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How to Safely Wash Allbirds Wool Shoes
June 16, 2023
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By
Sophia Grant
Allbirds wool shoes can go in the washing machine. Before putting them in, however, remove the laces and insoles – it’s best to wash them separately.
Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and run a gentle cycle with cold water. Never put Allbirds shoes in the dryer – the heat can shrink and distort the wool.
Allbirds’ Footwear Materials
Allbirds offers various types of shoes, each of which is made of an eco-friendly fabric. Let’s take a look at their collections below.
Superfine Merino Wool Collection
Their merino wool collection is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating.
Made from superfine fibers (20% the diameter of a human hair), you won’t have to worry about any irritating scratchiness.
Cozy as a blanket, it’s soft on the inside and durable on the outside. There are two types of shoes in this collection—loungers and runners.
Tree Fiber Collection
Their tree fiber collection is made from Tencel Lyocell – a type of material that is derived from cellulose fibers.
Sourced from South Africa, the fabric is silky-smooth and breathable, with a cooling effect. Renewable and naturally-derived, it’s much more eco-friendly compared to traditional shoe materials.
Not only that, but they’re so soft that you can wear them without socks!
Sugarcane Sweetfoam Sole
Many of their shoes such as their runners come with their signature SweetFoam sole. Made from sugarcane material, it concurs to your feet for endless comfort.
Sourced from Southern Brazil, it not only grows quickly but also helps to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Trino Yarn Socks
Trino is a super-tan that’s made from tree and merino wool fibers.
Responsibly sourced, the fiber is soft, moisture-wicking, and breathable—which makes it perfect for socks.
Complete with a reinforced heel and toe, they are guaranteed to last you a long time. What’s more, is that they come with special fibers on the footbed for slip prevention.
How to Wash Allbirds Wool Runners
Machine Washing Your Allbirds Wool Runners
The first option involves using the washing machine.
Given the delicate nature of the fibers, however, there are a few things that you want to be mindful of.
Step 1: Remove the Laces and Insoles
Start by removing the shoelaces. While you can leave them on, it’s much better to take them off – that’ll provide the detergent with better access to the shoe surface. Next, remove the insoles.
Step 2: Use Mesh Laundry Bags
Place the laces and insoles in a mesh laundry bag and load them into the machine. Do the same for the shoes.
For the best results, add in a few clean towels to help balance the load.
Step 3: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Add one scoop of ACTIVE detergent to the drum. Don’t add any fabric softener – it will prevent the wool from pulling moisture away from your skin. Also, be sure to skip the bleach.
Step 4: Run a Wash Cycle
Run a gentle cycle (or a wool cycle if your washing machine has the option), and make sure to use cold water – hot water can cause your wool shoes to shrink.
Once the cycle is finished, take the shoes out and let them air dry in a well-ventilated room—the same goes for the insoles and laces.
Tools:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
- Towels
Never use the dryer with Allbirds shoes unless you want to buy a new pair – the heat will permanently damage the material.
ACTIVE Detergent
Safely deep clean and remove odors from Allbirds shoes.
How to Hand Wash Your Allbirds Wool Runners
Hand washing your Allbirds wool runners is the gentler option and can help keep the fabric from wearing out too quickly.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Fill a large sink or tub with cool water. Never use hot or warm water as the heat can cause the wool fibers to shrink.
Step 2:
Add a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent. Swirl the water with your hand to dissolve the powder.
Step 3:
Using a soft bristle brush, remove any dirt or mud that might be on the surface of the shoe, then submerge the whole thing in the soapy water.
Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 4:
Rinse the shoes thoroughly with cold water.
Make sure there’s no soft residue left on the material and allow them to dry in a well ventilated area.
We recommend washing the laces and insoles separately for the best results.
How to Machine Wash Allbirds Wool Lounger Shoes
Their wool loungers are also machine washable, making them easy to clean.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Laundry bag
Step 1:
Start by removing the insoles.
Step 2:
Place the Wool Loungers in a laundry bag (a pillow case works too) and put it in the washing machine.
Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the machine.
Step 4:
Run a gentle cycle with cold water.
Step 5:
Shake out the excess water and let the Wool Loungers air dry in a well-ventilated area.
The Wool Loungers may take a couple of wears to regain their shape after washing.
How to Hand Wash Allbirds Wool Lounger Shoes
Allbirds Wool Loungers can also be easily hand washed in a sink or tub.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
Step 1:
Fill a large sink or tub with cool water. Don’t use hot water – the heat can cause the wool fibers to shrink.
Step 2:
Add a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent. Swirl the water with your hand to dissolve the powder.
