Birkenstocks are renowned for their comfort, durability, and timeless style. However, like any well-loved footwear, they can accumulate dirt, grime, and sweat over time, losing their fresh appearance. Don’t despair! With the right tools and techniques, you can restore your beloved Birkenstocks to look almost as good as new.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the cleaning process for different Birkenstock materials, ensuring your favorite sandals stay hygienic and stylish for years to come.
Understanding Your Birkenstock Materials
Before you begin cleaning, it’s crucial to identify the materials your Birkenstocks are made from, as each requires a specific approach.
- Cork Footbed: This is the core of most Birkenstocks, providing ergonomic support. It’s often sealed with a protective layer.
- Suede/Nubuck Leather: These are common upper materials, known for their soft, brushed texture. They are porous and can stain easily.
- Smooth Leather: A more durable and less porous leather used for uppers.
- Birko-Flor/Birko-Buc: Synthetic materials designed to mimic leather or nubuck. They are generally easier to clean.
- EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): The lightweight, waterproof material used for the entirely synthetic Birkenstock models.
General Preparation for All Birkenstocks
Regardless of the material, always start with these preparatory steps:
- Remove Loose Debris: Use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush) to gently brush off any loose dirt, dust, or sand from the footbed and uppers.
- Air Out: If your Birkenstocks are damp or have an odor, let them air out in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat, which can dry out and crack the materials.
Cleaning the Cork Footbed
The cork footbed is the heart of your Birkenstocks and often the dirtiest part due to sweat and foot oils.
What you’ll need:
- Mild soap (dish soap or saddle soap)
- Small bowl of water
- Old toothbrush or small stiff brush
- Clean cloth
- Cork sealer (optional, but highly recommended for maintenance)
Steps:
- Prepare the Solution: Mix a small amount of mild soap with water in a bowl to create a slightly sudsy solution.
- Gentle Scrub: Dip your toothbrush into the solution and gently scrub the cork footbed in small, circular motions. Focus on areas with visible dirt or discoloration. Avoid saturating the cork, as excessive water can damage it.
- Wipe Clean: Dampen a clean cloth with plain water and wipe away the soapy residue. Repeat until all soap is removed.
- Air Dry Thoroughly: Place your Birkenstocks in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight. Allow them to air dry completely for at least 24 hours. Ensure they are bone dry before wearing them again or applying cork sealer.
- Reapply Cork Sealer (Recommended): Once completely dry, if the cork appears dull or dry, apply a thin layer of Birkenstock-specific cork sealer. This protects the cork from moisture and keeps it flexible. Follow the product instructions for application and drying time.
Cleaning Suede and Nubuck Uppers
Suede and nubuck require a delicate touch to avoid damaging the nap.
What you’ll need:
- Suede brush or stiff nylon brush
- Suede eraser or pencil eraser
- White vinegar (optional, for tough stains)
- Clean cloth
Steps:
- Brush Away Dirt: Use a suede brush to gently brush away any loose dirt or dust. Brush in one direction to lift the nap.
- Erase Stains: For scuffs or stubborn spots, use a suede eraser (or a clean pencil eraser for small marks) to gently rub the stain. The eraser will lift the dirt.
- Deep Cleaning (Optional): For more ingrained dirt or water stains, lightly dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar. Gently dab the stained area (do not rub vigorously). Allow to air dry, then re-brush the nap.
- Restore Nap: Once dry, use the suede brush to restore the original texture and appearance of the nap.
- Water and Stain Protector (Recommended): After cleaning, consider applying a suede and nubuck protector spray to help repel future stains and water.
Cleaning Smooth Leather Uppers
Smooth leather is more resilient but still benefits from proper care.
What you’ll need:
- Damp cloth
- Mild soap (saddle soap or leather cleaner)
- Leather conditioner
- Clean, dry cloth
Steps:
- Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leather uppers, removing surface dirt.
- Clean with Soap: Apply a small amount of saddle soap or leather cleaner to a damp cloth and gently rub the leather in circular motions.
- Wipe Away Residue: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off any soap residue.
- Condition: Once the leather is dry, apply a small amount of leather conditioner with a clean, dry cloth. This will keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Buff gently.
Cleaning Birko-Flor and EVA Uppers
These synthetic materials are the easiest to clean.
What you’ll need:
- Mild soap (dish soap)
- Warm water
- Soft brush or sponge
- Clean cloth
Steps:
- Prepare Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Wipe or Scrub: For Birko-Flor, simply wipe down the uppers with a soft cloth dampened with the soapy solution. For EVA, you can submerge the entire sandal in the soapy water and scrub with a soft brush or sponge.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the sandals thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Air Dry: Allow them to air dry completely. EVA dries very quickly.
Odor Removal
If your Birkenstocks have developed an odor, here are a few tips:
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the footbeds. Let it sit overnight (or longer for strong odors) to absorb moisture and neutralize smells. Vacuum or brush off the baking soda.
- Tea Bags: Place a few dry tea bags (black or green) in each sandal overnight. They are excellent at absorbing odors.
- Activated Charcoal: Small sachets of activated charcoal can also be placed in the shoes to absorb smells.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Them Looking New
- Regular Brushing: Brush off loose dirt after each wear.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: Don’t leave them in direct sunlight for prolonged periods or near heat sources, as this can dry out and crack the cork and leather.
- Rotate Shoes: If you wear Birkenstocks frequently, rotate them with other shoes to allow them to air out and dry completely between wears.
- Cork Sealer: Reapply cork sealer every few months, or as needed, to protect the cork from drying out and crumbling.
- Water Avoidance (for non-EVA): Try to avoid getting your non-EVA Birkenstocks wet. If they do get wet, dry them slowly and thoroughly away from direct heat.
By following these detailed steps and incorporating regular maintenance into your routine, your Birkenstocks will not only look fantastic but also provide the comfort and support you love for many seasons to come!
