Birkenstocks are becoming increasingly popular, as you may have noticed. If they’re here to stay (which I believe they are), it’s best to know how to clean Birkenstocks footbed by yourself so you can enjoy them for years to come.
But as much as I love my Birkenstocks, they can get pretty dirty. The soles accumulate everything from dirt and debris to beach sand and pool chlorine. And the straps can get stained or discolored from sunscreen, body lotion, and sweat.
You can choose a high-fashion version like logo-heavy Valentino pair or opt for a more casual navy suede style. I am a big fan of the two-strap style because it’s easy to adjust for a perfect Birkenstocks fit and slip on and off.
Like any shoes you wear regularly, Birkenstocks look best when you give them some regular attention. So, you’ll want to develop a cleaning routine to keep them looking like new.
I am going to show you the cleaning method.
The footbed can get pretty grungy over time, and it’s not always easy to get them looking new again. But don’t worry, we’re here to help clean Birkenstocks footbeds without baking soda. You can quickly get your Birkenstocks looking new with some elbow grease and the right cleaning supplies.
Assuming you’ve already taken the plunge and purchased a pair (or two), here’s how to clean Birkenstocks footbeds to keep them clean.
The footbed of your Birkenstocks is the part that comes into contact with your feet, and it’s also the part that is most likely to get dirty. Over time, the footbed can become stained and discolored and even smell bad.
The good news is that cleaning the footbed of your Birkenstocks is not tricky. You can do it at home with some simple household supplies. Here’s what you’ll need and what I did:
- Birkenstock footbed cleaner
- A toothbrush
- A soft cloth
- Warm water
1- Remove the insoles
The first step is to remove the insoles from your Birkenstocks for better access to the footbed so you can clean it more effectively. if the footbed is not removable you can skip this step. I always start from the top of the footbed and work my way down. In my experience, the top of the footbed is typically the dirtiest part, so I focus my efforts there.
2- Apply the cleaner
Next, take your Birkenstock cleaner and refresher and apply it to the footbed. Make sure you get good coverage, especially in stained or discolored areas. My brother recommended this Birkenstock cleaner and refresher, which works great. It’s gentle but effective and doesn’t damage the footbed.
3- Scrub with a toothbrush
Once you’ve applied the cleaner, use a toothbrush to scrub the footbed. Scrubbing will help loosen any dirt or debris stuck to the footbed. Once I’ve scrubbed the entire footbed, I like to let the cleaner sit for a few minutes so it can work its magic.
4- Rinse with warm water
After you’ve scrubbed the footbed, rinse it with warm water, removing any leftover cleaner and dirt. My loving brother also suggested rinsing the footbed with a garden hose if you’re cleaning your Birkenstocks outside. So I could give them a good rinse without putting my feet in dirty water.
5-Dry with a soft cloth
Finally, dry the footbed with a soft cloth. Make sure it is scorched before you put your Birkenstocks back on. You can also use a dryer sheet if you don’t have a soft cloth.
Additional Care tips:
- If you’re having trouble getting the footbed clean, you can try soaking it in warm water for a few minutes before scrubbing.
- If your Birkenstocks are especially dirty, you may need to repeat the cleaning process more than once.
- If the footbed is still stained after cleaning, you can try using a mild bleach solution. Be sure to test the bleach on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the footbed.
How to avoid getting your Birkenstocks footbed dirty in the first place?
- Wearing socks will help create a barrier between your feet and the footbed. And this will keep the footbed from getting sweaty and dirty. And it will also help keep your feet warm in the winter.
- If you’re not wearing your Birkenstocks, take them off; this will keep dirt and debris from being tracked onto the footbed.
- The more you clean your Birkenstocks, the easier it will be to keep them clean. Make sure you clean the footbed regularly to prevent dirt and stains from building up.
Conclusion
So you have read the process of how to clean the Birkenstocks footbed that I use every time one of my pairs gets dirty. It’s easy and only takes a few minutes. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use on the footbed without damaging it.
As I mentioned above, the best way to keep your Birkenstocks clean is to avoid getting them dirty in the first place. So be sure to follow the tips I mentioned above.
And if you do get them dirty, don’t wait too long to clean them. The sooner you wash them, the easier it will be to get them looking like new again. Thanks for reading, and I hope this was helpful!