Cleaning makes shoes long lasting and helps to eradicate mildew smell from shoes. However, same case applies to cork shoes where wrong method of cleaning the shoe can lead to damage. Finishing the process successfully is not commonplace; in fact, most individualsare bound to screw things up. Below, you be able to look at the guidelines that should help you while cleaning cork shoes without causing any harm to them.

How to Clean Cork Shoes

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Cork shoes due to the composition are organic antifungal agents and will prevent athlete’s foot or fungal toes among others. And the shoes are again, hydrophobic in nature and hardly allow water to penetrate through them except when washed. However, cork shoes are not waterproof, like our Vessi Weekends, and would therefore inevitably become saturated when subjected to water over time. The cork material may develop mold and mildew if it were not dried well and the state of closed shoes cannot afford this.

Here are the things you will need to clean the cork shoes properly;

• Warm water

• Clean cloth

• Baking soda

• Cork sealant

• Toothbrush

• White vinegar

• Non-toxic detergent

Once you have all these items, here are the steps to follow when cleaning cork shoes:

Method 1: Using baking soda

Baking soda is ideal to use with water to dissolve dirt and grease in a very short time. That is why one can use it for washing cork shoes, but it is essential to wash them without much water, which, as has been already mentioned, it is not recommended to do. Baking soda can work as a deodorizer, which keeps the shoes smelling fresh after each washing session. Using essential oils, baking soda is its best friend when it comes to cleaning cork shoes, all it needs is a few drops.

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1. Mix two tablespoons of clean water with one tablespoon of baking soda to make a thin paste.

2. Using a dry cloth, remove dust and any loose dirt from the cork soles' surface.

3. Dip the brush into the mixture to get the paste on it. The toothbrush should be coated and not dripping to avoid getting the shoes too wet during the cleaning process.

4. Scrub the entire shoe surface to get rid of tough dirt. Remember, do not use too much force when scrubbing the footwear to avoid damaging the cork shoes.

5. Dip a clean cloth in lukewarm water and wring it until it is just moist. Using a clean cloth, wipe any residue and stains from the surface of the shoes.

6. Set out the shoes to air dry. Avoid placing the shoes or sandals in direct sunlight as the extreme heat might get them damaged. The shoes should rest in a dry place.

7. Cork shoes can therefore be put in the freezer as it has been observed that this get rid of the bad smells. Simply keeping the shoes in a deep freezer accomplishes the elimination of bacteria left behind without having to compromise the shoes material with chemicals.

8. After the shoes have sat in the freezer overnight, remove them and apply a cork-sealer. The cork sealant protects the clean cork sandals or shoes from dirt, water, dust, and odors, making them last longer with each application.

Method 2: Using vinegar

It is an acidic substance and therefore effective for dissolving grease, dirt, grim or even hard mineral deposits. Vinegar is too aggressive for bacteria and therefore minimizes the possibility of a bad smell after wearing shoes. The following procedures you will need to consider while cleaning cork shoes using vinegar are:

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1. Using a half-litre of warm water, mix five drops of non-toxic mild detergent and half a cup of white vinegar.

2. Use a dry piece of cloth to remove dirt and dust from the shoes.

3. Dip a soft bristle brush into the mixture and use it to gently scrub off the dirt off the surface of the shoe. Ensure the brush is not dripping wet, and apply a thin layer of the cleaning solution.

4. Dip a piece of clean cloth in lukewarm water and use it to wipe off the cleaning solution from the surface of the shoe.

5. Air dry the shoes in the shade to dry the shoes without damaging them.

6. If you think the shoes could have been smelly prior to the experiment, then you could put the shoes in the freezer for about 24 hours. Since here we are discussing, specifically, cork shoes; make sure the shoes have been in an airtight bag so that they don’t get in contact with water or moisture at any point.

7. Apply cork sealant on the shoes to keep dust and dirt at bay. Also, the sealant protects the shoes from water, making them durable.

Please Note: Since this second method requires more water than the first one, it is more appropriate to use a damp cloth not a wet one, particularly on the cork footbed. DO NOT wet the cork material with water because it is very sensitive, but use a little vinegar or baking powder solution.

Final Thoughts

Cork shoes are comfortable for one; they are attractive, distinct and suitable for almost every occasion. However, they are quite restrictive for the following reasons: they fail at the slightest contact with a lot of water, which rids us of the freedom to clean the cork shoes with a lot of water or the satisfaction we get from jumping in puddles. Besides, it is not very convenient to wear cork sandals in the rain, that is why Vessi shoes are as versatile as possible, because they are waterproof for any weather or activity.