How to clean Birkenstock

We have cleaned over 300 Pairs as of March 2025

Whether your Birks have gathered dirt, odors, or lost their original texture, this step-by-step guide uses easy-to-find hardware store supplies in India to restore them at home. This is not what we follow at Rebirk since we have to do many pairs a day so we use industrial supplies and machines.

Know Your Birkenstock

Before cleaning, understand the 3 key parts:

  1. Outsole: The rugged bottom layer that touches the ground.
  2. Footbed: The contoured layer where your foot rests, lined with suede leather that develops a patina over time.
  3. Straps: Available in synthetic materials or leather, securing your foot in place.

Supplies You’ll Need

  1. Baking soda
  2. Hard nylon brush (for scrubbing clothes/dishes)
  3. Soft cloth towel
  4. 120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
  5. Colin glass cleaner
  6. Petroleum jelly (for leather straps)
  7. Soft-bristle shoe brush (or suede brush)
  8. Optional: Toothbrush for strap buckles

Step 1: Wet Cleaning Process

Target: Deep-clean the footbed and remove odors.

  1. Make a Baking Soda Paste
    Mix 6 tablespoons of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.

  2. Scrub the Footbed

    • Unbuckle all straps.
    • Apply half the paste to the footbed. Use a nylon brush in circular motions for 5 minutes, focusing on stained or odorous areas.
    • Repeat for the other half.

  3. Clean the Outsole (Don’t Skip This!)
    Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Scrub the outsole with the nylon brush to remove dirt and grime.

  4. Rinse & Dry
    Rinse the sandals under lukewarm water until all paste and soap are removed. Pat dry with a towel.

    • Critical Tip: Air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 2–3 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can warp the cork and crack leather.

Step 2: Dry Cleaning Process

Target: Restore the footbed’s rough texture and remove black spots.

  1. Sand the Footbed

    • Cut 120-grit sandpaper into 1" squares. Gently sand the footbed in circular motions to remove grime and stains. Use light pressure to avoid damaging the suede.
    • Switch to 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and eliminate roughness.

  2. Brush Away Residue
    Use a soft-bristle or suede brush to remove all dust. The footbed should now feel fresh and look uniform, with no oily footprints.

Step 3: Clean the Straps

Synthetic vs. Leather Care

For Synthetic Straps

  1. Spray a small amount of Colin glass cleaner onto the straps.
  2. Gently scrub with a toothbrush, especially around fleece.
  3. Wipe with a damp cloth and air-dry.

For Leather Straps

  1. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt.
  2. Apply a tiny amount of petroleum jelly with a soft cloth to moisturize and prevent cracking. Buff gently.

Pro Tips

  • 🪵 Cork Edge Care: If the cork edges look dry, rub a small amount of cork sealant (available with us and Birkenstock India) to prevent crumbling.

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