How to Clean Flip Flops

Co-authored by Victor Adrian

Last Updated: August 3, 2024

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Flip flops are easy and comfortable to wear, but they can also be easily damaged. If you wear your flip flops in rough conditions, they might get muddy, grimy, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Read on for some quick and simple ways to make your flip flops shine like the day they were bought – and stay intact as well.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing Flip Flops

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This is a quick solution, although it may use more water than other methods. Put the flip flops into the washing machine on a cold cycle, with a bit of soap and a quick program. If possible, choose a no-spin cycle. Be aware that too much detergent might damage the shoes.^{[1]
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Use a water hose, a shower jet, or a powerful faucet to shoot water at the shoes. Try to knock dirt loose with water pressure. Keep going until you get most of the dirt off – and try scrubbing afterward to complete the effect.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Deep-Cleaning Flip Flops

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This first step should wash away the heaviest grime from extremely dirty flops. If a standard faucet doesn't do the trick, try using a powerful jet-stream or blocking off the tip of a hose with your thumb.
2
Soak the flip flops. First, fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. Dunk the flip flops in the water. Consider weighting them so that they are completely submerged. Leave the flops to soak for at least two hours.^{[3]
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- Use concentrated dish soap, if you have it. If your flip flops are white and incredibly dirty, you can add bleach – but be careful not to get it on your skin.
- For a deeper cleaning, try spraying some 3% peroxide hydrogen on the flip flops and letting it set for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
After a few hours, remove the flops from the bucket. Rub the dirty surfaces vigorously with a toothbrush or a sponge. If the grime runs especially deep, try using steel wool or another highly abrasive surface – but be careful not to wear down the surface of the flops!
This step should wash away the soap, the suds, and any other cleaning agents that you used. Rinse away any grime that you dislodged with your scrubbing.
If the flip-flops won't get clean, be persistent. Keep rinsing and scrubbing until they are.
Avoid running them through a drying machine, and don't expose the material to excessive heat. Put the flip flops out in the direct sun, and they should dry within a matter of hours.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Scrubbing Flip Flops

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1
Clean with a sponge. Choose a slightly-used sponge – not the one you're going to use on your dishes. Soak the sponge in hot water, along with a bit of dish soap. Rub the flip flops vigorously to remove any grime or mud. If it's hard to remove: put on some gloves, and use a thin towel or napkin to help you get the mud off.^{[4]
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- A bush might be needed to scrape off dirt that sponges sometimes aren't able to remove.
2
Cover scratches with shoeshine. If the flip flops are scratched or dented, you can mask the blemishes with shoeshine. If you find a product that is made for the material of your flip flops, you should be able to hide most of the damage. Try different shine products in order to see which you like best.
- If you don't want to buy shoeshine, try learning to spit shine shoes.
3
Use a toothbrush. Find an old toothbrush, or a buy a very cheap new brush. Wet the toothbrush, then grind the bristles into a bar of soap. Then, start scrubbing away at your shoes. Make sure to get into all of the cracks!
- The toothbrush tactic works best on fuzzy flip flops. The bristles can work between the fuzz in a way that other cleaning products cannot.
First, soak an old towel or dishrag in hot water. Use a bit of soap, if you like, although this is not necessary. Wipe the dirtiest spots with the towel, and remove as much as you can.

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Question

How do I remove grass stains from flip flops?

Community Answer

Bathe them in lemon, vinegar and dishwasher detergent overnight. The stains will come right off!

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How do I remove black stains from white flip flops?

Sam Warren

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Soap, water, and a towel.

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How can I keep new flip flops from making black marks on the floor?

Community Answer

Try to buy better quality rubber or leather sandals if you are concerned about the marks they can leave on the floor, or don't wear them inside.

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Tips

Always use clean water when cleaning flip flops.

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Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
Use soap compatible with flip flops.

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Wear them once or twice in a long hot shower. You'll save money on cleaning products because the shampoo, soap and other products used while taking a shower will help clean them. You'll avoid a lot of scrubbing work by just having your feet provide the friction necessary to raise the dirt off the shoe.

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Warnings

Sometimes shoes can't be fixed. Chances are, your shoes may have permanent damage and you might need to get new ones.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
The washing machine will probably ruin your flip-flops, though many foam ones may not be harmed (such as reefs or Tevas)

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If your flip flops are plastic, don't put them in the drier as they might melt.

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