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Ultimate Cleaning Guide for Teva Sandals
August 30, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Most Teva sandals can be machine washed with cold water – just don’t put them in the dryer. High temperatures can cause the materials and adhesives to warp.
Teva sandals made of leather, however, should never be put in the washer. Not only will the leather lose its shape, but the detergent can also strip the material of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
Deodorizing & Caring For Teva Sandals and Shoes
Teva products are made with sports in mind, meaning they’re built for durability. Several models also feature a waterproof finish. To ensure that they last, you must care for them properly. That means washing them every now to prevent dirt and mud from staining the fabric.
Materials Used by Teva
Most of their footwear, including their flip-flops, is made from synthetic materials. Here are some of the ones that they use:
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic polymer that’s often used for sportswear including clothes and shoes. Not only is it more durable than traditional fabrics but it’s also capable of pulling sweat and moisture from your skin.
Couple that with the fact that it’s cheap to make, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Nylon
Nylon was originally made as a substitute for silk and is soft, lightweight, flexible, and durable, which makes it comfortable to wear.
Not only can it be used by itself but it can be blended with other fabrics for added elasticity and strength.
The Different Types of Teva Soles
Teva is known for its various soles, including:
Durabrasion Rubber Sole
Their Durabrasion Rubber soles feature a durable construction that provides performance without adding a lot of weight to the shoe.
They also provide great traction, which is exactly what you need when you’re out and about.
Float-Lite Midsole
Their Float-Lite midsole is feather-light and super durable. It also provides great traction and grip on various types of terrain.
EVA-Foam Midsole
EVA is a man-made material that’s often considered a type of foam. Not only does it provide comfort but it also provides stability. Given that it’s foam, it’s also lightweight, which means that it won’t add to the overall bulkiness of the shoe.
How to Wash Teva Sandals
There are a couple of ways to wash Teva sandals – you can either wash them by hand or put them in the washer.
Handwashing Your Teva Sandals
Washing your sandals by hand has one major advantage over machine washing – it’s much more gentle, meaning your sandals will be less likely to become damaged.
Step 1: Remove Excess Dirt From the Sandals
Start by removing any dirt or grit that might have built up on the soles. We recommend using a soft bristle brush (e.g. old toothbrush) and scrubbing gently. You can also clap the sandals together to help loosen the particles.
Step 2: Create a Bath
Fill a large sink or basin with cool water and mix in a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy solution. You’ll have to swish the water a few times to dissolve the powder.
Step 3: Soak the Sandals
Place your sandals in the sink once the detergent is completely dissolved. Don’t hesitate to bend the shoes if necessary; that will help open up the grooves, which will allow for better cleaning.
For the best results, soak the sandals for at least 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse Away the Detergent
Rinse the sandals with clean water. You can either hold them under the faucet or refill the sink with clean water. Either way, you want to continue rinsing until there’s no more soap residue.
Step 5: Dry the Sandals
Allow the sandals to dry naturally in a well-ventilated room. Do not put them in the dryer or leave them out under direct sunlight.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Large sink
- Soft bristle brush
ACTIVE Detergent
The ultimate odor-removing detergent for Teva sandals.
Can You Put Teva Sandals Into the Washing Machine?
It’s not recommended that you put their sandals in the washing machine. However, you may be able to get away with it if you’re careful.
Supplies
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Soft bristle brush
Certain sandals, such as those made from leather, should never be put in the washer.
Step 1:
Using a soft bristle brush, remove as much dirt and grit from the sandals. You can also clap the soles together to loosen the debris.
Step 2:
Place the sandals in a large mesh laundry bag and add it to the wash tub. The bag will keep them together and prevent them from being thrown around during the cycle.
Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the washer and run a wash cycle with cold water on a delicate setting.
Step 4:
Let the sandals air dry after washing. Don’t put them in the clothes dryer as the heat can cause the straps and sole to warp.
