Made of leather, suede or fabric, these sandals become more comfortable as they fit perfectly with your feet. But, inevitably, by dint of wearing them, they get dirty and lose their brilliance of the first day. You can remedy this by using a few regular products that you probably already have on hand.
How to clean Birkenstock?
It all depends on the type of Birkenstocks you have, as each shoe requires special maintenance. Leather sandals require shoe polish and a suitable conditioner. Suede models should be brushed regularly and delicately. Special attention should also be paid to cork soles and fabric sandals. Regardless of the type of material, there are effective solutions for perfectly proper cleaning.
Here are the methods to follow depending on the type of coating:
How to clean suede Birkenstock?
Regular cleaning, at least once a week, is the best way to keep the suede clean.
How do I do this?
Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt from the surface. Continue with a quick brush with a suede brush. Are there food stains or mud on the suede? Sponge as much liquid as possible, but don’t rub, as wet spots may become deeper into the suede, and you’ll have a harder time removing them. Allow the stained area to dry completely before cleaning. Once the stain is dry, you can use a pencil eraser to rub the stain well before brushing the suede.
Notice oily drops on the suede? Cover the stain as soon as possible with cornstarch or baby talcum powder to absorb the oil. Leave on the stain for at least four hours before brushing the suede. If necessary, repeat the operation several times in order to absorb all the oil.
Good to know : If something sticky settles on the sandal, avoid using a commercial glue remover directly. This type of product can alter the color of the suede. A therefore use only as a last resort. To clean the shoe, slip an ice cube into a plastic bag and place it directly on the stain. Use a non-sharp knife or the edge of an old bank card to scrape off the hardened glue. Repeat the operation if necessary. Once the solid residue is removed, use an eraser to remove any remaining dirt.
How to clean leather Birkenstock ?
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to clean dust and dirt from the surface (if possible after each use).
How do I do this?
To restore suede shoes, use a colored shoe polish to match your shoe. This will clear most of the scrapes. But be careful, because the varnish may stain them. To preserve the suppleness of the leather, use a leather conditioner following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will be useful especially when your shoes are soaked by the rain.
Good to know : The shine of patent leather can be restored by wiping shoes with a damp cloth. If you notice that the leather is really dull, use a little window cleaner on a soft cloth to restore its shine.
How to clean fabric Birkenstock?
Before cleaning cloth shoes, pass a soft cloth or soft brush to remove dust and surface dirt.
How do I do this?
In a small bowl, mix 400 ml of warm water and half a teaspoon of laundry detergent. Dip a small cloth in the solution and gently rub the stained areas. Be careful not to get the fabric too wet and follow the direction of its weft
To remove difficult stains, use stain remover by gently rubbing the area with a clean, old toothbrush. Then rinse by soaking a cloth in water. Wring it out well and wipe the entire cloth part of the shoe to remove any remaining soap residue. Blot the fabric with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Finally, air dry shoes away from direct sunlight.
How to clean the cork soles of Birkenstock?
N.B : The cork soles of Birkenstocks are covered with a sealant to keep them flexible. If the cork seems too dry, apply a new coat of putty.
Here they are your “Birk” all clean and ready to use!
