Key takeaways
- Running water damages the cork and the footbed. Clean by hand.
- Nubuck and suede want a brush. Smooth leather wants a damp cloth.
- Seal the cork after every deep clean so it does not dry out and crack.
- Let the sandals dry completely before the next wear.
Two things are true of anyone who owns Birkenstock sandals. They love them, and they hate the greasy layer that builds up on the footbed. Bringing a pair back takes about 20 minutes with the right kit.
Six steps will bring a tired pair back
- Remove loose dirt with a leather brush or a lint-free cloth, depending on your material.
- Open the straps and repeat on the inside of the sandal.
- Work cleaner or leather shampoo into the footbed with a slightly damp brush.
- Clean the sole with a hard brush, then finish with a damp cloth.
- Apply cork sealer.
- Let the sandals rest until they are completely dry.
You need five things, and a cleaning kit covers all of them
A ready-made Birkenstock care kit has everything. To assemble your own, collect a hard-bristle brush, two lint-free cloths, leather shampoo, an old toothbrush, and water in a spray bottle.
See our Birkenstock care range →
Nubuck and suede need a brush, not a cloth
Take the coarse dirt off first
Brush off loose dirt with a leather or hard-bristle brush. Slipping a dry towel inside the sandal lets you brush every angle of the outside without collapsing it.
The straps hide most of the dirt
Open the straps and brush in small circles on the inside, then repeat on the outside. Most people stop short of getting underneath the straps, which is where dirt collects.
An old toothbrush handles the footbed
With a little water and some leather shampoo, brush the footbed in circles. Never hold Birkenstock sandals under running water, because it causes real damage to the cork. Towel the footbed dry when you are finished.
The sole takes a stiff brush and some cleaner
Brush off anything stuck to the sole, spraying a little cleaner where it needs help.
Cork sealer is the step that decides how long the footbed lasts
Sealing the cork protects the material from drying out. Skipping it is the most common reason a footbed cracks around the edges after a couple of seasons.
Drying badly undoes the whole job
Let the sandals dry on their own, away from direct heat. Wearing them while they are still damp will flatten the footbed you spent an hour cleaning.
Smooth leather changes one step
The process is identical with a single substitution: swap the brush for a slightly damp lint-free cloth on the upper and the straps. Smooth leather scuffs under a stiff brush, so let the cloth and the shampoo do the work. Footbed, sole, and cork stay the same.
Two habits keep them clean between deep cleans
- Waterproof them. A protector spray guards against spills and stains. Reapply roughly every three weeks in regular wear.
- Store them properly. Keep them cool, dry, out of direct light, and never stacked under anything.
See the full Birkenstock range →
