Cork sandals have become a summer essential. Comfortable, lightweight and breathable, they are perfect for both days in the city and summer getaways. Thanks to its natural structure, cork offers excellent cushioning and gradually adapts to the shape of the foot for personalized comfort. But like any accessory worn regularly, cork sandals deserve proper care. Dust, sand, sweat or everyday marks can accumulate over time and spoil their appearance.
To help you preserve your shoes for longer, we at Meanwhile Boutique have created a tutorial video showing how to clean a pair of Nuoceans sandals made from recycled cork. In this article, we go over the different steps of the tutorial as well as several tips for taking care of your sandals.
Taking care of your shoes also helps extend their lifespan. If you like responsible materials and more sustainable alternatives, also discover our guide on Nuoceans, a Belgian company committed to waste valorization and the circular economy. Their particularity? Transforming existing materials into new resources. The colored soles are made from recovered flip-flops while the insoles are made from recycled cork coming notably from stoppers and production scraps. Nuoceans models thus combine comfort, durability and environmental commitment. Some sandals allow to revalorize several hundred grams of waste that would otherwise end up in nature or the oceans. The brand offers different models and colors, from flat sandals to versions with a back strap or platform, while maintaining responsible manufacturing made in Spain. Maintaining cork sandals is simple when you adopt the right steps. A gentle cleaning with baking soda, natural drying and a few daily precautions allow to preserve its comfort and appearance durably. As shown in our Meanwhile Boutique video tutorial made with a Nuoceans pair, a few minutes are enough to restore shine to your sandals and extend their lifespan. Taking care of your shoes is also adopting more responsible consumption by keeping products designed to last for longer..
Why maintain cork sandals regularly?
Cork is a natural material appreciated for its many qualities. Lightweight, flexible and breathable, it contributes to walking comfort. Over time, however, the insole is exposed to different elements:
- dust
- sweat
- sand
- small everyday stains
Regular maintenance helps to:
- preserve the aesthetic appearance of the sandal
- limit the appearance of odors
- maintain the comfort of the sole
A few minutes of maintenance from time to time is often enough to keep a pair of sandals in excellent condition for several seasons.
How to clean cork sandals step by step?
In our Meanwhile Boutique tutorial video, we clean a pair of Nuoceans sandals with a recycled cork sole. This simple and natural method can be used on most cork sandal models.
Prepare a natural cleaning paste
To start, prepare a paste based on baking soda and water. You will need:
- baking soda
- a little water
- a soft toothbrush
- a sponge
Pour the baking soda into a container then gradually add water until you obtain a slightly thick paste.
Clean the sole gently
If your model allows it, loosen or detach the straps to more easily access the entire surface of the sole. Using a soft toothbrush, then apply the paste to the cork by making small circular movements.
This step helps remove traces of dirt and residues accumulated during daily use. Let it work for about ten minutes before moving on to the next step.
Remove the paste and let dry
Gently remove the paste using a slightly damp sponge . Be careful not to wet the cork too much in order to preserve its natural properties.
Once the cleaning is finished, let your pair dry for about 24 hours in a dry place. Avoid radiators, hair dryers or direct exposure to the sun which could weaken the materials.
The right steps to preserve your cork sandals
Beyond cleaning, certain habits help extend the lifespan of your pair.
Avoid excessive moisture
Even though the sandals are designed for summer use, cork remains a natural material sensitive to prolonged moisture. After exposure to water, always let your shoes dry naturally before wearing them again.
Clean before dirt gets embedded
It is preferable to perform small regular cleanings rather than a major cleaning when the dirt is already heavily embedded. This routine limits the wear of the materials and greatly facilitates maintenance.
Store your sandals properly
When you are not wearing them, store your sandals in a dry place, away from excessive heat and moisture. Proper storage helps preserve both the sole and the straps.
Recycled cork sandals designed to last: focus on Nuoceans
The pair used in our tutorial comes from the brand Nuoceans, a Belgian company committed to waste valorization and the circular economy. Their particularity? Transforming existing materials into new resources. The colored soles are made from recovered flip-flops while the insoles are made from recycled cork coming notably from stoppers and production scraps.
Nuoceans models thus combine comfort, durability and environmental commitment. Some sandals allow to revalorize several hundred grams of waste that would otherwise end up in nature or the oceans. The brand offers different models and colors, from flat sandals to versions with a back strap or platform, while maintaining responsible manufacturing made in Spain.
Maintaining cork sandals is simple when you adopt the right steps. A gentle cleaning with baking soda, natural drying and a few daily precautions allow to preserve its comfort and appearance durably. As shown in our Meanwhile Boutique video tutorial made with a Nuoceans pair, a few minutes are enough to restore shine to your sandals and extend their lifespan. Taking care of your shoes is also adopting more responsible consumption by keeping products designed to last for longer.
