If you pay attention to fashion trends, you might have noticed that jelly sandals have somehow managed to make their way back into the fashion scene. This style of footwear is especially popular during the summer as most varieties are water-resistant, making them ideal for a day at the beach or by the pool. That said, just like with any other type of footwear, jelly sandals can get filthy after a couple of wears and consequently require cleaning. Read on to find out the cleaning techniques you can use for this type of sandal.
How to clean jelly sandals? There are a variety of cleaning techniques you can use for your jelly sandals.
- If they are covered in dust, simply blast them with a jet stream of water to clean them.
- On the other hand, if the problem is dried mud, you will need a more thorough technique such as scrubbing them with a sponge dipped in a dish soap solution or baking soda paste.
- Some jelly sandals may be machine washable, which means your work will be easier as all you have to do is set the machine on the gentlest setting and use a bit of detergent.
- A magic eraser is effective in getting rid of scuff marks on your jelly sandals – simply rub it on a stain gently but firmly. Once you clean the sandals, dry them by placing them in a warm, dry room, or leave them under a shade outside.
Jelly sandals are a design of footwear made of PVC plastic. After a couple of wears, dirt and grime will inevitably build-up, so you will want to clean them to keep them dirt- and bacteria-free. Here is how you can clean, dry, deodorize, and care for your jelly sandals without compromising their quality.
Cleaning techniques for your jelly sandals
Some of the common cleaning techniques suitable for jelly sandals include:
- Blast them with water – For instances when your jelly sandals are covered in dust, use a water hose to blast them with a jet stream of water, or hold them under a tap and run water over them. You can use a soft cloth or a sponge to wipe away the dust and speed up the cleaning process. This works because dirt is typically easily removable.
- Use dish soap – Dish soap is just as effective in cleaning your jelly sandals as it is on your dishes. For this cleaning technique, start by diluting standard dish soap with water to make a soapy solution. Using a sponge dipped in the solution, scrub the sandals thoroughly to remove the dirt, then use another clean one to wipe off the soap. If the dirt is ingrained in the sandal, soak the sandals in a bucket of soapy water and leave them for about an hour or two. Remove them after the time has elapsed and scrub the stained areas with a sponge. Rinse the sandals under cold water to wash away the grime and soap. If you are not satisfied with the results, repeat the cleaning process.
- The magic eraser technique – For this technique, you will need a box of magic erasers and paper towels. Start by wetting the magic eraser and squeezing out the excess water. Use the eraser to buff out the dirt on the dirty areas. As you are scrubbing, you might notice that the eraser starts to deteriorate – don’t worry, this is supposed to happen. Use a paper towel to dry the sandals and repeat the scrubbing process if necessary. A magic eraser is very effective at removing scuff marks, and with a little patience, you will end up with clean jelly sandals.
- A baking soda wash – Baking soda is a great cleaning agent because as a mild alkali, it can cause grease and dirt to dissolve in water. Additionally, it is slightly abrasive, which means that it has the grit to dislodge the particles of dirt stuck on your jelly sandals. To remove stains from your jelly sandals, combine a bit of water and baking soda to make a frothy paste and apply it on the affected areas using a slightly abrasive sponge or an old toothbrush. Scrub gently and rinse with cold water. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide to achieve the same results.
- Toss them in the washing machine – Although jelly sandals are generally less susceptible to damage when placed in the washing machine (because of the PVC plastic material), you will still want to take the necessary precautions to ensure that their construction is not compromised.
Before tossing them in the machine, remove visible scuff marks with a damp magic eraser sponge. Ensure that the washing machine is on gentle mode and opt to use cold water. Add a bit of detergent and avoid fabric softener as it can leave a residue that will easily attract dirt. Before placing the sandals in the machine, put them in a mesh bag that will keep them from tumbling around too much. Alternatively, you can toss in two large towels with the sandals to provide some cushioning. Allow the sandals to go through the rinse cycle before taking them out and rinsing them under cold water to get rid of excessive soap residue.
Although using the washing machine to clean your sandals is easy and convenient, use this technique only when necessary to reduce the risk of causing damage to your sandals.
Drying techniques
Here is how you can dry your sandals after cleaning them:
- Place them in a warm, dry room – This is a simple technique as all it requires is placing your sandals in a warm room where they can dry on their own. In case you are using a heater to warm the room, avoid putting the sandals too close to the device to avoid overheating them.
- Let them dry under a shade in the sun – On a sunny and bright day, you can choose to dry your jelly sandals by placing them under a shade outside. Keep them from direct sunlight to keep them from getting too hot.
- Use a towel – Another option is to wipe them down using a hand towel. Ensure that you reach all the corners of the sandal to dry them properly.
- Use scrunched-up sheets of newspaper – Newspaper is known for its ability to absorb moisture, so for this technique, ball up sheets of newspaper and stuff them in each sandal.
Deodorizing your jelly sandals
One downside of PVC plastic is its lack of breathability. As a result, when you wear your jelly sandals for extended periods, you might notice that they have an odor to them. Here are some tips on how you can deal with this problem.
- Use cat litter – Cat litter is known for absorptive properties, making it a great option for eliminating odor as it will absorb both odor and moisture. Put some cat litter in old socks and secure them with rubber bands before inserting them in the sandals. Let the cat litter sit overnight for it to work effectively.
- Baking soda – Other than being effective in getting rid of dirt, baking soda is also effective at removing odor. This is because it is a base, and since most stains have a high pH, it can neutralize them and consequently eliminate the smell. Pour a reasonable amount of baking soda in each sandal and let it sit for at least the whole night. On the next day, shake out the baking soda before putting on your sandals.
- Freeze them – Freezing your jelly sandals serves to eliminate odor-causing bacteria that thrive in the warm environment that you unknowingly create when you walk around in them on a hot day and end up sweating. To carry out this technique, put your sandals in a sealable bag and place it in the freezer, leaving it there until they freeze. When you take them out, allow them to thaw before attempting to put them on.
- Stuff them with fabric freshener sheets – Fabric freshener sheets have a pleasant smell, making them a great option for when you have issues with odor. Ball up several of them and stuff them in your jelly sandals whenever you take them off, leaving them there until you need to put them on again.
Caring for your jelly sandals
- Keep your feet clean – Keeping your feet clean will prevent them from staining the footbed of your sandals and consequently make it easier for you to clean them.
- Rotate your sandals – Jelly sandals are not particularly durable especially if you wear them daily. Opt to rotate them with another style of footwear not only to keep them clean for longer but also to ensure that they serve you well.
- Clean them regularly – Clean your sandals as often as possible to ensure that they maintain their quality.
Final thoughts
Jelly sandals can pick up stains quite easily, but luckily there are several cleaning techniques that you can take advantage of. Knowing how to clean, dry, and care for your jelly sandals will ensure that they stay fresh and keep looking good for much longer.