How To Clean Your Birkenstocks, From Footbed To Toes

How To Clean Your Birkenstocks, From Footbed To Toes

Birkenstock shoes are known for being extremely durable and long lasting comfortable sandals and shoes. They’re built to withstand the elements and the foot traffic of everyday life. However, there’s one thing about Birkenstocks that doesn’t make it easy to keep looking good – dirt.

The soles of leather Birkenstock shoes tend to collect dust and debris over time. Even though they’re designed to be worn without socks, some people find that they still end up wearing socks while walking around. This makes it even easier for dirt to accumulate inside the shoe.

If you want to clean your Birkenstocks without damaging, keep reading this article to the end.

7 Tips For Cleaning Your Birkenstocks

Birkenstock sandal lovers rejoice! You’ve got good news coming your way because the iconic shoe is having a moment. And while we’re talking about the old faithful, let’s talk about cleaning them up. Because once you do, they really shine.

The most common complaint that people have about Birks is that they just don’t feel like they fit properly. This could be due to improper sizing, but there are some things you can do to help remedy this problem.

First, try wearing them around the house for a few days. If they still aren’t comfortable, take them into a store where someone can check them out. A salesperson can often spot problems quickly, such as loose laces or an ill-fitting heel.

If the shoes are too tight, loosen the straps by loosening the buckles. Then, use a small brush to gently scrub away dirt and grime.

Don’t worry about getting every nook and cranny – just focus on the areas that tend to collect dust. Once you’re done, give the shoes a quick rinse under warm water and pat dry. Now you’re ready to wear them again.

However, here are seven cool tips on how to clean birkenstocks that you can use.

1. Wipe them out regularly to clear dirt and grass”

Birkenstock sandals are great because they offer full protection against the elements without sacrificing style. However, keeping them clean and free of dust and mud can be tricky.

Here are some tips on how to make sure your Birkenstocks look good.

Wiping down the Birkenstocks with a damp cloth or clean cloth once a week is enough to keep them looking good. You’ll notice that they start to lose their color over time, but it’s easy to restore them to their original state.

Just apply a little soap and water, let them soak for about 10 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

If you live in a dusty area, it’s best to clean them up with a soft cloth before you head outside. Otherwise, you risk getting dirt inside the footed, which could lead to discoloration.

To avoid this, take them off immediately upon entering the house and wipe them down with a dry cloth.

If you’re heading outdoors in wet weather, it’s important to clean them well afterwards. When you return home, it’s best to put them in a plastic bag and place them somewhere warm overnight. This way, they won’t become too soggy and you can prevent mold growth.

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2. Use a DIY cleaning method to scrub out stains

If your Birkenstock shoes are stained, don’t worry — there’s no need to throw them away. A quick trip to the kitchen pantry might be all you need to get rid of those unsightly stubborn stains.

Luckily, it’s pretty easy clean your Birkenstocks. All you need is a little baking soda or borax mixed with water, plus a soft-bristled brush to help you scrub out the tough stains.

You’ll probably have some baking soda or boron around the house already, or you can buy both products in the cleaning aisle of most grocery stores.

Combine either powder with a small portion of water, just enough that you can make a paste. Then, rub a quarter of the paste onto each shoe sole.

After spreading the paste, use a toothbrush cloth with water to gently scrub the paste into the cork soles of the shoes. Gently scrub the paste with circular motions.

3. Never dry them in direct sunlight

Birkenstock says it takes about three days for your shoes to dry out naturally. If you’re impatient like me, though, you’ll probably want to speed things along. But don’t do it. Heat can crack leather, and it could ruin your shoes.

According to the Birkenstock Care Page on the company’s website: “Direct heat can cause cracking and may make your Birkens deteriorate faster.”

So it might seem like a good idea to throw your shoes into the dryer to speed up the drying process. But according to Birkenstock, that’s just asking for trouble.

The company recommends putting your shoes in the dryer on a day when you aren’t planning to wear them. And even then, you shouldn’t use the dryer. Your shoes are supposed to dry out over time. They can take anywhere from four to six weeks to fully dry.

So what does that mean? Well, you should plan to clean your shoes on one of those rare occasions when you won’t actually wear them.

You can try to speed things up by hanging them outside during the daytime, but you really shouldn’t hang them near a window or door. You can also use stain repellent when hanging your sandals outside.

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4. Dry Suede Birkenstocks before cleaning

Birkenstock shoes are comfortable and durable, but they’re also prone to stains. If you’ve ever tried scrubbing away those marks and found yourself ruining the shoe, don’t worry — there’s a simple solution.

Before cleaning any pair of suede birkenstocks, make sure they are completely dry before rubbing out any unwelcome stains. This prevents any additional damage to the leather while you try to clean out the old ones.

