Clean smelly leather sandals by using a leather-safe cleaner, deodorizing the footbed, and drying fully away from heat to keep odor from returning.
Leather looks great, but sweat, skin oils, and grime can turn a favorite pair into a whiffy mess. This guide gives you a fast plan to remove odor, keep the leather happy, and stop smells from creeping back. You’ll see what to use, what to avoid, and how to care for straps, footbeds, and soles without wrecking the finish.
Cleaning Smelly Leather Sandals Safely: Step-By-Step
Before any deep scrub, start with a dry brush and a wipe down. That quick reset removes grit that can scratch the surface. Then follow the steps below. You’ll only need common supplies and ten calm minutes for a thorough refresh at home.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloths (two or three)
- Leather cleaner or mild soap (pH-balanced)
- Leather conditioner (small amount)
- Baking soda or activated charcoal (for deodorizing)
- Paper towels or plain tissue
- Cool fan or breezy spot for drying
Quick Methods At A Glance
| Method | What It Targets | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Leather cleaner + wipe | Surface sweat and dirt | Finished straps and smooth footbeds |
| Baking soda dusting | Trapped odor | Suede footbeds and seams |
| Footbed refresher spray | Lingering smells | Brand-approved suede footbeds |
| Sun-free air dry | Moisture control | All leather types |
| Light conditioner | Flex and feel | Uppers after cleaning |
Step 1: Dry Brush And Lift Loose Dirt
Knock soles together, then brush seams, buckles, and the edge where foot meets strap. Work over a bin so dust doesn’t land back on the pair.
Step 2: Clean The Uppers The Right Way
Dampen a cloth with a little leather cleaner and wipe the straps and edges. Keep the cloth barely moist. Puddles soak in and can warp shape. On nubuck or suede straps, swap the cloth for a suede brush and a tiny bit of foam cleaner made for suede.
Step 3: Deodorize The Footbed
Most odor lives where the foot sits. After a light clean, sprinkle a fine layer of baking soda and leave it on overnight, then tap out the powder and brush. If the pair uses a suede footbed from a known brand, a labeled refresher spray can help; follow the bottle and keep the application light.
Step 4: Dry Fully, No Direct Heat
Set the pair on paper towels in a breezy room. Aim for moving air, not hot air. Direct sun or a heater can crack finish or loosen glues.
Step 5: Condition Lightly
Once dry, work a pea-size drop of conditioner over both straps with a soft cloth. Buff after five minutes. This keeps creases soft and slows sweat from soaking in next time.
Why Leather Gets Funky
Sweat feeds skin bacteria and that combo builds odor. Open shoes pick up dust, sunscreen, and street grime too. Managing moisture and residue cuts the source fast.
What The Experts Say About Foot Odor
Health guidance notes that sweat and microbes drive most smell issues, and that clean, dry feet break the cycle. See the CDC foot hygiene page for plain habits that help stop athlete’s foot and odor build-up. For sandals with suede footbeds and cork, brand care pages also advise gentle cleaners and air drying; see the Birkenstock care tips.
Deep Clean Walkthrough
Use this when odor lingers after a quick wipe. Plan for a few light passes instead of one heavy soak.
Prep The Work Area
Lay down towels. Keep a bowl of lukewarm water nearby for rinsing cloths. Have a dry brush, two cloths, cleaner, and baking soda within reach.
Clean Straps And Buckles
- Brush stitching and hardware.
- Wring a cloth until just damp and add a drop of cleaner.
- Wipe with short strokes along the grain, then buff with a dry cloth.
Refresh The Footbed
- Wipe with a damp cloth to lift salt and oils.
- Apply a teaspoon of baking soda, spread with a dry brush, and leave for 8–12 hours.
- Tap out powder and brush again.
- If smell hangs on, use a light mist of a brand-approved refresher, then air dry.
Handle Suede Or Nubuck Footbeds
Use a suede eraser on dark patches, then a suede brush. Skip liquid cleaners unless the label says suede-safe. Keep strokes one way to lift the nap evenly.
Dry The Smart Way
Stuff under the straps with tissue so air moves across the surface. Place near a fan. No hair dryer. No car dash.
What To Avoid On Leather
Skip bleach, strong solvents, or high-pH cleaners. These can strip dyes and weaken the bond that holds the layers together. Go easy with saddle soap on fashion sandals; many makers advise pH-balanced cleaners instead. When in doubt, test on the underside of a strap.
Targeted Fixes For Common Smell Triggers
Sunscreen And Body Oil Build-Up
Mix a few drops of mild soap in water, dampen a cloth, and wipe the straps. Follow with a plain water wipe and a dry buff.
Sweat-Heavy Days
After wear, give the footbed a quick brush, then a light dusting of baking soda. Let it sit while you shower, then shake off.
Rain Or Splash Incidents
Blot with paper, reshape, and dry with moving air. Once dry, condition sparingly. If dark tide lines show, repeat a gentle clean so marks fade evenly.
Care Schedule That Keeps Odor Away
| When | What To Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| After each wear | Brush footbed, air out overnight | Stops moisture build-up |
| Weekly | Quick wipe of straps and edges | Removes oils before they set |
| Monthly | Deodorize with baking soda; micro-clean | Keeps smells from taking hold |
| Seasonally | Light condition of uppers | Maintains feel and flex |
| Storage time | Store dry, shaded, with paper fill | Helps shape and glue |
Prevent Odor Between Cleans
Dry Feet First
After bathing, dry between toes and let feet breathe before you slide in. Swap socks fast after workouts. Simple habits cut the source of odor and keep sandals fresher for longer.
Alternate Pairs
Rotate sandals so each pair rests a day. Airflow breaks the damp cycle and helps leather last.
Use Thin Insoles Or Footbed Covers
A slim, leather-lined insole or a removable cork cover takes the brunt of sweat. Replace it when it looks tired and keep the base pair cleaner.
Wash Feet With A Mild Cleanser
A gentle wash cuts sweat film that feeds odor. Dry well before you wear open shoes again. If you notice peeling skin between toes or itching that won’t quit, speak with a clinician.
Special Materials And Trims
Metal Buckles And Rivets
Wipe metal with a damp cloth, then dry right away. If you see green tide marks near hardware, that’s copper salts. Clean the area and add a dab of conditioner to the leather around it.
Cork Midsoles And Edges
Dust first, then spot clean with a damp cloth. Keep soaking to a minimum so the cork binder stays strong. Brand guides favor shade drying and gentle cleaners, which matches the link above.
Stitching
Brush along the seam line where sweat collects. If white stitching darkens, blot with a mild soap solution and rinse with a barely damp cloth.
When Odor Demands A Reset
Some smells come from deep inside the footbed or under the lining. If you’ve tried the steps here and the pair still reeks, a cobbler can swap a footbed cover or re-cement delaminated layers. That repair costs less than a new pair and keeps the fit you already love.
Method Summary You Can Follow Anytime
Brush dirt, wipe straps with a leather cleaner, deodorize the footbed with baking soda, dry with moving air, then condition lightly. Repeat small steps often and odor stays down without harming the finish.