The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which means Birkenstock season is right around the corner. 

Loved by hippies and Instagram influencers alike, the comfy sandals have become a summer wardrobe staple over the last few years. But if you want your Birkenstocks to last for summers to come, you need to know how to clean them properly.

We’re big fans of Birkenstocks at Jake Shoes. Not only do they look great with almost any outfit, the iconic sandals feature arch support and mould to the shape of your feet, which makes them super comfortable for wearing all day.

A pair of Birkenstocks is well worth the investment as you will end up wearing them a lot. Unfortunately, this means they can start to look a bit like hand-me-downs from Jesus himself after a while (hello sweaty foot imprint)!

Luckily, you can easily clean your Birkenstocks at home with a few basic supplies.

How to clean Birkenstock footbeds

Of course, the best way to keep your Birkenstocks fresh is to make sure you don’t get dirt in the footbed - this is usually the cause of the dreaded sweaty foot imprint. You can avoid this by regularly wiping the footbeds with a damp cloth. If you do this on an evening, your Birkenstocks should be dry and ready to wear again the next day. 

But how do you remove the foot imprint once it’s already there? 

The answer is easily. All you need is some bicarbonate soda, water, and an old toothbrush. Follow these simple steps to get your Birkenstocks looking good as new:

1. Mix the bicarbonate soda with just enough water to form a thick paste. 
2. Gently scrub the paste into the footbeds in circular motions, being careful not to wet the exposed cork sides.
3. Wipe away the paste with a damp cleaning sponge. 
4. Repeat on the other shoe.
5. Leave the Birkenstocks to dry overnight in a cool, dry place. 

Your Birkenstocks should be left for 24 hours to completely dry. You should be careful not to leave your Birkenstocks in direct sunlight as this can cause the cork soles to crack.

Although it might be tempting, never ever put your Birkenstocks in the washing machine or tumble dryer, as this risks ruining your beloved shoes.

How to clean Birkenstock straps

If your Birkenstocks have leather or Birko Flor straps, such as the Arizona 2 Bar Buckle Sandals, you can simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth.

If your Birkenstocks have suede, nubuck or Birkibuc straps, like the Brown Mayari Sandals, you can use a suede brush (or even a toothbrush!) to clean them. 

We recommend applying a protector to all leather, suede and nubuck straps after each clean to keep your Birkenstocks in tip-top shape.

Treat your feet for Summer

If you follow these maintenance tips, your Birkenstocks should last you a long time. Regularly cleaning the sandals will minimise odor and build-up of dirt to keep your feet feeling fresh.

However, if your favourite Birkenstocks are starting to look a bit shabby, why not treat your feet to a brand new pair for summer 2023? You can shop the latest collection online at Jake Shoes, along with lots more styles to explore in our extensive range of ladies footwear.