How to Wash and Clean Any Type of Allbirds Shoes

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Whether you have Allbirds Wool Runners, Tree Dashers, Tree Runners, or something else, you know that they bring you comfort and style and are crafted with eco-friendly practices and high-quality wool.

While the quality and practices set them apart from other shoes, the shoes themselves still get dirty as most others do. That means that you’ll need to clean them from time to time. Thankfully, that process is a relatively easy one.

Our cleaning guide is suitable for all kinds of Allbirds shoes, and it does not matter if you have been out running in them, or just wearing them around the house, our guide will help you to get them clean and leave them odor-free.

Washing Your Allbirds in a Washing Machine

Machine-washing your Allbirds is safe and easy. Follow these simple steps and your shoes will be clean in no time.

Remove the laces and any insoles.
If there is a lot of excess dirt on the shoes, remove that dirt with a soft brush or towel.
Use a garment bag to stop the shoes from being damaged.
Alternatively, throw in a few light-colored towels to buffer the shoes.
Add a gentle/natural detergent, and do not use bleach.
Use a gentle wash cycle.
Wash in cold water.
Avoid using fabric softener.
Do not tumble dry your Allbirds.
Replace the laces and insoles once dry.

The key with Allbirds is to treat them gently. The wool can stretch or shrink if you use too high a heat, both in the wash or when drying. Avoid using a heavy-load cycle or any detergent that might damage the wool. By gently machine-washing your Allbirds, you will be taking care of them for years to come.

How to Clean the Laces and Insoles

When you take your insoles and laces out to wash the shoes, it only makes sense to also wash them.

The insoles are made from foam, but they do also have plant oils too, so you need to take some care when you are washing them. The upper layer of the insoles is merino wool, and that can shrink if you do not follow proper care instructions. We always recommend that you hand wash your insoles. Follow out quick guide:

Remove insoles from the shoe.
Fill a bowl with soapy water (use natural or mild soap).
Wipe excess mud or dirt from the insoles before washing.
Immerse the insoles in the water for fifteen minutes.
Use a soft brush or cloth to work on any stained areas.
Rinse the insoles under cold water.
Air-dry the insoles on a clothes hanger.

The laces are delicate too and are not meant to be machine-washed, so hand-wash both together for the best results. Follow our step-by-step guide:

Remove the laces from the shoes.
Wipe off any excess dirt.
Fill a bowl with soapy water (natural or mild soap).
Swish them around in the bowl.
Use a soft brush to remove any stains.
Rinse under cold water.
Lay flat to dry.

Drying Your Allbirds

Drying is an essential part of washing your Allbirds shoes. The key is to never use high heat when drying or you could destroy the shoe, so never tumble dry your Allbirds. Your Allbirds need to fully dry before you heat them again, and that could take up to two days, so plan your drying time accordingly.

After you have washed them, lay them flat on a dry towel, sitting upright. The towel should be in a warm area, but not too warm. Anywhere at room temperature will be fine. You also want to make sure that the area is well ventilated so that the shoes dry evenly and fully.

Let the shoes fully dry before wearing them again as any trapped moisture can grow odor-causing bacteria.

Cleaning Your Allbirds By Hand

The best way to get your Allbirds clean without ever damaging them is to wash them by hand. This will help to keep their shape and reduce the chance of any damage when being washed. And, hand washing is easy to do. Let’s look at the simple steps:

Remove the laces and insoles and wash separately.
Use a soft brush to remove any excess dirt or mud.
Fill a bucket with soap and water (mild or natural soap).
Submerge the shoes in the soapy water.
Leave for 20 minutes.
Rinse under cold water.
Air-dry in a well-ventilated area.

Watch this video for a hand-washing guide.

Removing Odors

Sometimes, despite your best cleaning efforts, your Allbirds can start to smell. Don’t worry, we have some remedies to have your Allbirds smelling clean and fresh again.

Baking soda

Baking soda can fix many things, and a little in your Allbirds can tackle odors. Simply sprinkle a liberal amount into your shoes and leave overnight. Shake out any excess in the morning and wear as normal.

Dryer sheets

Place a dryer sheet in each shoe overnight and remove in the morning. Your Alllbirds should have lost the nasty odor and maybe picked up a lemony-fresh or lavender scent.

Rubbing alcohol/Vinegar

Grab a soft towel and dampen it slightly with rubbing alcohol or vinegar. Wipe the interior of your shoes with the cloth, and the odor should be removed.