Guide
How to Wash Espadrilles by Hand, Step by Step
Wash espadrilles by hand: mild soap, a soft brush, only the canvas in the water, and a slow dry out of the sun. Step by step, plus mistakes to avoid.
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Wash espadrilles by hand, never in the machine, and keep the rope sole as dry as you can. The method that espadrille makers agree on is simple: mild soap, a soft brush, as little water as possible, and a slow dry in the shade. Below is the full routine, then the mistakes to avoid.
What you need
- a soft-bristled brush (an old soft toothbrush works for small areas);
- mild soap or washing-up liquid;
- a bowl of lukewarm water;
- a clean white cloth (Seavees warns that a coloured cloth can transfer dye onto the fabric);
- newspaper or shoe trees for drying.
Step 1: dry brush first
Brush off dust and loose dirt, upper and sole, before any water touches the shoe. Castañer starts every clean this way, with a soft brush on the jute.
Step 2: spot clean small marks
For light stains, Viscata suggests mixing a small amount of mild detergent with water, dipping the brush and gently scrubbing in small circles. Seavees gives the same advice with dish soap and a soft cloth or brush. Work only on the stain. For satin uppers, Seavees says to use a soft cloth only, no brush.
Step 3: hand wash the upper, if you must
For a dirtier pair, Viscata describes a careful hand wash:
- Take out the laces or ribbons, if any.
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a little mild soap.
- Dip only the fabric upper into the water. Keep the jute sole out of it.
- Move the shoe gently and brush the stained areas.
- Rinse well: leftover soap attracts dirt.
Castañer's version is gentler still: rub the canvas with a slightly damp cloth or sponge, inside and out, without soaking.
Step 4: blot
Press out excess water with a dry cloth. Castañer uses a chamois and explains why: too much moisture can change the colour of the canvas.
Step 5: dry slowly
- Dry in the open air, flat, as Castañer recommends.
- Keep them out of direct sun: Seavees says harsh sun fades and dries out the materials, and Castañer says not to expose them to sunlight.
- No tumble dryer, radiator or heater: Viscata warns that high temperatures damage the materials.
- Stuff them with newspaper or use shoe trees to hold the shape, as Viscata suggests.
What not to do
| Mistake | What can happen | Who says so |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | fabric breaks down, shoe loses its shape | Seavees, Castañer |
| Soaking the whole shoe | water weakens natural fibres and can damage the jute | Seavees, Viscata, Castañer |
| Harsh chemicals | damage to fabric and fibres | Viscata |
| Drying in direct sun | fading, dried-out materials | Seavees, Castañer |
| Tumble dryer or radiator | heat damages the materials | Viscata |
| Coloured cloth | dye transfer onto pale canvas | Seavees |
Leather, suede and special uppers
The routine above is for canvas and cotton. Leather, suede and satin need their own products and methods: follow the care label or the maker's instructions for your pair.
After washing
Viscata suggests a protective spray designed for espadrilles before you wear them again, to help repel moisture and stains. For the rope itself, see how to clean jute soles; if your pair got soaked rather than washed, read can espadrilles get wet?.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put espadrilles in the washing machine?
No. Castañer, Seavees and Viscata all advise against it: soaking and spinning can weaken the natural fibres and change the shape of the shoe.
How do you dry espadrilles after washing?
In the open air, in the shade, away from heaters. Castañer recommends drying them flat; Viscata suggests stuffing them with newspaper to hold their shape.
Sources
Pages consulted for this article: