How to Clean Nubuck Uppers | Birkenstock Care & Maintenance Tips

A complete Birkenstock cleaning setup featuring red nubuck Arizona sandals and essential tools — toothbrush, sandpaper, pumice stone, Kiwi Suede Cleaner, stain eraser, and a soft towel. Perfect for keeping nubuck uppers clean, soft, and looking like new.

Originally Posted September 2016.
Updated October 2025.

How to Clean Nubuck Birkenstocks and Keep Them Looking Fresh

Back in 2015, Birkenstock released some of their most iconic styles — the Arizona and Gizeh sandals — in stunning nubuck leather uppers paired with white sport soles.  I own the red Arizona version, and while they’re gorgeous, that bright white sole tends to show dirt fast.


In June 2016, I created a detailed video and wrote a companion blog post about how to clean white-sole Birkenstocks — because with a little elbow grease, those soles can look brand-new again in minutes.


But keeping your sandals spotless doesn’t stop there.  The nubuck uppers also need regular care every few months since even light soil or water marks can make them look dingy.  Before I ever wore my red Arizonas, I treated them with a leather stain guard for protection — and even with that, the soft nubuck still collects grime over time.


In this guide, I’ll show you the best products and simple techniques to clean nubuck Birkenstocks, restore their velvety texture, and keep your favorite pairs looking fresh season after season.

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DIY Nubuck Birkenstock Cleaning  teaser | Simple Tools, Real Results, and Long-Lasting Freshness

Watch this quick teaser to see my cleaned and restored red nubuck Birkenstock Arizonas and dove gray nubuck Bostons right at home.  Don’t forget to watch the full step-by-step video at the end of this guide for the complete Birkenstock care and maintenance tutorial—you won’t want to miss it.

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How to Clean Nubuck Leather Uppers on Your Birkenstocks

Nubuck leather uppers are crafted from premium top-grain cowhide that’s lightly buffed to create a soft, velvety texture.  This delicate surface gives Birkenstocks their signature luxurious feel, but it also attracts dirt and scuffs easily.  To keep your nubuck Birkenstocks looking their best, regular gentle cleaning is essential.


Start by brushing the surface with a plastic-bristle or leather cleaning brush to lift away dust and surface grime.  If you don’t have a specialty brush, a soft toothbrush, pumice stone, or fine sandpaper can be effective alternatives for spot cleaning and restoring texture.


For stubborn stains, consider investing in a nubuck eraser.  I bought one for around six dollars, and it was worth every penny.  The eraser removed some of the toughest soil spots on my Birkenstock uppers and helped revive the soft, even nap of the leather.


Regularly cleaning and maintaining the nubuck surface will help your sandals stay supple, vibrant, and beautiful for years to come.

Items You’ll Need to Clean Nubuck Birkenstock Uppers

Before you start cleaning your nubuck Birkenstocks, gather a few simple tools and products to make the process easier and more effective.  These items will help remove dirt, lift stains, and protect the soft leather surface so your sandals stay in great condition.

1. Toothbrush – Perfect for gently brushing away surface dirt and restoring the nap of the nubuck.
2. Sandpaper – Use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly buff out scuffs or stubborn marks without damaging the leather.
3. Pumice Stone – Helps lift tough stains and smooth worn areas on the uppers.
4. Kiwi Suede Cleaner – A reliable cleaning solution that safely refreshes and revitalizes nubuck and suede materials.
5. Kiwi Stain Eraser – Excellent for targeting small, set-in spots that brushing alone won’t remove.
6. Towel – Use a clean, dry towel to blot away excess cleaner or moisture during the process.
7. Kiwi Camp Dry – A protective spray that repels water and stains, helping your nubuck Birkenstocks stay cleaner longer.
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Having these items on hand ensures you can properly clean and care for your nubuck uppers while preserving their soft, velvety texture.

Cleaning Tools for Nubuck Birkenstocks

Essential tools for cleaning and protecting nubuck Birkenstock uppers: a toothbrush, fine sandpaper, pumice stone, Kiwi Suede Cleaner, Kiwi Stain Eraser, a soft towel, and Kiwi Camp Dry spray. With these affordable items, you can easily refresh and protect your nubuck leather sandals at home.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Nubuck Leather Birkenstocks

Keeping your nubuck Birkenstocks looking fresh takes a little care, but with the right tools and technique, you can restore their soft, velvety texture in no time.  Follow these easy steps to clean and protect your nubuck uppers while maintaining the look and comfort of your favorite sandals.

