How to Wash Allbirds Sneakers
If your favorite pair of Allbirds sneakers are looking dingy, it might be time to clean them. For context, Allbirds is a footwear and clothing company that uses sustainable materials in the production of its products. An American-New Zealander company, the company began with the launch of an athletic shoe with a 100-percent wool upper. The company now offers casual shoes with uppers created from eucalyptus, wool, and eucalyptus/wool blend
Learn how to wash all types of Allbirds footwear to remove stains and odor.
All styles of Allbirds sneakers—wool, eucalyptus (TENCEL™ Lyocell), and wool/TENCEL™ blends—can be washed. If you do not have a washing machine, the shoes can be hand-washed in a sink or large plastic tub. It is recommended that the water-repellent Mizzle collection be hand-washed to better protect the water-repellent finish unless they are extremely soiled.
Prepare the Shoes
If you have a style that features laces, remove the laces. Remove the innersole from all styles before washing. Innersoles should be handwashed.
Wash the Laces
In a small bowl, mix some warm water and a few drops of laundry detergent. Add the laces and let them soak while you wash the shoes. After soaking for at least 15 minutes, squeeze the soapy solution through the laces to help release the soil. Rinse in warm or cool water and hang the laces from a drying rack to air-dry.
Check for Visible Stains
If your shoes have heavy soil or visible food stains, place a dab of gentle laundry detergent directly on the soiled area. Use your fingers or a soft-bristled nylon brush (an old toothbrush works great) to gently work the detergent into the sneaker fabric. Let it work for at least 15 minutes to begin breaking down the soil before adding the shoes to the washer.
Select the Washer Settings and Detergent
The washer should be set to the gentle cycle with the water temperature on cold. Use a mild detergent recommended for delicates or wool (Woolite, Castile soap, wool wash)
Use a Mesh Delicates Bag
Place the shoes in a mesh delicates bag before placing them in the washer. If you don’t have a mesh bag, use an old pillowcase. Knot the open end or tie closed with a piece of cotton twine. The shoes can be washed with similar colorfast fabrics.
Handwash the Insoles
The insoles in Allbirds are made from wool and castor bean oil-based insole foam. They should be gently hand-washed to prevent damage to the foam.
Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add the insoles. Apply a few drops of a gentle detergent to the wool layer of the insole. Work in the detergent with your fingers to create a few suds. Work gently, do not twist or wring the insole.
Rinse well with warm or cool water and blot the insole between layers of a towel. Wool is easily damaged when it’s wet, so blotting the insole instead of rolling it is less likely to cause damage. Allow the insoles to air-dry outside of the shoes. Never place them in a dryer—the heat will ruin the foam.
