Before you start cleaning, gather a few simple supplies.

• A soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
• A mild soap or detergent
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• A bowl
• A clean cloth or sponge

Use the soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the surface of your shoes. Your goal is to get any visible grime off, while taking care not to scrub too hard—you don’t want to apply too much pressure at the risk of causing cracks or scratches in the plastic of your jelly sandals. Pay special attention to any stained or dirty areas. You can use a small amount of soap or detergent to help loosen any stubborn dirt.

Now it’s time for a thorough cleaning. Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and use it to gently scrub the surface of your opaque orclear jelly shoes—make sure to clean even the hard-to-get areas. Just note you don’t want to saturate the shoes with water, because this can cause warping or discoloration. We recommend cleaning one shoe at a time to avoid extra time in the water. 

If you notice some spots that are not easily removed with soap and water, try using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to remove stains from your jelly shoes. Mix equal parts of each in a bowl, and use a cloth or sponge to apply the mixture to the stained areas. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, then use a clean cloth to gently scrub the stain until it’s gone.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your shoes, rinse them to remove any soapy residue or cleaning mixture. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in plain water and gently wipe down the surface.

Place the shoes in a well-ventilated area and let them air dry. Don’t dry them with a cloth or towel—this can cause the material to become misshapen or develop water marks. Also make sure not to expose the shoes to direct sunlight or heat, because high temperatures can cause warping, shrinkage, or discoloration.

If after you’ve cleaned your shoes and let them dry, they seem to lack their original luster, use a soft, clean cloth to apply a teeny amount of petroleum jelly to your shoes. This will restore their shine as well as protect the material from becoming brittle and cracking. Allow the petroleum jelly to soak into the shoes for a few minutes, then wipe away any excess with a new clean, soft cloth. Whether you have pink, white, black, clear or another fun color of jelly heels or shoes, this easy trick will restore their sheen in no time.

If after you’ve cleaned your shoes and let them dry, they seem to lack their original luster, use a soft, clean cloth to apply a teeny amount of petroleum jelly to your shoes. This will restore their shine as well as protect the material from becoming brittle and cracking. Allow the petroleum jelly to soak into the shoes for a few minutes, then wipe away any excess with a new clean, soft cloth. Whether you have pink, white, black, clear or another fun color of jelly heels or shoes, this easy trick will restore their sheen in no time.