How to Clean OluKai Beach Sandals After Salt Water

Quick answer

Rinse your OluKai beach sandals with fresh water as soon as you leave the beach, wash the footbed and straps with a little mild soap, then air-dry them away from direct sun and heat. This removes salt, sand, and sweat before they break down water-resistant materials or cause odors. Do this after every ocean day, and your sandals will stay comfortable and last longer.

Why salt water needs a freshwater rinse

Salt crystals left on straps and footbeds act like tiny abrasives that can dull finishes and dry out leather over time. A quick freshwater rinse dissolves those crystals before they set. It also flushes out sand that hides in stitching and between the footbed and outsole. If you only shake your sandals and toss them in a bag, the salt stays put and starts working on the materials immediately.

Water-resistant sandals are built to handle splashes and wet sand, but they still need a rinse to reset. Think of it as washing your hands after the ocean: the salt is gone, and the material can dry without residue.

What you need (and what to skip)

Gather fresh water, a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush, and a drop of mild dish soap or dedicated leather cleaner. A microfiber cloth helps with drying. Skip harsh detergents, bleach, and abrasive scrubbing pads. They can strip finishes and scratch leather. If your sandals have full-grain leather straps, use a cleaner made for leather rather than dish soap.

Avoid the washing machine and dryer. The agitation and heat can warp the footbed, shrink leather, and break down adhesives. Hand-washing takes five minutes and protects the fit you already love.

Step-by-step cleaning routine

Start by knocking off loose sand. Hold the sandals by the straps and tap the soles together over a trash can. Then rinse both sandals under cool running water, inside and out. Use your fingers or a soft brush to work out sand from the footbed texture and strap seams. Add a drop of mild soap to the brush and scrub the footbed, straps, and outsole. Rinse again until the water runs clear. Blot excess water with a microfiber cloth and let them air-dry in a shaded, ventilated spot. If the footbed still smells after drying, sprinkle a little baking soda on it, let it sit overnight, then brush it off.

For leather straps, keep the soak time short. Rinse quickly, wash with a leather-safe cleaner, and wipe dry right away. Leather does not like to stay wet, so the faster it dries, the better it holds its shape and finish.

Drying without damage

Air-drying is the only safe method. Put your sandals in a shaded, well-ventilated area, ideally with the straps propped up so air reaches the footbed. Direct sunlight and heat vents can fade colors, crack leather, and soften adhesives. If you are in a hurry, point a fan at them, but never use a hair dryer or radiator.

Expect 4 to 12 hours of drying time depending on humidity. If the sandals are still damp inside the strap seams, give them more time. Wearing them wet can stretch leather and cause blisters.

How often to do this

After every ocean swim or beach day, do at least a freshwater rinse. Do the full soap-and-scrub routine once a week during heavy wear, or whenever you notice sand buildup or odor. If you wear your sandals in the water daily, a quick rinse each evening keeps them from getting gritty. For occasional beach trips, a deep clean after each trip is enough.

Between cleanings, store your sandals in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or a damp beach bag, where mildew can grow.

Your 5-step salt water reset

1. Tap out loose sand: Hold the sandals by the straps and tap the soles together over a trash can or outside. Use a soft brush to sweep sand from the footbed texture and strap seams. Checkpoint: no visible piles of sand left in the crevices.
2. Rinse with fresh water: Run cool water over the entire sandal, inside and out, until the water runs clear. Pay attention to the space between the footbed and outsole. Checkpoint: the water should not feel gritty when you rub the footbed.
3. Wash with mild soap: Add a drop of mild dish soap or leather cleaner to a soft brush and gently scrub the footbed, straps, and outsole. For leather straps, use a leather-safe cleaner and avoid soaking. Common mistake: using harsh detergents or bleach, which can strip finishes and dry out leather.
4. Rinse and blot dry: Rinse off all soap residue with cool water. Blot the sandals with a microfiber cloth to remove excess moisture, especially on leather straps. Checkpoint: no soapy film remains when you rub the surface.
5. Air-dry in the shade: Place the sandals in a shaded, ventilated spot with the straps propped up so air reaches the footbed. Never use direct sun, a hair dryer, or a radiator. Common mistake: drying in direct sun or heat, which can fade colors, crack leather, and soften adhesives.

OluKai sandals built for this routine

• ‘Ohana: The ‘Ohana beach sandal is crafted with water-resistant materials and a non-marking rubber outsole for enhanced grip. Water-resistant materials handle a quick freshwater rinse without soaking through, and the non-marking outsole means you can wear them on boats or decks without leaving scuffs.



• Ho‘ōpio Mele: The Ho‘ōpio Mele sandal features premium full-grain leather straps with subtle stitching and a soft feel. Full-grain leather needs a gentler clean than rubber or synthetic straps, so use a leather-safe cleaner and dry them quickly to keep the finish intact.