How to Clean Stinky Flip-Flops

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Things You'll Need

  • Old toothbrush

  • Powdered bleach-free laundry detergent

  • Tea tree oil

  • Spray bottle

A thorough cleaning can eliminate embarassing flip-flop odors.

When summer comes and the sun is out in all its glory, it's only natural to want to keep as cool as possible. Flip-flops are often preferred, as they allow your feet to get air and keep cool. When flip-flops are worn often, they become dirty easily, which eventually leads to an unpleasant odor. Keeping your flip-flops clean is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but to help eliminate and prevent odors and potential foot infections.

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Step 1

Rinse the flip-flops under warm running water. Use a brush to help dislodge stubborn dirt and debris.

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Step 2

Sprinkle a powdered bleach-free laundry detergent over the flip-flops liberally.

Step 3

Scrub the flip-flops with a small brush such as an old toothbrush.

Step 4

Rinse the flip-flops again under running water to eliminate the residual soap and dirt.

Step 5

Mix 2 tbsp. of tea tree oil into 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle.

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Step 6

Take the flip-flops outside and saturate them with the solution.

Step 7

Set the flip-flops outside in the sunlight to air-dry for at least an hour.

Tip

Sprinkle baking soda over the flip-flops if any lingering odors persist and leave it overnight. Shake off the baking soda into the trash in the morning.

Warning

Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your flip-flops, as this can lead to skin irritation later.

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