If you love your Birkenstocks but notice the footbed getting dirty or smelly, you are not alone. I once struggled with cleaning my Birkenstock footbeds and finally found a simple way to bring them back to life. The good news? Cleaning your Birkenstock footbed is easy and only takes a little time. In this article, I will show you exactly how to clean the footbed of your Birkenstocks so they feel fresh and look great again.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start cleaning your Birkenstock footbed, it is important to have all the right supplies ready. This will make the whole process smoother and help you get the best results. The footbed of Birkenstocks is made of cork and suede, so you need gentle cleaners that will not damage these materials.
You will need a soft brush, like a toothbrush or suede brush, to scrub away dirt and stains gently. A mild soap, such as dish soap or castile soap, works well to clean the footbed without harsh chemicals. You might also want some baking soda, which is great for removing odors naturally. A clean cloth or sponge will help wipe the footbed, and a bowl of warm water is necessary to rinse away soap and dirt.
Avoid strong detergents or bleach because these can ruin the cork and suede. It is best to clean your Birkenstocks in a place where water won't cause any trouble, like a bathroom or outside.
- Soft brush (toothbrush or suede brush)
- Mild soap (dish soap or castile soap)
- Baking soda (for odor removal)
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Bowl of warm water
- A towel to dry
Remove Loose Dirt and Dust
The first real cleaning step is to get rid of any loose dirt and dust on the footbed. When you wear your Birkenstocks outside, tiny bits of dirt stick to the footbed. If you try to clean without removing this first, it will be harder to get the footbed clean.
Use your soft brush to gently sweep the surface of the footbed. Pay close attention to the areas around the heel and toes where most dirt gathers. Don't scrub too hard; just enough to lift dirt off the suede and cork. You can also tap the shoes lightly to shake off dust.
If your footbed has some stuck-on mud or grime, you can use a dry cloth to wipe away the biggest spots before brushing. Removing this dirt first prevents it from mixing with water and soap, which can make cleaning harder.
After brushing, blow or tap the shoes again to make sure all loose dirt is gone.
- Use a soft brush to gently clean dirt from the footbed
- Focus on heel and toe areas
- Wipe off stuck mud with a dry cloth first
- Shake or tap shoes to remove dust
Make a Gentle Cleaning Solution
Once your footbeds are free of loose dirt, it's time to prepare the cleaning solution. Since the Birkenstock footbed is delicate, a strong cleaner will damage the cork and suede. Instead, mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water.
Pour a cup of warm water into a bowl, then add just a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir gently until the soap dissolves and creates suds. This mild solution is perfect for breaking down dirt without hurting the shoe materials.
If your Birkenstocks smell bad, sprinkle some baking soda over the footbed before cleaning. Baking soda absorbs odors and can help freshen the shoes naturally. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then brush it off before applying the cleaning solution.
Avoid soaking the footbed in water. Instead, you will use a damp cloth or sponge dipped in the solution for cleaning. Too much water can loosen the cork glue or damage the suede surface.
- Mix a few drops of mild soap with warm water
- Use baking soda on footbed for odor before cleaning
- Avoid soaking the footbed with water
- Use a damp cloth or sponge for cleaning
Clean the Footbed Gently
Now you are ready to clean the footbed. Dip your soft brush or cloth into the soapy water and squeeze out extra liquid so it's damp, not soaking. Gently scrub the footbed in small circles, paying special attention to dirty or stained spots.
The goal is to lift dirt while protecting the cork and suede materials. You can use the brush to clean hard-to-reach edges, but always be gentle. Avoid scrubbing too hard or using rough tools that can damage the footbed.
If you used baking soda earlier, make sure to brush off any leftover powder before starting this cleaning step. After scrubbing, wipe the footbed with a clean damp cloth to remove soap and dirt.
Let the footbed dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Too much heat can cause the cork to dry out and crack. You can stuff the shoes with paper towels to help absorb moisture faster.
- Use a damp brush or cloth with mild soap solution
- Clean in small circles, focusing on dirty spots
- Be gentle to avoid damaging cork and suede
- Wipe off soap with a clean damp cloth
- Let shoes air dry away from sunlight and heat
Remove Tough Stains and Odors
Sometimes the footbed gets tough stains or strong smells that simple cleaning can't fix. For stubborn stains, try a paste made from baking soda and water. Mix baking soda with just enough water to make a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, gently scrub with your soft brush and wipe away with a damp cloth. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and deodorizer, lifting stains and freshening the footbed.
For bad odors, sprinkle baking soda on the footbed and leave it overnight. Shake off the powder in the morning and brush gently. This helps absorb sweat and other smells without chemicals.
If stains are still there after baking soda, use a suede cleaner made for delicate shoes. Follow the instructions carefully, and always test on a small hidden area first.
- Make a baking soda paste for tough stains
- Let paste sit 30 minutes before scrubbing gently
- Use baking soda overnight for strong odors
- Try suede cleaner for stubborn stains (test first)
- Always be gentle to protect shoe materials
Protect and Maintain Your Birkenstock Footbed
Cleaning your Birkenstocks is only one part of keeping them fresh and comfortable. Protecting the footbed will help your shoes last longer and reduce the need for deep cleaning.
Avoid wearing your Birkenstocks in very wet or muddy conditions, as water can damage the cork and suede. When you are not wearing your shoes, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Apply a cork sealer to the edges of the footbed if you notice the cork starting to dry or crack. This special sealer protects the cork and keeps it strong. Use a suede protector spray to guard the suede footbed against stains and water.
Regularly brush your footbed with a soft suede brush to remove dust and keep it looking fresh. Also, clean your footbed every few weeks if you wear your Birkenstocks often.
- Avoid wet or muddy conditions when wearing
- Store shoes in a cool, dry place away from sun
- Use cork sealer on cork edges if cracking starts
- Spray suede protector on footbed to prevent stains
- Brush footbed regularly and clean often
Final Thoughts
Cleaning the footbed of your Birkenstocks is not hard, but it does take care and patience. By using gentle soap, a soft brush, and natural products like baking soda, you can keep your shoes fresh and comfortable. Avoid harsh chemicals and too much water to protect the cork and suede. Regular cleaning and proper care will keep your Birkenstocks looking great and feeling like new for a long time.
| Task | What to Use | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Remove loose dirt | Soft brush, dry cloth | Brush gently, focus heel/toes |
| Make cleaning solution | Mild soap, warm water | Few drops of soap, no soaking |
| Clean footbed | Damp cloth or soft brush | Small circles, be gentle |
| Remove tough stains/odor | Baking soda paste | Let sit 30 mins, scrub softly |
| Protect footbed | Cork sealer, suede protector | Store dry, avoid sun & water |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use water on Birkenstock footbeds?
Yes, you can use water, but only in small amounts. Too much water can damage the cork and loosen glue. It's best to use a damp cloth or soft brush with a mild soap solution rather than soaking the footbed. After cleaning, make sure to let the shoes air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. This helps prevent the cork from cracking and keeps your footbeds in good shape.
Can I use harsh detergents to clean Birkenstock footbeds?
No, harsh detergents or bleach can damage the cork and suede materials. These chemicals may cause discoloration or weaken the footbed. Stick to mild soaps like dish soap or castile soap for gentle cleaning. These are effective but safe for delicate shoe parts. Using natural cleaning methods keeps your Birkenstocks looking fresh without risking harm.
Do I need special tools to clean the footbed?
Not really. A soft toothbrush or suede brush works perfectly to clean the footbed. These tools are gentle but good at lifting dirt from the suede and cork. You also need a clean cloth or sponge and mild soap for the cleaning solution. These everyday items are enough to clean your Birkenstocks well.
Is baking soda good for Birkenstock footbeds?
Yes, baking soda is excellent for removing odors and stains from Birkenstock footbeds. It works as a natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive. You can sprinkle baking soda on the footbed and leave it overnight to absorb smells. For tough stains, a paste of baking soda and water works well. Just remember to brush off all the powder before cleaning with soap.
Can I machine wash Birkenstocks to clean the footbed?
No, machine washing Birkenstocks is not recommended. The water and agitation can damage the cork and suede, causing the shoes to lose shape or fall apart. Always clean your Birkenstocks by hand with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Hand cleaning protects the materials and keeps the shoes comfortable.
Do I need to dry Birkenstocks in the sun after cleaning?
No, avoid drying your Birkenstocks in direct sunlight. The heat can dry out and crack the cork footbed and fade the suede. Instead, air dry your shoes indoors or in a shaded area. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to help absorb moisture faster. This method keeps your Birkenstocks in the best condition.
Is it necessary to use a cork sealer on Birkenstocks?
Using a cork sealer is a good idea if you notice the cork edges drying or cracking. The sealer protects the cork from moisture and damage. Applying it helps extend the life of your Birkenstocks. However, if your shoes are still new and in good shape, you can wait until signs of wear appear.
Can I prevent stains and odors on Birkenstock footbeds?
Yes, you can prevent stains and odors by cleaning your Birkenstocks regularly and letting them dry after use. Avoid wearing them in very wet or muddy conditions. Using a suede protector spray can guard the footbed from stains. Also, sprinkling baking soda occasionally helps control odors naturally.