How to Clean Birkenstocks With Vinegar (Without Ruining the Footbed)

Contents show

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Last updated: February 3, 2026 · By Jess West, Lead Editor

I got impatient with a funky Birkenstock footbed and splashed vinegar straight on, thinking the smell would disappear faster. It did, but it also left a dark tide mark and the suede felt a little stiff where it stayed damp. Now I only use a diluted mix on a barely damp cloth and keep liquid away from the edges so it cleans up without changing the feel.

Birkenstocks are comfortable for a reason, but that cork-and-suede footbed can hold onto sweat, odor, and grime fast. Vinegar is a solid, budget-friendly option for deodorizing and lifting light buildup, but it can backfire if you soak the footbed or use it full-strength. The goal is simple: disinfect lightly, lift residue gently, and dry thoroughly.

Before you start: know what parts you are cleaning

“Birkenstocks” can mean a few different materials, and vinegar is not a one-size-fits-all cleaner. Take 30 seconds to identify what you’re working with so you do not accidentally stiffen leather or loosen glue.

Footbed (most classic styles): suede lining on top, cork-latex core, and an EVA sole. This is the part that gets smelly.
Straps (uppers): may be smooth leather, suede/nubuck, Birko-Flor (synthetic), fabric, or EVA (waterproof models).
Edges and seams: where glue and stitching live. Too much liquid here is where problems start.

Is vinegar safe for Birkenstocks?

In diluted form, white distilled vinegar is generally safe for quick, controlled cleaning on the suede footbed surface and many strap materials. The two biggest risks are (1) using too much liquid and (2) using vinegar too strong, which can dry materials out or create tide marks.

Use this quick safety table

Birkenstock area	Vinegar can help with	Best dilution	Do not do this
Suede footbed top	Odor, light grime, mild discoloration	1:3 (vinegar:water)	Soak, scrub hard, or pour directly onto footbed
Smooth leather straps	Light surface grime, sweat residue	1:4 to 1:5	Let it sit wet, or use on unsealed/raw leather without testing
Suede or nubuck straps	Spot deodorizing only (very cautiously)	1:5 (spot test first)	Rub aggressively or saturate (can darken, stain, or rough up nap)
Birko-Flor or fabric straps	Deodorizing, light cleaning	1:4	Over-wet seams or buckles, or scrub printed finishes
Cork edge (sidewall)	Generally skip vinegar	Use barely damp cloth only	Wet the cork or flood the edge where it meets the sole

Supplies checklist (keep it simple)

White distilled vinegar
Clean water
2 soft cloths (microfiber or old cotton tee)
Soft brush (suede brush, soft toothbrush, or nail brush)
Small bowl or spray bottle
Paper towels or a dry towel for blotting
Optional: baking soda (for odor boost), cornstarch (for oily spots)

Mix the right vinegar solution (exact ratios)

Most vinegar cleaning mishaps come from using it straight. Keep it diluted and you will get the deodorizing benefit without over-drying materials.

Standard footbed mix: 1 part white vinegar + 3 parts water (example: 1/4 cup vinegar + 3/4 cup water).
Gentler strap mix: 1 part vinegar + 4 to 5 parts water (example: 2 tablespoons vinegar + 1/2 cup water).
Application rule: apply to the cloth or brush, not straight onto the shoe.

How to clean Birkenstock footbeds with vinegar (the safe method)

The suede footbed is designed to absorb moisture from your feet, which is why it can smell. Your job is to clean the surface without soaking down into the cork.

Step-by-step: deodorize and lift grime

1) Dry brush first. Use a soft brush to loosen dirt and dead skin. Brush in one direction to avoid roughing up the suede.
2) Wipe off loose debris. Use a dry cloth or paper towel. Starting dry prevents mud-like smearing once moisture hits.
3) Spot test. Dab your diluted vinegar mix on a small, less-visible area of the footbed. Wait 5 to 10 minutes to see if it darkens oddly or leaves a ring.
4) Lightly dampen a cloth. Dip a corner of your cloth into the 1:3 solution and wring it out well. It should feel barely damp, not wet.
5) Wipe the footbed in sections. Work heel to toe using small circles, then finish with strokes in one direction. This helps avoid patchy marks.
6) Blot immediately. Press a dry towel onto the footbed to pull up moisture and loosened grime. Blotting is gentler than rubbing.
7) Air dry completely. Leave sandals in a cool, shaded place with good airflow for at least overnight.
8) Re-brush once dry. A quick brush lifts the nap so the footbed feels soft again.

If the footbed still smells: a low-moisture “odor reset”

When odor is stubborn, use vinegar for the bacteria side, then use a dry deodorizing step. This keeps moisture under control, which matters with cork.

