Cleaning your sandals after athlete’s foot requires more than soap and water. The fungus that causes the infection produces hardy spores that can survive on surfaces for weeks or even months, meaning a pair of contaminated sandals can reinfect you (or someone else) long after your symptoms clear up. The good news: a few targeted steps will eliminate the fungus from virtually any sandal material.
Why Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough
The fungi behind athlete’s foot, primarily a species called Trichophyton, shed microscopic spores that cling to surfaces and resist casual cleaning. Research published in the Journal of Fungi found that washing contaminated fabric at 40°C (104°F) failed to eliminate these spores entirely, with fungal growth reappearing within days. You need either heat above 60°C (140°F), direct chemical disinfection, or both to reliably kill them. Since most sandals can’t go in a hot washing machine, chemical and UV-based methods are your best options.
Step-by-Step Cleaning for Most Sandals
Start by removing any visible dirt or buildup. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe down straps, footbeds, and soles. This matters because debris can shield fungal spores from whatever disinfectant you apply next.
Once the surface is clean, wipe or spray all contact areas with 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). A concentration between 60% and 80% is the proven range for effective disinfection. The 70% formulation you find at any pharmacy works well because it contains enough water to slow evaporation, giving the alcohol more time to penetrate fungal cell walls. Wipe down every surface your foot touches, including the sides of straps and the edges of the footbed. Let the alcohol sit for at least three minutes before wiping dry.
For extra assurance, follow up with an antifungal shoe spray. Look for sprays containing tolnaftate or miconazole as the active ingredient. These work by blocking an enzyme the fungus needs to survive. Spray the footbed and straps liberally, then let the sandals air dry completely before wearing them.
Cleaning Leather Sandals
Leather requires a gentler approach because alcohol and harsh chemicals can strip its oils and cause cracking. A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water is effective and leather-safe. Dampen a cloth with the solution, wipe down the entire footbed and straps, and let the sandals air dry. After they’re fully dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and prevent the material from becoming brittle. Never soak leather sandals or submerge them in any liquid.
Cleaning Cork and Suede Footbeds
Cork footbeds, like those on Birkenstocks, are porous and cannot be saturated with water without risking damage. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Using an old toothbrush, gently scrub the paste onto the footbed in circular motions, covering every area your foot contacts. Wipe the paste off with a slightly damp cloth, then let the sandals dry at room temperature. Do not place them in direct sunlight, which can crack and warp cork.
Once the footbed is clean and dry, apply a light mist of antifungal shoe spray to address any remaining spores in the porous material. Baking soda on its own is a good cleaner but not a reliable fungicide, so the spray is an important second step for cork and suede.
UV-C Shoe Sanitizers
UV-C light devices designed for shoes offer a chemical-free option that works on any material. Research from a controlled shoe infection model found that UV-C treatment effectively reduced fungal colonization, with even a single cycle producing significant results. These devices typically look like small inserts you place inside your footwear for 15 to 45 minutes. They’re especially useful for sandals made of delicate materials where chemical options are limited, and they work well as an ongoing prevention tool.
Rubber and Synthetic Sandals
Flip-flops and other non-porous synthetic sandals are the easiest to disinfect. You can scrub them with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of water), soak them for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and air dry. Alternatively, 70% rubbing alcohol wiped across all surfaces works just as well. These materials are durable enough to handle either approach without damage.
Preventing Reinfection
Cleaning your sandals once solves the immediate problem, but the fungus thrives in damp environments, so ongoing habits matter. Let your sandals dry completely between wearings. Alternating between two pairs gives each set a full 24 hours to air out. If your feet tend to sweat, a light dusting of antifungal powder on the footbed before wearing can suppress fungal regrowth.
Treat your feet and your footwear at the same time. If you’re using an antifungal cream or spray on your skin, cleaning your sandals partway through treatment prevents recontamination. Washing any fabric insoles or removable liners at 60°C (140°F) or higher will kill fungal spores completely, regardless of whether you add detergent. Items washed at lower temperatures may still harbor viable spores.
If your sandals have a foul odor that persists after disinfection, or if the footbed is visibly degraded and deeply stained, replacement is the more reliable option. Porous materials with extensive fungal contamination can harbor spores deep within the structure where surface treatments may not fully reach.