How to Clean A Suede Footbed

My footwear may not be Birkenstock but at least it has suede footbed which I really love. This sandal from CLN provides great comfort to my arthritic, plantar fasciitis feet. I bought it when I was only a month pregnant for I know my feet will be working harder than before in the succeeding months because of the weight I will be gaining as my pregnancy progresses. I have been using it almost everyday to work and even during pre-natal check ups, strolling around and every possible situation. Seven months later, the pair is still as comfortable as ever however, it has become dirty and started to smell. Ewwww!

I wanted to ditch it for good but since I love it and it costed me over a thousand pesos (for me, anything over Php 1000 should be worn until it's worn out), I started searching for ways to address the issue. My husband suggested that I buy something to eliminate the smell but I know I want more than that. :D I want to eliminate the dirt as well!


Instead of buying a cleaning agent I might use only once or twice, I decided to use something that is readily-available in the kitchen - and it's no other than baking soda. It's safe, cheap and definitely effective!


Here's the step by step guide:
  1. Place approximately two tablespoons of baking soda in a small plastic container.
  2. Add water enough to form a paste.
  3. Damp the footbeds using a cloth or old toothbrush.
  4. Spread the baking soda paste in the footbed and brush gently in circular motion.
  5. Wipe the footbed with a damp cloth to rinse.
  6. Repeat step# 4 & 5 if the dirt is not totally removed.
  7. Dry under the sun.

I am now enjoying my clean and stink-free sandals.

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