Allbirds Washing Instructions

Allbirds shoes are incredible choices for eco-conscious and sustainable shoe lovers. There are many options with similar natural materials like; merino wool, tree, sugar, and trino.

The natural materials of allbirds shoes mean the shoes are as easy to clean as they are comfortable to wear. Still, you have to be extra careful and delicate when washing. Do not fret; this is not a strenuous process.

Washing your allbirds is as easy as these three steps:

• Remove the lace and insole
• Wash the shoes
• Dry the shoes

Remove the Lace and Insole

1. Clean the Lace and Insole

The lace and insole have a lesser density and different materials from the actual shoes, so it is best to remove and wash them before washing your Allbirds shoes. 

The merino wool that covers the upper layer of an Allbirds insole and the foam found inside will shrink if you don’t handle it properly. Therefore, you have to be careful when cleaning.

You have to hand wash your allbirds shoelaces because the material is recycled plastic. Washing the laces in a machine can destroy them.

The steps:

• Fill a bowl with cold water and pour in a mild detergent.
• Wipe the dirt off the shoelace and insole before submerging into the soapy water for 15 minutes.
• Use a cloth or a soft brush and a good stain remover to clean any stains you find on the lace and insole.
• Rinse the insole and shoelace under cold running water till you see no suds left.
• Hang the insole and lace on a drying platform to air-dry.

Wash Your Allbirds Shoes

The process of washing your Allbirds is almost like washing other running shoes with a slight difference in wash settings. Prep your shoes before washing to cut down on wash time. Longer wash times can cause damage to the shoes.

1. Clean the Shoes

Use a wet cloth or a brush to remove dust, sand, or mud from the shoes.

2. Check for Stains

Now that you’ve removed the dirt from the shoes, it will be easy to see if there are any stains. Thoroughly search for the stained part of the shoes and spot clean with a stain remover.

The manufacturer recommends machine washing your allbirds, but you can hand wash if you want to be cautious or you don’t have access to a washer.

Machine Washing Allbirds

1. Put the shoes in a linen mesh bag and place them in the washer. This mesh bag will help protect the integrity of the shoes during the wash. You can wash your shoes with other clothing, but it is unusual. In the absence of any other laundry, put in lightly-colored towels to balance the shoes.

2. Use the right laundry detergent suitable for the wool fabric of your Allbirds shoes. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or any bleach-containing detergent. A fabric softener will destroy the shoe, while bleach will change the color. Even if you have white Allbirds, don’t use bleach; it will become pinkish.

3. Select the “wool” or “delicate” wash cycle and the cold water setting. If you use the hot water setting, the wool of the shoes can shrink in the washer.

4. Air-dry your shoes immediately after the wash cycle completes.

Hand Washing Allbirds

Even though it is safe to machine wash your Allbirds, you may want to hand wash.

1. Fill a bowl with cold water and pour in a mild detergent.
2. Wipe the dirt and submerge the shoes into the soapy water for 15 minutes.
3. Clean any stains on the shoes with a cloth or a soft brush.
4. Rinse the shoes under cold running water till there are no suds left.
5. Air-dry your shoes.

Allbirds Mizzle Collection

The Allbirds Mizzle collection is a different situation altogether. These shoes have specialized water-repellent treatment that makes them perfect for rainy days. You have to take this into account when washing them.

It is vital to hand wash these shoes but without the soaking step. If the shoes need a heavy deep clean, you can machine wash but ensure they are in a linen mesh bag for protection.

Dry your Allbirds Shoes

When the wash cycle ends, take your shoes outside to air-dry. Do not tumble dry. The agitation and heat from the tumble drying will destroy the shoes. Air-dry the shoes on the same drying platform as the laces and insoles.

1. Shake the shoes to remove some of the water.
2. Use a microfiber towel to absorb some of the water from the shoes.
3. Arrange a drying rack in a well-ventilated room. You can substitute the drying rack with a thick towel. Spread the towel flat on the floor.
4. Place the shoes on the drying rack or the towel.
5. If necessary, place a fan near the drying platform. Do not use any heat to try to speed up the drying process.

It will take a while for the shoes to be completely dry. Sometimes, it takes up to two days, so try not to rush in taking them down before they dry. Leaving your allbirds damp can invite rancid smells.

Put your Allbirds Shoes Back Together

Check that the shoes, laces, and insoles are completely dry, and then assemble them back together. Always take pictures before you disassemble the allbirds so you can recall the proper assembly method.

Sometimes your insoles are past the point of washing because they reek. In this case, take advantage of Allbirds’ generous insole replacement offer.

Allbirds Care Tips

You can take care of your allbirds daily by cleaning the soles, deodorizing occasionally, and preventing odors from forming.

Use a soft brush or cloth to clean the dirt off the outside soles when necessary. If the stains are intense, use a stain remover or baking soda paste (baking soda and water).

Three different ways to deodorize allbirds shoes are:

1. Wipe the interior of the shoes with a soft cloth wet with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
2. Pour baking soda into a plastic bag. Place the shoes in the bag and leave overnight.
3. Place a dryer sheet in both shoes overnight.

Preventing odors is the best way to care for your Allbirds, especially those with sweaty feet or people who frequent the gym a lot.

1. Spray sparingly with natural cleaning spray whenever you remove the shoes.
2. Apply foot and shoe deodorizer on your feet before wearing the shoes.