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Best Washing Tips for Sanuk Shoes & Sandals
September 23, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Sanuk is a footwear company that specializes in sandals; they also sell flip flops, boots, slip-ons, and other styles.
Sanuk was founded by Jeff Kelley in 1997. Named after the Thai word for “fun”, the brand initially sold sandals made from inner tubes and carpet.
Since then, the brand has grown tremendously. Nowadays, the company’s products are sold in nearly 70 countries worldwide including those in Australia, South America, Asia, and Europe. They’ve also collaborated with a number of professional athletes such as Chris Sharma, Matt Meal, and Jeremy Jones.
About Sanuk Footwear
Sanuk is known for putting out some of the trendiest sandals and flip flops. Their most popular product is the Sidewalk Surfer—the world’s first sandal and shoe hybrid. Not only are they lightweight but they’re comfortable as well.
Price-wise, you’re looking at around $70 to $90 for a pair, depending on the style and design.
With that said, there are deals to be had. For one thing, they have a sale section on their site where you can grab some of their shoes for cheap. For instance, they have some that are marked down to $45 at the time of this writing.
Taking Care of Sanuk Sandals and Shoes
Sanuk shoes are durable but you still want to do your part to take good care of them. For example, you’ll want to clean them as soon as possible if you walked through mud. The longer you wait, the deeper it’ll set into the fabric, which will make it more difficult to clean.
Sweat can also get onto the fabric, especially if you wear them without socks. Fortunately, you can wash them easily.
Just make sure to do it the right way, otherwise, you can wear them down prematurely, which will be a waste of the product.
Materials Used By Sanuk Shoes
What are Sanuk shoes made of? What kind of fabrics do they use? We’re here to answer that question.
Yoga Mat
Sanuk has a collection that’s made from recycled yoga mats. Not only is it soft but it also provides cushiony comfort for your feet. The straps are also made from recycled cloth straps.
Hemp Fabric
Sanuk also sells shoes made from hemp fabric. The material is durable and derived from the cannabis sativa plant, which also happens to be one of the fastest-growing plants in the world.
This makes it a sustainable textile. It’s also lightweight and absorbent, which makes it ideal for outdoor wear.
Canvas Material
The brand offers a variety of shoes made from canvas fabric (either made from cotton or linen). Light and versatile, it’s often used for footwear and bags.
They’ve also been treated with enzymes, which makes the material softer than normal.
Fleece Material
Fleece is not only softer than wool, but it’s also more breathable and comfortable. Given that, it’s not surprising to know that they use it for a variety of their shoes.
How to Wash Sanuk Shoes – Sandals
Here’s what you need to know about how to wash your Sanuks.
Can You Toss Sanuk Sandals Into the Washer?
Yes, their sandals are machine washable. In fact, that’s what they tell you to do on their official website.
Step 1: Remove Excess Mud
Check to see if there’s any obvious mud or dirt stain on the sole. If there is, remove it by gently clapping the sandals together. You can also use a soft bristle brush to remove the debris.
Step 2: Use a Laundry Bag
Place the Sanuk sandals inside a laundry bag and load them into the washer. The bag will protect them from the agitator, which can cause damage to the materials. It’ll also minimize friction if you decide to wash it with other items, though we don’t recommend it.
With that said, it is a good idea to put in a few old towels (ones that you don’t mind getting dirty). That will help to balance the washing machine during the cycle.
Step 3: Add Detergent
Fill the washer with cold water and add a scoop of mild laundry detergent – we highly recommend ACTIVE Detergent. Do not use hot water; the recycled fabric used for the straps can shrink or stretch with heat, which will affect the fit of the sandal.
You can add half a cup of baking soda for extra deodorizing power.
Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle
Once the detergent is in, run a gentle cycle. Avoid using bleach.
Step 5: Let Them Dry
Let the shoes dry naturally away from direct sunlight afterwards. Do not dry the sandals in the dryer; the heat can damage the strap and the sole.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Soft bristle brush
- Laundry bag
- Baking soda (optional)
You may need to pre-treat the sandals if they are noticeable stains or dirty areas (e.g. grass stains, mud stains).
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Remove odors and extend the lifespan of your Sanuks with our enzymatic laundry detergent.
Washing Sanuk Sandals By Hand
Sanuk sandals are also easy to wash by hand – you just need a tub or sink that’s large enough for the shoes.
Supplies:
- Soft bristle brush
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
Step 1:
Using a soft bristle brush, brush off any mud or dirt that’s on the soles.
Step 2:
Fill a large sink with cool water then mix in a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a cleaning solution.
Step 3:
Place your shoes in the soapy water once the detergent is fully dissolved.
Make sure they are fully saturated with the solution and let them sit for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4:
Rinse the shoes thoroughly with cool water. Continue to rinse until there are no more soap suds.
Step 5:
Take the sandals out of the sink and let them air dry away from direct sunlight.
Cleaning Tips for Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops
Their yoga mat flip flops are different from their other shoes in that the footbed is porous. Given that, you want to avoid soaking them in water.
This means you should not put them in the washing machine. Hand washing is also a no-go as it involves soaking the shoes in soapy water.
What you want to do instead is spot clean the problem areas.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Sponge
- Clean cloth
Step 1:
Dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent in water to create a cleaning solution.
Step 2:
Saturate a sponge with the soapy mixture and apply it to the stains. For the best results, use gentle, circular motions.
Always work from the outside toward the center; they’ll help prevent the stain from spreading further.
Step 3:
Saturate a clean cloth with water and apply it to the flip flops. Continue wiping until there’s no more detergent, then let them air dry.
How to Wash Sanuk Yoga Slings
Their Yoga Slings are similar to some of their flip flops in that they’re made from yoga mat material. In other words, avoid soaking them in water.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Sponge
Step 1:
In a small bowl, combine a bit of ACTIVE Detergent with some water to create a cleaning solution.
Step 2:
Wet a sponge with the detergent mixture and use it to wipe the problem areas.
When you’re finished, allow the shoes to dry.
Washing Instructions for Sanuk Canvas Shoes
Washing Sanuk Canvas Shoes in the Washer
Their canvas shoes are probably the easiest to wash out of all their products as they are machine washable.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Soft bristle brush
- A few towels
Step 1:
Use a soft bristle brush to remove any dirt or mud from the soles.
Step 2:
Place the canvas shoes in a laundry bag and put them in the washer. The bag will prevent them from being tossed around during the cycle.
It’s also a good idea to add a few towels to balance the weight.
Step 3:
Measure and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener as they’re not suitable for canvas materials.
Step 4:
Run a delicate wash cycle. Avoid using hot water as the high temperature can damage the shoes.
Step 5:
After washing, place the canvas shoes in a well-ventilated area and let them air dry.
Do not put the canvas shoes in the dryer – the heat will cause them to shrink.
Washing Sanuk Canvas Shoes in the Sink
Their canvas shoes can also be soaked and washed in the sink.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Remove any dirt or mud from the shoes using a soft bristle brush.
Step 2:
Fill a sink with water, then mix in a bit of ACTIVE Detergent to create a cleaning solution.
Step 3:
Once the detergent is completely dissolved, place the canvas shoes in the sink. Make sure they are completely saturated with the soapy solution and let them sit for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4:
Rinse the shoes under running water to remove the detergent. Once there are no more soap suds, let them air dry in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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