How to Wash Allbirds: Safe & Easy Care Guide

Knowing exactly how to wash Allbirds is the difference between maintaining a structured, supportive shoe and pulling a shrunken, felted mess out of your washing machine. You invested in these shoes for their specific textile properties-breathability and sustainable comfort-so cleaning them requires a technical approach, not guesswork.

As a textile scientist, I see far too many "washable" shoes ruined by thermal shock (hot water) and enzymatic degradation (wrong detergent). This guide provides the precise chemical and mechanical steps to clean your footwear without compromising the fiber integrity.

The "Too Long; Didn't Read" Direct Answer

Machine wash your Allbirds on a cold, delicate cycle (below 30°C / 86°F) using a mild, pH-neutral detergent. You must place them in a mesh laundry bag. Critical Step: Remove the insoles and laces first; wash these separately to prevent trapped bacteria. Never use a tumble dryer-air dry only.

The Science Behind Your Allbirds: Understanding Unique Fibers

To clean effectively, you must understand the substrate. Allbirds uses natural materials that react differently to water and surfactants than standard synthetic sneakers.

Wool Runners: The Marvel of Merino (Ovis aries)

The Wool Runner uses superfine Merino wool (Ovis aries). This is a protein fiber.

• The Risk: Wool scales interlock when exposed to heat and agitation, causing irreversible shrinkage (felting).
• The Chemistry: You must use a neutral pH detergent (pH 6-8). Avoid detergents containing protease enzymes. These enzymes are designed to eat protein stains (like blood or egg), but they cannot distinguish between the stain and the wool fiber itself. Using them will weaken the shoe's structure over time. For more on handling delicate protein fibers, review our guide on how to wash a wool blanket properly.

Tree Runners: Eucalyptus for Breathability (Eucalyptus globulus)

Tree Runners utilize Tencel Lyocell, a cellulosic fiber derived from Eucalyptus pulp.

• The Risk: While tougher than wool, Lyocell can fibrillate (develop a fuzzy, peach-skin surface) if scrubbed too hard.
• The Chemistry: Avoid detergents with cellulase enzymes, often found in "bio" detergents intended to remove bobbles from cotton. These enzymes digest cellulose and will thin the fabric of your shoes.

The Foundation: SweetFoam™ & Corn-Based Insoles

The soles use SweetFoam™ (a sugarcane-based EVA), and insoles use Zea mays (corn) foam.

• The Risk: These foams are thermoplastic. High heat (dryers) or intense UV radiation (sunlight) causes the foam cells to collapse, leading to a harder, flatter sole.

The 7 Steps to Washing Your Allbirds: A Gentle & Effective Process

Follow this protocol to remove soil while preserving dimensional stability.

1. Preparation: Disassemble the Shoe

Never wash the shoe as a single unit.

• Remove Laces: Polyester laces can trap dirt in the eyelets. Wash these separately or place them in a small mesh bag to prevent tangling.
• Remove Insoles: The corn-based foam insoles act as a sponge for sweat. Leaving them inside during the wash traps moisture, promoting bacterial growth and mildew.

2. Pre-Treatment: Target the Stains

Machine agitation is often not enough for ground-in mud or oil.

• Dry Soil (Mud): Let mud dry completely. Brush it off with a soft-bristled brush. Wet mud smears and embeds deeper into the weave.
• Oily Stains: Dab-do not rub-a drop of mild dish soap onto the spot. Rubbing damages the felted surface of wool.
• The "Vinegar" Trick: For odor neutralization on the insoles, you can wipe them down with a diluted acetic acid solution (1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water).

3. Protect with a Mesh Laundry Bag

Place your shoes inside a mesh laundry bag. This is non-negotiable.

• Why it works: The bag acts as a buffer, reducing the friction between the shoe and the metal drum. This prevents pilling on the wool upper and scuffing on the foam sole. This mechanical protection is similar to the methods used to wash a backpack safely.

4. Detergent Selection: Mildness Matters

Select a gentle, liquid detergent.

• Wool Runners: Use a dedicated wool wash (e.g., Woolite).
• Tree Runners: A standard mild detergent is acceptable, provided it is bleach-free.
• Quantity: Use half the recommended dose. Excess soap creates residue that attracts dirt later.

5. Machine Settings: Cold & Delicate

• Temperature: Set the dial to Cold or 30°C (86°F). Anything higher risks thermal shock to the wool and melting the glues bonding the sole.
• Cycle: Use "Delicate" or "Hand Wash." These cycles use low spin speeds (low G-force), protecting the shoe's shape.

6. The Wash Cycle

Run the cycle. Do not add heavy items like jeans or towels, which act as abrasives. You may add a few old, light-colored towels to balance the drum load if needed.

7. Post-Wash Assessment & Reshaping

Remove the shoes immediately.

• Blot: Use a microfiber towel to press out excess water. Do not wring or twist the shoe.
• Reshape: Put your hand inside the shoe and push the toe box and heel cup back into their original curves. Wet fibers have "memory"-how they dry is how they stay.

Post-Wash Perfection: Drying & Reassembly

WARNING: Do not use a tumble dryer.

The Physics of Air Drying

You must rely on evaporation.

1. Location: Place shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. UV rays oxidize the SweetFoam™, turning it yellow and brittle.
2. Form: Stuff the toes with white paper towels or a clean cotton rag. This absorbs internal moisture and forces the shoe to hold its shape as it dries. Change the paper after 2 hours.
3. Time: Allow 24 to 48 hours for complete drying.

Reassembly

Only re-insert the insoles when both the shoe and the insole are bone dry to the touch. Trapping moisture under the insole is the primary cause of "sour" shoe odors.

Allbirds Material-Specific Care At-a-Glance

Print this chart for your laundry room.

Laundry Lab Pro-Tips for Longevity

1. The Baking Soda Buffer: Between washes, sprinkle sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) under the insole. It neutralizes acidic odors from sweat. Vacuum it out before wearing.
2. Rotation is Key: Wool needs 24 hours to release moisture absorbed from your feet. Rotating between two pairs doubles the lifespan of both.
3. Spot Clean First: Don't throw them in the machine for a single scuff. Use a melamine sponge (Magic Eraser) gently on the soles only to remove black marks.

What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes

• Using Fabric Softener: This coats the fibers in a waxy layer, killing the moisture-wicking ability of the wool and Tencel. Your breathable shoes will become sweat traps.
• High Heat: Dryers and radiators are the enemy. They degrade the adhesive bond between the upper and the sole.
• Chlorine Bleach: Never use bleach. It dissolves wool fibers and turns Tencel yellow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I put my Allbirds in the dryer?

No. The heat will shrink the wool upper, deform the foam sole, and weaken the glue. Always air dry at room temperature.

How often should I wash my Allbirds?

Wash them only when visibly dirty or when spot cleaning fails to remove odors. Over-washing accelerates fiber wear. Aim for every 2-3 months with regular wear.

Can I wash Allbirds by hand?

Yes. Hand washing is safer. Soak in cold water with mild detergent for 15 minutes, gently squeeze (don't rub) the soapy water through the fabric, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.

Why do my Allbirds smell after washing?

This usually means they dried too slowly, allowing mildew to form. Next time, spin them on a low setting to remove more water, stuff with paper towels to absorb internal moisture, and dry in a better-ventilated area.

Do I wash the insoles?

Yes, but preferably by hand. If machine washing, remove them from the shoe and place them in a mesh bag. They are the primary source of foot odor and need thorough cleaning.