How to Clean Teva Sandals? 5 Easy Steps To Do

If you’re wondering how to clean Teva sandals, then note that it’s super simple. First, remove dirt, then scrub with mild soap, deodorize the shoes, rinse well, and air dry in shade. This keeps them clean, odor-free, and comfortable for longer.

People often ask, "Can they wash Teva sandals in a washing machine?" Some also inquire about whether they can use vinegar and baking soda. Here, you’ll get all the answers with step-by-step info so you know how to wash your Tevas correctly.

Continue reading!

Key Takeaways

• Always brush off dry dirt before washing your Teva sandals.

• Use mild soap and lukewarm water for safe cleaning.

• Scrub straps and footbed gently in small circles.

• Baking soda paste removes light stains, while vinegar spray works best for strong odors.

• Always air dry in shade — never use heat.

How to Clean Teva Sandals? 5 Steps to Do

To clean Teva sandals, start by removing loose dirt with a soft brush. Make a gentle soap and water mix, then scrub the footbed and straps. Use baking soda paste or vinegar spray to deodorize. Rinse until the water runs clear and let them air dry in the shade.

Step 1: Dry brush first

Before you think about soap or water, it’s best to get rid of any loose dirt. An old toothbrush works well for this. Use short, light strokes so you don’t push grit deeper into the material. This quick step is often skipped, but it makes the rest of the cleaning much easier.

When we clean ours, we always brush outside to avoid spreading sand in the house. We hold the sandals over a bin or on the porch and tap them gently to loosen the stubborn grains. You’d be surprised how much dirt can hide in the grooves of the footbed.

Step 2: Make a gentle wash

The safest cleaner for Teva sandals is mild dish soap. Harsh cleaners can strip materials or damage adhesives. Mix one teaspoon of soap in one cup of lukewarm water, and then dip your brush in the mix. Work in small circles over the footbed.

When we do this, we pay extra attention to strap bases and toe marks. These spots collect grime faster than the rest. The circular scrubbing motion lifts dirt without tearing at the foam. If your sandals have deeper grooves, you might need a few passes to get them clean.

Step 3: Clean the straps

The straps need as much attention as the footbed. Use the same soapy water from the footbed cleaning. Wipe the straps from end to end, making sure to get into every fold. When we clean ours, we pinch the strap between our fingers and pull along the length. This pulls dirt out of the fibers without fraying them.

If you see darker spots, work on them a little longer with the brush.

We’ve noticed that well-cleaned straps feel less abrasive on the foot. Neglect them and you’ll notice chafing when walking.

Step 4: Deodorize the footbed

Even after scrubbing, odors can linger. That’s when deodorizing helps. The baking soda paste method works well: mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water. Spread it over the footbed, wait 15 minutes, scrub lightly, then rinse. Baking soda neutralizes smells without damaging the foam.

The vinegar spray is our go-to for strong odors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Mist the footbed lightly, wait five minutes, then rinse. Vinegar kills odor-causing bacteria and leaves no soapy residue.

From our experience, baking soda works better for mild smells, while vinegar is best for heavy odors. We keep both methods handy so we can choose based on the problem.

Step 5: Rinse very well and dry the right way

In the last step, hold the sandals under running water until it flows completely clear. Soap or cleaning residue left behind can cause odors later. Check the footbed and straps closely before stopping.

When we dry ours, we start by blotting with a towel to remove extra water. Then we stuff paper towels under the straps. This pulls moisture out from spots that take longer to dry. Finally, we place them in a shaded, airy spot. Direct sun or heaters can warp the footbed or make the straps brittle.

How to Clean Teva Sandals in a Washing Machine?

Teva sandals can go in a washing machine, but only if done carefully. Machine washing is not the gentlest method, so it’s best for heavily soiled pairs when hand cleaning is not enough. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and mild detergent to protect the straps and footbed.

Here are the steps to clean Teva sandals in a washing machine:

1. Remove any loose dirt first with a soft brush or toothbrush. This stops grit from scratching during the wash.

2. Place the sandals in a mesh laundry bag. This keeps straps from getting caught or tangled.

3. Set the machine to a cold, gentle cycle with no spin or a very light spin.

4. Add a small amount of mild detergent — just enough to clean without leaving residue.

5. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, as they can weaken materials.

