Dirty Birkenstocks kill the vibe. These sandals are a fashion staple that pairs with almost anything, but that famous cork footbed loves to absorb sweat and dirt.
If your favorite pair looks a little rough, don’t worry. We will show you exactly how to clean Birkenstocks properly.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We explain how often to clean them and provide step-by-step methods for the classic cork footbed, suede straps, oiled leather, and fabric variations. Let’s get your sandals looking fresh again.
Key Takeaways
- Scrub cork footbeds with a paste made of baking soda and vinegar using an old toothbrush.
- Use a suede brush and eraser for suede straps; use a leather cleaner and conditioner for leather straps.
- Clean fabric or EVA (plastic) Birkenstocks with a cloth dampened in warm, soapy water.
- Extend the life of your sandals by sealing the cork annually and keeping them away from direct heat sources.
How Often Should You Clean Birkenstocks?
You should wipe down the footbed every few weeks to prevent buildup. For a deep clean, aim for at least twice a year. If you wear them daily during summer or expose them to direct sunlight often, increase this to once a month to prevent the cork from drying out.
How to Clean the Footbed and Cork Soles
The dark footprint on your sandals comes from oil, sweat, and dirt. You can clean the footbed and cork soles using a simple homemade paste. This eco-friendly hack removes odors and stains effectively.
- Time: 20 minutes (plus drying time)
- Difficulty: Easy
What You’ll Need
- Baking soda
- Distilled white vinegar
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
1. Wipe Away Loose Dirt
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the footbed and outer soles. This removes surface-level dust and makes the scrubbing step more effective.
2. Create a Cleaning Paste
Mix two parts baking soda with one part distilled white vinegar in a bowl. It will fizz initially. Stir it until it forms a spreadable paste.
3. Scrub the Footbed
Dip your toothbrush into the paste and apply it to the footbed. Gently scrub in small circular motions. Focus on the heel and toe areas where stains are darkest.
Do not saturate the cork with too much liquid. Wipe away the dirty paste with a damp cloth and repeat if necessary.
4. Dry Properly
Allow the shoes to air dry completely in a cool, shaded area. Never place them near a radiator, fireplace, or in direct sunlight. Heat causes the cork to crack and the soles to shrink. Drying may take up to 24 hours.
Brand Advice
Birkenstock suggests using their own Cleaner & Refresher spray. It works well, but the baking soda method is a cheaper alternative that uses items you likely already have in your pantry.
How to Clean Suede Birkenstocks
Suede and Nubuck leather are soft and porous. You cannot use heavy creams or too much water on them. You need a dedicated suede kit to restore the nap (texture) without ruining the finish.
- Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
What You’ll Need
- Suede brush
- Suede eraser
- White vinegar or suede cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Cornstarch (for oil stains)
You can buy suede cleaning kits from brands like Gear Aid that include both the brush and eraser.
1. Brush the Straps
Unbuckle the straps to access the entire surface. Use a suede brush to remove loose dust and dirt. Brush in the direction of the grain to keep the texture consistent.
Top Tip
If the straps are heavily soiled, you can slightly dampen the brush. Suede straps absorb sweat, so a tiny bit of moisture helps lift bacteria.
2. Erase Scuffs and Stains
Use a suede eraser (or a clean white pencil eraser) to rub away scuff marks and dried stains. Apply moderate pressure back and forth. Once the stain lifts, brush the area again to fluff up the fibers.
3. Absorb Grease Stains
If you dropped food or lotion on the suede, do not use water. Cover the oil spot with a pile of cornstarch and let it sit for four hours to absorb the grease. Brush it away and repeat if the stain remains.
4. Deep Clean (Optional)
For stubborn grime, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Dip a cloth into the solution, wring it out so it is barely damp, and gently wipe the straps. Do not soak the suede. Let them air dry away from heat, then brush them one last time to restore softness.
How to Clean Leather Birkenstocks
Oiled leather needs hydration. If you don’t condition leather straps, they will eventually crack and lose their sheen.
- Time: 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
What You’ll Need
- Leather brush
- Leather cleaner
- Two soft cloths
- Leather conditioner
1. Brush Off Debris
Wipe or brush the leather straps to remove dust. If there are scuff marks, you can use a leather eraser to buff them out gently.
2. Clean the Leather
Apply a dime-sized amount of leather cleaner to a soft cloth. Rub it into the straps using circular motions. Wipe away any excess foam with a fresh, dry cloth.
3. Condition and Protect
Leather dries out over time. Apply a leather conditioner to a cloth and massage it into the straps. This restores moisture and hides small scratches. Wipe off any excess product so the leather isn’t sticky.
4. Let Them Dry
Allow the conditioner to absorb for 24 hours before wearing the sandals. This prevents dust from sticking to the wet conditioner.
How to Clean Fabric Birkenstocks
Birkenstock also makes sandals using linen, canvas, wool felt, and microfiber. These are generally easier to clean than leather.
- Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
What You’ll Need
- Soft-bristled brush
- Small bowl
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Clean cloths
1. Remove Surface Dust
Brush the fabric vigorously with a dry brush to knock off loose dirt.
2. Scrub with Soapy Water
Mix two cups of warm water with a teaspoon of dish soap. Dip a soft cloth or brush into the solution. Gently scrub the fabric in circular motions. For canvas, you can scrub a bit harder; for wool felt, be very gentle to avoid pilling.
For Metallic Finishes
If you have metallic “Birko-Flor” sandals, clean them with a damp cloth only. Do not use abrasive brushes or chemical cleaners, as these can strip the metallic foil finish.
3. Treat Stubborn Spots
If dish soap doesn’t work, apply a small amount of laundry stain remover to the spot. let it sit for 15 minutes, then gently scrub it with your brush.
4. Rinse and Dry
Wipe the fabric with a clean cloth dipped in plain water to remove soap residue. Blot with a dry towel and let them air dry completely.
How to Get Specific Stains Out
Sometimes a general clean isn’t enough. Here is how to tackle common accidents.
- Oil and Grease: Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the spot. Let it sit for several hours to draw out the oil, then brush it away.
- Water Marks: If water stains suede, dampen the entire strap evenly with a wet cloth to blend the mark. Let it dry naturally. For leather, mix water and vinegar (1:1) and wipe gently.
- Persistent Odors: Sprinkle baking soda over the footbed and let it sit overnight. Vacuum or brush it off in the morning to neutralize smells.
- Gum or Tar: Put an ice cube in a ziplock bag and hold it against the gum. Once it freezes and hardens, gently scrape it off with a credit card.
- Salt Stains: Winter salt ruins leather. Mix one cup of water with one tablespoon of white vinegar. Wipe the salt lines gently until they dissolve.
Tips For Protecting Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks are an investment. Follow these tips to keep them alive for years.
- Seal the Cork: This is the most important step. When the cork looks dull or starts chipping, apply a thin layer of Cork Sealer. This keeps the cork from drying out and crumbling.
- Keep Them Cool: Excessive heat destroys the glue and shrinks the soles. Don’t leave them in a hot car or near a campfire.
- Avoid Water: Classic Birkenstocks are not water shoes. Water damages the cork and degrades the sealant. If you need beach shoes, buy the EVA (plastic) version.
- Rotate Your Shoes: Give your sandals a 24-hour break between wears. This allows the footbed to dry out completely from sweat, reducing bacteria growth.
- Spot Test Cleaners: Always test vinegar or commercial cleaners on a small, hidden area (like the inside strap) before applying it to the whole shoe.
FAQs
How Do You Fix Shredding Cork?
Shredding cork is normal wear and tear. It happens as the sandals flex with your walk. You can stop it from getting worse by applying a layer of cork sealant. Brush the sealer over the exposed cork sides to glue the particles back together and create a protective shell.
Why Do Birkenstocks Stain My Feet?
New leather straps often bleed dye when they get damp from sweat. To stop this, keep your feet dry and wipe the inside of the straps with a damp cloth to remove excess surface dye. You can also spray the inside of the straps with a leather sealant or fixative.
Why Do the Footbeds Turn Black?
The footbed turns black due to the accumulation of natural oils, sweat, and dead skin cells from your feet. The cork and suede liner absorb these elements over time. Regular cleaning with baking soda can lighten them, but a dark footprint is a sign of a well-loved pair.
Do Birkenstocks Get Ruined if They Get Wet?
Yes, excessive water can ruin classic Birkenstocks. Water causes the cork to swell and crack, and it can dry out leather straps. If they get wet, blot them with a towel and let them air dry slowly away from direct heat. Do not use a hairdryer.
Can I Put Birkenstocks in the Washing Machine?
No, never put Birkenstocks in the washing machine. The submersion in water will destroy the cork and glue, and the tumbling action can warp the soles. Clean them by hand only.
Can I Put Plastic Birkenstocks in the Dishwasher?
No, you should not put EVA (plastic) Birkenstocks in the dishwasher. While they are waterproof, the high heat of the dishwasher cycle can shrink and warp the material, ruining the fit. Wash EVA sandals in the sink with warm water and dish soap.
How Do I Remove Bad Smells From Birkenstocks?
To kill odors, wipe the footbed with white vinegar and let it dry. You can also place the sandals in a bag with a few dryer sheets or freeze them overnight (in a sealed bag) to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Keep Walking
You bought Birkenstocks for their legendary comfort, so it makes sense to keep them in good shape. They are designed to last for years, but they need a little help to survive the elements.
Whether you are scrubbing the cork with baking soda or conditioning the leather straps, regular maintenance is key. Now that you know how to clean Birkenstocks the right way, your feet will thank you.
