How to care for your espadrilles and rope-soled sandals: easy guide to make them last all season
Espadrilles and jute sneakers are a summer essential: light, fresh, comfortable, and with that Mediterranean flair that pairs with dresses, linen, denim, and relaxed looks. But precisely because of their materials and finishes, they require different care than athletic shoes or rubber sandals.
The most important rule is clear: do not put them in the washing machine. Esparto, jute, or braided finishes can deform, stiffen, or come unstuck if they get too wet. With gentle cleaning, proper drying, and a few simple habits, your espadrilles can accompany you much longer than just one getaway.
At XTI, you'll find women's espadrilles in different styles: espadrilles, jute sneakers, wedge espadrilles, flat models, platforms, low, medium or high wedges, and vegan options designed for your summer looks.
Before you start: identify which part you are going to clean
The jute area is not cleaned the same way as the upper part of the shoe. The sole or braided wedge needs very little moisture and gentle movements. Fabric, suede-like materials, or synthetic materials may tolerate slightly more direct cleaning, but always without soaking.
Before applying any product, remove dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth. Then, check where the stain is: on the sole, toe, insole, straps, or textile area. The more specific the treatment, the less risk you will have of damaging the footwear.
It is also advisable to check if your espadrilles are flat, wedge, or platform. XTI flat espadrilles combine lightness, a cushioned insole, and a non-slip sole for comfortable walking in summer, while platforms and wedges have more structure, so you should avoid crushing or getting them excessively wet.
How to clean the jute sole without damaging it
The jute sole should be cleaned patiently and with little water. Start by using a dry, soft-bristled brush to remove dust, sand, or dirt residue. Always do this in the direction of the braid, without rubbing aggressively.
If the dirt is more ingrained, prepare a cloth lightly dampened with water and a few drops of neutral soap. Wring it out very well and pass it only over the stained area. The goal is to clean, not to wet the fiber. Avoid soaking the jute because it can deform, lose rigidity, or take too long to dry.
For tougher areas, you can use a small brush, but always with gentle movements. Afterwards, remove any soap residue with another barely damp cloth and let it dry in the shade.
How to clean the fabric, canvas, or upper part
If the upper is made of fabric or canvas, use a microfiber cloth with warm water and neutral soap. Gently rub the stain, without dragging too much water towards the jute area. If the stain is near the sole, work with even less moisture to avoid soaking the braid.
For synthetic materials or suede-like finishes, avoid aggressive products. It's always best to start with a dry or slightly damp cloth. If the finish has texture, use a soft brush to lift the nap or remove surface dust.
Do not use bleach, strong stain removers, or concentrated detergents. They can alter the color, stiffen the material, or leave rings. It's better to repeat a gentle cleaning twice than to try to remove everything at once with a product that is too strong.
What to do if your espadrilles get wet
If you get caught in the rain or they get wet on a terrace, don't panic, but act quickly. Remove excess moisture with a dry cloth and stuff the inside with white paper or kitchen paper to help maintain their shape. Avoid newspaper if the inside is light, as the ink may transfer.
Let them dry in a well-ventilated place, always in the shade and away from heat sources. Do not use a hairdryer, radiator, or direct sun. Intense heat can stiffen the fiber, deform the structure, or cause parts of the shoe to come unglued.
Once completely dry, gently brush the jute area to restore the braided appearance. If any marks remain, clean only that area with a barely damp cloth and neutral soap.
How to eliminate bad odor from jute sneakers and espadrilles
In summer, heat and continuous use can cause odor to appear. To prevent this, let your espadrilles air out after each use and don't store them immediately upon returning home. Ideally, alternate them with other pairs so that the inside can dry properly.
If there is already an odor, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside and let it sit overnight. The next morning, shake the shoes well and remove any residue with a dry cloth or a soft brush. Do not apply it to the outer area or on delicate finishes.
You can also use thin insoles if the model allows it, especially in flat espadrilles or jute sneakers that you wear for many hours. They help absorb moisture and facilitate maintenance.
Common mistakes when cleaning espadrilles
- The first mistake is putting them in the washing machine. Although it seems like the quickest solution, a full wash can deform the jute, unglue adhesives, alter colors, and make the footwear stiff.
- The second mistake is using too much water. Espadrilles do not need deep immersion cleaning; they need localized cleaning. A very wet cloth can create rings and affect the structure.
