How to Clean Birkenstocks: Step-by-Step Guide

Birkenstocks are a wardrobe staple, but they take a beating from daily wear. Dirt, sweat, and grime build up on the footbed, straps, and cork sole. Regular cleaning keeps them looking fresh and prevents odors. This guide covers everything from quick touch-ups to deep cleaning, with tips for leather, suede, and nubuck straps.

What You’ll Need

Soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush or suede brush)
Mild soap (like dish soap or saddle soap)
Warm water
Clean cloths or soft rags
White vinegar (for stubborn stains or odors)
Baking soda (for tough footbed grime)
Leather conditioner (for smooth leather straps)
Suede/nubuck cleaner or eraser (if straps are suede)
Cork sealer (optional, to refresh the cork edge)

Step-by-Step

Remove loose dirt – Use a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth to brush off loose dirt and dust from the straps, footbed, and cork. For suede straps, brush in one direction to avoid damaging the nap.
Prepare a cleaning solution – Mix a few drops of mild soap (like dish soap) into a bowl of warm water. Avoid harsh detergents or bleach, which can strip oils and damage materials.
Wipe the straps – Dip a clean cloth into the soapy water, wring it out well (it should be damp, not wet), and gently wipe the straps. For leather, use a circular motion; for suede, wipe in the direction of the nap. Avoid soaking the straps.
Clean the footbed – For the cork footbed, use a damp cloth with soapy water to wipe away surface grime. For stubborn dark spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply with a soft brush, let sit for 10 minutes, then wipe off. Avoid getting the cork too wet.
Scrub the cork edges – The cork sides can accumulate dirt. Use a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water to gently scrub the cork. Wipe with a damp cloth afterward. Do not submerge the cork.
Rinse with a clean damp cloth – Wipe off any soap residue with a cloth dipped in plain water and wrung out. This prevents soap buildup that can attract more dirt.
Air dry completely – Place the Birkenstocks in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, radiators, or hairdryers. Let them dry naturally for at least 12–24 hours. Never speed up drying with heat, as it can crack the cork and warp leather.
Condition and protect – Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to smooth leather straps to keep them soft. For suede, use a suede brush to restore the nap. Optionally, apply a cork sealer to the cork edges to maintain flexibility and water resistance.

Common Mistakes

Soaking the sandals – Submerging Birkenstocks in water can ruin the cork, warp the footbed, and cause the straps to stretch or lose shape.
Using harsh chemicals – Bleach, ammonia, or strong cleaners strip natural oils and damage the leather and cork.
Machine washing or drying – The washing machine and dryer are too aggressive; they can crack the cork, shrink leather, and detach the sole.
Drying in the sun or near heat – Heat causes cork to dry out and crack, and leather to become brittle and fade.
Skipping the rinse – Leaving soap residue attracts dirt and can irritate skin.

Tips

Clean regularly – A quick wipe after each wear prevents buildup. Do a deep clean every few months or when they look dirty.
Use a suede eraser – For suede straps, a suede eraser removes scuffs and stains without water.
Deodorize naturally – Sprinkle baking soda inside the footbed, let it sit overnight, then brush off to absorb odors.
Protect with spray – Apply a water-repellent spray designed for leather or suede to protect against moisture and stains. Test on a small area first.
Handle cork with care – Cork is delicate; avoid scratching it with sharp objects. If the cork starts to flake, apply a thin layer of cork sealer.

Troubleshooting

Stains remain on leather straps – Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, dab on the stain with a cloth, let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe. Test on an inconspicuous spot first. If the stain persists, consult a professional cobbler.
Suede straps are matted or stained – Use a suede brush to lift the nap. For oily stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the area, let it sit for a few hours, then brush off. Avoid water on suede unless absolutely necessary.
Footbed has a strong odor – Sprinkle baking soda over the footbed and let it sit overnight. Brush off the next day. For persistent odors, wipe with a cloth dampened with white vinegar, then air dry.
Cork looks dry or cracked – Apply a cork sealer or a small amount of natural oil (like jojoba) to the cork edges, let it absorb, then wipe off excess. Do not over-oil, as it can soften the cork too much.
Straps have become stiff – After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner and gently flex the straps to restore flexibility. For suede, a steam treatment (holding the strap over a kettle of boiling water for a few seconds) can help, but be cautious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put Birkenstocks in the washing machine?

No. The washing machine can damage the cork, warp the footbed, and cause straps to stretch or lose shape. Always hand-clean.

How do I clean the cork footbed without ruining it?

Use a damp cloth with mild soap, and avoid soaking. For deep stains, use a baking soda paste and a soft brush, then wipe off. Never submerge the cork.

What is the best way to clean suede Birkenstocks?

Use a suede brush to remove dirt, and a suede eraser for scuffs. For stains, use a specialized suede cleaner. Avoid water, as it can cause water spots.

How often should I clean my Birkenstocks?

Wipe them down after each wear to remove surface dirt. Do a deep clean every 2–3 months, or more often if you wear them daily in dusty or sweaty conditions.

Can I use baby wipes to clean Birkenstocks?

Baby wipes are convenient for quick touch-ups on smooth leather straps, but they may leave residue. Avoid them on suede and the cork footbed, as they can be too wet.

How do I remove salt stains from winter wear?

Mix one part water with one part white vinegar, dampen a cloth, and gently wipe the salt stains. Let it dry, then brush suede or condition leather. Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove vinegar residue.

Sources: Birkenstock. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.