How to Clean Suede Birkenstock the Easy Way (5 Steps)

Cleaning suede Birkenstock sandals can feel tricky because suede is a soft, delicate material. But don't worry! I've been there—worrying about ruining my favorite suede Birks with water or harsh cleaners. After trying different methods, I found simple and safe ways to clean them without damage.

In this article, you'll learn how to clean suede Birkenstock step-by-step, so your sandals look fresh and last longer. I will guide you through everything, from removing dirt to treating stains and protecting your suede Birkenstocks for the future.

Understanding Suede Birkenstock and Why Cleaning Them Needs Care

Suede Birkenstocks are popular because they are comfy and stylish, but suede is a very soft and sensitive material. Unlike regular leather, suede has a fuzzy surface that can easily get dirty or stained. When you clean suede Birkenstocks, you have to be very gentle because water or wrong cleaners can damage the texture or color.

The first thing to know is that suede is not waterproof. If you clean suede Birkenstocks with too much water, the material can get stiff, lose its softness, or develop water spots. That is why it's important to use the right tools and products designed for suede only. Also, some cleaning methods can remove the protective layer or change the look of your Birkenstocks.

Before cleaning, always check the care instructions on your Birkenstock sandals if available. Usually, a soft suede brush or a suede eraser works best to remove dirt and light stains. For tougher stains, special suede cleaners made for this material should be used carefully.

When cleaning, avoid harsh scrubbing. Instead, use gentle brushing in one direction to keep the suede's soft nap looking smooth. Also, drying the sandals naturally, away from heat or sun, is key to keeping them in good shape.

By understanding these basics, you protect your suede Birkenstocks while keeping them clean and fresh. Let's dive into how you can do this step-by-step.

• Suede is delicate and needs gentle care
• Avoid water or harsh chemicals directly on suede
• Use suede brushes or erasers for dirt and stains
• Always brush gently in one direction
• Dry naturally, away from heat or sun
• Check care instructions before cleaning

Removing Loose Dirt and Dust from Suede Birkenstocks

The first thing to do when your suede Birkenstocks get dirty is to remove loose dust and dirt. This step is important because if you skip it, rubbing or washing can push dirt deeper into the suede, making stains worse.

Start by letting your sandals dry completely if they are damp or wet. Never clean suede while it is wet because it can damage the texture. Once dry, take a suede brush or a soft toothbrush. A suede brush has soft bristles that help lift dirt without hurting the suede fibers.

Brush the sandals gently, moving in one direction to remove surface dust. You might see dirt coming off the soles and footbeds too, so clean those areas as well with a dry cloth. If you don't have a suede brush, a clean soft toothbrush works fine.

For stubborn dirt stuck in creases or seams, use a suede eraser or a clean pencil eraser. Rub the eraser gently on the dirty spot until the dirt comes off. Don't rub hard or in circles because that can damage the suede.

If you find any wet spots, blot them gently with a dry cloth—don't rub. After brushing, your sandals should look cleaner but not wet. This basic cleaning can prevent stains and keep suede looking fresh every day.

• Let sandals dry fully before cleaning
• Use a suede brush or soft toothbrush
• Brush gently in one direction to remove dust
• Use a suede eraser or pencil eraser on stubborn dirt
• Blot wet spots, don't rub
• Avoid cleaning wet suede directly

Treating Stains on Suede Birkenstock Safely

Stains on suede Birkenstocks can be scary, especially if it's water, mud, or oil. The key is to act carefully and not make stains worse by using the wrong method.

For water stains, first, blot the area with a dry cloth to soak excess moisture. Then, use a suede brush once the sandal is dry to lift the nap and reduce water marks. If the stain is strong, you can try lightly rubbing the edges of the stain with a clean white cloth dampened with a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. These liquids help break down stains but don't soak the suede. After applying, let the suede dry naturally, then brush gently.

For mud stains, wait until the mud dries fully. Then brush off the dried mud with a suede brush. If some dirt remains, use a suede eraser to rub it off gently.

