How to care for your sandals through sun and monsoon

Heat, rain and dust are hard on footwear. A few minutes of care keeps sandals comfortable for longer.

Cleaning

• Brush off dry dirt and grit first, especially from textured footbeds.
• Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with water and a little mild soap.
• Avoid bleach, strong detergents and soaking for long periods.

Drying

• Dry in the shade with good airflow.
• Avoid direct sun, heaters, irons and hair dryers — heat can warp footbeds and weaken adhesives.
• During the monsoon, stuff closed styles loosely with newspaper to help them dry evenly.

Straps

Fasten hook-and-loop straps before cleaning or storing. Pick out lint and hair from the hook side now and then with an old toothbrush so the straps keep their grip.

Storage

Store footwear in a cool, dry, ventilated place, not in a sealed plastic bag. Rotating between two pairs gives each a chance to dry out fully.