How To Clean Sandal Footbeds To Be Spotless

While keeping the outside of your sandals looking fresh is always a top priority, the insides often get neglected. Although others can’t see the insides of your shoes, it’s really important that you clean them regularly, twice a month at least. Even footbeds made of naturally non-absorbent materials, like cork, will eventually start to build up a layer of dirt and bacteria from regular wear. Not only will your shoes smell fresh, but your feet will too!


You can’t just throw your leather or cork sandals into the wash, so how do you go about safely cleaning them? This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to clean the footbeds of your sandals and create a healthy environment for your feet.

Taos Trulie Sandals

How to Clean Sandals Footbed in 10 Steps

To start with, gather the supplies you will need to clean the footbeds of your sandals. Here are some commonly used cleaning materials: 

Brush

Toothbrush 

Soft Cotton Cloth 

Water

Mild Dish Soap

Taos Footwear Refresher

Step 1: Create Cleaning Mixture

You can create a cleaning mixture out of a lot of household products, the simplest of which is a few drops of mild dish soap mixed into warm water. You can also use vinegar, baking soda, or a professional cleaning kit to clean your footbeds.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sandals

Set your shoes on a dry surface with newspapers beneath them to avoid dripping on anything. If your sandals are like Newlie, with straps that buckle or velcro, open them to their widest point to make cleaning the inside easier.

Taos Newlie Sandals

Step 3: Knock Off Obvious Dirt

If there is any obvious dirt holding onto the footbed, then go ahead and gently knock this off before adding the cleaning solution. You can use a dry brush to do this, or a towel.

Step 4: Dampen Your Brush

Go ahead and dip your brush into the mixture as you prepare to clean the footbeds of your sandals.

Step 5: Lather, Rinse, Repeat

Moving in a circular motion, create a lather on your footbed. Make sure you scrub every inch of the footbed thoroughly. Every so often, rinse your brush and dip it back into the clean soap mixture. You can use a toothbrush to get into the corners of the footbed.

Step 6: Wipe Clean

Wet the cotton cloth and use it to cleanse the sandal of any soap. You should never immerse your sandals completely in water as this can ruin them.

Step 7: Air Dry

Once your sandals seem clean and fresh, set them out to dry for 24 hours at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight.

Step 8: Brush

Once your footbeds are 100% dry, use a leather brush to brush out any lingering impurities.

Step 9: Wear Your Clean Sandals

Your footbeds should now be as good as new and ready to wear!

Step 10: Touch Ups

In between full cleans, give your footbeds a spritz with Taos’ Footwear Refresher. This eco-friendly spray can be used after every wear to keep your sandals clean and fresh for longer.

Why Women Love Taos Footbed Sandals

In addition to gorgeous styles and high-quality materials, our sandals have specially designed footbeds that protect your feet more than your average pair of shoes. Whether you prefer cork sandals or active sandals with microfiber footbeds, you’ll love stepping out in Taos this summer. For styling ideas for your sandals, read this quick guide. Wherever you’re headed, be sure you give your sandals a quick clean after each wear to extend their lifespan and keep your feet healthy.