To clean Birkenstocks, brush the footbed, scrub it gently with a paste of baking soda and water using an old toothbrush, wipe away the residue with a damp cloth, and leave the sandals to air dry for 24 hours away from sun and heat. Clean the straps according to their material, and never soak cork sandals or put them in the washing machine.
In this guide
What you need
- A soft brush and an old toothbrush
- Baking soda and water
- Two clean cloths
- A suede brush or suede eraser (for suede and nubuck straps)
- Leather cleaner or mild soap (for smooth leather straps)
- Cork sealant
How to clean the footbed
The classic footbed is cork and latex covered with a suede lining. Over time it darkens with sweat, skin oils and dirt.
- Brush off dry dirt with a soft brush. Open the straps fully so you can reach the edges.
- Mix a paste of roughly two parts baking soda to one part water.
- Scrub gently in small circles with the toothbrush, paying attention to the heel and toe imprints.
- Wipe off the paste with a cloth dampened with clean water. Use as little water as you can.
- Repeat on dark patches if needed.
- Air dry for at least 24 hours in a ventilated spot out of direct sunlight.
- Brush the suede lining lightly once dry to lift the nap.
Expect the footbed to look much cleaner, not brand new. Some darkening is permanent and normal.
How to clean the straps
| Strap material | How to clean |
|---|---|
| Smooth leather | Wipe with a damp cloth and a little leather cleaner or mild soap, dry, then condition |
| Oiled leather | Wipe with a damp cloth; rub out light scuffs with your thumb; avoid polish |
| Suede and nubuck | Dry brush and suede eraser only; see how to clean suede shoes |
| Birko-Flor and other synthetics | Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap |
| EVA (all-rubber models) | Wash with lukewarm water and mild soap; keep away from heat |
Related: How Should Boots Fit? A Part-by-Part Guide
How to clean the soles and cork edge
- Scrub the rubber outsole with soapy water and a brush, keeping water off the cork.
- Wipe the exposed cork with a barely damp cloth.
- When the cork looks dull and dry instead of shiny, brush on a thin coat of cork sealant. This stops it drying out and crumbling.
How to remove odour
- Sprinkle baking soda over the dry footbed, leave overnight and brush it off.
- Let sandals air out between wears instead of storing them in a closed bag.
- Wash your feet before wearing them barefoot on long days.
More ideas are in how to get rid of shoe odor.
What to avoid
- Soaking or machine washing. Water breaks down the cork and the glue.
- Heat. Do not leave them in a hot car, in strong sun or near a heater; the footbed can shrink and the sole can separate.
- Harsh cleaners and bleach, which dry out suede and leather.
- Wearing them wet. If they get soaked, let them dry slowly; see how to dry shoes.
How often should you clean them?
- Brush the footbed every couple of weeks in summer.
- Deep clean it once or twice a season.
- Check the cork a few times a year and reseal when the shine has gone.
Worn-down soles and heels can be replaced by a cobbler or through the brand’s repair service, which is usually cheaper than a new pair.
Frequently asked questions
Can Birkenstocks get wet?
A splash is fine, but cork-footbed models should not be soaked. EVA models are waterproof and made for water.
How do I get black marks off the footbed?
Scrub with baking soda paste and a toothbrush, wipe clean and dry. Repeat for stubborn areas. Deep stains may only lighten.
Can I put Birkenstocks in the washing machine?
No. Only all-EVA models can be washed with water, and even those should be kept away from hot water and dryers.
What is cork sealant for?
It keeps the exposed cork flexible and protected from moisture, so it does not dry out and crack.
