How to Get Odor Out of Birkenstock Sandals

Why Your Birkenstocks Smell (And Why It Happens Fast)

Birkenstock sandals are made of natural materials – cork, jute, and suede – that love to soak up sweat and moisture. Your feet sweat even on dry days, and that moisture gets trapped in the footbed. The result? Bacteria and fungus thrive, and you get that sour, funky odor. The good news is the fix is simple. You just need to dry them out, clean them properly, and give them a little prevention.

Dry Your Birkenstocks Completely First

Never try to clean or deodorize wet sandals. Moisture spreads the odor deeper. After wearing, let them air dry in a warm, well-ventilated spot – but keep them out of direct sunlight, which can crack the cork. A fan nearby speeds things up.

• Remove the insoles if possible (most Birkenstock cork footbeds are removable). Let them dry separately.
• Stuff the toe area with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to absorb lingering moisture.
• Wait 12–24 hours before doing any deep cleaning. Dry shoes smell less.

Baking Soda: The Odor-Absorbing Powerhouse

Baking soda is your cheapest and most effective weapon. It neutralizes odor without harming the cork or suede.

Here is the method: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the entire footbed, including the toe area. Let it sit overnight – 8 to 12 hours is ideal. The baking soda pulls moisture and odor out of the cork. In the morning, gently brush off the powder with a soft brush or a dry cloth. For stubborn smells, repeat two nights in a row.

Pro tip: For a deeper deodorizing, add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil to the baking soda before sprinkling. Both oils have natural antibacterial properties. One drop per sandal is enough – too much oil can stain the suede.

White Vinegar Rinse (Use Sparingly on Cork)

White vinegar kills bacteria and fungus on contact. But vinegar is acidic and can damage cork if you soak it. Use a very light approach.

Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dampen a soft cloth (not soaking wet) and gently blot the odorous areas of the cork footbed. Avoid the suede lining if possible. Let the sandals air dry completely after – vinegar smell fades as it dries. This works best if the odor is still fresh. For deep, old smells, stick with baking soda first.

Important: Never pour vinegar directly onto the cork. And never use bleach or harsh cleaners. They destroy the cork’s natural structure.

Clean the Suede Straps (They Hold Odor Too)

The straps of your Birkenstocks – whether suede or leather – can trap sweat and bacteria. You need to clean them separately from the footbed.

For suede straps: Use a suede brush to gently remove dry dirt. For odor, lightly sprinkle baking soda on the straps and let it sit for an hour. Brush off. Vinegar is too harsh for suede. There are special suede deodorizing sprays (like the Birkenstock brand cleaner) that work well – just spray lightly and let dry.

For leather straps: Wipe with a barely damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Rinse the cloth and wipe again. Condition leather straps with a leather balm once they’re dry to prevent cracking.

Protect the Cork and Prevent Future Odor

Once your sandals are clean and dry, seal the cork. Birkenstock sells a cork sealer (often called “Birkenstock Cork Sealer”) that you apply with a cloth. This creates a barrier against moisture, which stops sweat from soaking in and creating odor.

To keep smells from returning:

• Rotate your sandals – don’t wear the same pair two days in a row. Cork needs 24 hours to dry out fully.
• Wear socks occasionally if you’re okay with the look. Thin cotton or wool socks absorb sweat before it hits the footbed.
• Dust the footbed with talcum powder or foot powder before wearing. It absorbs moisture as you walk.

One more simple trick: store your Birkenstocks with a couple of activated charcoal bags (like the kind used in shoe deodorizers). They soak up any leftover moisture.