Birkenstock is a famous footwear company, known for its production of leather sandals and clogs with cork soles. Like all other shoes, Birkenstocks also need to be cleaned once in a while to preserve their appearance. There are four main types of Birkenstock footwear, each of which needs to be cleaned differently. So, for this purpose, it is important to know the model.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Cleaning the Suede Birkenstocks
Step 1. Remove dirt residue
Get a suede shoe brush and remove any dirt. It will also allow you to remove it from the soles of your shoes.
Step 2. Use a cleaner
Rub a small amount of suede cleaner onto a soft, clean cloth. Gently rub it on the shoe. Apply a thin layer to the stained areas. Be careful not to impregnate the suede with this product.
You can find an excellent cleaner for suede in shoe stores or those that specialize in the care of leather and hides
Step 3. Dry your shoes
Allow them to dry completely after applying the cleanser, then brush them again using the cleaning brush. This will restore the natural look of the suede.
Part 2 of 4: Cleaning the Leather Birkenstocks
Step 1. Prepare a cloth
Place a dab of leather cleaner on a soft, clean cloth. Use it to apply the product on the leather parts of the shoe. The quantity must be sufficient for the detergent to penetrate into the leather.
You can also use a combination of water and salt. On the other hand, as for the cleaner, make sure the leather doesn't get too wet
Step 2. Remove the streak marks
To remove these traces you can use both the combination of water and salt and the leather cleaner. The trick is to avoid over-impregnating the skin.
Remove salt stains by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar. Blot the solution with a cloth over the entire surface of the shoe. Repeat this until the stains have disappeared
Step 3. Scrub your shoes
Rub the entire surface of the skin for a few minutes with the special cleanser.
Use another soft, clean cloth to polish your footwear
Step 4. Dry your shoes
Allow them to dry thoroughly overnight before wearing. Never leave them in direct sunlight.
Step 5. Polish them
Before you begin, place a few sheets of newspaper on the area you are working in. Put the product on a cloth, then apply it in circular motions. Once the shoe is covered in polish, use another cloth to remove it, again in circular motions.
Step 6. Dry them
Allow them to dry thoroughly overnight before wearing. Never leave them in direct sunlight.
Step 7. Lustrale
Take a clean cloth and polish your shoes by making circular motions. If the leather is already shiny on its own, add a few drops of water before starting.
Apply a leather product conditioner at least once every two years to prevent the leather from hardening
Part 3 of 4: Cleaning the Synthetic Birkenstocks
Step 1. Treat these Birkenstock models differently from others
Not all Birkenstocks are made of leather and suede. This company also markets footwear made with synthetic materials (therefore not leather), including EVA sandals Malibu, Waikiki or other polyurethane models. The procedure for cleaning this type of material is simple.
Step 2. Remove the dirt
Before using water or soap, you need to remove all encrustations. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove them.
Step 3. Wash your shoes
You can remove all marks and streaks using a damp cloth. Add a small drop of unscented soap to stubborn stains. Rub a soapy cloth on any stain.
Step 4. Let them dry
Put them in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight. Let them dry completely before wearing them, otherwise they could warp.
Part 4 of 4: Taking Care of the Sole
Step 1. Learn how to clean the insole
Birkenstocks are made to last. The cleaning of the sole is essential to keep them over time. This part of the shoe, in fact, can immediately give off bad smells. All Birkenstocks carry the same type of sole, so you can use the same cleaning method.
Step 2. Feed it regularly
The simplest reason why Birkenstock soles become discolored is dirt accumulation or contact with grass. Then, wash them every three weeks with a damp cloth and let them dry overnight.
If they get muddy, wipe them off the same night with a damp cloth. Be careful not to soak them with water
Step 3. Clean them using a do-it-yourself remedy
You can make a fantastic sole cleaner for your Birkenstocks using baking soda and water. Mix two tablespoons of water and one tablespoon of baking soda to make a consistent paste. Add more baking soda if it's too watery.
- Gently scrub the paste into the insoles using an old toothbrush. Apply it in circular motions and wash it off with a damp cloth.
- Let the shoes dry before cleaning them further. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight.