Leather sandals are a stylish and comfortable addition to any wardrobe, but they can also become dirty and smelly over time. To keep your leather sandals looking and feeling their best, follow these 13 simple steps for cleaning and maintaining them.

1. Gather your materials: You will need a soft brush, gentle soap or leather cleaner, a soft cloth, clean water, and a towel for drying.

2. Remove loose dirt: Before getting your sandals wet, use the soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the leather.

3. Mix soap with water: Mix a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner into a bowl of lukewarm water. Stir until suds form.

4. Dampen the cloth: Dip the soft cloth into the soapy water mixture and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping wet.

5. Clean the leather: Gently rub the damp cloth with soap on the surface of the leather sandals in circular motions, being cautious not to scrub too hard or scratch the leather.

6. Rinse with clear water: Use a clean cloth (dampened with clean water) to rinse off the soapy residue. Make sure to remove all suds from the leather surface.

7. Clean footbed: If your leather sandals have removable footbeds, now is an excellent time to clean them too. Follow steps 2-6 for cleaning these as well.

8. Dry your sandals: After you have cleaned your shoes thoroughly, lay them on a clean towel to air dry. Do not use direct heat sources like hairdryers or direct sunlight as these can damage the leather.

9. Buff with dry cloth: Once your shoes are completely dry, buff their surface gently using a dry soft cloth to restore shine and remove any remaining dirt spots.

10. Condition your sandals: Conditioning your leather sandals will help keep them soft and supple, reducing the chances of cracks forming on the surface. Apply a leather conditioner per the manufacturer’s instructions and wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.

11. Deodorize: If your sandals have an odor, sprinkle some baking soda inside or use a shoe deodorizer spray designed for leather footwear to eliminate the smell.

12. Store properly: To maintain the shape and prevent damage, store your clean leather sandals in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid stacking them or placing heavy objects on top.

13. Regular maintenance: Clean and condition your leather sandals regularly following these steps to ensure they last longer and continue to look great.

By following these 13 steps, you’ll keep your leather sandals looking fresh and well cared for, extending their lifespan and enhancing their comfort. So go ahead and enjoy those long summer days with confidence, knowing your leather sandals are in excellent condition.