Step 3:
Use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any dirt or mud from the surface of the shoes.
Step 4:
Place the Wool Loungers in the soapy solution and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Remove the insoles and soak them separately.
Step 5:
Rinse the shoes and insoles with cold water, then let them air dry in a well ventilated area.
Machine Washing Allbirds Tree Runner Shoes
Allbirds Tree Runners have a TENCEL™ Lyocell upper and merino wool lining, and they can also be machine washed.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Laundry bag
Step 1:
Start by removing the insoles – it’s best to wash them separately.
Step 2:
Place the Tree Runners in a laundry bag or pillowcase, then put them in the washing machine. Place the insoles in their own laundry bag.
Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the washing machine.
Step 4:
Run a gentle cycle with cold water.
Step 5:
Shake out the excess water and let the Tree Runners air dry in a well-ventilated area.
How to Deodorize Allbirds Wool Shoes
Here are a few ways that you can deodorize your Allbirds shoes.
Deodorize Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is super effective when it comes to removing smells.
Supplies:
- Baking soda
Step 1:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into each shoe and let it sit inside for several hours.
For the best results, leave it in overnight. The longer it’s in the shoe, the more effective it will be as a deodorizing agent.
Step 2:
Remove the powder from your shoes in the morning (simply shake them upside down) and you’re good to go.
You can also make a “deodorizing pack” by filling a pair of socks with baking soda. Tie them up tightly and stuff them into each shoe, then remove in the morning.
Deodorize with White Vinegar
White vinegar is also great for odors and it’s super easy to use.
Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Clean cloth
- Newspaper (optional)
Step 1:
Dampen a clean cloth or rag with white vinegar and use it to wipe the inside of each shoe.
Do not use balsamic or apple cider vinegar as these variations can stain the wool material.
Step 2:
If necessary, stuff the inside with newspaper to help get rid of excess water.
Deodorize with Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is fantastic at killing odor-causing bacteria and can be used similarly to vinegar.
Supplies:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Clean cloth
Step 1:
Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe the insides of the shoes with the cloth, paying extra attention to the corners.
Deodorize with Fabric Softener Sheets
Dryer sheets aren’t just for the dryer – you can also put them in your shoes. That’s right, they can be used to neutralize odors.
Supplies:
- Fabric softener sheets
Step 1:
Place a fabric softener sheet into each of the shoes.
Step 2:
Leave the softener sheets in the shoes for a few hours before taking them out.
How to Wash Allbirds Shoes – FAQs
Can I put my Allbirds shoes directly in the washing machine?
It’s best to put your shoes in a mesh delicates bag before putting them in the washing machine. The mesh bag will keep them together and prevent them from banging inside the washer.
How can I prevent my Allbirds from developing an odor?
Wearing socks is the best way to prevent odors. You also want to let them air out after each wear.
Is hand washing Allbirds better than using a gentle cycle?
When it comes to shoe care, hand washing will always be the gentler option. You just need a tub, some mild detergent, and water.
Can I put my Allbirds wool shoes in the dryer?
No, you should never put your Allbirds into the dryer. The heat, even on the gentle setting, will permanently damage the wool material.
The better option is to air-dry your allbirds. Not only is it better for the wool but it’ll also use less energy.
What kind of gentle laundry detergent should I use?
ACTIVE Detergent is the best option for your Allbirds shoes. It will penetrate deep into the fibers and break down odor-causing grime.
How long do Allbirds take to dry?
It can take up to 48 hours for Allbirds shoes to dry completely, depending on how wet they are.
Can you wash Allbirds with other clothes?
It’s best to wash your Allbirds shoes on their own rather than with your clothes. Adding a few clean towels can help balance the load.
How do you spot clean Allbirds shoes without washing them?
To spot clean Allbirds shoes, brush away loose dirt, then gently scrub the stain with a soft cloth or brush and a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent mixed with cool water.
Can you wash Allbirds insoles and laces?
Yes, you should remove the laces and insoles and wash them separately from the shoes.
How do you clean white Allbirds shoes without yellowing them?
Use cool water and a small amount of ACTIVE Detergent. Gently scrub away stains with a soft brush, and rinse with water. Do not use bleach or other cleaners.
Can you wash Allbirds Mizzles and Tree Dashers?
It’s best to spot clean your Mizzles, but they can be machine washed occasionally. Tree Dashers, on the other hand, can be put in the washing machine.
How often should you wash Allbirds shoes?
It depends on how often you wear them. For regular use, washing them every few weeks can help prevent dirt and odors from building up.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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