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How to Safely Clean Chaco Sandals

September 30, 2024

Chaco is a footwear company that specializes in Z-strap sandals. However, they also sell boots, flip-flops, and shoes. On top of that, they offer various types of gear such as bags, hats, socks, and wrist wraps. In fact, they even have a pets collection!

chaco sandalsChaco was established in 1989 by Mark Paigen, a fly fishing guide who wanted to create a sandal that would let his feet dry in the sun.

After a period of trial and error, he successfully created a pair out of synthetic materials.

By the early 90s, he had opened his own shop in Glennwood Springs, Colorado. Over the next several years, he worked to improve the design of his shoes with the help of a podiatrist.

Since 2009, the brand has operated as a subsidiary of Wolverine World Wide. Nowadays, their products can be found at a number of retailers including REI Co-Op, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nordstrom. On top of that, they can also be purchased through their official website.

About Chaco Sandals

The brand offers a variety of sandals for men, women, and children, all of which are designed for outdoor and water use. They also come with a single strap that loops around the foot, which allows you to adjust the fit easily.

Chaco Sandal Collections

Chaco offers four different lines of sandals, all of which has its own unique features.

Z/Cloud Sandals

Z/Cloud sandals come with an added layer of cushioning for extra comfort. More specifically, they consist of a 5mm Cloud PU layer, which removes the need for a break-in period. Featuring a ChacoGrip rubber outsole, they’ll provide you with instant comfort the moment you take them out of the box. Not only that, but they are made to be durable. if anything, they will last you many years to come.

Z/Volv Sandals

Z/Volv sandals are comfortable and lightweight. They also come with an extra-soft PU compound and texturized grooves on the footbed for added traction.

Not only that but the upper features a double-strapped wrap for a customized fit.

Classic Sandals

Their classic sandals are durable and comfortable with a secure fit, which makes them perfect for outdoor adventures.

They also feature fully adjustable straps so you won’t have to worry about losing any stability. You won’t have to worry about traction either as they come with ChacoGrip technology.

Leather Sandals

Their leather sandals collection is made of premium leather and feature a LUVSEAT PU midsole that guarantees all-day comfort. In addition to that, the footbed is fully padded.

How to Wash Chacos Sandals

There are two ways to wash these types of shoes, which we will be going over below.

Putting Your Chaco Sandals In the Washer

active laundry detergentFirst things first, you want to place the sandals in a laundry bag; that will prevent them from being thrown around and will also keep the sandals together during the wash cycle. A pillowcase is a suitable alternative if you don’t have a laundry bag.

The next step is to add a mild detergent. Given the fact that the sandals are made from synthetic materials, it’s best to use a product that’s designed for that very purpose – we recommend ACTIVE Detergent.

Add one scoop of the laundry detergent powder to the machine and set it to a gentle cycle, cold water setting. Avoid using any other cycle as the agitation will be too much for the sandals. Do not use bleach or other chemical cleaners as they can cause damage to the straps.

Note: For the best results, wash your sandals with a load of laundry. Alternatively, you can add a few towels; that will prevent the sandals from being tossed around during the cycle.

Once the cycle is finished, remove the sandals and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated room. Don’t use the dryer – the high heat will cause the soles and straps to warp and the adhesives can also melt.

Washing Your Chaco Sandals by Hand 

Using a soft bristle brush, remove dirt or mud that’s stuck on the sandal.

Next, fill a sink or basin with warm water and add some ACTIVE Detergent. Agitate the water with your hands to dissolve the powder.

Place your sandals in the sudsy mixture and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If necessary, you can also clean the surface with a bristled brush or sponge. Pay extra attention to the crevices along the straps.

When you’re finished, rinse off the soap. The easiest way to do this is to drain the sink and refill it with clean water. Alternatively, you can put the sandal directly under the faucet.

Continue to rinse until the water runs clear, then allow them to air dry.

How to Clean Leather Chaco Sandals

Leather is much more delicate than synthetic materials and requires special care when it comes to cleaning.

Washing Leather Chaco Sandals By Hand

cleaning leather chaco sandalsLeather sandals are a little different in that they should never be soaked in water. Even a few drops can cause significant damage to the leather material. What you want to do instead is use a leather cleaner.

Saturate a dry cloth with the product and use it to clean the upper part in a gentle circular motion. Avoid using too much force as that can lead to scratches. For the best results, remove any dry debris (e.g. dirt, mud) from the sandals before using the cleaner.

The next step is to wipe away the cleaner with a damp cloth. If one cloth isn’t enough, use a second. The goal is to remove all of the product from the leather.

Pro-tip: You can prolong the lifespan of your leather sandals by using a leather conditioner. It’s easy – just apply the product onto the leather using a lint-free cloth. When you’re finished, buff the surface with a separate clean cloth, then let it air dry.

Are Leather Chaco Sandals Machine Washable?

Leather sandals should never be put in the wash. They should only be wiped and spot-cleaned.

How to Wash Chaco Sandal Webbing

Start by wetting the straps with a little bit of water; you do not need to add any cleaner. Once the straps are wet, squirt some fabric softener into the slot. From there, pull the straps back and forth to dislodge any debris that might be stuck in the strap slots.

The Best Way to Remove Odors from Chacos

The easiest way to deodorize your Chacos is by using baking soda and water. Start by dissolving the powder in a bowl of water.

Once it’s dissolved, dampen a firm-bristled brush with the solution and use it to scrub the footbed of your sandals. From there, all that’s left is to rinse your sandals with water and the funky smell will be gone.

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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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