The $2.45 Bunnings hack every sneaker owner needs for fresh shoes

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably got a pair of Birkenstocks (or similar comfy sandals) that have seen better days

Whether you wear them for a quick dash to the shops, a stroll along the beach, or just pottering around the house, these beloved shoes tend to take on a life of their own—and, let’s be honest, a bit of a pong—after a while. 

The footbeds, designed to mould perfectly to your feet, also seem to attract every bit of dirt, sweat, and summer adventure you throw at them. 

But before you consider tossing your favourite pair or shelling out for a professional clean, there’s a simple, budget-friendly solution that’s taken social media by storm—and it starts at just $2.45 from Bunnings.

Australian mum’s viral Birkenstock cleaning hack

Enter Anne, the cleaning guru behind the popular ‘Cleaning With Anne’ social media accounts. 

Anne’s no-nonsense approach to keeping things spick and span has earned her a loyal following, and her latest tip for reviving tired Birkenstocks is pure gold.

Forget the old advice about scrubbing with soap and water—Anne warns that this can actually shorten the life of your shoes and damage the cork. 

Instead, she recommends a trio of humble household items: sandpaper (she likes 80 and 120 grit), bicarbonate of soda (bicarb), and a soft brush (an old toothbrush will do the trick).

Step-by-step: How to bring your Birks back to life

1. Gently buff with sandpaper  

Start by using the sandpaper to lightly buff away any built-up grime or dark patches on the footbed. 

Anne stresses the importance of being gentle—you’re not sanding down a piece of furniture; you’re just lifting the surface dirt.

2. Deodorise with bicarb soda  

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of bicarb soda over the footbed. This wonder powder is a natural deodoriser and will help absorb any lingering odours.

3. Brush it in  

Use your soft brush to gently work the bicarb into the suede. Don’t go overboard—a light touch is all you need to avoid damaging the material.

4. Let it sit  

Leave the bicarb on overnight to work its magic.

5. Brush or vacuum off  

The next day, simply brush or vacuum off the bicarb. You’ll be left with shoes that look fresher and smell a whole lot better.

Anne recommends giving your Birkenstocks a quick clean every couple of weeks, especially during the warmer months when they get the most use. If you’ve never cleaned yours before, now’s the perfect time to start.

Why not soap and water?

It’s tempting to give your shoes a good soak, but Anne cautions against it. Water can break down the cork and suede, leading to a shorter lifespan for your beloved sandals. 

Harsh chemicals like bleach or strong detergents are also a no-go, as they can damage the natural materials.

What about that ‘funny’ feeling?

Some followers were curious if the sandpaper method would leave the footbed feeling odd. Anne reassures us that once your feet have moulded the shoes again, they’ll feel just as comfortable as ever—no weird textures or rough patches.

@cleaningwithanne

Stop ruining your Birkenstocks with water & soap! Try this easy, no-water cleaning hack to keep your Birkenstocks looking fresh and smelling better. #BirkenstockCleaning #CleaningHacks #cleaningtiktok @BIRKENSTOCK

♬ This Will Be – audios4you
Credit: Cleaning With Anne / TikTok

Other shoe-saving tips

While Anne’s hack is perfect for Birkenstocks, the principles can be applied to other shoes with suede or cork footbeds. 

For sneakers, try using a paste of bicarb and water to spot-clean stains, or pop removable insoles in the wash for a quick refresh.

If you’re dealing with leather shoes, a little white vinegar diluted with water can help remove salt stains, while a dab of olive oil can restore shine.

And for those with mobility or dexterity issues, consider investing in a long-handled shoe brush or a shoe-cleaning mat to make the job easier.

Why Bunnings?

Bunnings is a favourite among Australians for a reason—you can pick up a pack of sandpaper for as little as $2.45, and while you’re there, grab a few other cleaning essentials. 

Bicarb soda is available at most supermarkets for around the same price, and a pack of toothbrushes will set you back just a couple of dollars.

Join the conversation

Have you tried Anne’s Birkenstock cleaning hack, or do you have your own tried-and-true method for keeping your shoes fresh? Maybe you’ve got a story about a pair of sandals that’s lasted decades, or a cleaning disaster you’d rather forget! We’d love to hear your tips, tricks, and tales in the comments below.

Happy cleaning—and here’s to many more comfortable, odour-free steps!

Also read: Are you making this laundry mistake? Cleaning expert reveals the easy fix!

Don Turrobia
Don Turrobia
Don is a travel writer and digital nomad who shares his expertise in travel and tech. When he is not typing away on his laptop, he is enjoying the beach or exploring the outdoors.

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