Cork shoes are a common fashion and comfort accessory, but they can get dirty and smelly really fast. It’s easy to clean cork shoes, and you probably have a few ingredients on hand. Cleaning your cork shoes is as simple as following these steps.
Cork Shoes
Cork shoes are lightweight, stylish, and are made with a combination of cork and rubber. They’re a popular choice for people who are looking for comfort and style at the same time. Cork shoes are also known for being durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for any wardrobe.
These shoes have been my go-to all summer. You can slip them on while running out the door, they’re comfortable, and they’re more stylish than flip-flops. They’ve been worn non-stop, so they’ve definitely seen better days. The soles are dirty, and they have a smell. The sole is made of cork, so it’s a problem. It’s hard to clean cork because it’s so easily damaged. After trying several techniques for cleaning cork, I’ve found one that works. It uses simple ingredients without harsh chemicals.
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Supplies For Cleaning Cork Shoes
I used simple things I had on hand to clean the shoes, and I was surprised at how clean they came. You’ll just need some patience and elbow grease to get the job done. To get those cork shoes clean, and eliminate odors you’ll need:
- Small grout brush (I like this one)
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Hot water
Steps for Cleaning Cork Shoes
Cleaning cork shoes is easy. You’ll need a basic grout brush or tooth brush to help remove the dirt. I like small angled grout brushes for getting in the creases of the shoe.
Step 1
Start by adding 1 tsp of dish soap to one gallon of hot water. Dissolve the soap into the water with your hand to make suds. Warm water helps to dissolve the dirt better than cool water.
Step 2
Next, sprinkle the baking soda on the sole of the shoe. You can be generous with the baking soda. It will take around 1 tbsp of baking soda or more. The baking soda cleans the shoes, but also helps to remove any odor the shoes have.
Step 3
Dip the brush into the soap water and lightly scrub the baking soda into the sole of the shoes. Be careful not to damage the cork. It will take a little bit for the baking soda to react and start to absorb the dirt. Keep lightly scrubbing until you see the dirt begin to lift.
Step 4
After cleaning the shoes, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove the baking soda and dirt. Be careful not to completely saturate the shoes. Once you have wiped the shoes clean, you’ll be able to tell the areas that need to be scrubbed more. Go back and clean any dirty areas.
Step 5
Once you are satisfied with the shoes, put them in a warm place to dry. Allow them to completely dry before wearing them.
Helpful Tips
-Hold the shoes over a sink while you are scrubbing them. This can be a messy, dirty process.
-Scrub the shoes very lightly. Cork is a soft material, and it can be easily damaged if you don’t handle it with care.
-If your shoes are very soiled, and the baking soda/ dish soap combination isn’t getting them clean, add 1 tsp of powdered Tide laundry detergent to the water. The tide has enzymes that help to lift the dirt. Tide is not a natural or non-toxic so use discretion when you’re using it. It will also leave a film so be sure to wipe them very clean.
-You can also apply a cork conditioner after cleaning and drying your shoes to protect the cork, and help to keep it from drying out. This is totally optional.
-Lightly sprinkle baking soda on them after wearing them to decrease and odor the shoes develop.
More Natural Tips
Simple Lotion Bars
Natural Tallow Lotion
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