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If you've started to notice a smell emanating from the footbed of your favorite pair of Teva sandals, it's probably time to do some heavier cleaning than just rinsing them off with a little water. Summer sandals are notorious for smelling bad, as the combination of dirt and sweat is a breeding ground for less-than-pleasant bacteria. Learn how to clean your shoes and leave them smelling as fresh as they did when they came out of the box.
Soak
Fill a bucket with warm, not hot, water and a little laundry detergent . Drop your Tevas in and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes. If you have suede or leather Tevas, skip this step, as soaking in water will damage the leather.
Scrub
Grab an old toothbrush and scrub the shoe: sandal footbeds often get embedded with dirt and sweat that is hard to remove with soaking alone. Try not to scrub the fabric straps, as the harsh bristles can cause the material to fuzz. Instead, use your fingers to work soap through the fabric before rinsing thoroughly.
Odor Care
If your shoes are still stinky after washing, try scrubbing them with baking soda, which helps remove odors. You could also sprinkle them liberally with baking soda and leave in a closed plastic bag overnight. Alternatively, look for products sold at hiking and outdoor stores that are specially designed to remove odors from shoes.
Dry
It's important to let your shoes dry thoroughly. If you're not worried about fading the fabric, set the shoes in direct sun to dry. Keep the shoes away from strong heat sources (such as a fireplace or furnace) to avoid warping the rubber sole.
