How To Wash Reef Sandals: The Definitive Material-Specific Cleaning Guide

To safely wash Reef sandals, identify your material type—synthetic EVA/rubber requires warm water, mild Castile soap, and a soft-bristle brush, while full-grain leather demands specialized pH-balanced leather cleaners. Never expose any Reef sandals to high washing machine heat or direct sunlight during drying, as this warps the footbed and degrades construction adhesives. Applying a baking soda paste is the most effective technical solution for neutralizing deep-set organic odors in the footbed.

Pre-Cleaning Assessment and Equipment Checklist

Before applying water or cleaning agents to your footwear, you must determine the specific material composition of your Reef sandals. Reef manufactures products across three primary material categories, each requiring a completely distinct chemical and mechanical cleaning approach. Treating full-grain leather with the same wet-scrubbing method used for synthetic rubber will permanently ruin the leather's texture, cause it to dry out, and lead to structural cracking.

The Three Reef Material Classes

1. EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) and Synthetic Rubber: These are closed-cell, water-friendly foam materials common in athletic and beach-focused styles like the Reef Fanning or Reef Cushion Bounce. They are highly water-resistant but sensitive to heat.
2. Full-Grain Leather and Nubuck/Suede: These are porous, organic protein-fiber materials found in lifestyle lines such as the Reef Draftsmen or Ortho-Coast. Water immersion must be strictly avoided to prevent stripping natural oils.
3. Synthetic Webbing, Nylon, and Polyester Fabrics: These materials make up the strap assemblies on woven models. They trap dirt, sand, and sweat within their fibrous matrix, requiring targeted deep scrubbing.

Required Materials and Technical Benchmarks

• Essential Cleaning Gear: Soft-bristle nylon brush (or a dedicated suede/nubuck brush), microfiber cloths, non-abrasive sponge, and a small mixing bowl.
• Chemical Solvents & Cleaners: Gentle pH-neutral liquid dish soap, liquid Castile soap (such as Dr. Bronner's), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), or a specialized pH-balanced leather cleaner.
• Mandatory Prohibitions: Never use bleach, chlorine, highly alkaline laundry detergents, or harsh chemical solvents like acetone. These chemicals break down the vulcanized rubber compounds and emulsify the polyurethane adhesives holding the sole assembly together.
• Project Duration: 20 to 30 minutes of active labor; 12 to 24 hours of ambient drying time.
• Thermal Limit: 30°C (86°F). Never expose Reef sandals to temperatures exceeding this threshold during washing or drying.

Step-by-Step Restoration and Washing Protocols

Choose the protocol below that matches your Reef sandal's primary construction material. For multi-material sandals (e.g., leather footbeds with textile straps), apply each specific protocol only to its corresponding component.

Step 1: Substrate Identification and Surface Dry-Brushing

Begin by clearing away loose particulate matter. Mud, sand, and salt crystals act as abrasive agents when wet, grinding deeper into the material's grain or weave during scrubbing.

1. Allow any wet mud on the sandals to dry completely at room temperature.
2. Hold the sandals over a trash bin or outdoors and tap the outsoles together to dislodge packed dirt.
3. Use a dry, soft-bristle nylon brush to sweep the outsoles, footbeds, and straps. Pay close attention to the deep grooved traction channels on the bottom of the soles and the micro-textured contours of the footbed.
4. For leather or suede models, use a dedicated suede brush, brushing exclusively in one direction to preserve the nap of the material.

Step 2: Wash the Sandals (Material-Specific Path)

Path A: The Synthetic EVA & Rubber Protocol

This protocol applies to water-friendly styles, including the iconic Reef Fanning (with the heel airbag and built-in bottle opener).

1. In a small bowl, mix 5 ml (about one teaspoon) of mild liquid Castile soap or pH-neutral dish soap into 1 liter of lukewarm water (under 30°C / 86°F). Stir until fully dissolved and sudsy.
2. Submerge your soft-bristle brush or sponge into the soapy solution.
3. Scrub the entire footbed using firm, circular motions. Focus heavily on the heel cup and toe-grip areas where sweat oils, dead skin cells, and dirt form a dark, compacted film.
4. Clean the straps by gently scrubbing both the inner lining and outer surfaces.
5. For Fanning models, use an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water to clean inside the bottle opener housing and around the polyurethane heel airbag. Ensure no gravel or debris remains wedged inside the mechanism.

Warning: Do not submerge the entire sandal under water for prolonged periods. Although the EVA foam is waterproof, the interior webbing of the straps and the adhesives inside the midsole can degrade if left waterlogged for hours.

Path B: The Full-Grain Leather & Suede Protocol

This protocol applies to premium leather models. Water immersion will ruin these materials.

1. Moisten a clean microfiber cloth with a very small amount of water. Wring it out thoroughly until it is barely damp.
2. Apply a dime-sized drop of pH-balanced leather cleaner to the damp cloth. Gently rub the cloth together to distribute the cleaner evenly.
3. Wipe down the entire leather footbed and leather straps using light, circular motions. Do not scrub aggressively, as this can scratch or discolor the leather.
4. If cleaning suede or nubuck, do not use liquid cleaners unless they are specifically formulated for suede. Instead, use a suede cleaning block (eraser) to rub away scuffs and stains, then brush the fibers back up with a suede brush.
5. Wipe away any excess cleaning residue with a second, dry microfiber cloth.

Pro-Tip: Once the leather is completely dry, always apply a thin layer of high-quality, wax-free leather conditioner. Massage it into the straps and footbed in circular motions. This restores the essential oils stripped during wear, preventing the leather from drying out and cracking.

Step 3: Deep Odor Extraction (Baking Soda Protocol)

Porous EVA foam footbeds are prone to harboring anaerobic bacteria that feed on sweat, creating stubborn, sour odors. If your synthetic sandals still smell after washing, follow this chemical neutralization step.

