How To Wash Allbirds - Cleaning & Care Tips From A Professional

Allbirds offer great comfort and style no matter which pair of shoes from their lineup you own. They are made from the highest quality materials using the best eco-friendly practices. These are some of the factors that help them stand above the rest.

However, like many other shoes, Allbirds do get dirty, so you’ll need to clean them from time to time. Fortunately, Allbirds are easy to clean, and this cleaning guide will highlight the ways you can clean any type of Allbirds.

Allbirds Washing Instructions

Table of Contents

How to Wash Allbirds in the Washing Machine

Washing Allbirds in the washing machine is simple. All you need to do is follow the steps below:

Remove the laces and insoles.
If the shoe is covered in excess dirt, use a soft brush or towel to remove most of it.
Place your Allbirds in a garment bag to prevent the shoes from being damaged during the wash cycle. If you do not have a garment bag, you can throw in a couple of light-colored towels to buffer the shoes.
Add a gentle or natural detergent. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or any detergent with bleach in it.
Set the machine to a gentle wash with cold water and press start.
After the wash cycle is completed, leave your shoes to air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24-48 hours
You can replace the laces and insoles once the shoes are completely dried.

The main thing you need to remember when cleaning Allbirds is to treat them gently. This is because the wool can stretch or shrink if you use too much heat in the wash or when drying. Also, remember to avoid using a heavy load cycle or any detergent with bleach that can damage the wool.

How to Clean Allbirds by Hand

Cleaning the Insoles and Laces

You’ll have to be careful when cleaning the insoles since they are made from foam. The upper layer of the insoles has merino wool that may shrink if you do not follow the washing instructions properly.

Handwash your Insoles by:

Filling a bowl with warm, soapy water. Try to use an all-natural or mild soap.
Immerse the soles for 15 minutes
Take a soft brush or cloth and scrub any stained areas.
Rinse the insoles under some cold water.
Air dry the insoles. You can clip them on a clothes hanger to make the drying process easier.

The laces on your Allbirds are delicate too and you should wash them by hand as well. Follow these steps:

Wipe off any dirt from the laces.
Make a soapy solution of water and a natural or mild soap in a bowl.
Place the laces in the bowl and swish them around for a bit.
Take a soft brush and scrub to remove stains.
Rinse the laces under cold water.
Lay them flat to dry.

Cleaning Allbirds by hand is the best way to clean them. This method greatly reduces the chance of your shoes being damaged. Here’s how to handwash your Allbirds:

Remove the laces and insoles. Wash them according to the methods mentioned above.
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove excess dirt on your Allbirds.
Fill a bucket with water and add a mild or all-natural soap to create a soapy solution.
Submerge the shoes and leave them for 20 minutes.
Rinse under cold water
Air dry in a well-ventilated area.

Drying your Allbirds

You should never use high heat when drying your Allbirds. Drying your Allbirds in the dryer or using other heat sources can cause significant damages to your shoes and even change their shape. We recommend air drying your Allbirds in a well-ventilated area.

Lay them flat on a towel in a warm spot in your home – any spot where it is room temperature is fine. Allbirds can take as much as 48 hours to dry completely, so plan accordingly.

Allbirds Care

Other than washing and cleaning Allbirds, you can try to remove any odor coming from them by:

Placing some baking soda in the shoes and leaving them overnight.
Sticking a dryer sheet in each shoe and removing them the next day.
Wiping the interior of the shoe with a soft cloth dampened with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

If your shoes smell like mildew, check out this article on how to get mildew smell out of shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Allbirds Tennis Shoes Last?

Allbirds are durable but the answer to this question will depend on how often you wear them. On average, Allbirds tennis shoes can last anywhere from 8-10 months of moderate use.

Can you Run in Allbirds?

Allbirds weren’t exactly made for running since the soles don’t have as much cushioning as regular running shoes. However, you can wear Allbirds for short runs if the need arises.