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• Method 2 of 4: Cleaning Leather Birken Stocks
• Method 3 of 4: Cleaning Faux Leather Birken Stocks
• Method 4 of 4: Caring for the sole

1 All debris must be removed first. Take a suede brush and clean the birkenstocks from any remaining dirt. The suede brush also helps remove any dirt that has stuck to the sole of the shoe.

2 Use a suede cleaner. Apply a small amount of coin-sized suede leather cleaner to a clean, soft cloth. Rub your shoes gently with a cleaning agent. Apply a thin layer of the cleaner to the stained surface of your suede shoes. Don't go overboard with the amount of suede cleaning solution.

• Good suede cleaners can be found in most stores that specialize in shoes or leather care products.

3 Let the shoes dry. After you apply the suede cleaner, the shoes should be completely dry. Then you need to brush it with a suede brush again. This will help bring the suede into shape.

Method 2 of 4: Cleaning Leather Birken Stocks

1. 1 Prepare a cleaning cloth. Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean, soft cloth. You can use the same rag to apply the cleaner all over your leather shoes. Use enough cleaner to cover the entire surface.
   • You can also use a mixture of water and salt. With this method of cleansing, the main thing is to prevent the skin from being saturated with moisture too much.
2. 2 Remove any scuffs. Use salt water or a commercially available leather cleaner to remove scuffs. The main thing is not to let the leather shoes get too wet.
   • Wash salt stains with an equal mixture of water and white distilled vinegar. Rub the entire surface of the shoe with a rag soaked in the resulting solution. Repeat the procedure until all stains have been removed.
3. 3 Rub your shoes. Take the time to thoroughly rub the entire surface of your shoes with a leather cleaner.
   • Use another clean, soft cloth to polish your shoes.
4. 4 Let the shoes dry. Allow your shoes to dry completely overnight before going outside with your shoes on. Never dry leather shoes in direct sunlight.
5. 5 Polish your shoes. Cover your work area with newspaper before polishing your shoes. Apply the polish to a rag and polish the shoes in a circular motion. Cover the entire surface of the shoe with a polish, take another rag and rub it in a circular motion.
6. 6 The shoes must dry. Allow your shoes to dry completely overnight before going outside with your shoes on. Never dry leather shoes in direct sunlight.
7. 7 Rub the surface of the shoe. Use a piece of cloth to rub the surface of the shoe in a circular motion. If you are working with shiny leather, lightly dampen a rag with water before treating.
   • Apply leather conditioner to your shoes at least every two years to avoid drying them out.

Method 3 of 4: Cleaning Faux Leather Birken Stocks

1. 1 The processing of faux leather birken stocks is different from the care of footwear made from other materials. Not all birkenstocks are made from genuine leather and suede. Birkenstock manufactures various types of footwear made from man-made materials, not just leather. This applies to footwear such as EVA Malibu, Waikiki sandals or any other variety that is made with the addition of polyurethane. The cleaning process for this material is quite simple.
2. 2 Remove all dirt. Before washing your shoes with water or soap, remove any dirt that can be scraped off the surface of the shoes. Use a hard-bristled brush for this.
3. 3 Wash your shoes. You may be able to wipe off all the dirt stains with just one damp cloth. If the stains do not rub off, dampen a cloth with a little odorless soapy liquid. Now remove any stains on the shoes with a soapy rag.
4. 4 Let the shoes dry. Place your shoes in a dry place out of direct sunlight. Let the shoe dry completely before going outside, otherwise it will deform.

Method 4 of 4: Caring for the sole

1. 1 Learn to clean your insoles. Birkenstocks are designed for long-term wear. Clean insoles are essential for keeping birken stocks in good condition for many years. This part of the shoe is the fastest to give off an unpleasant odor. Each pair of birken stocks has the same type of insoles, so they can be cleaned in the same way.
2. 2 Take care of your insoles regularly. Most often, birkenstock insoles fade due to dirt and grass getting inside the shoe. Wash the insoles with a damp cloth every three weeks. After that, always leave them to dry overnight.
   • If the insoles are dirty, wash them the same evening with a wet cloth. However, do not wet the insoles too much.
3. 3 Try cleaning your insoles with home remedies. Baking soda and water can be used to make an excellent cleaner for birkenstock insoles. Mix two tablespoons of water with one tablespoon of baking soda. You should have a pasty mixture. Add more baking soda if the mixture is too watery.
   • Gently scrub the insole with this mixture and an old toothbrush. Wash the insole in a circular motion and then wipe it down with a damp cloth.
   • Let your shoes dry before continuing with your cleaning. Never leave your shoes in direct sunlight while drying.