Oil or grease stains are the hardest on suede. You can try sprinkling some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil. Leave it on for several hours or overnight, then brush it off carefully. If the stain persists, a suede cleaner designed for oil stains may be needed. Always test cleaners on a small hidden area first.

Avoid water and soap for oil stains because they can spread the oil or make the suede stiff. Also, never use harsh chemicals or bleach.

Remember, patience is important. Trying to clean stains too quickly or aggressively can ruin your suede Birkenstocks. Clean gently and let the material dry between treatments.

• Blot water stains and brush after drying
• Use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol lightly for tough water stains
• Brush off dried mud before treating
• Use cornstarch or baking soda for oil stains, then brush off
• Avoid water and soap on oil stains
• Test any cleaner on a hidden area first
• Be patient and gentle

Deep Cleaning Suede Birkenstocks with Proper Tools

Sometimes, your suede Birkenstocks need a deep clean, especially if they are worn often or have many small stains. Deep cleaning suede means cleaning the entire surface to restore the look without damaging the material.

Start with the basics: brush your sandals with a suede brush to remove loose dirt. Then, use a suede cleaner that is safe for your shoes. Suede cleaners are special liquids or foams made to clean dirt without ruining the soft nap.

Apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean cloth or sponge. Gently rub the suede in small circular motions, focusing on dirty areas but covering the whole surface evenly. Avoid soaking the suede. If using foam, apply it lightly and wipe off excess with a dry cloth.

After cleaning, stuff your sandals with paper towels or a cloth to keep their shape while drying. Let them air dry naturally in a cool, shaded place. Avoid sunlight, heat, or dryers as they can dry out and damage the suede.

Once dry, brush the suede again to lift the fibers and bring back its softness. If the nap looks flat, you can lightly steam the suede by holding it near steam (like from a boiling kettle) but be careful not to wet it.

Deep cleaning your suede Birkenstocks every few months or as needed keeps them looking almost new. Just remember, don't over-clean or use harsh products.

• Brush to remove loose dirt first
• Use suede cleaner carefully, don't soak suede
• Rub gently in small circular motions
• Stuff sandals to keep shape while drying
• Air dry away from sun and heat
• Brush after drying to lift nap
• Light steam can refresh suede but use carefully

Protecting Suede Birkenstock After Cleaning

Cleaning suede Birkenstocks is just part of the process. To keep them clean longer, you need to protect the suede from dirt, water, and stains.

The best way to protect suede is to use a suede protector spray. These sprays create a water-resistant and stain-resistant barrier without changing how your Birkenstocks look or feel. Choose a spray made especially for suede materials.

Before using the spray, make sure your sandals are clean and dry. Hold the spray about 6 to 8 inches away and apply evenly over the suede surface. Don't soak the suede; a light mist is enough. Let the sandals dry fully before wearing them.

Reapply the protector spray every few weeks or after cleaning to keep the protection strong. This simple step can prevent water spots and stains, saving you time and effort on cleaning.

Besides sprays, avoid wearing your suede Birkenstocks in very wet or muddy places. When not in use, store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. You can also stuff them with paper to keep their shape.

Protecting your suede Birkenstocks helps them last longer and keeps them looking fresh and nice.

• Use a suede protector spray after cleaning
• Apply spray evenly, hold 6 to 8 inches away
• Let sandals dry fully before use
• Reapply protector every few weeks or after cleaning
• Avoid wet or muddy places when wearing suede
• Store in cool, dry, shaded place
• Stuff sandals to keep shape during storage

Quick Touch-Ups and Daily Care for Suede Birkenstocks

Daily care can keep your suede Birkenstocks clean without needing deep cleaning all the time. Small touch-ups after wearing can stop dirt and stains from building up.

After wearing your sandals, use a suede brush or soft cloth to gently remove dust and light dirt. If you notice small stains, treat them quickly with a suede eraser or a little bit of cornstarch for oil spots.

Avoid wearing your suede Birkenstocks on rainy days or rough surfaces to reduce damage and dirt buildup. Also, clean your sandals regularly by brushing even if they don't look dirty. This keeps the suede nap fresh and prevents hard dirt from settling in.