Deodorizing Your Teva Sandals
There are a few things you can do to deodorize your dirty sandals.
Using an Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash
Believe it or not, you can clean your Teva sandals with mouthwash. Don’t use it at full strength, though – you want to dilute it with water first (approximately one cup mouthwash to two cups water).
From there, all you have to do is place them in the mouthwash solution and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. The mouthwash will help kill off any odor-causing bacteria that’s on the shoe.
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is super versatile. Not only is it great for baking but you can also use it as a deodorizer for your sandals as well.
Plus, it’s easy to use. Simply sprinkle a layer of baking soda onto the footbed and let it sit for at least 10 hours (overnight is recommended if your sandals are excessively smelly).
If necessary, you can strengthen the deodorizing effect by placing the sandals in a plastic bag and sealing it with baking soda inside.
Putting Them In The Freezer
Another way to get rid of the smell is to put them in the freezer. Before you do that, though, be sure to place the shoes in a plastic bag. That way, you won’t have to worry about contaminating your food.
Once the sandals are in the bag, place them in the freezer and allow them to freeze overnight. The cold temperature will help to neutralize the smell.
Cleaning Teva Sandals – FAQs
Can you put Teva sandals in the washing machine?
It’s best to wash your Teva sandals by hand. However, most can be machine washed as long as you take proper precautions.
That means putting the sandals in a mesh laundry bag and washing them separately from your clothes. Using the right type of detergent is also important – we recommend ACTIVE Detergent as it contains enzymes that will break down dirt and residues.
And remember, always use a gentle or delicate cycle. Don’t use a normal cycle as it’ll be too harsh for the sandals.
Are all Teva sandals machine washable, or only some models?
Teva sandals made of cloth fabric can be machine washed in cold water.
Teva sandals with leather straps should never go in the washing machine, as the water can cause the leather to warp, crack, or lose its shape. These models should be washed by hand.
What cycle and water temperature should I use for Teva sandals?
We recommend using a gentle cycle with cold water when washing Teva sandals.
What’s the best way to clean leather Teva shoes?
Never put your leather shoes in the washing machine or wash them by hand in the sink. The water will permanently damage the leather material. Use a specially designed leather cleaner instead.
Why do my Teva sandals smell, and how do I stop it from coming back?
Teva sandals can develop a smell if sweat or bacteria builds up on the foodbed.
To prevent odors, wash your sandals regularly and make sure they are completely dry before wearing. Avoid wearing them for long periods when they’re damp.
How do I clean the straps and webbing without fraying them?
Gently clean the straps and webbing with a soft-bristle brush. For the best results, follow the weave. Do not apply hard pressure as that can cause the material to deteriorate.
How do I clean white Teva sandals without yellowing them?
White Teva sandals should be cleaned with ACTIVE Detergent and water with a soft brush. Avoid bleach and harsh cleaners, which can discolor the material.
How do I clean Teva Hurricane/Reember/Flatform models?
Teva Hurricane, Reember, and Flatform models can be machine washed with ACTIVE Detergent in cold water.
Can you put Teva sandals in the dryer?
No, you should never put your sandals in the dryer. The high heat can damage the materials and even melt the adhesive holding the different parts of the sandals together.
How long do Teva sandals take to dry, and can I speed it up?
Teva sandals can take several hours to dry completely. To speed things up, consider wiping them with a towel before letting them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
How often should I clean my Teva sandals?
You should clean your Teva sandals whenever they become visibly dirty or start to smell.
If you wear them regularly, a quick clean every 2-3 weeks can prevent sweat, dirt, and bacteria from building up.
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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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Comments (2)
Can the foam + leather combo sandals be cleaned the same as the rubber bottomed sandals?
Hi JJ, if the sandals have real leather, we do not recommend washing them with ACTIVE Detergent – the enzymes in our detergent target any organic material so they can shrink the leather if the detergent comes in contact with it.
I would recommend using a mild dish detergent on your leather sandals instead. Thanks for reaching out!