Learn How to Clean Your Chacos (Make Them Look New)
Chacos are one of the most popular outdoor sandals, especially in the summer. Its fun designs paired with comfort and functionality make this the perfect pair for sunny travels. However, with adventure under the sun and in the heat, that means one thing for your weathered footwear friend – smelly Chacos.
It’s pretty normal for any pair of sandals, especially one that gets wet, muddy, or downright sweaty. So how do you clean your Chacos and make it as travel-ready as you are?
There are different styles and designs of Chacos, but the cleaning method is pretty standard.
Cleaning Your Chaco Sandals
Load them in the washing machine
Yes, Chacos are perfectly fine to be loaded in the washing machine but not in the dryer. Go for a gentle cycle in cold water and mild detergent. Be careful with chemical detergents because this might damage the straps. Do not add anything else to the machine such as bleach.
If you don’t have time to toss them in the washing machine, just wear them in the shower for several days to wash off the skin cells and dirt quickly. Remember, however, that this kind of cleaning is very mild and won’t really get rid of smells or stubborn dirt.
Shower cleaning sounds like a lazy way of doing things, but it works pretty well. Just make sure you clean it properly in the wash every now and then before things get nasty.
Always Air Dry
The most important part of washing your Chacos is keeping them away from extreme heat. The heat from the dishwasher or dryer will damage the sole or the straps. Just lay them out under the sun or anywhere with the wind. Since they’re made to perform outdoors, your Chacos will dry pretty fast and they’ll be good to go in no time.
Floss the Straps
If you’re suffering from stinky Chacos despite your wash, that smell comes from the slots where the straps enter and exit the midsole. The webbing system of the straps is great for comfort and fit, but those slots also catch a lot of grime and trap moisture. If left unclean, it becomes sticky and makes your straps harder to adjust.
To floss the straps, wet the straps with warm water. Take some fabric conditioner and squirt some into the slots where the straps go through. Start pulling the straps back and forth to loosen the grime and clear the slots. You don’t need to do this very often, especially if you regularly wash your Chacos.
It’s still quite prudent to do this every other month just to make sure you’re not letting the grime and sand cause too much build-up.
Deodorize
If the smell persists, don’t fret. Chacos are treated with an antimicrobial solution, but sometimes your sandals need extra care. Grab a brush and lightly scrub the footbed with a mixture of water and baking soda. Don’t rinse but immediately air dry your pair. This should take care of the stubborn odor.
Cleaning Your Leather Chacos
Leather Chacos are made with real leather. While they’re more durable and generally look even better with wear, it also needs a bit of extra care.
Clean Regularly
The key to keeping the leather of your Chacos in top form is to clean them regularly. Don’t allow dirt and grime to build up because not only will it damage the leather, it will eventually get harder to take them out later on.
Use a damp (not wet!) cloth and wipe down the straps and the footbed. Make sure you don’t miss the slots where the straps and the footbed meet. Water is enough in this step. Never use soap, bleach, or detergents in cleaning your leather Chacos.
Air Dry
Just like the synthetic Chacos, air dry is the only way to dry your leather sandals. Never place them in the dishwasher or dryer to keep the leather intact.
Take Extra Care
Rehydrate the leather of your sandals once every 3 months or so. Instead of just water, spray on leather cleaner or conditioner to keep your sandals from cracking or firming up. Make sure to read the label of your cleaner or conditioner to know how much product should be applied on a clean rag.
Following these steps make sure that your beloved pair remains clean, fresh, and with you for years to come. If none of these work, it might be high time to get yourself a new pair. If that’s the case, take a look at the best Chacos for your kind of adventure.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
