Life Hack: How to clean darkening footbeds in sandals like Birkenstocks
Footbeds Easy Istock Remedy Are Darkening To Sandal Picture:
As more of us are braving the warmer weather and baring our toes, you may have noticed your sandals are a little worse for wear after a year in hibernation — particularly the darkening footbed upon which your foot sits.
An eternally popular brand of sandals is Birkenstock, which traces its history back to 1774 and launched its now-iconic sandal style in 1963.
Over time the leather footbed of these sandals, and those of other brands, darkens due to dust, dirt and sweat. thankfully it can be restored with a little bit of time and effort.
At the start of the cleaning process, open the buckles of the sandal so the footbed is easily accessible. Apply a small amount of cleaning product onto the footbed and massage it into the leather with a small brush — a toothbrush is ideal. You can use a specialised cleaner but water and a leather shampoo will do the trick too. Massage it until it forms a lather. Using a damp cloth, wipe away the lather completely.
Next, hold a clean cloth under lukewarm water and use it to wipe the footbed again to remove residue. Do not hold the sandal under running water as this can compromise the the sealant materials in the shoe as well as alter the look and finish of the materials.
Allow the sandals at least 24 hour hours to fully dry. Place them in a warm area, away from direct sunlight. When they are completely dry, use a shoe brush to fluff up the footbed.
Birkenstock has shared some tips on keeping your sandals cleaner for longer, and preventive measures to help you get the best out of your sandals.
Dirty feet will lead to dirty sandals. Wearing your sandals on clean feet will keep the footbed looking as good as new. Thoroughly clean and then dry your feet before slipping into your sandals.
A protective spray for the footbed will shield against dirt and sweat by forming a protective layer on the footbed. This prevents dirt and sweat from soaking into the material.
Fashion faux pas or fashion statement? Socks in sandals might be a divisive style choice but they absorb sweat and prevent skin particles from sticking to your footbed, helping the overall look of the sandal’s footbed.
A little bit of cleaning done often can help too. After wearing your sandals, wipe down the footbed with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt before they have a chance to stick.