How to Clean Espadrilles in Ireland

Espadrilles have become essential summer footwear across Ireland, from Dublin city strolls to coastal weekends in Cork. These rope-soled shoes require gentle care to keep them looking fresh through Ireland’s unpredictable weather.

Espadrilles are particularly popular among shoppers looking for lightweight seasonal styles, similar to the trends seen in guides like what colour sandals go with everything, which highlights versatile summer footwear choices across Ireland.

Key Takeaways

Espadrilles are summer staples across Ireland but need gentle cleaning to protect their delicate jute soles from damage in damp conditions.
Never machine wash espadrilles—the jute sole absorbs water, swells, and can separate from the upper, especially in Ireland’s humid climate where shoes dry slowly.
The safest method is spot cleaning the fabric upper and carefully brushing the sole with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Always air dry indoors in a cool, well-ventilated space away from heat sources and direct sunlight to prevent shrinking or cracking.
Regular light maintenance—quick brushing, odour control, and proper storage—keeps espadrilles looking fresh for multiple Irish summers.

Understanding Your Espadrilles

Espadrilles are summer shoes popular along Ireland’s coasts and in cities, with different uppers requiring specific care approaches.

Common uppers include: cotton canvas, linen, synthetic fabric, leather, suede, sequins, and glow-in-the-dark finishes, all typically stitched to a jute or hemp rope sole.
The jute sole is the most delicate part of espadrilles and requires special care to maintain its appearance and longevity—jute can absorb up to 20 times its weight in water.
Check any care label inside your shoes or on the box for cleaning restrictions before starting.
Many espadrilles bought in Ireland follow traditional Mediterranean construction, making gentle hand-care the best approach.

Choosing the right fit is just as important as caring for them properly, especially for people with wider feet who may struggle with standard summer footwear sizing.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Fabric Espadrilles with a Soft Bristle Brush

This section is a step-by-step guide to cleaning cotton, linen, and canvas espadrilles—the most common styles worn during Irish summers from May to September—with practical tips to help preserve them.

Step 1: Tap soles together outdoors to remove loose dirt and dust
Step 2: Gently brush away surface dirt with a soft brush or dry cloth
Step 3: Mix lukewarm water with a few drops of neutral soap or mild detergent
Step 4: Dip a slightly damp cloth or sponge, wring well, and spot clean marks

To clean cotton espadrilles, use a damp cloth with mild detergent to spot clean the upper, ensuring to rinse off any detergent thoroughly afterward with a separate cloth dampened with clean water.

For grease or makeup marks: Apply talcum powder to the stained area and let it sit overnight. When cleaning fabric espadrilles, talcum powder can be used to absorb dirt and grease before brushing it off, making it an effective method to remove stains.
For white espadrilles: To remove stubborn stains from espadrilles, a mixture of two glasses of water and one tablespoon of detergent can be used, applied gently with a cloth. For grey marks, a highly diluted ammonia-and-water mix works well—wear gloves and ventilate the room, testing first on a hidden area.

For minor stains on espadrilles, spot cleaning is recommended, which involves using a damp cloth to gently wipe away the dirt. Rub gently in circular motions, keeping water away from the rope sole. Fabric espadrilles should never be left soaking in a basin or put in a washing machine, as this will damage the jute and glue.

How to Clean the Jute Sole or Hemp Rope Sole

The rope sole is the most delicate part of the shoe, so handle it gently, especially in Ireland’s often wet weather.

Dry clean first: Use a soft bristle brush or shoe brush to loosen dried mud or sand, working along the direction of the rope to prevent fraying. Excessive scrubbing creates more friction and can wear the rope faster.
Prepare a mild soapy solution with lukewarm water plus a drop of neutral soap.
To clean the jute sole, it is recommended to use a soft brush or a damp cloth with mild detergent, avoiding excessive moisture to prevent damage.
For jute espadrilles, gently brush to remove dirt and use the soapy solution for stains, ensuring to rinse with a cloth afterward.
For rubber outsoles: Wipe with a dry sponge or damp sponge, pressing lightly and avoiding harsh scrubbing that could detach the rubber from the jute.
Blot the sole immediately with a clean dry cloth to remove as much moisture as possible.

This method works for both flat espadrilles and wedge styles commonly worn to summer events and weddings in Ireland.

Cleaning Special Finishes (Leather, Suede, Sequins & Glow-in-the-Dark)

Many espadrilles sold in Ireland include leather, suede, or decorative uppers requiring material-specific care.

