The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Water Shoes: Tips and Tricks
Are you tired of having smelly, dirty water shoes that you’re ashamed to wear in public? Want to make sure your water shoes are ready for your next beach or river adventure? Look no further!
In this article, we’ll be sharing the ultimate guide to cleaning and maintaining your water shoes.
We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the materials you’ll need to the simple steps you can follow to keep your water shoes looking and smelling their best.
So, ready to dive in and learn how to wash your water shoes like a pro? Let’s get started!
Materials needed
Before you get started on cleaning your water shoes, it’s important to gather the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mild soap or detergent: You’ll want to use a gentle soap or detergent to avoid damaging the materials of your water shoes. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can strip away the protective coatings on your shoes and weaken the materials.
- Scrub brush or old toothbrush: A scrub brush or toothbrush is essential for getting into those hard-to-reach areas of your water shoes. These tools will help you remove dirt, debris, and stains from the surface of your shoes.
- Cloth or sponge: You’ll need a soft cloth or sponge to apply soap and scrub your water shoes. A microfiber cloth is a great option, as it’s gentle on the surface of your shoes and absorbs water easily.
- Water: You’ll need water to rinse your water shoes and remove any soap residue. Make sure to use warm water, as it will help to loosen dirt and grime.
With these materials in hand, you’re ready to start cleaning your water shoes!
Steps for washing water shoes
Now that you have all the necessary materials, it’s time to get started on cleaning your water shoes. Follow these simple steps for a thorough and effective cleaning:
- Remove any debris or dirt from the surface of the shoes using a brush or sponge. This step is important for getting rid of any loose dirt or debris that might be clinging to the surface of your shoes. Use a scrub brush or an old toothbrush to loosen and remove any stubborn dirt or stains.
- Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of soap or detergent. Mix the water and soap together until the soap is fully dissolved.
- Dip a cloth or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the inside and outside of the shoes. Pay extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or stained. Use a circular motion to scrub the shoes, working the soap into the materials to loosen and remove dirt and grime.
- Rinse the shoes thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Make sure to rinse the inside and outside of the shoes thoroughly, as soap residue can leave a film on the surface of your shoes.
- Allow the shoes to air dry completely before wearing or storing. Avoid using a hair dryer or other heat source to dry your shoes, as this can damage the materials. Instead, simply let your shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent any mold or mildew from forming on your shoes.
Tips for maintaining clean water shoes
While washing your water shoes is an important step in maintaining their cleanliness, there are also a few other things you can do to keep your shoes looking and smelling their best. Follow these tips for maintaining clean water shoes:
- Remove debris immediately after use: After you’re finished wearing your water shoes, be sure to remove any debris or dirt that has accumulated on the surface. This will prevent dirt and grime from building up and making your shoes harder to clean later on.
- Rinse shoes thoroughly after each use: Rinsing your water shoes after each use will help to remove any dirt or stains that might have accumulated during your outing. Simply fill a sink or bucket with warm water and rinse your shoes thoroughly.
- Avoid wearing water shoes in dirty or muddy areas: If possible, try to avoid wearing your water shoes in dirty or muddy areas. This will help to keep your shoes looking and smelling fresh, and prevent dirt and grime from building up on the surface.
- Store shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area: When you’re not wearing your water shoes, be sure to store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help to prevent mold or mildew from forming on your shoes, and keep them smelling fresh.
Can you put water shoes in the dryer?
It is not recommended to put water shoes in the dryer. The heat of the dryer can cause the shoes to shrink, warp, or become misshapen. It can also damage the materials of the shoes, such as rubber or neoprene, and cause them to crack or break down over time.
The best way to dry water shoes is to allow them to air dry naturally. This can be done by stuffing the shoes with newspaper or a towel to help them maintain their shape as they dry.
You can also place the shoes in a well-ventilated area, such as a porch or garage, to help them dry more quickly. Avoid placing the shoes in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade or the materials to break down.
How to get the smell out of water shoes
There are several methods you can try to get the smell out of water shoes:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the shoes, and then let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb any odors and help to freshen up the shoes. In the morning, shake out the baking soda and allow the shoes to air dry.
- White vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and then spray the mixture inside the shoes. Let the shoes sit for at least an hour, and then wipe them out with a cloth. Allow the shoes to air dry before wearing them again.
- Lemon juice: Squeeze a few tablespoons of lemon juice into a bowl of water, and then use a cloth or sponge to scrub the inside of the shoes with the mixture. Rinse the shoes thoroughly with water and allow them to air dry.
- Activated charcoal: Place a few activated charcoal tablets or a small bag of activated charcoal inside the shoes, and then let them sit for a few days. The activated charcoal will absorb any odors and help to freshen up the shoes.
- Dryer sheets: Place a dryer sheet inside each shoe, and then let them sit overnight. The dryer sheets will help to absorb any odors and leave the shoes smelling fresh.
By using any of these methods, you should be able to get the smell out of your water shoes and keep them smelling fresh and clean.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning and maintaining your water shoes is an important step in keeping them looking and performing their best.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily and effectively clean your water shoes, removing dirt, stains, and odors. And by following the tips for maintaining clean water shoes, you can help to extend the lifespan of your shoes and ensure that they are ready for whatever adventures come your way.
So next time you’re getting ready for a day at the beach or river, make sure to take a few minutes to clean and care for your water shoes. Your feet (and everyone else around you) will thank you!
Hi there, my name is Aditya and I am a runner, NASAM certified coach, and a fitness and nutrition enthusiast. Running has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I am truly grateful that I get to pursue it every day. When I’m not coaching or running, you can often find me admiring my collection of running shoes. My love for shoes started at a young age, and I have since grown a collection that I am proud of.
