Are your Chacos starting to look a bit dirty? No worries! Getting them sparkling clean is easier than you think, but only if you follow our guide.
To clean Chacos, remove any debris first with your hands. Then, make a soap/detergent solution and wash your footwear gently. If you have non-leather Chacos, you can also machine wash them.
But the issue we’ve recorded is that if you do even one step wrong, you will make your Chacos more dirty.
So, stay tuned to learn step-by-step how to properly clean your Chacos and keep them adventure-ready!
How To Clean Chacos With Hands?
Most people prefer to clean Chacos with their hands. We understand their concern about washing them in a machine, so we’re now discussing each step you can do (with your fingers).
Step 1: Remove any Dirt
If you’re seeing any visible dirt or debris, then we suggest you clean it first. Simply wear gloves and shake your Chacos. If you still see dirt, use your fingers to get rid of it.
This step won’t 100 percent clean your sandals. In fact, it won’t even remove the foul odor.
But still, it’s an important one because it will make the rest of the steps easy.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Once you’ve done the first step, the next thing to do is to decide whether you want to use a bucket for cleaning or use your sink.
We recommend using a bucket because it is easier to handle.
First, do these steps:
- Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm or room-temperature water.
- Mix some detergent and then stir until suds appear.
- Put your Chacos sandals in the solution.
- Let them enjoy a good soaking. We recommend leaving the sandals for 10 to 15 minutes.
- After this, take out sandals and clean them with a bristle brush or sponge.
Note: Please pay extra attention to the crevices (which are along the straps). Dust usually accumulates there, so focus on these spots for a thorough cleaning.
Step 3: Clean the Webbing
In the next step, you will be focusing on the webbing. Luckily, cleaning it is quite straightforward. Here’s what we do:
- Start by wetting down the straps with a little bit of water. Some suggest that you should start with a commercial cleaner here, but we don’t think it’s necessary. A room temperature water will work.
- Once you moisten the straps, apply some fabric softener into the slot.
- From there, what you want to do is to pull the straps back and forth (this is why this step is often referred to as flossing). This “movement” will dislodge any debris that might be stuck in the channels.
Step 4: Clean Sandals Again With a Clean Water
When you finish cleaning the webbing, the next step is to rinse off the soap or fabric softener residues. For this, we recommend using clean water again.
The easiest way to do this step is the drain-refill strategy. It simply means you drain and refill the container with water. If you don’t want to do this, you can put the sandal directly under the faucet. Keep rinsing until the draining water becomes clear.
But we suggest you don’t put your Chacos under the faucet because chances are you will waste most of the water.
After rinsing the sandals, we also highly recommend air drying them. Simply put them in any shady area and let them get dry naturally. Many people make the mistake of using a hair dryer here, which is never a good idea. Using it can damage the sandals, which we don’t want to happen.
That’s it. After doing all these 4 steps, your Chacos will be fully clean and shiny!
How to Clean Chacos in a Washing Machine?
If you own non-leather Chacos, you can also clean them in a washing machine without any worries. All you will need is a bag and a mild detergent.
Step 1: Place them in a Laundry Bag
First things first, get a laundry bag and put your dirty Chacos in it. We don’t recommend you skip this step as it will keep you worry-free about them being thrown around.
Furthermore, this bag will keep the sandals together during the wash cycle.
But what if you don’t find any laundry bag? Don’t worry. You can also use a pillowcase. Even if you don’t have the pillowcases, then go for mesh bags. But they must be your last choice as there is a slight chance that they can tear off in the washing machine.
Step 2: Add Detergent
In the next step, you will add detergent. Remember that non-leather Chacos are made of synthetic materials. So, you will need a detergent that won’t damage this material.
Many make the mistake of using bleach or any chemical cleaner in this step. They are a big no-no! Both of them can cause scratches on the straps (which we don’t want to see).
According to our experience, a mild or active detergent will work the best.
Simply scoop it and add it to the machine (like you do when doing laundry).
Let us also tell you that you must set the machine to the “Delicate setting” in this step. Most people ignore this and end up ruining their sandals.
Step 3: Run the Machine
Lastly, start the machine and wait. Once it’s finished, take out the Chacos sandals and allow them to air dry. We suggest putting them in a well-ventilated room for quick drying.
Note: You should never put your Chacos in the dryer as the heat will damage them. In some cases, people have reported that the adhesive also melted in the dryer.
Just wait for Chacos to air dry completely before you wear them again.
It’s that easy to clean Chacos sandals with the “washing machine” method.
How to Clean Leather Chacos Sandals?
If your leather Chacos are dirty, then you have to be considerate. You can’t rinse them in any way you like. Cleaning them wrong can deteriorate the leather, and you will eventually have to buy a new pair.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Get a Leather Cleaner
You can’t soak your leather sandals, which is why we recommend getting a top-quality cleaner for this purpose. You can go to the store or search online to purchase it. Keep in mind to get the one that has more 5-star reviews (if you’re buying online).