Leather: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap, then condition with leather cream and apply shoe polish to protect the material and restore its shine.
Suede: Brush with a suede brush in one direction; use products specially designed for suede.
Sequins: Lay a thin cloth over embellishments, then clean around with a lightly dampened cloth, as rubbing too hard or over-wetting can make them lose colour or come loose.
Metallic/Glow: Wipe very gently with a cloth and water plus neutral soap.

When cleaning suede espadrilles, it is recommended to use products specifically designed for suede, such as a suede shampoo or a crepe brush, to avoid damaging the materials. Never soak suede or expose it to heat.

Sustainability is also becoming a major factor in footwear care and purchase decisions, with many consumers in Ireland shifting towards eco-conscious materials such as vegan-friendly shoes.

For sequinned espadrilles, be careful not to snag stitching. All special finishes should be cleaned by hand only and kept as dry as possible at the stitched join with the rope sole.

How to Air Dry Espadrilles Properly in the Irish Climate

With Ireland’s frequent showers and humidity, careful drying is as important as cleaning to avoid smells, warping, and mould. Proper drying is critical to prevent the materials from warping or fading.

Shape after cleaning: Fill the toes and mid-foot with plain paper or kitchen towel to maintain shape. Let espadrilles air dry at room temperature with paper inside to help maintain their shape.
To dry espadrilles without damaging them, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators or hair dryer, as these can deform the materials.
Never use tumble dryers—heat above 50°C can shrink fabric, crack rope, and weaken glues.
After washing espadrilles, it is important to avoid direct exposure to the sun, as this could alter their color and make them appear faded.
Turn shoes on their side or elevate them slightly to allow air to circulate around the sole.
Allow several hours, or overnight, for complete drying before wearing again.

Regular Maintenance, Odour Control & Storage

Simple habits keep espadrilles fresh all season, from June garden parties to late-August festivals across Ireland.

Weekly maintenance: These are some of the best tips to extend the life of espadrilles: brush off dust and dirt, check for new stains and treat them promptly before they set.
Apply waterproof fabric-safe protective sprays on canvas and jute before first wear, reapplying periodically.
Odour prevention: Allow a full day’s rest between wear when possible. Use bicarbonate of soda in a breathable sachet overnight—it outperforms many commercial sprays.
Avoid wearing espadrilles in damp areas; never leave them in bathrooms, car boots, or on wet patios where humidity encourages mould on jute.
Store espadrilles in a dry place, preferably stuffed with newspaper, to help them keep their shape between seasons. For leather pairs, use shoe trees, and keep pairs stored apart so the materials do not rub together. Use a breathable cotton bag in a cool wardrobe.

Advanced tip: For well-worn soles, massage a tiny amount of petroleum jelly into fraying rope edges to reduce fuzziness, letting it absorb fully before storage.

How to Clean Fabric Espadrilles shoes Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my espadrilles in the washing machine?

No. Avoid machine washing jute espadrilles, as the absorbent nature of jute can lead to damage and unpleasant odours. The rope swells, loses its shape, and can separate from the upper—particularly problematic in Ireland’s humid air where other shoes might dry quickly but espadrilles take much longer.

What should I do if my espadrilles get soaked in an Irish downpour?

Remove excess water with a towel, stuff shoes with paper, reshape them, and dry slowly indoors at room temperature. Once dry, gently brush the rope sole to restore texture. This process saves stay and prevents permanent damage.

How often should I clean my espadrilles during summer?

Light brushing after any visibly dirty day, with a more thorough clean every couple of weeks during peak use in June–August. Adjust based on how often you wear them outdoors and whether they get wet from grass or coastal walks.

Are protective sprays safe for jute soles?

Many fabric and footwear protectors are suitable, but always check the label first. Test on a small hidden area of the jute to ensure it doesn’t darken or stiffen the rope before applying to the whole pair.

Can I wear espadrilles on very wet grass or beaches in Ireland?

Occasional light dampness is usually fine if shoes are dried correctly afterwards, but regular use on soaked grass, puddles, or saturated sand will shorten the life of the jute sole significantly. Save espadrilles for drier occasions when possible, and your feet will thank you with many more seasons of wear.

Espadrilles also sit within a wider category of comfort-focused footwear, similar to supportive designs like orthopedic sandals that combine style with long-term foot health benefits.

by Piotr Bujak

How to Clean an Espadrilles