How to Clean Your Slippahs Without Wrecking Them

Your slippahs go everywhere with you. The beach, the yard, the grocery run, the pile by the front door. So they pick up sand, salt, sunscreen, and that funky smell that comes from a year of honest island wear. Good news: a little care goes a long way, and most slippahs clean up easy if you know what they are made of.

Here is how to do it right, by material.

Rubber slippahs (Locals, Scott Hawaii)

Classic rubber slippahs are the easiest to clean because they love water.

Rinse off loose sand and dirt under the hose or in the shower.
Mix a little dish soap or mild detergent into warm water.
Scrub the footbed and straps with an old toothbrush or a soft brush.
Pay extra attention to the footbed, where oils and dead skin build up.
Rinse clean and air dry in the shade.

For stubborn smell, sprinkle baking soda on the footbed, let it sit overnight, then rinse. Skip the washing machine. The tumbling can crack the foam and pop the straps loose over time.

Leather and suede slippahs (Island Slipper)

Premium leather slippahs are the opposite of rubber: keep them away from water. Soaking leather can cause cracking, shrinking, and color bleeding.

Leather: Wipe with a barely-damp cloth, then dry immediately. Use a leather conditioner a couple times a season to keep the upper soft and prevent cracks.
Suede: Stay dry. Brush with a suede brush to lift dirt and revive the nap. A suede eraser handles scuffs and small stains.
Footbed funk: A light dusting of baking soda overnight absorbs odor without soaking the leather.

Treat a good leather pair like a leather shoe and it will mold to your feet and last for years.

Keeping any pair fresh longer

Rinse salt water off after the beach. Salt is hard on both foam and leather.
Let them dry in the shade, not in direct sun, which can warp and fade them.
Rotate two pairs if you wear slippahs daily. The foam gets to bounce back.
Store them flat, not crammed in a bag where the straps get bent.

Take care of your slippahs and they will take care of your feet. When it is finally time for a new pair, our live rankings show which island brands people love most right now, and the finder quiz matches you to your perfect pair.