1. Mix three parts sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with one part warm water in a small container to form a thick, spreadable paste.
2. Using your fingers or a spoon, apply a generous, even layer of the paste over the entire surface of the damp footbed.
3. Gently massage the paste into the textured grooves of the footbed using a soft brush.
4. Allow the paste to sit undisturbed for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, the baking soda chemically neutralizes both acidic and alkaline odor molecules and draws out deep-set oils.
5. Rinse the paste off thoroughly under cool, running water while brushing away the grit.

Step 4: Precision Rinsing and Residual Soap Extraction

Leaving soap residue on your sandals can cause two major issues: it creates a slick, slippery surface when wet (increasing the risk of injury) and it attracts fresh dirt like a magnet once dry.

1. For synthetic sandals, hold them under cool, low-pressure running water.
2. Use a clean, soap-free sponge to wipe down the footbeds and straps as you rinse, ensuring all soapy lather is flushed away.
3. For leather sandals, do not rinse. Take a clean microfiber cloth dipped in fresh, clean water, wring it out completely, and wipe down the leather surfaces to lift away any soap residue.

Step 5: Controlled Atmospheric Dehydration (Drying)

Improper drying is the leading cause of sandal failure. High heat causes the materials to shrink, warp, and fall apart.

1. Use a clean, dry terry cloth towel to firmly press and blot the sandals. This absorbs the bulk of the standing water from the straps and footbed.
2. Place the sandals in a flat, horizontal position in a well-ventilated, indoor room or a shady outdoor location.
3. Prop the straps open with a small crumpled piece of paper towel to allow airflow inside the strap lining.
4. Never place Reef sandals in a clothes dryer, on top of heating vents, next to wood stoves, or in direct, hot sunlight.

Warning: Exposing wet EVA foam to direct, high-temperature sunlight or heat sources will cause the gas cells within the foam to collapse. This results in permanent shrinkage, warping, and hardening of the footbed, rendering the sandals unwearable.

Material Properties and Cleaning Compatibility Matrix

The table below outlines the precise technical tolerances and cleaning compatibility guidelines for the various materials used in Reef footwear.

Common Sandal Care Failures and Restoration Remedies

Even with careful maintenance, mistakes can happen. Use these field-tested diagnostic steps to recover your footwear from common cleaning and wear failures.

Footbed Has Warped or Shrunken

• Root Cause: The sandals were exposed to high thermal energy (left in a hot car trunk, dried in direct sunlight, or placed near a heater), causing the internal gas cavities within the EVA foam to contract and collapse.
• Actionable Fix: Severe thermal shrinkage cannot be reversed. However, minor warping can sometimes be corrected. Gently warm the warped area of the footbed with a hair dryer on a medium setting from a distance of 15 cm for 60 seconds. Once the material becomes slightly pliable, gently bend the sole back into its flat, original shape. Immediately place a heavy, flat object (like a stack of heavy books) on top of the sandal and let it cool completely for 2 hours to set the corrected shape.

Persistent Musty or Sour Odor Post-Wash

• Root Cause: Anaerobic bacteria and fungal spores have colonized deep inside the micro-pores of the footbed or beneath the strap lining, surviving basic surface soap scrubs.
• Actionable Fix: Create a sanitizing solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and lukewarm water. Soak a clean rag in the solution and drape it across the footbeds of your synthetic sandals, leaving it in place for 15 minutes. The acetic acid in the vinegar kills remaining bacteria without damaging the synthetic foam. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and dry in a well-ventilated space.

Delaminated Outsole or Loose Strap Glue Joints

• Root Cause: Prolonged water submersion or exposure to harsh cleaning solvents emulsified the contact cement used during manufacturing, causing the layers of the sole to split apart.
• Actionable Fix: Clean the split surfaces thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to remove old adhesive and dirt. Let it dry for 5 minutes. Apply a thin, even layer of a flexible polyurethane adhesive (such as Barge All-Purpose Cement or Shoe Goo) to both split surfaces. Allow the adhesive to cure until tacky (about 3 to 5 minutes), then press the layers firmly together. Clamp the repaired area tightly using spring clamps or wrap it tightly with rubber bands, and let it cure undisturbed for a full 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put Reef sandals in the washing machine?

No, you should not put Reef sandals in the washing machine. The mechanical agitation of the wash cycle can tear the straps, warp the footbeds, and weaken the glue joints, while prolonged submersion in water and exposure to laundry detergents will cause the sole layers to separate.

How do I clean the bottle opener on my Reef Fanning sandals?

To clean the integrated bottle opener, use an old toothbrush dipped in a warm water and mild dish soap solution. Scrub inside the metal housing to remove dried beer residue, sand, and mud, then rinse it under running water and dry the metal component thoroughly with a towel to prevent corrosion.

How can I stop my Reef sandals from squeaking when I walk?

Squeaking usually occurs when moisture or dust gets trapped between the footbed and your skin, or between layers of a multi-part sole. Dust the footbed with a tiny amount of baby powder or baking soda to absorb moisture and reduce friction, wiping away the excess so it is invisible.

Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol to sanitize Reef sandals?

You can use a 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol solution on synthetic EVA and rubber Reef sandals to sanitize them, but only on a spot-treatment basis. Never soak them in alcohol, and keep alcohol completely away from leather or suede parts, as it will instantly dehydrate and ruin those materials.

Keep Your Adventure Gear in Peak Condition

Properly maintaining your footwear ensures you stay comfortable, supportive, and slip-free on every trail and beach excursion. Invest a few minutes in cleaning your sandals regularly to double their lifespan and keep them smelling fresh for seasons to come.