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 sandals, it’s 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, leaving toe & heel marks. 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 safely clean 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.

You can create a cleaning mixture using ingredients you already have in your house, 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.

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

Dip your brush into the mixture as you prepare to clean the footbeds of your sandals.

Starting with one sandal, lather on the cleaning solution by moving the brush in a circular motion. 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 to avoid spreading more dirt around. You can also use a toothbrush to get into the corners of the footbed.

Wet the cotton cloth and use it to cleanse the sandal of any soap. Don’t immerse your sandals completely in water as this can ruin them.

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

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

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

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.

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.