How to Clean Your Clogs | Keep Them Looking New

To clean your clogs, remove loose dirt, wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry slowly away from direct heat.

Clogs take a beating — grass clippings, mud, and sweat all leave their mark. The good news is that keeping them presentable takes about ten minutes and almost no special equipment. The trick is matching your cleaning method to the material, because what works on leather can ruin suede. Here’s how to clean your clogs without damaging them.

Start With The Right Cleaning Method For Your Clogs

The safest general routine works for nearly every pair: brush off loose dirt first, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then let them air dry slowly. Skip the washing machine unless the manufacturer’s care tag explicitly says machine-washable — most clog makers don’t recommend it, and water can warp the materials or weaken the glue holding the sole on.

For stubborn stains, a soft brush with warm water and mild soap usually does the job. Resist the urge to reach for abrasive tools like magic erasers or harsh disinfectant wipes. They can strip the finish off leather and roughen the surface of synthetics beyond repair.

How To Clean Birkenstock Clogs (And What To Use)

Birkenstock publishes specific care instructions for its footwear, and they vary by material. Birkenstock’s official care tips spell out the details, but the short version is this: let wet shoes air dry slowly, clean the footbed with the brand’s Cleaner & Refresher spray, and protect leather or suede uppers with a water and stain repellent.

Here’s the material-by-material breakdown:

• Footbed (all materials): Spray the entire footbed with Birkenstock Cleaner & Refresher, then wipe off excess moisture and dirt with a clean cloth.
• Suede or nubuck footbed: Brush with a Nubuck/Suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap.
• Leather, suede, and nubuck uppers: Apply Birkenstock Water & Stain Repellent regularly to keep dirt and moisture from soaking in.
• Birko-flor or birkibuc uppers: Wipe with a damp cloth; use soap and water for stubborn stains.

One note on drying: Birkenstock is clear that wet shoes should air dry slowly, away from direct heat. Don’t set them by the fireplace or on a radiator — heat can crack leather and shrink synthetic materials.

Material-Specific Care: What Works And What Doesn’t

Different materials need different treatment. Here’s what to keep in mind for the most common clog materials:

• Leather: Wipe with a damp cloth, condition occasionally, and treat with a water repellent before wearing in wet conditions.
• Suede and nubuck: Brush with a suede brush before cleaning gets complicated; Wirecutter’s guide on cleaning Birkenstocks recommends starting by brushing away loose dirt. Avoid water when possible, since it can stain these materials.
• Rubber and foam: These handle water fine — scrub with soapy water and rinse. Just don’t machine wash them.
• Wood: Keep water contact minimal. A damp cloth and immediate drying is the safe route; soaking can crack the wood.

When in doubt, less is more. A dry brush and a damp cloth solve most problems; harsh chemicals and heavy scrubbing cause most of the damage people blame on normal wear.

Can You Machine Wash Clogs?

Generally, no. Unless the manufacturer’s care tag on your specific pair says machine-washable, skip it. The tumbling action can loosen the sole, misshape the upper, and break down the glue. One general clogs-care source says clogs are “not suitable for washing in a washing machine” — a broad claim, but a sensible one for most materials.

If your clogs really need a deep clean, hand-washing is the safer bet: warm water, mild soap, a soft brush, and a thorough air dry. That gets the same result without risking the structure of the shoe.

If your gardening clogs are past saving and you’re shopping for a fresh pair, our roundup of the best men’s garden clogs compares the top options for comfort, grip, and durability so you can pick the right pair the first time.

FAQs

How do you get odor out of clogs?

Baking soda works well for odor. Sprinkle a light layer inside the footbed, let it sit overnight, and brush it out the next morning. For Birkenstock footbeds specifically, the Cleaner & Refresher spray also helps neutralize odors while it cleans.

Can you put Birkenstock clogs in the dryer?

No. Heat can shrink, crack, or warp the materials. Birkenstock’s own guidance says to air dry wet shoes slowly, away from direct heat. Stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture faster if you need them dry sooner.

How often should you clean your clogs?

Wipe off loose dirt after every wear if you use them outdoors. A deeper clean with soap and water once a month keeps most pairs looking fresh. For suede and nubuck, brush them whenever you notice dirt buildup rather than waiting for it to set in.