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How to Safely Clean Chaco Sandals
September 30, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
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 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
You’ll be happy to know that Chaco sandals can be put in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
Step 1: Use a Laundry Bag
Start by placing the sandals in a laundry bag; that will prevent them from being thrown around and will also keep them together during the wash cycle.
Step 2: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Place the laundry bag in the washing machine and add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent.
For the best results, wash your sandals with a load of laundry. Alternatively, you can add a few towels; that will help balance the laundry load.
Step 3: Run a Gentle Wash Cycle
Select a cold water setting and run a gentle wash cycle. Do not use bleach or other chemical cleaners as they can damage the straps.
Step 4: Let Them Air Dry
Once the cycle is finished, remove the sandals and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated room.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- A few towels
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
Alternatively, you can clean them by hand in a large tub or sink.
Supplies:
- Soft bristle brush
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
Step 1:
Using a soft bristle brush, remove dirt or mud that’s stuck on the sandal.
Step 2:
Fill a sink or tub with warm water and add some ACTIVE Detergent to create a cleaning solution. Agitate the water with your hands to dissolve the powder.
Step 3:
Place the sandals in the cleaning mixture and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
If necessary, you can also clean the surface with a soft bristle brush. Remember to pay extra attention to the crevices along the straps.
Step 4:
After soaking, rinse the sandals thoroughly with clean water until there’s no more soap residue.
Allow them to air dry afterwards.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Deep cleans and deodorizes Chaco sandals with the power of plant-based enzymes.
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
Leather 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.
Supplies:
- Leather cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Damp cloth
- Leather conditioner (optional)
Step 1:
Saturate a microfiber cloth with the leather cleaner and use it to clean the upper part in a gentle circular motion.
Avoid using too much force as that can lead to scratches.
Step 2:
Using a damp cloth, wipe away the cleaner. If one cloth isn’t enough, use a second. The goal is to remove all of the product from the leather.
Step 3:
Apply a layer of leather conditioner onto the surface using a lint-free cloth. When you’re finished, buff the surface with a separate clean cloth, then let it air dry.
That will help prolong the lifespan of the sandals.
Make sure the cloth is damp and not sopping wet when wiping off the leather cleaner.
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
We recommend cleaning the webbing separately in between cleanings to prevent stains.
Supplies:
- Water
- Fabric softener
Step 1:
Start by wetting the straps with a little bit of water; you do not need to add any cleaner.
Step 2:
Once the straps are wet, squirt some fabric softener into the slot.
Gently 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
Scrubbing with Baking Soda
The easiest way to deodorize your Chacos is by using baking soda – something that most of us already have at home.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Old toothbrush
Step 1:
Dissolve some baking soda in a bowl of water.
Step 2:
Dampen an old toothbrush with the baking soda solution and use it to scrub the footbed of your sandals.
Step 3:
Rinse the sandals with clean water, then allow them to air dry.
Remember not to scrub too hard as you don’t want to damage the footbed.
Sprinkling Baking Soda
Alternatively, you can apply the baking soda directly into the sandals.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
- Damp cloth (optional)
Step 1:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the sandals.
Let it sit for a few hours or overnight if there’s a significant odor.
Step 2:
Remove the baking soda in the morning. If necessary, use a damp cloth to wipe the sandals clean.
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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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