In early May, many people take their sandals out of the shoe cupboard and find the footbed has turned dark, the toe prints are shiny and the cork edge looks dry. If you want to clean Birkenstocks, you need to go carefully, because the footbed, straps and cork are all made of very different materials.
The good news: with a soft brush, a little water and some bicarbonate of soda, most sandals come up clean again. These five steps show how to go about it, what to avoid and why the washing machine is off limits.
Why the footbed and straps darken so quickly
These sandals are usually worn barefoot. Sweat, skin oils and dust go straight into the suede footbed lining. Over time, dark footprints appear, the fibres mat together and turn shiny, and the sandals can start to smell.
Then there's the construction: under the lining sits a footbed made of cork and latex, visible along the side as the cork edge. Cork only tolerates water in moderation, and too much moisture or heat can warp the footbed. That's why restraint is called for when cleaning.
| Part | Material | Cleaning | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Footbed lining | Usually suede | Dry brush, bicarbonate paste, little water | Soaking, washing machine |
| Straps | Suede or nubuck | Suede brush, eraser | Scrubbing wet |
| Straps | Smooth leather | Damp cloth, leather care | Harsh cleaners |
| Straps | Synthetic (e.g. Birko-Flor) | Mild soapy water | Solvents |
| Edge | Cork | Cork sealer | Heat, drying out |
| Whole sandal | EVA plastic | Water and mild soap | Hot water, sun |
If in doubt, check the inside of the strap or the product information to see what your Birkenstock model is made of.
1. Clean the Birkenstock footbed: dry first, then with a little water
- Brush dry: remove loose dirt and dust with a suede brush or soft brush. This also lifts the matted fibres.
- Mix a paste: combine two parts bicarbonate of soda with one part water to make a spreadable paste.
- Apply: work the paste into the dark areas with an old toothbrush in small circles.
- Leave to work: about 30 minutes, no longer.
- Remove: wipe off the residue with a well wrung-out cloth, keeping the footbed only as damp as necessary.
Bicarbonate of soda is one of the simple household remedies that the Swiss consumer protection foundation (SKS) recommends instead of many specialist products. It lifts grease and absorbs odours. Our guide to cleaning with bicarbonate of soda shows more uses.
2. Care for the straps according to their material
- Suede and nubuck: brush in one direction with a suede brush. Gently rub marks with a suede eraser or a clean, light-coloured eraser. You'll find detailed advice in our guide on how to clean suede.
- Smooth leather: wipe with a damp cloth, let it dry and apply a thin layer of colourless leather care. Read more in our guide to caring for leather shoes.
- Synthetic: add a few drops of mild soap to lukewarm water, wipe with a soft cloth and follow with clean water.
Metal buckles simply need a wipe with a damp cloth and a thorough dry afterwards.
3. Refresh and seal the cork edge
Healthy cork has a slight sheen. When it turns dull, pale and crumbly, it has lost its protection. A cork sealer from a cobbler or shoe shop will help:
- Dust the cork edge with a dry cloth.
- Apply a thin coat of sealer with the brush or applicator, without touching the straps or footbed.
- Leave to dry as the manufacturer directs, usually a few hours.
4. Dry properly: slowly and without heat
After cleaning, the sandals need time. Put them somewhere airy and shady at room temperature and let them dry at least overnight.
- Not on the radiator, not in full sun on the balcony and not in the tumble dryer.
- No hairdryer: heat can dry out cork and leather and warp the footbed.
- Only wear them once the footbed and straps are completely dry.
5. Prevent odours and clean EVA models
If the footbed smells, sprinkle a thin layer of bicarbonate of soda over it in the evening, leave it overnight and brush it out thoroughly in the morning. If possible, don't wear the same sandals every day, so they can air out in between. There are more ideas in our guide to smelly shoes.
EVA sandals made of lightweight plastic are easy: wash them with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft brush, rinse and leave to dry in the shade. They don't like heat either, as they can lose their shape.
Common mistakes when you clean Birkenstocks
- Soaking the sandals: too much water harms cork, glue and suede.
- The washing machine: the footbed can warp and the straps can come loose.
- Drying on the radiator: cork turns brittle, leather hard and cracked.
- Harsh cleaners or bleach: they attack leather and colour.
- Only treating the marks: on suede this leaves rings; it's better to clean the whole surface evenly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash Birkenstocks in the washing machine?
No, models with a cork footbed and leather or suede parts don't belong in the washing machine. Water, movement and heat can damage the footbed, glue and leather. Clean them by hand with a brush, very little water and bicarbonate of soda.
How do I get a dark footbed lighter again?
Brush the footbed dry first, then apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. After about 30 minutes, wipe off the residue with a well wrung-out cloth. A heavily worn footbed won't look brand new, but it will be noticeably lighter and fresher.
How often should I seal the cork edge?
Whenever the cork looks dull, pale or crumbly. So check the edge at the start of the season and now and then during the summer. Follow the directions on the cork sealer.
What helps if my Birkenstocks smell?
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the dry footbed overnight and brush it out in the morning. Let the sandals air out between wears and, if possible, avoid wearing them every day.
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