjunction with one of the other stated cleaning techniques for a thorough cleaning.
The Magic Eraser’s Use
A multipurpose cleaning tool called a magic eraser can help get rid of stains and scuffs on slide shoes. Even while magic erasers work well, you should use caution when using them since they can be abrasive and damage your shoes’ polish or color. To make sure there are no unforeseen consequences, it is best to test this procedure on a tiny, discrete section of your slide shoes before moving further.
If the test is successful, you may dampen the magic eraser and give the stained or marked areas a little scrape. By addressing particular flaws, this procedure may be quite helpful for reviving the appearance of your slide shoes.
Kits For Shoe Cleaning
Consider purchasing a specialist shoe cleaning kit for a thorough and expert method of cleaning your slide shoes. Typically, these packages include with brushes and cleaning solutions made especially for various types of shoes. They provide a one-stop shop for efficiently maintaining, cleaning, and freshening your slide shoes.
If you want to make sure your shoes are thoroughly cleaned without having to worry about doing damage to them, shoe cleaning kits are a practical option and are commonly accessible.
It’s important to select the cleaning technique that is appropriate for both the amount of filth or stains and the material of your slide shoes. Your sliding shoes will continue to feel and look fantastic with regular maintenance.
FAQs
Can my sliding shoes be cleaned in a washing machine?
It is typically not advised to clean slide shoes in a washing machine. A washing machine’s agitating motion may be rather harsh on the delicate components included in many slide shoes. The detergent and high-speed spin cycle of the machine might harm the materials and jeopardize the shoes’ structural integrity. It’s best to clean them by hand instead as it gives you more control over the cleaning procedure. By doing this, you can be sure that your slide shoes will stay in good shape, last longer, and look great.
Can water be used to clean leather slide shoes?
Water may be used to clean leather slide shoes, but caution must be used when doing so. Since leather is a natural material, it can get damaged by too much moisture. Wet a soft cloth, making sure it isn’t dripping wet, then gently wipe down leather slide shoes to clean them. Do not submerge them. Allow the shoes to air dry at room temperature after cleaning. For optimal results, it’s a good idea to adhere to any special cleaning recommendations that the manufacturer may have supplied for your leather slide shoes.
Can I clean my slide shoes with bleach to get rid of stains?
Using bleach to get rid of stains on your slide shoes is not advised. Strong chemicals like bleach have the potential to discolor and harm the materials in your shoes. Bleach is a high-risk procedure that might cause permanent damage to your shoes’ structure and look. Instead, use gentler cleaning agents to remove stains without damaging the structure of your slide shoes, including a solution of soap and water or specialty shoe cleaners.
Can suede slide shoes be cleaned with water?
It might be dangerous to use water to clean suede slide shoes as it can damage the suede’s texture and color. Suede is extremely moisture-sensitive. It is preferable to use a suede brush or eraser made specifically for this reason while cleaning suede slide shoes. With the help of these instruments, you may delicately remove stains and debris from suede without endangering its delicate surface. After washing, using a suede protection spray can help keep the shoes looking nice and stain-resistant in the future.
If my slide shoes include decorations like sequins, can I clean them?
Extra caution must be used while cleaning slide shoes with sequins or other decorations. Even though these shoes may be cleaned, it’s imperative to do it carefully to protect the embellishments. To clean the parts of the shoes without embellishments, use a gentle brush or cloth dipped in a light detergent solution. Take care not to clean the decorations directly as this may lead to them coming loose or falling off. Rather, accommodate them to preserve the overall style of your slide shoes.
After every usage, should I clean my slide shoes?
Although it’s not required, cleaning your slide shoes after each usage is a nice habit to get into. Even while you don’t have to give them a full cleaning every time, spending a few minutes wiping them down and clearing away any loose debris will help maintain their hygiene and beauty. Keeping your slide shoes clean will keep dirt from accumulating over time and help them last longer. Also, putting on clean shoes guarantees that they always feel and look their best. It’s also more enjoyable.
Should I use the sun to dry my slide shoes?
In general, drying your slide shoes in the sun is not advised. Various shoe materials can be negatively impacted by sunlight, which can eventually cause them to fade and become brittle. In addition to causing discoloration, direct sunlight exposure may also have an adverse effect on the glue holding the shoes together. Slide shoes should be well dried in a well-ventilated, shaded environment. Their integrity and attractiveness will last longer if you let them air dry naturally.
Is it possible to use a hairdryer to hasten the drying process?
Although using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process is feasible, it should be done carefully. Avoid overheating your shoes by using a low, cold setting on the hairdryer. This will help protect fragile or synthetic fabrics from being harmed. To avoid any negative consequences, keep the hairdryer and the shoes a safe distance apart. Though it may take a little longer, air drying at room temperature is frequently the safest way to preserve your slide shoes.
Do I need to keep my sliding shoes in a box or shoe rack?
It’s a good idea to store your sliding shoes on a shoe rack or box to keep them neat, tidy, and safe. Your shoes won’t gather dust and filth if you keep them off the ground using a shoe rack. In order to prevent moisture from getting into the shoes, make sure they are dry and clean before storing them in a box. Your slide shoes will remain in good condition the next time you use them if you store them properly, which will help preserve their appearance and form.
Can fabric softener be used on fabric-strap slide shoes without risk?
It is usually not advised to use fabric softener on fabric-strap slide shoes. The residue that fabric softeners may leave on the straps may gather dirt and give the straps a sticky feel. Instead, when washing cloth straps, use a mild detergent and water solution. This will guarantee that there are no unpleasant residues left behind and that your slide shoes stay clean and comfy. It’s possible that fabric softener is more suited for laundry than for maintaining your slide shoes.
Final Words
I hope you found this instruction useful for cleaning slide shoes. You may give your slide shoes a clean, new look by doing these easy steps. Recall that you don’t need any specialized tools, and the task isn’t difficult. Your shoes will appreciate the extra time and attention. Maintaining them will keep them cozy and in good condition. Thus, enjoy using your slide shoes for a very long period and keep them clean.