1. Use a toothbrush to gently remove dirt and dust from the straps and seams.
   
2. Wipe away any loose debris with a dry, clean towel.
   
3. Use a stain eraser to lift stubborn soil or dark marks from the nubuck surface.
   
4. For deeper stains, gently rub the area with a pumice stone to smooth and refresh the texture.
   
5. If needed, lightly buff problem areas with fine sandpaper, using gentle pressure to avoid damaging the leather.
   
6. Reapply the stain eraser on any remaining spots for a second round of cleaning.
   
7. Wipe away any remaining residue or debris with a dry towel.
   
8. Using the brush attached to the top of the Kiwi Suede Cleaner bottle, brush the uppers to loosen embedded dirt.
   
9. Lightly spray the uppers with Kiwi Suede Cleaner to remove lingering stains and refresh the nap.
   
10. Gently brush the straps again to distribute the cleaner evenly and lift the nap.
    
11. Use a toothbrush to freshen the suede texture and restore the soft finish.
    
12. Finish by applying a water and stain protector, such as Kiwi Camp Dry, to help shield your Birkenstocks from future dirt and moisture.
    
    
    

With regular care and these easy cleaning steps, your nubuck Birkenstocks will stay soft, clean, and beautiful season after season.

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Watch How to Clean Nubuck Birkenstocks Step-by-Step Video

Watch my step-by-step Birkenstock cleaning video below to see how I clean and restore nubuck uppers using simple tools like a toothbrush, Kiwi Suede Cleaner, and a stain eraser.  This short video shows exactly how to remove dirt, refresh the nap, and protect your Birkenstocks so they look like new again.

Birkenstock Care Tips: How to Maintain and Refresh Nubuck Uppers

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My red nubuck Birkenstock Arizona sandals featured in this video are the very pair that inspired me to create the I Love Birkenstocks blog.  Their perfect fit, vibrant color, and timeless comfort are what sparked my passion for all things Birkenstock.  To learn more about how these Arizonas started my journey, read my story in Birkenstocks & Me.

Before and After: Cleaning Nubuck Birkenstock Uppers

Below are the photos I captured before and after cleaning my nubuck Birkenstock sandals.  You can clearly see how regular care and the right cleaning products bring the soft leather uppers back to life.  The before images show the dirt and discoloration that build up over time, while the after shots reveal fresh, vibrant nubuck that looks nearly brand new.  Keeping visual records like these helps demonstrate just how effective proper Birkenstock cleaning techniques can be.  

​Before Cleaning Nubuck Birkenstock Arizonas

​After Cleaning Nubuck Birkenstock Arizonas

Red nubuck Birkenstock Arizona sandals shown before cleaning. The uppers appear dull and slightly stained, with visible dirt and wear on the straps and footbeds — a perfect example of how nubuck leather can look before restoration.

Red nubuck Birkenstock Arizona sandals after cleaning. The uppers look noticeably brighter and smoother, with dirt and stains removed. The straps have regained their soft, velvety texture, and the overall appearance is refreshed and well-maintained.

How Long It Takes to Clean Nubuck Birkenstocks

Cleaning nubuck Birkenstocks is surprisingly quick — the entire process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.  Even though I rotate my sandals daily, I’ve found that the pairs with nubuck leather uppers need more frequent cleaning than any other style in my collection.  Nubuck is beautiful but high-maintenance, so regular care helps keep it soft, vibrant, and looking fresh.
  Despite the extra effort, I never mind spending the time to care for these sandals because they’re some of my absolute favorites.  With just a little patience and a touch of elbow grease, your nubuck Birkenstocks can look nearly brand new again.  I Love Birkenstocks — and I love seeing them shine after a good cleaning.

2025 Update: Cleaning Nubuck Birkenstocks Has Become Part of My Routine

As of 2025, I still use this same cleaning method for all of my Birkenstocks with nubuck uppers — not just my original red Arizonas.  This process works beautifully on my Gizehs, Mayaris, Floridas, Francas, and especially my dove gray nubuck Bostons.  Any Birkenstock style made with nubuck leather benefits from this easy, step-by-step approach.

I find myself revisiting this tutorial frequently to clean my dove gray Birkenstock Bostons, which seem to attract every speck of dirt and grime imaginable.  They’re one of my favorite pairs, so I do my best to keep them looking clean, crisp, and well cared for.  Regular maintenance not only keeps the uppers soft and smooth but also helps extend the life and beauty of every pair in my Birkenstock collection.

Dove Gray Nubuck Birkenstock Bostons with Baby Yoda Socks

Kicking back in my dove gray nubuck Birkenstock Bostons paired with Baby Yoda socks — proof that comfort and personality go hand in hand. These Bostons are some of my most high-maintenance Birkenstocks, but keeping the nubuck clean and soft is always worth it.

