Why Cleaning Your Birkenstocks is Essential
How to clean Birkenstocks isn’t just a trivial task; it’s crucial for maintaining their comfort and extending their life. Birkenstocks have been a staple since 1774. Their iconic design and comfort make them a favorite for many, but like all well-loved items, they get dirty and need cleaning.
Quick Tips to Clean Birkenstocks:
– Wipe or brush off loose soil after each wear.
– Spot clean food or mud stains immediately.
– Give your Birkenstocks a thorough cleaning before storing them.
Proper care can make Birkenstocks more comfortable over time by allowing them to mold perfectly to your feet, and it also extends the longevity of your beloved footwear. Neglecting them can lead to stains, wear and tear, and even foul odors.
I’m Eric Neuner, the founder of NuShoe, and I’ve been in the shoe care industry since 1994. Through my experience, I’ve learned that knowing how to clean Birkenstocks effectively can make your favorite shoes last longer and stay comfortable.
Anatomy of a Birkenstock
Understanding the anatomy of your Birkenstocks is crucial for proper cleaning and maintenance. Birkenstocks consist of three main parts: the sole, the footbed, and the straps. Each part is made from different materials, which means they require different care methods.
Sole
The sole is the bottom part of the Birkenstock, and it’s usually made of rubber. Lorena Agolli from Sole Survivor suggests checking the rubber sole before cleaning. If the rubber is wearing thin or has worn through to the cork, it’s time to visit a cobbler. Replacing the soles early can save you from more expensive repairs later.
Footbed
The footbed is the star of Birkenstock’s comfort. It’s made from four materials: cork, jute, latex, and suede. The cork provides support, while the jute adds flexibility. Latex gives it a bit of bounce, and the suede top layer offers a soft surface for your feet.
Cleaning Tips:
– Cork: If the cork starts to crumble, take your shoes to a professional for preservation.
– Suede: Over time, the suede will darken due to oils from your feet and dirt. If it smells or feels sticky, it’s time for a clean.
Straps
Birkenstock straps, also known as “uppers,” come in various materials like suede, nubuck, natural leather, and oiled leather. The cleaning method depends on the material.
- Suede and Nubuck: Use a suede brush and gum eraser to clean. Apply suede shampoo and a protector spray for added care.
- Natural and Oiled Leather: Use a horsehair brush, soft cloth, and leather conditioner. Saddle soap and shoe cream polish can also be helpful.
For other materials like EVA or synthetic leather, a simple soap and water solution will do the trick.
Materials Overview
Each material in your Birkenstocks has unique needs:
- Rubber Sole: Durable and easy to replace.
- Cork Footbed: Provides support and needs occasional sealing.
- Suede Footbed: Soft but prone to staining.
- Straps: Varying cleaning methods depending on the material.
Michelangelo Scafidi, a cobbler with over 40 years of experience, attributes Birkenstock’s durability to this multi-material structure. Each part can be restored or replaced, making your Birkenstocks a long-term investment.
Understanding these components and their care requirements ensures your Birkenstocks will last for years, providing comfort and style in every step.
Next, we’ll dive into the specific cleaning methods for each part of your Birkenstocks.
How to Clean Birkenstock Soles
Cleaning your Birkenstock soles is essential for maintaining their longevity and comfort. Here’s a simple guide to get them looking fresh and clean:
Brush Away Dirt
Step 1: Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush. Gently brush away loose dirt and debris from the soles. This helps prevent grime from embedding into the material.
Tip: Do this after every few wears to keep the buildup minimal.
Wipe with a Damp Cloth
Step 2: Take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the soles. This helps remove any remaining dirt.
Important: Avoid getting the cork wet. Cork is sensitive to moisture and can deteriorate if soaked.
Dry Properly
Step 3: After wiping, let the soles air-dry completely. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Pro Tip: To maintain their shape while drying, stuff the shoes with white tissue paper or paper towels.
Next, we’ll cover how to clean the footbeds of your Birkenstocks. This part is crucial for keeping them comfortable and odor-free!
How to Clean Birkenstock Footbeds
Cleaning the footbeds of your Birkenstocks is essential to keep them comfy and odor-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide using simple tools and household items.
