How to Clean Fabric Sandals: Straps and Footbeds

Start with a dry brush

The short answer: brush off the loose dirt, spot clean the straps, wipe the footbed, and air dry completely. Here is how to do each step without soaking the sandal.

Begin with the driest step. Use a soft-bristled brush, a dry cloth, or your fingertip to loosen and lift loose dirt and dust from the straps and the footbed. Working across the surface and into the weave removes the bulk of the grime before any water gets involved. Focus on the areas that touch the ground or the skin, and clean in one direction along the weave so the fabric settles back into place. This first pass matters because wet cleaning pushes surface grit deeper into the textile if the loose material is still there. Keeping sandals clean is part of basic foot hygiene; the American Podiatric Medical Association emphasizes foot health awareness as a foundation of overall health, and orthopaedic patient education such as OrthoInfo covers foot and ankle conditions when issues develop. Regular cleaning also helps you notice wear early, such as loose stitching or a worn footbed, before they turn into bigger problems.

Spot clean the straps without soaking

The straps are usually the first part to show dirt because they sit against the skin and pick up sunscreen, body oils and everyday dust. Mix a small amount of mild soap, such as a gentle hand or dish soap, into a bowl of lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth or a small brush into the solution and work it into the stained or soiled areas of the straps in small circles. Rinse the cloth in clean water, wipe away the soap, and pat the straps dry with a towel.

Avoid submerging the whole sandal or running it under a faucet. Soaking fabric straps can push dirt deeper, make the dye run, and leave the straps stiff or stretched when they dry. Spot cleaning keeps the water where it is needed, which is also the safest approach for straps that are glued or stitched to the sole. If a strap has a buckle or slider, wipe the hardware with a dry or slightly damp cloth and dry the crevices so moisture does not linger. For a deeper look at strap care, see our guide to sandal strap cleaning.

For especially stubborn spots, let the soapy solution sit for a minute or two before scrubbing gently. This gives the soap time to break down oils and sunscreen without you having to rub hard. Always test a small, hidden area of the strap first to make sure the color does not lift.

• Use a soft cloth or a small brush for the soapy water.
• Work in small circles to lift the dirt without rubbing the fabric hard.
• Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.
• Pat dry with a towel, then let the straps air dry completely.

Clean the footbed without soaking

The footbed touches your foot all day, so it collects sweat, oil and odor more than any other surface. Fabric footbeds usually sit over a foam or cork core, and that core is the reason to keep the cleaning shallow. If the padding soaks through, it can sag, the fabric can separate from the core, and trapped moisture can feed odor. Keeping the water on the surface protects the structure of the sandal.

Use the same mild soap solution with a soft cloth or brush. Scrub the surface in small circles, pay extra attention to the spot under the ball of the foot and the heel, then wipe away the soap with a clean damp cloth. If the footbed has a textured or contoured surface, use a soft toothbrush to reach the low spots. Let the surface dry before you wear the sandals again. If odor lingers after cleaning, a separate routine works well alongside it; our guide to odor control in shoes covers the options, and you can also freshen the sandal footbed directly. Some footbeds are removable, which makes deep cleaning easier; if yours come out, clean the footbed separately and let it dry fully before putting it back.

Air dry at room temperature

Air drying is the most important step after any wet cleaning. Set the sandals in a well-ventilated spot at room temperature and let them dry completely before wearing. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, radiators or a dryer, because strong heat can warp a molded footbed, shrink textile straps or crack the sole. Drying slowly helps the fabric and the padding keep their original shape.

Padded straps and footbeds hold moisture longer, so give those areas extra time. If the sandals get wet from rain or a spill, follow the same drying rule: let them dry naturally, and avoid forcing the process. For general guidance on drying footwear, see our article on drying wet shoes properly.

Once the outer fabric feels dry, press your thumb into the footbed to see if moisture still rises to the surface. If it does, give the sandals another few hours or overnight. Storing damp sandals in a closet or shoe bag encourages mildew, so wait until they are completely dry. A gentle shake before drying helps the fabric lift away from the foam and allows air to circulate around every part.

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Questions

Can I put fabric sandals in the washing machine?

Most fabric sandals should not go in a washing machine. The tumbling and spin cycle can stretch the straps, distort the footbed, and loosen the glue that holds the sole. Hand cleaning with a mild soap and water keeps the sandal intact and is the safer method.

How do I get odor out of fabric sandals?

After cleaning and drying the footbed, you can sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface and let it sit overnight, then brush it off. For persistent odor, look for a shoe deodorizer or a spray designed for fabric. Keeping the sandals dry between wears is the best prevention.

What should I do if the dye runs when I clean the straps?

If you see color transferring to your cloth, stop scrubbing and blot the area with a dry towel. Some fabric straps are not colorfast, and excessive water can make the dye bleed. Blot with a damp cloth using minimal water, and let the straps dry completely before wearing.

How often should I clean fabric sandals?

It depends on how often you wear them and how much you sweat. A quick dry brush after each wear helps remove dust and prevents buildup. If you wear them daily, a spot clean every one to two weeks keeps them fresh. Always let them dry fully between wears to avoid odor.