How to Clean Birkenstocks (Because They Deserve Better)

Let’s be real: Birkenstocks are the ride-or-die of summer footwear. They’re comfy, supportive, and somehow get cuter the longer you wear them. But there’s a fine line between “well-loved” and “these are ready for the donation pile.”

If your beloved Birks are starting to look like they’ve seen some things (and maybe also smell like it), don’t worry—we’ve got you. Cleaning your Birkenstocks is surprisingly simple and totally worth it if you want them to last longer than your sourdough starter phase.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

Most Birkenstocks have two main parts. The footbed is made from cork and lined with suede. This is the soul (pun intended) of your Birks. The upper can be suede, leather, nubuck, or Birko-Flor (a synthetic, low-maintenance alternative). Your cleaning plan will depend on what you’re dealing with, but don’t stress—we’ll walk you through it.

How to Clean Birkenstock Sandals

Before you start, know these basic but important Birkenstock rules:

– Don’t throw them in the washing machine, it will damage your shoes.

– Don’t soak them. A gentle scrub is enough.

– Don’t dry them in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can damage both the cork and the leather.

Step 1: Start With a Dry Brush

No matter what type of Birkenstock you have, give them a good dry brushing first. Use a suede brush, toothbrush, or even a nail brush. This removes surface dirt and buildup from both the footbed and straps.

Step 2: Deep Clean The Footbed

The footbed is where things get… real. Over time, sweat, sunscreen, and general life gunk build up here, especially in that outline that’s a hauntingly accurate map of your toes.

You’ll need:

Baking soda
Water
A soft brush or old toothbrush
Paper towels or a soft cloth

Instructions:

Make a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water. Gently scrub the footbed in circular motions with your brush. Wipe away the paste with a slightly damp cloth. Let the sandals air dry overnight but don’t sunbathe them—cork hates direct sunlight.

Some folks swear by a suede eraser or Birkenstock’s own cleaner for stubborn stains. If your footbeds are truly tragic, you can also send them to a cobbler or the official Birkenstock repair team for a full refresh.

Photo by Nahima Aparicio on Unsplash

Step 3: Clean the Uppers

Your cleaning method depends on the material. Here’s the breakdown:

For suede or nubuck:

– Use a suede brush to revive the nap and buff out marks.

– For stains, try a suede eraser or sprinkle some cornstarch on oily spots to absorb the stain.

For leather:

Wipe with a damp cloth. Use a leather cleaner/conditioner occasionally (but skip anything super oily).

For Birko-Flor:

Just wipe with a damp cloth. It’s the most low-maintenance of Birk materials.

Step 4: Seal the Deal

That cork footbed? It needs moisture protection. Birkenstock makes a cork sealer, and a quick swipe every few months keeps the cork from drying out and cracking.

Birkenstocks are made to last, and with a little care, they’ll stick with you through airport security lines, park picnics, and grocery runs where you forgot the list but remembered your reusable tote. They’re worth the effort—and let’s be honest, they’ve earned it.

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Maintenance

You don’t need to clean your Birkenstocks every week (you have better things to do). But giving them a little TLC at the end of the season can extend their life and keep them looking cute. Store them indoors, away from moisture, and give them a quick brush now and then.