To clean EVA sandals and clogs, scrub with mild soap and water, treat odor or mold with a baking soda or diluted vinegar solution, then air-dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight — never a dryer, and never a hot car. That last part matters more than people think: EVA holds up to rain and mud, but heat is what actually damages it, warping the shape and breaking down the material over time. Here's the full routine, step by step, plus what to do when the rainy season leaves your pair smelling or spotted with mold.
How do I do a regular clean on EVA sandals or clogs?
- Rinse off loose dirt and mud under running water or with a hose before you scrub anything — this stops you from grinding grit into the material.
- Mix a few drops of mild soap into warm water, then work it over the footbed, straps, and sole with a soft brush or cloth, paying extra attention to grooves and stitching lines where dirt collects.
- Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains — leftover soap can leave a dull film or attract more dirt later.
- Pat dry with a towel, then set the pair flat in a well-ventilated spot, away from direct sun or any heat source, until fully dry before wearing or storing.
This same routine works across EVA styles — Native's shoes and slip-ons, Joybees' clogs, and Birkenstock's EVA lines like the Arizona EVA, Boston EVA, and Birki Flow all handle a soap-and-water scrub the same way, since they're built from the same water-friendly material.
How do I get rid of odor in EVA sandals?
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the footbed and let it sit for at least an hour — overnight works best for stronger odor.
- Tap or brush off the baking soda once it's done its work.
- Follow up with a light vinegar wipe if needed — mix equal parts water and white vinegar, wipe it over the footbed and straps, then let the pair air-dry completely.
Baking soda absorbs the moisture and odor-causing buildup that soap alone doesn't always clear, and it's gentle enough for EVA, rubber, and most synthetic uppers.
How do I remove mold or mildew from EVA sandals or clogs?
- Mix a diluted vinegar solution — roughly equal parts water and white vinegar — since vinegar breaks down mold spores without damaging EVA.
- Wipe the moldy spots directly with a cloth dampened in the solution, working it into any grooves or seams where mold tends to start.
- Rinse lightly and dry completely in open air, out of direct sunlight, before wearing or storing again.
Mold shows up almost exclusively on pairs that get stored damp, so the cleaning matters less than what you do after — which brings us to the step most people skip.
Why do my sandals keep getting moldy or smelly during the rainy season?
The most common cause is storing shoes while they're still damp — trapped moisture is what actually grows mold and holds odor, not the rain itself. A quick rinse after a wet commute takes care of surface dirt, but if the pair goes straight into a closet, bag, or shoe rack while still wet, that moisture has nowhere to go. Letting shoes fully air-dry before you put them away is the single habit that prevents most rainy-season mold and odor complaints.
Can I put EVA sandals in the washing machine?
It's best to hand-wash EVA sandals and clogs rather than machine-wash them — the straps, buckles, and footbed shape can shift or warp in a washing machine, even on a gentle cycle. Hand-washing takes a few extra minutes but keeps the fit and shape consistent, which matters more for structured styles like Birkenstock's toe-post or buckle designs than it does for simpler slip-ons.
How should I dry EVA sandals so they don't warp?
Always air-dry flat in a shaded, well-ventilated spot — skip direct sunlight, radiators, hair dryers, and hot car interiors, since heat is what actually warps EVA over time. This is the step that trips people up most during the rainy season: it's tempting to speed-dry a wet pair before your next commute, but heat exposure does more long-term damage than the rain ever will. Give shoes a few hours in open air instead, and rotate between two pairs if you're wearing rain shoes daily.
Building your rainy-day rotation? Check out our Easy to Clean collection for Native, Joybees, and Birkenstock EVA styles built for exactly this kind of care.
FAQs
How do you clean EVA sandals?
Scrub with a mild soap-and-water solution using a soft brush or cloth, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry flat away from direct sun or heat. This works across EVA styles from Native, Joybees, and Birkenstock's EVA lines like the Arizona EVA and Boston EVA.
How do I get mold off my sandals?
Wipe moldy areas with a cloth dampened in a diluted vinegar-and-water solution, then rinse lightly and let the pair dry completely in open air. Storing shoes while they're still damp is the main cause of mold, so full drying before storage is key to preventing it from coming back.
Can I wash Birkenstock EVA sandals like the Arizona EVA?
Yes — Arizona EVA, Boston EVA, and Birki Flow are all built for easy hand-washing with mild soap and water. Rinse well and air-dry flat rather than using a dryer or leaving them in direct sun, which can warp the material over time.