Tools and Materials
- Suede brush
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Cork sealer
- Rubbing alcohol or lemon juice diluted with water
Step-by-Step Cleaning
Step 1: Brush the Footbeds
Start by using a suede brush to remove loose dirt. Brush firmly towards the heel to get the fibers of the suede (also known as the nap) going in the right direction. This helps restore the footbed’s fluffiness.
Step 2: Remove Stubborn Dirt
For tougher grime, use a flathead screwdriver or fine-grit sandpaper. Gently scrape or sand the footbed in circular motions. Be careful not to damage the suede. This will lift out deeply embedded dirt.
Step 3: Tackle Odors
If your footbeds still have an odor after cleaning, wipe them with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol or a mixture of lemon juice and water. This not only kills bacteria causing the smell but also freshens up the footbeds.
Note: Be sure to let the footbeds dry fully after applying any liquid. Once dry, brush them again with the suede brush to restore the nap.
Sealing the Cork
To protect the cork from water damage, apply a cork sealer around the outside of the footbed. Use the brush that comes with the sealer and let it dry for 30 minutes. Important: Do not get the sealer on the suede footbed; it will act like glue and ruin the soft surface.
By following these steps, you can keep your Birkenstock footbeds clean, comfy, and smelling fresh. Next, we’ll look at how to clean the straps of your Birkenstocks.
How to Clean Birkenstock Straps
Cleaning the straps of your Birkenstocks is crucial for maintaining their look and longevity. The process varies based on the material of the straps. Here’s a simple guide:
Suede and Nubuck Straps
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Suede Brush: Start by using a suede brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Brush gently around the buckles and where the straps meet the sole.
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Gum Eraser: For tougher stains, use a gum eraser or a suede and nubuck eraser. Rub the stained areas gently to lift the marks.
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Suede Shampoo: If the stains persist, apply a suede and nubuck shampoo. You can also use soap diluted in water. Use a soft cloth to work the shampoo into the straps in circular motions.
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Towel: After cleaning, use a towel to remove excess water. Be sure to dry them slowly away from direct heat and sunlight to prevent damage.
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Protector Spray: Finish by applying a protector spray like the Pedag Waterproofer Spray. This will help protect your straps from future stains and water damage.
Leather Straps
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Horsehair Brush: Use a small horsehair brush to remove dirt and grime. This is especially useful for narrow straps and hard-to-reach areas.
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Soft Cloth: Take a soft cloth, such as an old T-shirt or flannel scrap, and apply a high-quality leather conditioner. Rub it into the straps to hydrate the leather and prevent cracks.
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Saddle Soap (Optional): For tough stains, use Fiebing’s Saddle Soap. Apply it with a damp cloth or an old toothbrush, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth.
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Shoe Cream Polish (Optional): If your leather straps have persistent stains, consider using a shoe cream polish. Choose a color that matches your straps. Apply it with a soft cloth or applicator brush.
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Protector Spray: Finally, apply a protector spray to keep the leather looking fresh and protected from the elements.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Birkenstock straps remain in top condition. Next, we’ll cover how to clean Birkenstock EVA “BirkenCrocs”.
How to Clean Birkenstock EVA “BirkenCrocs”
Cleaning Birkenstock EVA “BirkenCrocs” is much simpler compared to other types of Birkenstocks. These are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a lightweight and waterproof material, making them easy to maintain.
Here’s how to clean your EVA Birkenstocks:
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Dish Soap: Use a mild dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material.
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Water: Mix a small amount of dish soap with water in a bowl.
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Sponge: Dip a soft sponge into the soapy water. Gently scrub the entire surface of the sandals, including the straps and the footbed.
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Rinse: Rinse off the soap with clean water. Make sure all soap residue is removed to prevent any slipperiness.
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Air Dry: Let your Birkenstocks air dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can warp the material.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your EVA Birkenstocks looking fresh and clean.
Next, we’ll cover how to protect your Birkenstocks.
How to Protect Your Birkenstocks
Taking good care of your Birkenstocks can help them last longer and stay comfortable. Here are some key tips on how to protect your Birkenstocks:
Use Cork Sealer
Birkenstocks have a cork footbed that can dry out over time. To keep the cork in good shape, use a Birkenstock Cork Sealer. This helps to:
- Prevent Cracks: Regularly applying cork sealer can stop the cork from cracking.
