We all want to look our best in the summer, which is why making sure your flip flops are in top condition should be a priority. But if you don’t know how to clean them properly, you can easily ruin them – or worse, put yourself at risk of infection. That’s why we’re here to help you discover the easiest and safest way to keep your flip flops looking and feeling fabulous! Follow our step-by-step guide below to get the job done right.
What You’ll Need
Making sure your flip flops stay clean and hygienic is essential, and with the right tools you will be able to ensure the job is done effectively. For this job, you will need: a soft brush, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth. If your flip flops are extra dirty, you may want to include a white vinegar solution as well – which we’ll discuss further in ‘Tips for Keeping Your Flip Flops Clean’.
It is important to use a mild detergent when cleaning your flip flops, as harsh chemicals can damage the material. Additionally, you should avoid using a scrub brush or any other abrasive tool, as this can also damage the material. Instead, use a soft brush to gently remove dirt and debris. Finally, make sure to rinse your flip flops thoroughly after cleaning to ensure all of the detergent is removed.
Step 1: Prepare the Flip Flops
The first step when it comes to cleaning your flip flops is to prepare them. Remove any surface dirt and debris by brushing the straps and soles with a soft brush – and if necessary, a mild detergent. Don’t use anything too harsh as this can damage the fabric or material of your flip flops.
Once you have removed any surface dirt, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down the straps and soles of the flip flops. Make sure to use a gentle cleaning solution to avoid damaging the material. Allow the flip flops to air dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Clean the Straps
You should always start with the straps of your flip flops as even if you don’t think they’re visibly dirty, bacteria can still exist here. Make sure you’re careful as some straps are more delicate than others. For fabric straps, use a mild detergent with a damp cloth to gently remove any dirt or stains. For leather or vinyl straps, use a soft cloth and a small amount of water or just a mild detergent to wipe away any dirt.
Step 3: Clean the Footbed
The footbed of your flip flops is where dirt, grime and sweat accumulate over time, which is why it’s important to clean this section too. To do this properly, you’ll need to fill a bowl or bucket with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Dunk the footbed into the mixture and leave it to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing it gently with a soft brush.
Step 4: Clean the Outsole
For the outsole of your flip flops, you should use a different cleaning method. Fill a bowl or bucket with hot water and add a small amount of detergent. Dip the outsole into the water and scrub it with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and grime. If your flip flops have textured soles, you may need to use a toothbrush or an old washcloth to get into hard-to-reach areas.
Step 5: Dry the Flip Flops
Once you have finished cleaning your flip flops, it’s time to dry them off. Make sure you blot them gently with a soft cloth, as opposed to rubbing – this will prevent damage as well as increase their lifespan. Don’t put them on direct heat – instead, leave them in a cool, dry place so they can air-dry naturally. The sun can also be helpful here – just make sure not to leave the flip flops in direct sunlight for extended periods of time as this can damage them.
Tips for Keeping Your Flip Flops Clean
Here are some top tips for making sure your flip flops stay looking clean and fresh:
- Wipe off any excess dirt from the straps and soles every few days.
- If necessary, use a white vinegar solution when cleaning as this can help remove stubborn stains.
- Give your flip flops an occasional deeper clean using warm water and mild detergent.
- Don’t wear your flip flops in wet or wet grassy areas.
- If you wear them often, consider getting multiple pairs so you can rotate them.
Conclusion
Keeping your flip flops clean is important both for hygiene and appearance reasons. With our step-by-step guide above and the tips we’ve given, you’ll be sure to have your favorite pair of flip flops looking as good as new in no time! And if you follow these steps regularly, you’ll be able to ensure your flip-flops last for many more seasons to come.