6. Once done, take sandals out immediately and rinse under clean water to remove any leftover soap.

7. Air dry in the shade with good airflow. Never use dryers, heaters, or leave them in a hot car.

How to Clean Teva Sandals with Vinegar

Vinegar is great for removing strong odors and killing bacteria in Teva sandals. It’s natural, safe for most materials, and leaves no soap residue.

Follow these steps to clean Teva sandals with vinegar:

1. Start with clean sandals. Rinse them so no dirt or soap is left on the footbed or straps.

2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use cool or lukewarm water.

3. Spray the solution lightly over the footbed and straps. Avoid soaking the sandals.

4. Let the mixture sit for about five minutes. This gives vinegar time to break down bacteria and odors.

5. Rinse thoroughly under running water until all vinegar smell is gone.

6. Blot with a towel, stuff paper towels under straps, and air dry in shade.

How to Clean Teva Sandals with Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the easiest ways to remove odors and light stains from Teva sandals. Just do this:

1. Make sure sandals are clean and damp before starting. This helps the paste stick to the surface.

2. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water until it forms a thick paste.

3. Spread the paste evenly over the footbed, focusing on spots that smell or look stained.

4. Leave the paste on for about 15 minutes. This gives it time to absorb odors.

5. Scrub lightly with a soft brush to lift any stubborn grime.

6. Rinse thoroughly until all baking soda is gone.

7. Blot with a towel and air dry in a shaded, airy spot.

Most Teva sandal owners also have Chacos. If you do, then it’s important you also know how to wash them. Check out: The Best Way to Clean Chacos.

How to Clean Smelly Tevas

Smelly Teva sandals usually mean bacteria and sweat have built up in the footbed or straps. The best way to clean them is to remove dirt first, then use a deodorizing method that kills bacteria. Vinegar spray or baking soda paste both work well and are safe for the materials.

Here’s how to clean smelly Tevas:

1. Brush off loose dirt and rinse sandals with clean water. This stops grit from interfering with deodorizing.

2. Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle.

3. Lightly mist the footbed and straps. Do not soak the sandals.

4. Let it sit for five minutes to break down bacteria and odors.

5. Rinse thoroughly under running water until the vinegar smell is gone.

6. If the odor remains, make a paste with one tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water.

7. Spread the paste on the footbed, wait 15 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse again.

8. Blot with a towel and air dry in the shade.

How to Clean White Tevas?

Do this to clean white Tevas:

1. Rinse sandals to remove surface dirt and grit. Use a soft brush to dislodge stubborn debris.

2. Scrub the footbed and straps with mild soapy water in small circles.

3. For stains, apply a baking soda paste (one tablespoon baking soda with a few drops of water) and scrub lightly.

4. For deeper discoloration, soak in a mix of oxygen bleach and water according to the package directions.

5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap or bleach residue.

6. Blot with a towel and air dry in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.

If you also got Birkenstocks along with Tevas, then we’ve a great guide for you. Find out: How to Easily Clean Birkenstocks?

How to Clean Teva ReEmber

Teva ReEmber shoes have ripstop uppers that shouldn’t be soaked. Cleaning them is about removing dirt while protecting the shape and material.

1. Make sure the shoes are dry before starting. This prevents dirt from smearing into the fabric.

2. Pump a small amount of foam cleaner onto a soft brush.

3. Work in small circles over dirty spots, being careful not to press too hard.

4. Wipe away loosened dirt and excess foam with a damp cloth.

5. Check seams and edges to be sure no cleaner remains.

6. Air dry in a shaded, airy spot. Keep them away from direct heat or sunlight to avoid warping.

Conclusion

To clean Teva sandals, start by brushing off dry dirt with a soft brush. Next, mix a little mild soap with water and use a cloth or sponge to gently scrub the sandals. Pay special attention to the straps since they often collect sweat and dirt. If they smell, sprinkle a little baking soda to freshen them. Rinse everything well so no soap stays behind.

Leave the sandals to dry in the shade, and they will be ready to wear again.