How to Clean Birkenstocks Footbed So That Your Shoes Look Fresh?

How to prevent your Birkenstock sandals from getting dirty and smelly? How to make them look brand-new and fresh?

How to Clean Smelly Birkenstock Footbed?

Before heading to the local store for new Birkenstocks, you should definitely try out one of the below-mentioned methods to clean your old shoes!

Clean Footbed With Baking Soda

Mix two tablespoons of baking soda and a tablespoon of water. Spread this paste onto the footbed and scrub with a toothbrush. If you notice any tough stains, you could leave this mixture overnight and wipe it off in the morning. Before wearing your Birkenstocks, leave them to dry properly at room temperature. 

Use a Soapy Solution

You will need a mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Scrub the footbed, using this mixture and a cloth. Focus on the stains and if it’s necessary, use a sandpaper or suede gum. 

Read also: How to clean Birkenstock sandals properly?

Fabric Birkenstocks

In case your Birkenstocks have microfiber straps, you should firstly use a brush to remove the dirt on the surface. Then, mix a teaspoon of dishwashing soap and two cups of warm water and rub the stains. If the stains are still not fading away, use a laundry stain remover. Rinse with a cloth and leave the shoes to dry. 

Leather Birkenstocks

For natural leather, clean the debris that’s visible on the surface of your shoes and use a special leather cleaner. The next thing is to apply a polish and conditioner in order to keep your sandals soft and restore their color. 

Suede Birkenstocks

You should be extra careful while cleaning suede Birkenstocks, since they are more delicate compared to the other types of sandals. Use a suede brush in order to remove surface dirt and debris properly. When all stains are dry, take a suede eraser in order to scrub them. How to tackle oily stains? Use a cornstarch or baby powder and leave it to stay for about 5 hours.

Read also: Modern alternatives to outdated sandal trends!

Synthetic Birkenstocks

In case your sandals are made of synthetic material, remove debris with a cloth and clean the footbed with a soft-bristled brush. For this purpose, use either a soap or vegan shoe cleaner. Leave the shoes to dry, away from sunlight.

How Often to Clean Your Sandals?

This depends on how often you wear your sandals, yet it is wise to clean the footbed at least two or three times per month. This also applies to the other parts of your shoes.