If your sandals get wet, let them dry naturally at room temperature. Don't use heat or direct sunlight. While drying, stuff the sandals with paper towels to keep their shape.

Daily care and quick touch-ups are easy ways to keep your suede Birkenstocks looking great without the stress of deep cleaning often.

• Brush sandals after wearing to remove dust
• Treat small stains quickly with eraser or cornstarch
• Avoid wearing in rain or rough places
• Clean regularly by brushing even if not dirty
• Let wet sandals dry naturally, stuff to keep shape
• Avoid heat or sun for drying

Final Thoughts

Cleaning suede Birkenstock sandals does not have to be hard or scary. By understanding suede’s delicate nature and using the right tools like a suede brush, eraser, and protector spray, you can keep your sandals looking fresh and beautiful for years. Always be gentle and patient when cleaning stains, and protect your suede with a spray to prevent future damage. With daily care and careful cleaning, your favorite suede Birkenstocks will stay comfy and stylish no matter how often you wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to use water to clean suede Birkenstocks?

It's best to avoid using water directly on suede Birkenstocks because suede is very sensitive to moisture. Water can cause stains, stiffen the material, or leave marks that are hard to remove. If you accidentally get your suede Birks wet, blot the water immediately with a dry cloth and let them air dry naturally away from heat or sun. Use a suede brush after drying to restore the nap. For cleaning, use suede-specific products and only a small amount of water mixed with gentle cleaners if necessary. Always test on a small hidden area first.

Can I use regular soap or detergent to clean suede Birkenstocks?

No, regular soap or detergent is too harsh for suede. These products can damage the soft texture and change the color of your Birkenstocks. Suede needs special cleaners designed just for it, which clean dirt gently without drying or stiffening the material. If you don't have suede cleaner, sometimes a small amount of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol diluted and tested first can help with stains, but never use soap or household detergents directly on suede.

Do I need a special brush for cleaning suede Birkenstocks?

Yes, a special suede brush is recommended. It has soft bristles that lift dirt and dust without damaging the suede fibers. You can also use a soft toothbrush if you don't have a suede brush, but be very gentle. Regular brushes with stiff bristles can hurt the suede and ruin its fuzzy surface. Using the right brush keeps your Birkenstocks clean and soft.

Is it okay to put suede Birkenstocks in the washing machine?

No, do not put suede Birkenstocks in the washing machine. Washing machines use water and agitation that can ruin the suede by causing it to stiffen, lose color, or shrink. Suede needs gentle hand cleaning with special brushes and suede cleaners. Machine washing will almost always damage your sandals beyond repair.

Can I fix water stains on suede Birkenstocks myself?

Yes, you can fix water stains yourself with patience. First, blot the area with a dry cloth. Then let the sandals dry completely. After drying, gently brush the suede to lift the nap and reduce the stain's appearance. For tougher water stains, you can lightly apply a cloth dampened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol around the edges of the stain, then let it dry and brush again. Avoid soaking the suede or using heat to dry.

Do I need to protect my suede Birkenstocks after cleaning?

Yes, protecting your suede Birkenstocks after cleaning is very important. Use a suede protector spray to create a barrier against water, dirt, and stains. This spray helps keep your sandals clean longer and makes future cleaning easier. Apply the spray evenly and let it dry completely before wearing. Reapply every few weeks or after cleaning to keep the protection strong.

Can I use baking soda to clean stains on suede Birkenstocks?

Yes, baking soda works well for oil or grease stains on suede. Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and let it sit for several hours or overnight. The baking soda absorbs the oil, making the stain easier to remove. Afterward, brush off the powder gently with a suede brush. Avoid using water or soap on oil stains because it can spread the oil or damage the suede.

Is it okay to wear suede Birkenstocks in the rain?

It's best to avoid wearing suede Birkenstocks in the rain. Suede is very sensitive to water, and rain can cause stains, water marks, or stiffen the material. If you get caught in the rain, dry your sandals as soon as possible by blotting water and letting them air dry naturally. Using a suede protector spray before wearing your sandals can help reduce water damage but doesn't make suede fully waterproof.