Here’s a tip: Before you hit the “Buy” button, you should double-check whether it is good for leather shoes or not.
Step 2: Follow the Instructions
When you have a bottle of leather cleaner, the next thing to do is to read the instructions/guidelines printed on it. Everything will be mentioned there- from how to apply to precautions you should take.
We always recommend making sticky notes of these instructions, so that you don’t forget to follow any of them.
Step 3: Rub in Circular Motion
In most cases, you will have to take a soft cloth, dip it into the leather cleaner, and gently rub it in a circular motion. The reason we’re recommending circular movement is that you can cover all the surfaces easily by doing it. Remember to start with the upper and then carefully move to other parts of the sandal.
Important Point: When you’re doing this step, keep in mind that you should never use too much force. If you do, you will see scratches everywhere on the Chacos.
Step 4: Wipe the Cleaner Away
You can’t stop at step 3. You’ll need to remove the cleaner residues, or else they will discolor the leather.
Simply take a new cloth, dip it in clean water, and rub the sandal in a circular motion. Remember that the cloth must not be too damp. That’s why we suggest squeezing it a little before you start the rubbing.
In most cases, one cloth is usually not enough when doing this step. Therefore, always have another one next to you. Keep wiping the sandal until all the residues are removed.
Step 5: Apply a Leather Conditioner
This step is optional, but if you still do it, you will enjoy wearing Chacos for years. The reason is that a conditioner offers many benefits, such as:
- Moisturization: Leather is a natural material that can dry out over time. Leather conditioner helps to moisturize the leather, preventing it from becoming dry and brittle (which can lead to cracking).
- Enhance Appearance: Conditioners can help to restore and enhance the beauty of leather, giving it a richer color and a more appealing finish.
- Protection: Many leather conditioners contain ingredients that provide protection against water, stains, and other damaging elements.
- Flexibility Maintenance: Conditioning helps maintain the flexibility of leather, ensuring it remains comfortable to use.
- Odor Reduction: Conditioning can also help reduce or eliminate unwanted smells from the leather.
- Prevents Stiffening: Especially in colder climates, leather can become stiff. Conditioning helps keep it soft.
It’s also super easy to use leather conditioners.
- Pour/put some conditioner on a lint-free cloth.
- Rub the cloth in a circular motion on the Chacos.
- After this, buff the sandal with a new cloth.
When you’re finished, allow the Chacos to get dry. The reason is that they should not stay wet for too long (as moisture can deteriorate the leather).
That’s all about how to clean leather Chacos!
Other Methods To Clean Chacos: Our Suggestions
In addition to the above ways, there are two other methods you can use to clean your Chacos. If they suit you, then do them without worries.
Method #01: Baking Soda Deodorizing Method
If your Chacos stink and the footbed looks really dirty, then the baking soda method will work for you. It is a cost-effective solution and really easy to do. Also, soda is available in almost every home. If it’s also in your cabinet, you can take it out and start straight away.
Here’s what to do:
- Apply Baking Soda: Start by sprinkling baking soda on the footbed of your Chacos. You can also use a paper towel to rub it a little on the footbed (to ensure you cover all the surfaces).
- Leave Overnight: Let the baking soda sit overnight. This will not only clean the Chacos but also get rid of any foul odor.
- Brush Off: The next day, scrub off the soda with a soft brush.
- Wipe: After brushing, clean the sandals with a damp cloth.
Since this method takes more than one day, many don’t choose it. However, we recommend it to you, especially if the sandals have gotten really smelly.
Method #02: Freezing Method for Odor Removal
Another proven way to clean Chacos and remove the odor is the “Freezing method.” As the name suggests, you must have a fridge or a freezer to do this.
Just follow these simple steps:
- Freeze: Put your Chacos sandals in a plastic (or any) bag and place them in the freezer.
- Wait: Let the sandals stay in the freezer overnight. The cold will stop and kill odor-causing bacteria.
- Thaw and Dry: Take out the sandals the next day and place them in your room for some hours. Allow them to return to room temperature and dry out naturally.
- Wipe: Lastly, use a damp cloth to clean the Chacos sandals and let them air dry.
Just like the “baking soda method,” this one will also take two days. But it works every time and you will be able to keep your sandals ready for every occasion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning Chacos is pretty straightforward. For non-leather sandals, you can use a detergent solution, wipe the webbing, and then rinse to get rid of residues. You can also wash them in a washing machine but remember to use mild detergent here as well.
If you own a leather Chacos sandal, then you can’t do the soaking or follow the washing machine method. Get a leather cleaner, follow the instructions, and rub in a circular motion.
In addition, you can also try baking soda and the freezing methods.
Simply follow the steps we’ve discussed in this guide and your Chacos will shine!
