how to clean last years sandals

Siemo

Hi, I hope somebody kind can give me some advice!

I have some Merrell sandals that I have had for about 5 years and have lived in them every summer, as despite buying replacements I have never found another pair of shoes as comfortable! The problem is they are (were!) light coloured and are now very grubby with a couple of big stains where I have dropped suncream or something on them. They are also a bit smelly...

Anyway, apart from needing a jolly good clean they are still just as comfy and I am convinced with a wash they will as good as new. The problem is they are partly leather (and part fabric, with a rubber sole) and I'm not sure how to clean them. Actually it's not a shiny leather that you could polish, and not suede either but it is sort of soft (sorry I'm not being very clear!).

The temptation is to just chuck them in the washing machine on low and keep my fingers crossed, but I thought I'd check with you lovely people first as I know you're not really supposed to wash leather.

Any ideas? Thanks for any advice you can give

jackieglasgow

The leather might go hard in the machine. Is it nubuck? Can you not take a nail scrubber and some soap to them without immersing them, and leave them outside to dry for a day or two?

BitterAndTwisted

What jackieglasgow said or perhaps try some fabric and suede shoe-cleaner on them. Some warm, soapy water scrubbed on the grease marks should shift them and I'd have a go on the foot-bed as well and then give them a spray with Febreze. I know what you mean about Merrells: I've worn one of my pairs for at least 18 months practically every day and it will be a sad day indeed when I have to say goodbye to them, they are soooooo comfy and were worth every penny

curlytop12

i want some merrells now!
(i'd chuck them in the washing machine tho on the quickest,gentlest wash)

Penelope_Penguin

rachelh81 wrote: »

Hi, I hope somebody kind can give me some advice!

I have some Merrell sandals that I have had for about 5 years and have lived in them every summer, as despite buying replacements I have never found another pair of shoes as comfortable! The problem is they are (were!) light coloured and are now very grubby with a couple of big stains where I have dropped suncream or something on them. They are also a bit smelly...

Anyway, apart from needing a jolly good clean they are still just as comfy and I am convinced with a wash they will as good as new. The problem is they are partly leather (and part fabric, with a rubber sole) and I'm not sure how to clean them. Actually it's not a shiny leather that you could polish, and not suede either but it is sort of soft (sorry I'm not being very clear!).

The temptation is to just chuck them in the washing machine on low and keep my fingers crossed, but I thought I'd check with you lovely people first as I know you're not really supposed to wash leather.

Any ideas? Thanks for any advice you can give

I have my 2nd pair of those and they're fab :T The leather is indestructible - I've worn them in the sea (to protect my tootsies from stones ) and once rinsed were good as new :j



I'm not sure I'd put them in the WM, unless they were beyond any other cleaning. Try scrubbing the inside of the soles with bicarb on an old toothbrush, with a little water.

I'd have a go at the suede with a toothbrush and some cream cleaner, wash up liquid, or liquid detergent.

Let us know how you get on - mine will need doing soon

alisong_2

PenPen, those are exactly the same as mine and are my 2nd pair as well! I love them, so comfy and versatile.

Siemo

Thanks for all your advice, I'll see if I can get some suede cleaner tomorrow. What do you think would happen if I put them in the wash then, would the leather shrink? I did have a go at them with febreze once before and it helped a bit but I'd love to give them a proper wash! If Penelope Penguin wore them in the sea and they were ok wouldn't a cold wash be ok too? Perhaps I'll see what I can do with the cleaner and a brush and if it doesn't work I'll risk it!

Incidentally I'm looking for a new pair for my birthday next week and like the look of these...

http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=6399&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=froogle


A bit pricey at £60 but if they last as long as my old ones it will be worth it!

Siemo

Right, I bought some Kiwi suede and nubuck cleaner (the type with the brush on the lid) and have had a good scrub at the leather but I can't say it's made any difference whatsoever. The stains and marks are still there and I can't even see that the colour has lightened at all. Quite disappointing as it claims to "clean and restore" shoes.

Looking for an old toothbrush now to have a go with bicarb and/or washing up liquid. If that doesn't work I think I'll brave the washing machine...

esmy

Stardrops!!! Weak solution, scrub with a nailbrush, rinse using a damp sponge or cloth (but don't worry about getting it all out) and dry outside. When dry gently brush the nubuck bits. The protector sprays for shoes work well and mean easier cleaning next time.

jackieglasgow

Good old stardrops! I wouldn't put them in the machine, my mother once put a pair of my son's elefanten shoes in the WM (back when I had more money than sense!) on a cold wash and ruined the nubuck. They couldn't even be worn, never mind relegated to play shoes. Immerse them in water if you need to, but only by hand.