Before cleaning any pair of suede birkenstocks, make sure that they are fully dry before rubbing out any unwanted messes. That way ,you won’t further ruin the material while trying to remove dirt and grime. You may use leather cleaners to clean your birkenstocks.

5. Use a suede brush

If you want to clean up your shoes without ruining the leather, there are plenty of ways to do it. You could take off the shoe entirely, soak the sole in plain water, and scrub away.

But what if you don’t want to ruin your favorite pair of kicks?

Here are some quick tips to help keep your shoes looking like new.

For suede Birkenstocks (and most other suedes), once you let them completely dry, use gentle suede brushes to gently remove any dirt or stains. To do this, simply brush in the direction of the grains, which will gradually work away any stubborn marks.

If you’re working with a brand-new pair of sneakers, you might find that you need to apply more pressure than usual. When you’ve finished cleaning, just give them a good shake to dust them off. You may also use leather conditioner for more shine.

For scuffed shoes, you can use a suede eraser. This isn’t really much different from a regular pencil eraser and a great cleaning solution—it’s basically an abrasive material wrapped into a soft rubber casing. Just rub the eraser over the stain mark, and you should see it start to lift away.

6. Try cornstarch

For those looking for a quick fix for oil stains and loose dirt, there are plenty of options. Some people swear by rubbing alcohol, while others use lemon juice mixed with water or a commercial leather cleaner.

But one thing we haven’t seen much talk about is cornstarch. We’ve found it works well in the cleaning process, especially when paired with some elbow grease.

First, grab a small bowl or cup. Fill it halfway with cornstarch and add a little bit of warm water or plain water. Stir it up and set it aside.

Next, take your shoes outside where they’ll be exposed to air. This helps loosen up the stain. Once you’re ready to clean, wipe down the soles of your shoe with a wet towel.

You don’t necessarily need to soak the entire area; just make sure the towel covers most of the surface. When you’re done wiping off excess dirt, dip the bottom of each foot into the cornstarch mixture.

Gently rub the inside of your shoe with a suede brush, being careful not to scratch the leather. After a couple minutes, rinse out the cornstarch with cold water.

Let your shoes dry completely, and repeat the process every day until the stain disappears.

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7. Use white vinegar

For a persistent stain, consider washing the item in warm water with a little soap. Then dab a small amount of white vinegar onto the spot and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Next, use a clean microfiber towel to blot out the excess liquid. If the stain still isn’t gone, repeat the process.

You want to dampen the materials on your Birkenstocks rather than completely soaking them. To do this, put a few drops of white vinegar into a bowl of cool water and dip a cotton swab into the solution.

Gently dab the stain with the moistened cotton swab. Don’t press too hard — you don’t want to push the moisture deeper into the fabric.

Wait for a few moments to see if the stain is removed. If it doesn’t go away, repeat the process. Continue doing this until the stain disappears.

If the stain doesn’t disappear, you’ll need to wash the shoe. Put the item in a sink full of lukewarm water and add some detergent.

Swish the item around in the water until the stains are removed. Rinse the item thoroughly under running water and pat it dry with a soft towel. Repeat the process if necessary.

How to Clean Birkenstocks – Final Thoughts!

Birkenstock shoes are popular among people for its comfortable shoes who like to travel light. They’re comfortable and easy to pack, and you don’t have to worry about ruining your favorite pair while traveling.

But cleaning them isn’t always fun, especially since many of us aren’t sure how to properly clean our feet inside those comfy shoes.

Here’s what you need to know to clean birkenstocks shoe and sandals.

• Step 1: Wash your Birks thoroughly. Start with a good footbath with warm water and Epsom salts, followed by a thorough scrubbing with saddle soap and antibacterial wipes.
• Step 2: Dry your Birks carefully. Don’t use too much heat, or you’ll end up drying out the leather. Use a blow dryer on low setting, or let them air dry overnight. If you want to speed things along, hang them upside down over the shower door.
• Step 3: Add some shine. When it comes to finishing off your Birk, there’s no better way to do it than with a little polish or leather conditioner. You can find patent leather finishes polishes designed specifically for Birkenstocks at most shoe stores. Or, if you prefer, opt for a natural oil such as olive oil or a shoe care kit. Apply a generous amount to your Birks’ sole and allow it to sit for five minutes before wiping away excess oil with paper towels. Then, buff away any remaining residue with a soft cloth.
• Step 4: Rinse your Birks. After applying the polish, you might think you’ve done enough, but you haven’t. Remember to rinse your Birks thoroughly under running water. This step helps prevent stains from forming on the bottom of your shoes.
• Step 5: Store your Birks. Make sure you store your Birks in a cool place where humidity levels won’t fluctuate. A dark closet works well, or try hanging them in front of a fan.