Whether you wear your Birkenstocks at the beach, around town, or in your backyard, these comfy shoes need good cleaning to stay in great shape. These famous German sandals started as simple shoes but have become super popular fashion items. However, cleaning them isn’t as easy as you might guess. Let’s look at the best ways to keep your Birkenstocks clean so they’ll keep your feet happy for a long time.
According to David Mesquita, owner of Leather Spa, “The biggest mistake people make is getting their Birkenstocks completely wet. The cork footbed can break down and the leather can become stiff and dry.”
Beloved German Sandal Care
When it comes to preserving your favorite pair of Birkenstocks, regular maintenance is key to keeping these iconic German sandals in top condition.
We’ll want to focus on a thorough cleaning process every few weeks, tackling footbeds, leather, suede, and cork components.
With proper care, including dirt and dust removal, waterproofing spray application, and deep cleaning of the soles, we’ll extend their life considerably.
Let’s explore the essential do’s and don’ts of cleaning your Birkenstocks, along with step-by-step instructions to keep them looking their best.
We’ll cover everything from proper cleaning techniques to common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when caring for your favorite sandals.
Our thorough guide will help you maintain your Birkenstocks’ comfort and appearance, ensuring they last for years to come.
Things to Do When Cleaning Birkenstocks
Cleaning Birkenstocks requires careful attention to detail and the right approach to guarantee the sandals maintain their quality and durability.
The process involves treating different materials appropriately while protecting the distinctive cork footbed that makes these shoes so comfortable and long-lasting.
- Inspect the strap material – Check whether your sandals have suede, nubuck, or leather straps to choose proper cleaning products.
- Prepare cleaning tools – Gather a soft brush, leather shampoo, old toothbrush, and cork sealer.
- Clean straps gently – Use a slightly damp brush to remove dirt without saturating the material.
- Scrub the footbed – Apply leather shampoo in circular motions with a toothbrush to eliminate dirt and odors.
- Allow natural drying – Keep sandals at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Apply cork sealer – Protect the footbed with sealer every 2-4 months to prevent deterioration.
- Check for dryness – Confirm sandals are completely dry before wearing them again.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Birkenstocks
When cleaning Birkenstocks, it’s essential to understand that these premium sandals require gentle care to maintain their quality and longevity.
Using improper cleaning methods or harsh chemicals can permanently damage various components of the shoes, from the cork footbed to the leather straps, potentially reducing both comfort and durability.
- Baking soda scrubbing – The abrasive properties can wear down footbeds and create an uncomfortable, rough surface.
- Complete water submersion – Excessive moisture can break down adhesives and damage the cork sealant.
- Machine washing and drying – The aggressive agitation and heat will destroy the sandal’s structure and materials.
- Protector sprays on suede – These products can alter the natural texture and moisture-wicking properties of suede footbeds.
- Direct heat exposure – Intense heat from sunlight or heating elements can warp the cork and compromise EVA sole integrity.
- Harsh chemical cleaners – Strong detergents and bleach can strip natural oils and damage leather and cork components.
- Aggressive brushing – Rough scrubbing can scratch leather and damage delicate surfaces.
- Excessive water – Even without full submersion, too much water can seep into seams and weaken structural integrity.
Steps
Keeping your Birkenstocks clean is essential for both their longevity and your foot health. A systematic approach to cleaning these iconic sandals guarantees you don’t damage the materials while effectively removing dirt, sweat, and stains that accumulate through regular wear.
Step 1: Gently clean the straps’ interior with a damp brush
Step 2: Clean the straps’ exterior, being careful not to oversaturate
Step 3: Apply leather shampoo to the footbed using circular motions with a toothbrush
Step 4: Remove shampoo residue with a damp cloth
Step 5: Let sandals dry at room temperature for 24 hours
Step 6: Brush the dry footbed with a leather brush
Step 7: Apply cork sealer to protect the footbed
Step 8: Spray waterproof protector on the straps
Step 9: Repeat cleaning process every few weeks
Step 10: Address any stains immediately when they occur
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your beloved Birkenstocks doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow a consistent care routine.
Regular cleaning of the footbed, gentle care of suede and leather with appropriate brushes, and using a damp cloth without excess soap will keep them fresh.
Don’t forget to apply cork sealer periodically and store them properly to prevent dust and dirt buildup.
Taking proper care of your Birkenstocks is essential for extending their lifespan and maintaining their comfort. Regular cleaning every few weeks, along with consistent maintenance of footbeds, straps, and cork surfaces, will keep your sandals in prime condition.
The key is to be gentle yet thorough, using appropriate cleaning methods for different materials – whether it’s leather, suede, or cork.
Remember to always let your Birkenstocks dry naturally, protect them with the right sealants and sprays, and avoid harsh cleaning methods or extreme temperatures.
With these simple care routines, your favorite pair of Birkenstocks can continue providing comfort and style for years to come.
Start implementing these cleaning practices today to protect your investment and keep your Birkenstocks looking and feeling their best. Your feet – and your sandals – will thank you for it.
