When the insoles of your cork sandals start looking a bit worn down or you see signs of dirt accumulating, there are two mixtures you can use to get them squeaky clean. The first is a paste mixture of two tablespoons of water with one tablespoon of baking soda. This is also a great solution if you’re wondering how to clean white shoes. If you don’t have baking soda, you can create a solution using ½ liter of warm water, five drops of non-toxic detergent, and ½ cup of white vinegar.  

Dip a toothbrush into either mixture until it is coated, but not dripping. You don’t want your cork sandals to get too wet during this cleaning process. Use gentle circular motions all over the sandal to cleanse away the particles of dirt that have accumulated. Don’t press too hard while you are scrubbing or you might damage the cork.

Once you are done scrubbing, wipe away any residue of the solution with a slightly moist washcloth and set your sandals out to dry for 24 hours. Don’t leave them in direct sunlight as they can be damaged by the intensity of the heat. Rather, find a shady spot outside or let them dry inside your house.

If, after cleaning, your cork sandals still carry a faint odor, try this simple hack! It sounds crazy, but putting your cork shoes in the freezer can stop the odor coming from your shoes as it kills lingering bacteria. Place your shoes in a sealed plastic bag and leave them for up to two days in the freezer.

Once your cork sandals have been cleaned and deodorized, we recommend applying cork sealant. This will help protect the cork from dirt, water, and odors and ultimately make them last longer. Reapply the sealant every time you clean your cork sandals.

All-natural and sustainable cork is a dreamy material for women’s shoes. It is elastic and flexible, creating the perfect support system so your arches never get tired. Like a natural memory foam, it molds to the exact shape of your foot so that you are supported while walking. By forming to your foot, it also provides more stability and ankle support than most sandals, plus it helps with bunion prevention.

Our collection of cork sandals includes both timeless styles, like Lexie, as well as shoes that are a twist on current trends, like our Tremendous chunky slides. If you are looking for more ankle support, cork sandals with thick straps around the ankle, like Trulie are your best bet. If you haven’t yet experienced the comfort of cork shoes, you are in for a treat!