Keep sandals dry, clean, and aired out to stop odor-causing bacteria and fungi from growing.
Smelly sandals are usually caused by sweat, skin oils, bacteria, and moisture trapped against the foot or inside the sandal. I have found that the best way to learn how to make sandals not smell is to treat both the footwear and the feet, then build a simple drying routine that prevents odor from returning.
Why Do Sandals Smell?
Sandals smell when sweat and skin cells collect on the footbed. Sweat itself has little odor, but bacteria break down the proteins and fats in sweat and release unpleasant-smelling compounds.
Warm weather can make the problem worse. Open shoes allow air to reach your feet, but the footbed may still hold moisture, especially when it is made from rubber, foam, leather, or fabric.
Common causes of sandal odor include:
• Wearing the same pair every day without letting it dry
• Sweating heavily in hot or humid weather
• Walking in sandals after exercise
• Wearing sandals with dirty or damp feet
• Poorly cleaned footbeds
• Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
• Nonbreathable materials that trap heat
A sandal can look clean and still smell. Odor often settles into tiny pores and seams that are not easy to see.
How to Make Sandals Not Smell: A Simple Cleaning Method
The most reliable answer to how to make sandals not smell is regular cleaning followed by complete drying. Do not simply spray perfume over the odor. Fragrance may cover the smell for a short time, but it does not remove sweat, bacteria, or grime.
Use this basic method:
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Remove loose dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush.
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Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
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Dip a cloth or soft toothbrush into the mixture.
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Scrub the footbed, straps, edges, and seams.
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Wipe away soap with a clean, damp cloth.
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Press the sandals with a dry towel to remove extra water.
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Let them air-dry fully before wearing them again.
Avoid soaking leather sandals unless the care label allows it. Too much water can stain leather, weaken glue, or cause the material to crack.
For rubber or plastic sandals, you can usually wash the entire pair with mild soap and water. Rinse well, because leftover soap can make the surface sticky and attract more dirt.
In my own sandal-care tests, the most common mistake is putting sandals away while they are still slightly damp. That small amount of moisture can create a closed, warm space where odor returns quickly.
Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odor
Baking soda can help make sandals not smell because it absorbs moisture and reduces acidic odors. It is especially useful for sandals with fabric, foam, or textured footbeds.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the dry footbed. Leave it overnight, then shake it off and wipe away any residue the next morning.
For sandals with deep grooves, use a soft brush to remove the powder. You can also place each sandal in a paper bag with a few tablespoons of baking soda. This keeps the powder contained while it works.
Use caution with dark or delicate materials. Baking soda is generally mild, but powder can collect in rough leather or leave a pale film. Test a small hidden area first.
Baking soda works best as an odor-control step, not as a replacement for washing. If the sandal has heavy sweat buildup, clean it first and use baking soda after it dries.
Try Vinegar Carefully
Diluted white vinegar may help reduce odor because its mild acidity can make the sandal surface less friendly to some odor-causing microbes. It should never be used at full strength on footwear.
Mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Lightly dampen a cloth with the mixture, then wipe the footbed and straps. Do not flood the sandals. Let them air-dry in a well-ventilated place.
Always test vinegar on a hidden section first. It may damage or discolor:
• Suede
• Unfinished leather
• Some dyed fabrics
• Delicate adhesives
