For some it's a fashion horror, for others it's probably the most comfortable shoes for the summer: the Birkenstock sandals undoubtedly divide opinions, but there's no denying that they actually fit comfortably and don't cause foot pain even on longer journeys and what's more, they're now really available modern models. So if you're a fan of summer sandals, you probably wear them all the time, which sooner or later raises the question: How can you clean Birkenstocks without leather shampoo and remove odors and dirt? You'll find out right away!
Clean Birkenstocks in the washing machine
Some types of shoes can actually be put in the washing machine and that of course makes cleaning the shoes a lot easier. But what about this natural material, namely cork? Does it tolerate this procedure and can you wash Birkenstocks byuses the machine to help?
In general, it's not a good idea to put Birkenstocks in the washing machine. Even at low temperatures and a gentle wash cycle or shoe net, the glue would quickly come off. A lot of water is also not good for the cork, especially in combination with detergent. So if you want to enjoy your environmentally friendly sandals for a long time to come, treat them with these same products. How can you clean Birkenstock with home remedies?
Get rid of odors and dirt with simple means
Whether the footbed and straps are made of leather or the cork on the sides, you can wear the entire shoe without hesitationclean with home remediesif you choose the right products. Of course, these should not be aggressive, but rather have a gentle effect and ideally even remove the smell of sweaty feet and other causes that have arisen over time. The following tricks have proven effective.
Cream of tartar in combination with lemon juice
Both means ofCleaning the sandalscomplement each other. While lemon juice can also penetrate the pores and dissolve dirt and stains, cream of tartar ensures that even more stubborn dirt that the lemon couldn't get rid of is removed. All you have to do is make a paste of both ingredients and then use it to clean the Birkenstocks by incorporating them, as follows:
- Mix the juice of one lemon with cream of tartar in a 1:1 ratio. So that means, for example, you mix a tablespoon of lemon juice with a tablespoon of cream of tartar.
- It is best to first test the paste in an inconspicuous area, as the acid of the lemon can in rare cases discolor the material. Especially with light colors, you should avoid this home remedy and instead use another one.
- If the cleaner doesn't seem to be causing any damage, take a clean cloth, scoop up some of the paste, and spread it over the shoe.
- Work in gentle, circular movements. Caution is particularly advised with the more sensitive leather surfaces.
- Periodically check the cloth you use to clean Birkenstock shoes. Once it is dirty, wash it so as not to spread the dirt on the shoe.
- Once you're done cleaning, blot away excess moisture as best you can with a dry, clean towel.
- Place the damp shoes or sandals in a dry, airy place out of direct sunlight until they are completely dry.
- You should now add leather elementsTreat with suitable care products. Then let it dry thoroughly again.
- You can also impregnate Birkenstock to make the surfaces more resistant to dirt.
Clean Birkenstocks without leather shampoo with toothpaste
You can also clean Birkenstocks wonderfully with toothpaste. As you can probably imagine, it is the abrasive properties that also clean our teeth that help clean leather and cork surfaces. However, this variant is more suitable for white colors.
- Take a cloth or sponge.
- Apply a little toothpaste and spread it on dirty surfaces - including inside.
- Rub gently until dirt is visible on the cloth/sponge.
- Finally, wipe all surfaces with a dry cloth.
- Allow the sandals to air dry, but away from direct sun.
- Care for leather and cork with suitable products and let the material dry again.
Linseed oil and vinegar for cork care
You can also clean the Birkenstock leather insole easily and successfully with a simple vinegar solutionand linseed oil. The former dissolves the dirt while the oil has a nourishing effect. It is best not to use linseed oil on material that is too light as it can cause discoloration.
- Mix the two ingredients in equal parts (e.g. 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon linseed oil).
- Pour a small amount of the mixture onto a cloth or sponge.
- Apply the product evenly and in circular movements to clean the Birkenstock sandals.
- You can finish cleaning when the dirt is visible on the cloth.
- Take a clean cloth and wipe the remaining product from the surfaces.
- Allow the shoes to dry in a dry place out of direct sun.
- Apply leather conditioner and let it dry again.
Bonus trick: freezer against stench
If your Birkenstock shoes stink, workBaking powder and baking soda, but also vinegar, for example, neutralizes odors. But there is also another trick that you can use to remove odors from otherwise clean Birkenstocks without doing a full cleaning routine. Put them in a bag and then in the freezer. Yes, really! You can take them out again after 12 to 24 hours. During this time the cold kills the bacteriafor the smellare responsible.
By the way, the trick also works for T-shirts and the like.
