Flip flops are comfortable and pleasant to wear, but they can be easily damaged. Using them on uneven or bumpy ground could cause them to become dirty, muddy, scratched, or damaged in other ways. Read on to learn how to run for cover and get them back as new quickly and easily.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Rub the Flip Flops
Step 1. Clean them with a sponge
Choose a sponge that is close to being thrown away, not the one you usually use for washing dishes. Dip it in warm soapy water (you can use dish soap). Rub it vigorously to remove any dirt or mud. If there is debris that is large or difficult to remove, put on a pair of rubber gloves and peel it off using a rag or piece of paper.
Step 2. Use shoe polish on the scratches
If your flip flops are scratched or scuffed, you can mask the damage with shoe polish. If you can find a product specially formulated for the material your flip flops are made of, you won't have a hard time hiding most of the imperfections. Try different shoe polishes to find the one that best suits your needs.
If you want to know more about how to polish shoes by hand, read this article
Step 3. Use a toothbrush
Buy a cheap one or use an old one. Wet the bristles with water, then rub them against a bar of soap. Now use it to scrub your flip flops vigorously. Make sure you reach even the smallest crevices!
This method is especially useful for textile flip flops. The bristles will reach the interstices between the fibers much better than other tools
Step 4. Wipe them with a warm, wet rag
First, soak the rag in very hot water, then use it to scrape off stubborn dirt stains. You can add some soap if you like, but it's not mandatory. Try to remove as much dirt as possible.
Part 2 of 3: Washing the Flip Flops
Step 1. Use the washing machine
This method allows you to wash them quickly, however it may require more water consumption. Wash them in the washing machine with cold water: choose a short program and add a small amount of soap; if possible, avoid spinning. Be aware that too much detergent could damage your flip flops.
Step 2. Wash them with a high pressure water jet
You can use the hose with which you water the garden, the shower head or any other powerful jet. Try to direct the spray directly on the dirt to detach it. Continue until most of the dirt is removed, then try scrubbing them to complete the cleaning.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Very Dirty Flip Flops
Step 1. Rinse them with cold water
This first step is to wash off most of the debris from heavily soiled flip flops. If a regular jet of water isn't enough, try using a pressure washer or partially blocking the flow of the water barrel with your thumb to increase the pressure.
Step 2. Soak them
Fill a basin with hot soapy water. Dip the flip flops in the water. You can use a weight to push them to the bottom to prevent them from floating. Leave them to soak for at least two hours.
If possible, use concentrated dish soap. If the flip flops were white but are now terribly dirty, you can add a small amount of bleach. If so, be very careful to protect the skin on your hands
Step 3. Rub them vigorously
After leaving them immersed in water for a few hours, you can remove the flip flops from the basin. Scrub the entire surface vigorously using a toothbrush or sponge. For particularly stubborn dirt, you can try using an abrasive material, such as steel wool, but be careful not to tear the surface of the flip-flops.
Step 4. Rinse them again with cold water
This step is to wash off the soap, foam or any other detergent used to clean flip flops. In addition to this, all the dirt that has come off by rubbing will be eliminated.
Step 5. Repeat the steps until you are completely satisfied
If your flip flops are still not perfectly clean, start over. You have to keep scrubbing and rinsing until you achieve the desired result.
Step 6. Let them air dry
Do not put them in the dryer or expose them to excessive heat. Let them dry in the sun, a few hours should be enough.
Advice
- Use a soap that is compatible with the material your flip flops are made from.
- Change the water often when you wash your flip flops.
- Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from cleaning agents and dirt. Add a small amount of vinegar to kill bacteria and some tea tree oil to eliminate invisible mold, the latter can be sprayed directly on the flip flops using a spray bottle.
- Wear them once or twice while taking a hot shower. You will save money as the shampoo, body wash and other products you routinely use to wash your body will also clean your flip flops without forcing you to use other cleaning agents. The feet will also provide the necessary friction to remove dirt, freeing you from the obligation to scrub them hard.
- If your flip flops are made of rubber, try soaking them for 30 minutes in hot water to which 2 effervescent denture cleaning tablets have been added. Then, gently scrub them with a soft brush and rinse them off with clean water. Once dry, they will look like new.
- Try washing them in the dishwasher after sprinkling them with lemon juice. You will get an excellent result.
Warnings
- Depending on the material they are made of, the washing machine could ruin the flip flops.
- If your flip flops have plastic parts, don't put them in the dryer as they may melt.
- In some cases it will be impossible to get them clean or repair the damage, you will have to buy a new pair of flip flops.