Do the vinegar wipe above (steps 1 to 7) and let the footbed dry fully.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the footbed (just enough to lightly dust it).
Let it sit 8 to 12 hours in a dry spot.
Brush or tap out the powder outside or over a trash can.

If you have kids who kick shoes off by the back door like mine do, this two-step routine is what keeps “summer sandal smell” from taking over the entryway.

How to clean Birkenstock straps with vinegar

Straps are usually easier than footbeds because they do not need deodorizing as often. The main rule is to keep your vinegar mix gentler and do not over-wet seams, buckles, or glued edges.

Smooth leather straps

Mix 1:4 or 1:5 vinegar to water.
Dampen a cloth, wring well, then wipe the strap surface.
Use a second clean damp cloth (water only) to “rinse wipe” so vinegar residue does not dry on the leather.
Buff dry with a towel. Let air dry away from heat.

Tip: If leather feels a little stiff after drying, a tiny amount of leather conditioner can help. Keep it minimal so you do not make straps slippery.

Suede or nubuck straps

Spot test first. Suede can darken easily.
Use a very dilute mix (1:5), applied to a cloth, then dab (do not rub) the spot.
Blot with a dry towel right away and let air dry.
Brush once fully dry to restore texture.

If suede straps are truly stained, vinegar may not be your best tool. You will usually get a cleaner, more even result using a suede eraser and brush with minimal liquid.

Birko-Flor and other synthetic straps

Use 1:4 vinegar to water on a cloth.
Wipe, then follow with a water-only wipe.
Dry thoroughly around buckles so metal does not spot.

EVA Birkenstocks (waterproof styles)

Vinegar is usually unnecessary here. Warm water with a drop of dish soap does the job.
If odor is the problem, use a 1:4 vinegar rinse wipe, then rinse with water and towel dry.

How to dry Birkenstocks correctly

Drying is where you protect the cork and prevent the “cleaned them once and they never felt the same” problem. Keep it slow and steady.

Skip direct sun and heat. No hair dryer, no heater vent, no hot car. Heat can warp EVA and dry out leather.
Improve airflow. Place sandals near (not on) a fan, or in a well-ventilated room.
Keep them open. Unbuckle straps so air can reach under them.
Do not wear until fully dry. Wearing damp footbeds can create new odor and uneven darkening.

Common vinegar-cleaning problems (and how to fix them)

Problem: dark water spots or rings on the footbed

Cause: too much liquid in one area.
Fix: lightly dampen a cloth with plain water and blend the edges of the spot outward, then blot and air dry. Once dry, brush the suede to even it out.

Problem: footbed feels rough after cleaning

Cause: suede nap got flattened while damp.
Fix: wait until completely dry, then brush in one direction. Avoid heavy scrubbing while wet.

Problem: vinegar smell lingers

Cause: not fully dry yet, or solution too strong.
Fix: give it more airflow time. Next time, dilute more (1:4 on the footbed) and always follow with blotting.

Problem: straps look dull or streaky

Cause: residue left on the surface.
Fix: wipe once with a cloth dampened with plain water, then towel dry and buff.

When to skip vinegar (and what to do instead)

Vinegar is great for deodorizing and light cleaning, but it is not the right choice for every situation. If any of these apply, use a different approach.

Oily or greasy stains: vinegar can spread oil. Use an absorbent powder first (cornstarch or baking soda), then address the remaining mark.
Heavy mud or caked-on dirt: let it dry, then brush off dry before introducing moisture.
Mold or mildew: you need a targeted approach and careful drying, especially on leather components.
Cracking, lifting cork, or loose soles: avoid moisture near edges and consider repair first.
Dyed suede that bleeds: if your spot test shows color transfer, stop and use a dry suede method instead.

Preventing footbed odor and stains (so you clean less)

The easiest way to keep Birkenstocks looking nice is to reduce what soaks in. A few small habits go a long way, especially in hot months.

Rotate pairs. Give sandals a full day to dry out between wears when possible.
Keep them dry. If they get sweaty or caught in a summer sprinkle, let them air out right away.
Brush footbeds weekly. A quick dry brush removes buildup before it becomes a dark, shiny patch.
Spot clean early. The sooner you tackle marks, the less liquid and scrubbing you need.
Store with airflow. Avoid sealing them in a plastic bin while they are warm or damp.

Bottom Line

You can clean Birkenstocks with vinegar successfully if you dilute it, apply it sparingly, and dry slowly. Treat the footbed like suede (light moisture, lots of blotting), and keep vinegar away from the cork edges as much as possible. When in doubt, do a small spot test and choose the gentlest method that gets the job done.