- The third mistake is drying them in direct sunlight. In summer it seems logical to leave them on the terrace, but strong heat can damage both the fiber and the upper materials.
- The fourth mistake is storing them wet. If they are not completely dry, odors, stains, or deformations can appear. It's better to wait a few more hours than to store them prematurely.
How to care for wedge, platform, or flat espadrilles
Flat espadrilles are easier to store, but it's best not to fold or crush them. Lay them horizontally and avoid putting weight on them, especially if they have a structured toe or heel.
Low or mid-wedge espadrilles need special care at the junction between the sole and the upper. XTI offers low-wedge espadrilles with flexible soles and cushioned insoles, and mid-wedge models from 4 to 6 cm designed to elevate daily looks with lightness. To preserve them better, avoid getting them wet and store them without pressing on the wedge.
High wedge or platform espadrilles have more volume and structure. Do not leave them deformed in your suitcase or leaning on their side for a long time. If you are going to travel, place them at the bottom of your luggage and stuff the inside with paper to maintain their shape. XTI also offers high wedge espadrilles up to 10 cm and platforms with a uniform base for added height with stability, so caring for the structure is key to keeping them looking good.
How to protect them before use
Before wearing them for the first time, you can apply a specific protector for textiles or synthetic materials if the model allows it. Always do a test on an inconspicuous area to check that it does not alter the color or finish.
Avoid using them on rainy days, very wet ground, or muddy surfaces. Espadrilles are designed for good weather, city, holidays, summer dinners, and relaxed plans, not for continuous water exposure.
If the model has straps, buckles, or decorative details, check that they are completely dry before storing the footwear. Small damp areas can leave marks if they remain in contact with the jute or fabric for hours.
How to store them to prevent them from losing their shape
At the end of the day, let them breathe before putting them in the closet. Then, store them in a dry, ventilated place. If they have a wedge, platform, or closed toe, stuff the inside with white paper to maintain their shape.
Do not store them in sealed plastic bags. A cloth bag or a ventilated box is better. If you are going to put them in your suitcase, protect them with a cover and prevent them from rubbing against toiletry bags, sunscreens, or damp clothes.
To better preserve the color, keep them away from direct sunlight when not in use. Especially in black, beige, camel, or vibrant colors, continuous exposure can alter the finish. XTI black espadrilles, for example, combine raffia and metallic details with comfortable wedges for more elegant summer looks; storing them correctly helps preserve that finish for longer.
Quick care after each use
There's no need for a deep clean every time. Three simple steps are enough: shake the sole to remove sand or dust, wipe the upper with a dry cloth, and let the inside air out before storing them.
If you've worn them for many hours, you can leave them with absorbent paper inside for a few hours. If there's a specific stain, clean it as soon as possible. The longer it sits, the harder it will be to remove without excessive scrubbing.
This quick maintenance is especially useful on vacation, when espadrilles go from suitcase to terrace, from dinner to a stroll, and from the city to the beach.
Frequently asked questions about espadrille and jute sneaker care
Can espadrilles be machine washed?
It is not recommended. The washing machine can deform the jute, unglue parts, alter the color, and stiffen the footwear. It is better to do a localized cleaning with a damp cloth, neutral soap, and a soft brush.
How to clean the jute sole?
First, remove dust and sand with a dry brush. If there are stains, use a very wrung-out cloth with water and neutral soap. Rub gently and avoid soaking the fiber. Then let it dry in the shade.
What do I do if my espadrilles get wet?
Remove excess moisture with a dry cloth, stuff the inside with white paper, and let dry in a ventilated place and in the shade. Do not use a hairdryer, radiator, or direct sun.
How to remove bad odor from jute sneakers?
Let them air out after each use. If the odor persists, you can sprinkle baking soda inside overnight and remove it thoroughly in the morning. Avoid applying it to delicate exterior areas.
How to prevent espadrilles from deforming?
Do not over-wet them, do not dry them with direct heat, and store them with paper inside. For wedge or platform models, avoid crushing them in a suitcase or putting weight on them.
Discover XTI espadrilles for the whole summer
Explore the XTI espadrille collection and find the model that best suits your style: flat, with a low wedge, medium wedge, high wedge, platform, black, or vegan. Fresh, comfortable, and easy-to-combine designs to accompany you on all your summer plans, with the right care to make them last all season.