- Extend Lifespan: Sealing the cork protects it from moisture and dirt, making your Birkenstocks last longer.
To apply, just brush a thin coat of the sealer on the exposed cork and let it dry.
Apply Protector Spray
Birkenstock Water & Stain Repellent is great for protecting your shoes from water and dirt. This spray works on leather, suede, and nubuck materials. Here’s how to use it:
- Clean First: Make sure your Birkenstocks are clean before applying the spray.
- Spray Evenly: Hold the can about 6 inches away and spray evenly over the entire upper part of the shoe.
- Let Dry: Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them.
Regular use of protector spray will keep the materials looking good and repel stains and water.
Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance can keep your Birkenstocks in top condition. Here are some quick tips:
- Rotate Shoes: Don’t wear the same pair every day. This gives them time to air out and reduces odor.
- Avoid Water: Most Birkenstocks are not waterproof. Try to keep them dry and avoid submerging them in water.
- Brush Suede/Nubuck: Use a suede brush to keep the nap looking fresh and free from dirt.
By following these steps, you can keep your Birkenstocks looking and feeling great for years to come.
Next, we’ll dive into frequently asked questions about how to clean Birkenstocks.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Clean Birkenstocks
How do I clean the footbed of my Birkenstocks?
Cleaning the footbed is essential to keep your Birkenstocks fresh and comfortable. Here’s a simple method:
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Remove Loose Dirt: Use a suede brush or an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any loose dirt.
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Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of leather shampoo with water.
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Scrub in Circular Movements: Dip the toothbrush into the solution and gently scrub the footbed in circular movements. This helps lift dirt and grime without damaging the material.
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Wipe Clean: Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the soap residue.
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Air Dry: Allow your Birkenstocks to air dry completely before wearing them again.
Avoid using too much water, as it can damage the cork footbed.
Can I use Dawn to clean my Birkenstocks?
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap to clean your Birkenstocks, especially for the straps and non-leather parts. Here’s how:
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Mix Soap and Water: Combine a small amount of Dawn with water.
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Clean with a Microfiber Cloth: Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out.
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Wipe in Circular Motions: Gently wipe the dirty areas in circular motions to lift dirt and stains.
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Rinse and Dry: Rinse the cloth with clean water, wipe away any soap residue, and let the shoes air dry.
This method is effective for general cleaning but always test a small area first to ensure it won’t damage the material.
Why do Birkenstocks turn black?
Birkenstocks can turn black due to a combination of dirt, sweat, and oils from your feet. Here are some tips to prevent this:
- Keep Feet Clean: Wash your feet before wearing your Birkenstocks to reduce the transfer of oils and dirt.
- Keep Birkenstocks Dry: Avoid getting your Birkenstocks wet. Moisture can lead to mold and mildew, which can darken the material.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your Birkenstocks regularly using the methods mentioned above to prevent buildup.
- Use a Cork Sealer: Applying a commercial cork sealer can protect the cork footbed from absorbing moisture and dirt.
By following these tips, you can keep your Birkenstocks looking newer for longer.
Conclusion
Taking care of your Birkenstocks is not just about maintaining their appearance—it’s about extending their lifespan and reducing waste. At NuShoe, we believe in sustainability and making your footwear last as long as possible.
NuShoe Services: If your Birkenstocks need more than a simple cleaning, our Birkenstock Resole Service can give them a new lease on life. We specialize in repairing and restoring Birkenstocks, ensuring they remain comfortable and durable for years to come.
Sustainability: By keeping your Birkenstocks in good condition, you’re contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. High-quality sandals like Birkenstocks are designed to be repaired and resoled, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering your environmental footprint.
Extending Footwear Life: Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and applying cork sealer, can significantly extend the life of your Birkenstocks. This not only saves you money but also ensures that you continue to enjoy the comfort and support they provide.
Reducing Waste: Every pair of shoes that is repaired instead of discarded helps reduce waste. By choosing to maintain and repair your Birkenstocks, you’re helping to keep more shoes out of landfills.
In summary, taking the time to clean and care for your Birkenstocks can make a big difference. It’s a simple step towards a more sustainable and responsible lifestyle. For professional repairs and expert advice, trust NuShoe to keep your Birkenstocks in top shape.