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Explore More Birkenstock Guides and Tutorials

If you enjoyed this post, dive into more of my Birkenstock guides that explore everything from cleaning and care to creative DIY transformations:

• How to Break In Your Birkenstocks – Step-by-step tips for softening straps, molding footbeds, and achieving the perfect all-day comfort fit.

• How to Care For Your Birkenstocks – My full care routine for leather, suede, nubuck, Birko-Flor, and EVA materials, plus how to seal cork and refresh footbeds.
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• How to Clean White Sole Birkenstocks – My fast 15-minute method to make white soles look brand new again using common household items.

• How to Break In Leather Birkenstock Straps – Simple ways to soften stiff leather using natural oils, sanding, and a sock trick to prevent blisters.

• How to Clean Birkenstocks with Birko Flor Uppers – Learn how to care for easy-maintenance Birko Flor sandals, perfect for travel and everyday wear.

• How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks – My DIY project that turned worn metallic Arizonas into bold, colorful statement sandals.

• How to Change the Color of Leather Birkenstocks – A quick, cream-based recoloring technique to give old sandals new life.

• How to Fix Squeaky Leather Solovair Derby Boots – A non-Birkenstock bonus featuring my solution for silencing squeaky boots while keeping Birkenstock comfort insoles.

• How to Break In Dr. Martens, the Birkenstock Way – My crossover experiment comparing Doc Martens and Birkenstocks with pain-free break-in hacks.

Whether you’re cleaning, restoring, or customizing, these articles are packed with practical care tips and real-life experiments to help you make the most of your Birkenstocks.
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If you’re a visual learner, visit my Videos Page for step-by-step Birkenstock cleaning, break-in, and styling tutorials in action.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Nubuck Birkenstocks

How do I clean Birkenstocks with nubuck uppers at home?

To clean nubuck Birkenstocks at home, start by brushing away dirt with a soft toothbrush or leather brush.  Use a stain eraser on tough spots, then lightly clean with a pumice stone or fine sandpaper.  For deep cleaning, spray the uppers with Kiwi Suede Cleaner and gently brush again.  Finish by applying a water and stain protector like Kiwi Camp Dry to keep the nubuck looking fresh.


What products work best on nubuck Birkenstock uppers?

Nubuck is delicate, so it’s important to use gentle, leather-safe products. I recommend Kiwi Suede Cleaner, a Kiwi Stain Eraser, a soft-bristle toothbrush, and a clean towel for wiping away residue.  Always finish with a protective spray designed for suede or nubuck.


How often should I clean nubuck Birkenstocks?

If you wear your Birkenstocks regularly, aim to clean nubuck uppers every one to two months.  Lighter colors like dove gray or tan may need more frequent cleaning, especially if you live in a dusty or wet climate.


What’s the difference between cleaning nubuck and suede Birkenstocks?

Nubuck and suede look similar, but nubuck is made from the outer side of the leather and has a finer, smoother texture.  While both materials should be cleaned gently, nubuck benefits more from brushing and erasing rather than soaking or scrubbing with water.  For suede I use a suede brush to gently wipe away dirt.


Can I use this method on other Birkenstock styles?

Yes!  This cleaning method works well on any Birkenstock made with nubuck uppers, including Arizonas, Gizehs, Floridas, Francas, and Bostons.  I personally use it often on my dove gray nubuck Bostons, which tend to show every bit of dirt and dust.


How do I protect my nubuck Birkenstocks after cleaning?

Once your sandals are completely dry, apply a waterproofing and stain-repellent spray made for nubuck or suede.  This step helps prevent future stains and makes your next cleaning session much easier.


How can I restore my nubuck Birkenstocks to look like new?

Regular cleaning, brushing, and protection are key.  If your uppers look dull, use a suede or nubuck brush to revive the nap and apply a light mist of cleaner followed by a fresh coat of stain guard.  With consistent care, your nubuck Birkenstocks will stay soft, bright, and beautiful for years.

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Freshly Cleaned Red Nubuck Birkenstocks Ready for Spring | For more Birkenstock care tips, styling ideas, and behind-the-scenes looks, follow me on Instagram: @ilovebirkenstocks

My freshly cleaned red nubuck Birkenstock Arizonas soaking up the sunshine with a few cheerful blooms — proof that a little TLC keeps your Birks looking beautiful season after season.

Brand New Red Nubuck Birkenstock Arizonas – Circa 2016 | Want to share your own first pair story or cleaning tips? Join my Private Facebook Group for Birkenstock lovers and collectors.

My red nubuck Birkenstock Arizonas, brand new and fresh out of the box back in 2016. The soft leather, bright color, and perfect fit are what started my true Birkenstock obsession.

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