Birkenstocks are trendy classic sandals that can last for generations if you keep them clean and care for them regularly. They have a sturdy sole, but the footbeds are notorious for getting dirty and smelly. We'll explain how to clean the Birkenstock footbed to remove dirt, grime and odor and get your sandals back in shape.
Cleaning the Birkenstock footbed: tips and home remedies for proper care
Birkenstocks are known for their signature cork footbed, which is actually made of four different materials: cork, jute, latex and suede. The top layer of the footbed may darken over time as it absorbs oil from bare feet and dirt. Luckily, there are some effective ways to clean Birkenstocks if the footbeds smell or feel sticky.
Remove small stains with dishwashing liquid
If there are just a few small stains on the footbed, you can remove them with a simple combination of dish soap and water.
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Apply the solution to the stains with a soft toothbrush and wash off. Remove the foam with a wet cloth and allow the shoes to dry completely in a cool place. Then brush them with a suede brush.
Treat oil stains with cornstarch
Sometimes oil stains also find their way to your sandals. In this case, you should cover them as quickly as possible with cornstarch, which will absorb the oil. Leave it on for at least 4 hours before brushing it off. Repeat the process until the stains disappear.
Clean the classic sandals with baking soda
Da Birkenstocks ausvarious natural materialssuch as suede, genuine leather and cork, they cannot be machine washed or soaked in water. However, with a simple home remedy it is possible to make your favorite sandals look like new againbe properly cared for.
First, remove excess dirt with a damp cloth by wiping the footbed in circular movements. Try not to use too much water.
After your Birkenstocks are slightly damp, mix 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water in a small cup until a sticky paste forms.
Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste to the footbed of your sandals and brush in a circular motion. Dampen the cloth again and wipe off the paste. For stubborn stains, it can be helpful to leave a small amount of the paste on overnight.
Once the baking soda paste is removed, place your sandals in a dry, dark place to let them dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause the shoes to crack. Once they are completely dry, you can wear them again.
If your Birkenstocks give off an unpleasant smell, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the footbed and leave it overnight. Wipe off the excess baking soda with a soft cloth.
Clean Birkenstock footbed: With white vinegar
When you wear your Birkenstocks for a long time, imprints of your foot form on the footbed from the oils and dirt that are almost impossible to remove.
In a bowl, mix 500 ml of warm water, two tablespoons of white vinegar and half a teaspoon of detergent. Dip an old, soft-bristled toothbrush into the solution and scrub the footbeds of your sandals. When they are clean again, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Allow the shoes to air dry by keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Remove chewing gum and resin from the footbed
If something sticky ends up on the footbed of your sandals, you can use the following method to get rid of it. Place an ice cube in a plastic bag and place it directly on the sticky area. Allow them to harden and carefully remove them from the footbed with a dull knife. Repeat treatment as needed. When the solid pieces are gone, use a regular eraser to remove the stain marks.
How often to clean Birkenstocks?
The footbed of your sandals should be cleaned every few weeks, depending on how often you wear them. The other parts of the shoe should also be cleaned regularly, at least twice a month.
If you notice that the cork looks dry over time, treat it with a cork sealer, which is available commercially. Depending on how often you do yoursWear trendy sandals, you should do this every 2 to 4 months.
