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Article: 5 Cleaning Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Birkenstock Arizonas

5 Cleaning Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Birkenstock Arizonas

5 Cleaning Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Birkenstock Arizonas

Birkenstock Arizonas aren’t just any pair of sandals — they’re known for their comfort, durability, and effortless style. Whether you're throwing them on for a quick coffee run or pairing them with a laid-back outfit, they tend to become an everyday favorite. But like anything you wear often, they can get dirty fast — and if you’re not careful with how you clean them, you could end up doing more harm than good.

If you’ve invested in a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas, avoid these 5 common cleaning mistakes that could ruin them:

1. Soaking them in water

Birkenstocks are not designed for a dip. Whether your pair has suede, leather, or synthetic straps, submerging them in water can destroy the footbed and warp the cork.

Why it’s harmful:

  • Water weakens the glue holding the footbed together.

  • The cork midsole can crack or swell when soaked.

  • Suede and leather straps lose their shape and texture.

Better idea: Use a damp cloth for gentle surface cleaning. If the footbed needs attention, use a suede shoe cleaner kit that includes a suede eraser and brush. 

2. Using harsh cleaners or household detergents

Using bleach, regular laundry detergents, or multi-purpose cleaners on your Birkenstocks might seem like a quick fix, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do. These cleaners are far too strong for Birkenstocks.  

Why it’s harmful:

  • Harsh chemicals can strip the natural oils from leather and suede.

  • They also degrade cork and latex materials, making your sandals dry and brittle.

Better idea: Only use a suede cleaner kit made for soft materials. These kits usually come with a suede eraser and brush — everything you need to keep your sandals safe and clean. For the midsoles and outsoles, you can use a shoe cleaning kit that includes a cleaning solution, an all-purpose brush, and a microfiber towel. These kits provide all the essentials you need to clean your Birkenstocks properly.

3. Scrubbing with the wrong tools

Grabbing a steel scrubber, abrasive sponge, or stiff-bristled brush to “deep clean” your Arizonas might seem like a good idea. But harsh scrubbing often does more harm than good — especially on delicate materials like suede.

What happens:

  • Scrubbing roughens up the delicate suede surface.

  • It can spread the dirt instead of removing it.

  • It damages the natural texture of the shoe.

Better idea: Always use a soft-bristled brush from your suede cleaner kit. Gently brush in one direction to lift dirt without damaging the material. For leather you can use SHOEGR Shoe Cleaner with soft-bristles brush.

4. Skipping the drying step — or overdoing it

After cleaning, some people leave their sandals wet, toss them in the sun to dry fast, or even use a blow dryer. But this is one of the fastest ways to damage your sandals.

Why it’s harmful:

  • Direct heat can dry out and crack cork.

  • Wet suede attracts dirt and gets misshapen.

  • The adhesive may loosen, affecting the grip.

Better idea: Dab your Arizonas with a clean dry microfibre towel and soak as much water as possible. Then, let them air dry naturally in a shaded, well-ventilated area. 

5. Ignoring regular maintenance

Waiting until your Birkenstocks look extremely dirty or start to smell before cleaning them. By then, the buildup can already be damaging.

Why it’s harmful:

  • Dirt, sweat, and oils build up over time, leading to stains and odor.

  • The cork footbed can dry out and crack without occasional conditioning.

Better idea: To keep your Birkenstocks in great shape, make it a habit to dry brush and wipe them gently every few wears. This helps remove everyday dust and keeps them looking fresh. For best results, invest in a shoe care kit — or at least a good suede or leather cleaner along with a cork care product. A little routine maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your favorite sandals.

Bonus tip: Watch the weather

Birkenstock Arizonas are not made for heavy rain, mud, or beach water. If you're heading somewhere wet or dirty, it’s better to wear something more rugged and waterproof. Regular exposure to such conditions will wear out your sandals faster than usual. Always remember to protect your sandals with a stain and water repellent spray after cleaning.

For a complete guide on cleaning Birkenstocks the right way, head over to our blog: Step-by-step guide to clean Birkenstock Footbeds | Make them look new with SHOEGR!

Final words

Birkenstocks are built to last — but only if you treat them right. These simple sandals have a unique mix of cork, suede, latex, and leather that needs thoughtful care. Avoiding these cleaning mistakes can help your Arizonas look good, feel better, and serve you well for years.

Whether you wear them daily or only on chill weekends, a little regular maintenance can go a long way. Clean gently, dry wisely, and protect the material.

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