How to Clean Cork Heel Shoes

Cork shoes are comfortable to wear. They are sturdy and will look good for a long time if they are properly cared for. Shoes that contain cork insoles cushion the feet and absorb some of the impact from walking. Cork is also considered to be an environmentally friendly renewable resource. It is obtained from the external bark of a cork oak tree. Harvesting the cork does not kill or damage the tree.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 Cloths Pencil eraser or Magic eraser Cork sealant

1. Saturate a clean cloth with water and twist it to wring out excess water. Wipe the cork areas of the shoes with the damp cloth. To avoid damaging the cork, use a gentle wiping motion instead of scrubbing.

2. Dry the cork with a clean dry cloth.

3. Rub out scuff marks with a pencil eraser or a Magic Eraser. Use a gentle back and forth rubbing motion. Brush the cork with your hands to remove residuals from the eraser.

4. Apply cork sealant to the cork areas of the shoes to protect them from damage and to help the cork repel dirt. Dip the corner of a clean dry cloth in the cork sealant and gently rub it over the cork. Apply a thin layer over the entire cork area, dipping the cloth into the sealant periodically as needed.

5. Set the shoes aside to dry for one hour or until the cork sealant is no longer wet.

6. Clean non-cork areas of the shoes with the appropriate cleaner. Suede should be brushed with a suede brush. Leather can be wiped clean with a dry cloth and leather cleaner. Nylon can be wiped clean with a cloth dampened with water.

Resources

• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Birkenstock Cork Sealant