Cleaning Birkenstocks’ soles and footbeds preserves their durability and lifespan. Regular maintenance prevents the buildup of dirt and sweat, ensuring continued comfort and foot health. Moreover, a clean footbed promotes a fresh shoe environment, enhancing the overall wearing experience.
Guide to Clean Birkenstocks Sole
Supplies Required
- Mild soap or Birkenstock Cleaner & Refresher
- Soft brush (e.g., an old toothbrush or a nail brush)
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or towel
- White vinegar (optional for tough stains)
- Cork sealant (optional for maintaining cork soles)
Instructions
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Mix a few drops of the mild soap with warm water. If using the Birkenstock Cleaner & Refresher, follow the directions on the label to prepare.
Remove Loose Dirt
Before wetting your Birkenstocks, brush off any loose dirt or debris from the sole using the soft brush. This prevents scratching or damaging the sole when cleaning.
Scrub the Sole
Dip the soft brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the soles in a circular motion. This will help in lifting off the dirt and stains without causing any damage to the sole material.
Address Tough Stains
You can use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for stubborn stains. Apply the mixture to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently with the brush.
Rinse Thoroughly
Once the sole is clean, rinse it with clean, warm water to remove any soap residue. It’s essential to ensure that no soap remains, as it can cause the sole to become slippery.
Dry the Birkenstocks
After rinsing, pat the soles dry with a soft cloth or towel. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources, which can warp the sole or cause it to crack.
Seal the Cork (if applicable)
If your Birkenstocks have a cork sole, it’s beneficial to apply a cork sealant after cleaning. This maintains the cork’s flexibility and prevents it from drying out or cracking over time.
How to Clean Birkenstock Footbed?
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent natural cleaning agent that also helps in deodorizing and mold removal. To clean the Birkenstocks footbed using baking soda, create a paste by mixing two parts baking soda with one part water.
Apply this paste onto the footbed and gently scrub using a soft brush. The paste lifts dirt and absorbs odors, leaving the footbed refreshed and clean. After scrubbing, rinse the footbed thoroughly with clean water and let it dry away from direct sunlight.
Dish Soap
Dish soap is gentle yet effective in breaking down grime and grease. To utilize dish soap for the footbed, dilute a few drops in warm water, creating a soapy solution. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and gently scrub the footbed in a circular motion, ensuring that dirt and stains are removed.
The soap will effectively clean the surface without being too harsh. Once done, rinse the footbed with clean water and let it air dry, avoiding direct heat or sunlight to prevent warping or drying out the cork.
How to Clean Birkenstock Straps?
Leather
Use a damp cloth to wipe away surface dirt gently. If deeper cleaning is required, apply a small amount of leather cleaner onto the cloth and gently rub the straps. Always move in circular motions to avoid streaks. After cleaning, consider applying a leather conditioner to keep the straps supple and extend their lifespan.
Suede & Nubuck
Use a suede brush to remove surface dirt and restore the nap. If stains persist, you can use a suede eraser or a specially formulated suede cleaner. Lightly dampen the straps with the cleaner and gently brush. It’s crucial to avoid saturating these materials, as this can affect their texture and appearance.
Also Read: 7 Simple Yet Effective Ways To Clean Velcro Straps On Shoes
Tips to Keep Birkenstocks in the Best Shape
- Avoid soaking non-waterproof Birks, as the adhesive may weaken.
- When drying damp shoes, do so gradually, away from direct heat and sunlight. Fill the shoes with white tissue paper, paper towels, or white socks to maintain their form during the drying process.
- Steer clear of storing Birkenstocks in humid areas such as basements, as any dirt can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- It’s beneficial to let the shoes rest for a day after wearing, ensuring the materials have time to dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean Birkenstock sandals?
Birkenstock recommends using dish soap and water to clean their sandals. Create a gentle, soapy solution, then use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the sandals, paying special attention to the footbed and straps. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry away from direct sunlight.
How often should I clean Birkenstock soles?
You should clean Birkenstock soles whenever they appear dirty or roughly once every few weeks, depending on your usage. Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of dirt and extends the life of the sandals.
Can I wash Birkenstock sandals in the washing machine?
Washing Birkenstock sandals in a washing machine is not advisable. The machine’s agitation can damage the sandals’ structure, and the water can weaken the glue and cork components. It’s best to clean them by hand.
How do I clean white soles?
Mix a solution of baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the white soles and scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse off and let air dry.
How to clean cork shoes?
Cork shoes, celebrated for their comfort and natural look, need special care to stay pristine. Gently brush off surface dirt using a soft-bristled brush. For grime or stains, wipe with a lightly dampened cloth without soaking the cork. Let the shoes air dry away from direct heat, and periodically, apply a cork sealer to maintain its flexibility and prevent drying out.