The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Birkenstocks

Whether you’re drawn to the latest styles or prefer the timeless appeal of the original sandals and clogs, knowing how to clean your Birkenstocks is essential. These iconic shoes adapt to your feet over time, offering unmatched comfort, but they also accumulate dirt and wear. Regularly cleaning them with a microfiber cloth, brush, or appropriate shoe polish (depending on the material) will ensure they stay fresh and stylish. Dive into this guide to discover effective cleaning methods for all Birkenstock types, along with expert tips to maintain their pristine appearance.

How Often to Clean Birkenstocks

To maintain your Birkenstocks, clean them every few weeks. Focus on the footbed, which tends to accumulate oils and sweat, by cleaning it every two weeks. The straps and soles should be cleaned every two to three weeks. For extra durability, consider sealing them every few months.

The cleaning schedule depends on how frequently you wear them, the weather, and the material of the shoes. Always remove loose dirt and address stains immediately after wearing. For canvas Birkenstocks with food or mud stains, spot-clean promptly, and ensure a thorough cleaning before storage.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

How to Clean Birkenstock Straps and Uppers

The straps and uppers of Birkenstocks tend to attract dirt and dust. Follow these steps to effectively clean and maintain these parts of your sandals.

Leather Straps

Wipe Away Debris

• Moisten a microfiber cloth with water to remove dust and loose dirt. For mud on straps or clogs, let it dry first, brush it off with a dry cloth, and then clean any remaining stains with a damp cloth.
• To tackle winter salt stains, combine equal parts cool water and distilled white vinegar in a small bowl. Soak a microfiber cloth in the mixture, wring it until slightly damp, and wipe the leather surfaces. Let the shoes air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Polish the Straps

Follow the instructions on the label and apply a commercial shoe polish that matches the leather color. Avoid spreading polish on cork or rubber soles, as it can cause permanent stains.

Use a Conditioner

Once polished, apply a leather conditioner to maintain the leather's softness and enhance its water resistance. Use a cloth to rub the conditioner in small circular motions, ensuring the entire strap is treated.

Buff the Straps

Gently buff the straps with a clean, dry cloth. Be cautious not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the surface.

Allow to Air-Dry

Let the straps air-dry for a minimum of 30 minutes or leave them overnight. Placing them outside can speed up the process, but using a dehumidifier indoors is equally effective.

Suede Straps

Wipe Away Debris

Use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and dust from the suede straps or clogs. Shake the cloth periodically to prevent spreading debris if it accumulates.

Use a Soft Brush

Gently brush the suede with a suede or soft-bristled brush to restore its texture. Brush in alternating directions to prevent dirt from embedding deeper into the material.

Remove Spills and Stains

• To remove wet spills: Blot the area immediately with a paper towel. Avoid rubbing! Let the spot dry completely before proceeding. Once dry, use an art gum eraser to eliminate any remaining stains or scuffs, followed by a suede brush to restore the texture.
• For oily stains: Apply cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil. Leave it for at least four hours, then brush it off. Repeat until the stain disappears.
• For sticky stains: For gum or tar, place an ice cube in a plastic bag and hold it over the suede to harden the residue. Use a blunt knife or an old credit card edge to gently scrape it off. Repeat as needed, then use an art gum eraser and suede brush for final cleanup.

Canvas, Microfiber, and Wool Felt

Wipe Away Debris

Use a dry microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush to eliminate dust and dirt. Shake off the cloth or brush periodically to avoid spreading debris.

Scrub Stains

• Combine 2 cups of warm water with half a teaspoon of heavy-duty laundry detergent in a small bowl.
• Dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture and gently scrub stained areas, following the fabric grain. Switch to a clean section of the cloth as stains transfer, and avoid soaking the fabric.
• Dip a fresh microfiber cloth in water, wring it until slightly damp, and wipe the shoe to remove soap residue.
• If stains persist, apply a small amount of undiluted laundry detergent and gently scrub with an old toothbrush.

Wipe Away Residue

Use a damp microfiber towel to clean off dirt and soap residue. Blot the fabric with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Allow to Air-Dry

Let the shoes air-dry away from direct heat for several hours. Exposure to direct heat can cause damage, leading to shrinkage or stiffness in the material.

How to Clean Birkenstock Cork Soles and Footbeds

The cork soles and footbeds of your Birkenstocks are often the dirtiest parts due to oils and sweat from your feet. These areas may require extra attention, particularly if the cork has begun to dry out.

Cork Soles

Wipe Away Debris

Carefully brush off dirt and debris, ensuring not to push it deeper into the sole, particularly if it is heavily worn and has deep grooves.

Mix a Solution

Combine 2 cups of warm water, two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of heavy-duty laundry detergent in a small bowl. Set the mixture aside.

Clean the Cork

• Dip an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution. Focus on small sections, gently scrubbing the sole and footbed.
• After scrubbing, wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth dampened with plain water.

Allow to Air-Dry

Let the shoes air-dry away from direct sunlight and heat. If the cork appears dry, apply a layer of cork sealant (available at shoe repair shops or online) according to the label instructions. This will keep the cork flexible and prevent cracking.

Footbeds

Wipe Away Soil

Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dirt from the footbeds. Avoid oversaturating the leather to prevent damage.

Clean the Leather

• Use leather soap (such as saddle soap or Castile soap) according to the label instructions, along with a microfiber cloth, to clean the leather.
• If leather soap is unavailable, mix 1 teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent, 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar, and 1 cup of warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and gently scrub the footbeds.
• Remove soapy residue with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.

Allow to Air-Dry

Allow the shoes to air-dry away from sunlight or direct heat for at least 24 hours. Direct heat can make the leather brittle and prone to cracking.

How to Protect Birkenstocks So They Last Longer

With proper care, Birkenstocks can last five years or more. Frequent wear may reduce their lifespan. Depending on the material, take extra steps to extend their durability. For leather and suede sandals, apply protectants like conditioners and sealants to repel water. For canvas sandals, use a waterproof spray. Avoid soaking non-waterproof Birkenstocks, as it can weaken the adhesives.

After cleaning, let the shoes rest for a day between wears to allow materials to dry. Gently remove dirt or debris before and after each use. Store them in dry areas, avoiding damp spaces like basements or bathrooms, and dusty areas like garages, to prevent mildew and mold growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I put my Birkenstocks in the washing machine?

  Birkenstock sandals must be cleaned manually. Never place them in a washing machine or dryer, as the sandals' delicate materials and structure can be damaged by tumbling and high heat. Avoid submerging them entirely in water; instead, use a damp cloth for spot cleaning.

• Why do Birkenstocks turn black?

  Black discoloration on Birkenstocks is often caused by dirt and sweat buildup. Humid or damp storage conditions can also lead to this issue. Regular cleaning can help prevent your sandals from turning black.

• How do I protect my Birkenstocks?

  To protect suede sandals from stains and wear, apply a waterproofing spray to the straps. For leather Birkenstocks, regularly treat the straps and uppers with leather grease. When using these products, shield the footbeds to avoid contact.