How to Wash Allbirds Sneakers
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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 fibers.
Learn how to wash all types of Allbirds footwear to remove stains and odor.
Detergent | Gentle or mild detergent |
Water Temperature | Cold |
Cycle Type | Gentle cycle |
Drying Cycle | Air-dry only |
Special Treatment | Wash shoes in a mesh delicates bag, handwash insoles |
Iron Settings | N/A |
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine
- Sink or large plastic tub
- Soft-bristled nylon brush
- Mesh delicates bag or pillowcase
- Small bowl
- Clothes drying rack
- Microfiber towel
Materials
- Gentle or mild detergent
Instructions
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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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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)
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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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.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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Avoid the Dryer
Once you have machine-washed or hand-washed the shoes, they should NEVER be placed in an automatic dryer. Allow them to air-dry on a drying rack.
To speed the drying time, shake excess water from the shoes. Blot the shoe with a microfiber towel to absorb some of the moisture. Remove the shoes from the towel and allow them to air-dry. Add a circulating fan to improve airflow but do not apply heat from a hairdryer or other heating element.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
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Reassemble the Shoes
Once the laces, insoles, and shoes are completely dry, reassemble the shoes.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Repairs and Storage
Allbirds offers a 30-day return policy on their shoes. If there is a needed repair, contact the company directly.
If possible, the shoes should be allowed to dry thoroughly between wearing to give the fibers time to recover. Store them in a breathable cotton bag to protect them from dust.