How to Clean Sanuks

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 4, 2023

Sanuks are a type of slip on shoe made from suede or leather. If they get dirty, you should spot clean them with a mild detergent and then wash them in a machine. However, if Sanuks are leather, stick to spot cleaning. If you have any stains, try targeting them with things like vinegar and grass stain remover. Make sure to test a cleaner before applying it to your whole shoe to make sure it doesn't cause damage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Washing Your Entire Shoe

1
Start by spot cleaning. Before putting your shoes in a washing machine, remove any harsh stains via spot cleaning. Dissolve a small amount of mild laundry detergent in a bowl of hot water. Dip a rag or sponge in the water. Wipe off any dirt, mud, or other noticeable stains.^{[1]
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- Hot water should only be used on Sanuks in small amounts. Do not submerge your Sanuks in hot water as this can cause damage.
2
Wrap your Sanuks in towels. Before placing your Sanuks in a washing machine, wrap them up in some old towels. This will prevent them from banging around inside of the machine too much, preventing damage. It will also lead to a more quiet wash.^{[2]
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3
Wash your Sanuks in a washing machine. Use cold water and a color safe detergent to wash your Sanuks. Use a gentle wash if one is offered on your machine.^{[3]
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- A cup of white vinegar or a few tablespoons of baking soda can help remove bacteria from your shoes.^{[4]
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- Make sure you're using the cold water setting. Hot water can cause serious damage to Sanuks, causing them to shrink or lose their shape.
4
Air dry your Sanuks. Never put Sanuks in a machine dryer. Set them somewhere to dry where they will not be disturbed. Within 24 hours, your Sanuks should be dry and ready to wear again.^{[5]
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5
Use leather cleaning if your shoes are leather. Leather Sanuks should not be washed in a machine. Purchase a leather cleaner online or at a department store to clean leather Sanuks. Spot treat the Sanuks for stains by dabbing or rubbing the leather cleaner onto soiled or dirty areas.^{[6]
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- Leather cleaners have different precise instructions depending on the type you get. Make sure to read the label carefully to make sure you use your leather cleaner correctly.
- Leather Sanuks should also be air dried.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Targeting Stains

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Try vinegar. Vinegar can be used to remove set in stains, such as grass stains, from shoes. Mix a third cup of white vinegar with two thirds of a cup of water. Then, use a rag or cloth to dab the dab the mixture onto the stain. Then, take a clean wash or rag and dab the vinegar into the stain until the stain comes out.^{[7]
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- You may have to repeat this method once if the stain doesn't come out.
2
Use laundry detergent. Landry detergent can also remove set in stains. Add a small amount of detergent to the stain. Then, rub it in using a clean sponge or cloth. Allow the detergent to sit on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with water.^{[8]
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- Remember to use color safe detergent on Sanuks.
3
Purchase a grass stain remover. If you have a lot of grass stains, opt for a commercial cleaner specifically designed to remove grass stains. While application varies by product, you usually rub the product onto the stains. Some stains will then need to be rinsed out with a combination of a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and a couple of drops of ammonia.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Precautions

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Test a cleaner before applying it to your whole shoe. Do not use a cleaner on a Sanuk before testing it first. Dab the cleaner onto a small, inconspicuous portion of the Sanuk. Allow the cleaner to sit on for a few hours. If you do not notice any damage, such as discoloration, the cleaner should be safe to use for your whole shoe.
2
Keep odor in check while wearing your shoes. If you're cleaning Sanuks to get rid of a bad smell, take steps to reduce odor in the future. Cleaning your Sanuks too often can cause damage, so it's best to prevent odor from developing to begin with.^{[10]
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- Try placing a fabric softener sheet in the soles of your Sanuks overnight to get rid of a bad smell.
- Drop sandal oil onto your Sanuks to remove smells.
- Apply foot powder before wearing your shoes.
- Do not wear your shoes every day.
3
Do not ever put Sanuks in a dryer. Sanuks are not safe to dry. Drying your Sanuks in a dryer can cause major damage. Do not wash your Sanuks if you do not have time to let them air dry.^{[11]
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