In the scorching summer, sandals have become our essential footwear. However, the cleaning and maintenance of sandals are equally important; it's not just a matter of rinsing them with water. Next, let's explore some tips for cleaning and maintaining various types of sandals.
1. Plastic sandals: Plastic sandals, often worn on rainy days, can easily get dirty. In this case, take an old soft-bristled toothbrush, dip it in a little dish soap, and gently scrub, but be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid damaging the shoe surface.
2. Fabric sandals: Although made of fabric, they should not be washed directly with water. If there are slight oil stains, you can use dish or fruit cleaner to clean them, and then wipe with a damp cloth that has been wrung out.
If the fabric shows bubbling or layering after cleaning, you can use an iron set to about 80°C, cover it with a white cloth, and iron for 5 to 10 seconds to restore it to its original state. However, after restoration, please wait at least 1 hour before wearing to ensure the glue is fully cured.
3. Leather sandals: Leather sandals should avoid direct washing with water to prevent damage to the leather. It is recommended to use a professional leather shoe care glove, first using the cleaning side to remove surface dust and stains, then gently wipe with the nourishing side to allow the leather to fully absorb nutrients. Finally, use the polishing side of the glove to wipe, enhancing the shine and texture of the leather.
4. Suede/Deerskin/Suede sandals: Think twice before choosing this type of sandal, as they are not suitable for wearing on rainy days. If they get dirty, first use a shoe brush to gently remove surface dust, then use a rubber eraser or a special suede eraser, applying moderate pressure and rubbing in the same direction to effectively remove dirt and reduce damage. Additionally, there are specialized suede cleaning agents available on the market.
5. Satin sandals: Satin sandals are extremely delicate and should not be treated in any way; be very careful when wearing them. If treatment is necessary, you can try using a rubber eraser, but be careful to clean up any debris. Avoid using a brush; instead, use a lint roller to pick up debris using its static principle. Also, satin sandals should not be dried in direct sunlight to avoid fading.
6. Sequin sandals: Once sequin sandals get wet, the sequins can easily fall off. Therefore, when cleaning, use a clean small towel, dampened with a little water and fabric cleaner, to gently wipe the stained areas. Be careful not to use cotton items to avoid leaving lint; a polyester cloth can be used for gentle wiping. Avoid using too much moisture to prevent damage.
7. Canvas sandals: When cleaning canvas sandals, avoid using laundry detergent and soap, as the former may cause fading and the latter may yellow the shoe surface. The correct method is to use a toothbrush dipped in toothpaste for gentle scrubbing while removing dirt. After cleaning, use a paper towel dampened with clean water to press and clean the washed areas. Finally, place the shoes in a cool place to air dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight that may cause fading. For white canvas shoes, you can cover the shoe surface with a layer of paper towel while drying to keep the surface pristine.
8. Mesh and net sandals: These sandals can be considered 'noble shoes'; besides gentle wiping, extra care is needed when wearing them.
9. Rope-soled sandals: Rope soles easily collect dust but should not be washed with water to avoid affecting their appearance. It is recommended to use the cool setting of a household hairdryer to blow away dust from the rope sole, then gently brush with a soft small brush to restore cleanliness.
10. Grass mat sandals: When cleaning, you can use a clean cloth soaked in water and wrung out to wipe the dust off the grass mat sole, then let it dry.
In addition, cleaned sandals should be placed in a cool, ventilated area to dry. If the drying environment has some sunlight, you can completely wet a paper towel and cover it on the shoe surface while drying, which can effectively prevent the shoes from yellowing.