The Best Way To Clean Crocs (Remove Ugly Stains) - Oh So Spotless

Let’s be honest: your Crocs go everywhere with you, so they probably look a little rough right now. Whether you’re rocking the classic rubber clogs or the fuzzy winter version, dirt and grime are inevitable. You need to know the best way to clean Crocs so you can keep your favorite comfortable shoes looking fresh.

Key Takeaways

• Rinse Crocs with cold water to remove loose dirt, then scrub with mild soap.
• Machine washing is safe on a gentle, cold cycle, but hand washing preserves longevity.
• Use baking soda to deodorize smelly Crocs; let it sit for 24 hours.
• Never use high heat or dryers, as this will shrink and warp the material.

In This Article

• Washing Crocs in a Machine?
• Cleaning Crocs by Hand
• Removing Odors From Crocs
• Cleaning Fur-Lined Crocs
• Cleaning Different Crocs
• Cleaning Jibbitz
• FAQs

Can You Wash Crocs In the Washing Machine?

Yes, you can absolutely wash Crocs in the washing machine. It is a quick way to get them clean, but you have to be careful. The lightweight material, Croslite, hates high heat. If you use hot water or a heavy spin cycle, your shoes might warp or shrink.

Follow these rules for machine washing:

• Use a mesh bag: Protect the shoes and your machine by placing the Crocs in a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase.
• Choose the right settings: Select the “Delicate” or “Hand Wash” cycle.
• Keep it cold: Only use cold water.
• Add towels: Throw in a few old towels to stop the shoes from banging around loudly during the wash.

Once the cycle ends, let them air dry in a cool, shaded spot. Never put them in the dryer.

How to Clean Classic Crocs by Hand

The safest and most effective method for cleaning classic rubber Crocs is good old-fashioned dish soap and elbow grease.

• Time: 15, 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner

What You’ll Need

• Mild dish soap
• Bucket or sink
• Bleach (for white Crocs only)
• Rubber gloves
• Scrub brush or microfiber cloth
• Old toothbrush
• Magic Eraser

1. Rinse the Shoes

Start by rinsing your Crocs under cold running water. This blasts away loose mud, grass, and surface grit so you aren’t just rubbing dirt around later.

2. Create a Soapy Bath

Fill a bucket or your plugged sink with cool or lukewarm water. Add a generous squirt of mild dish soap and mix it up until it gets bubbly.

If you are cleaning white Crocs that are heavily stained, you can add a small capful of bleach to the water. Do not use bleach on colored or patterned Crocs, as it will fade the design. Wear gloves if you are working with bleach.

3. Scrub the Grime

Toss your shoes into the soapy water. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft scrub brush to wipe down the surface.

For the tricky spots, like the ventilation holes and the tread on the bottom, use an old toothbrush. It is perfect for getting into those tight crevices where mud likes to hide.

4. Tackle Tough Stains

If soap isn’t cutting it, grab a Magic Eraser. Wet the sponge and gently rub the scuff marks or stubborn stains. This works wonders on the white rubber parts of the shoe.

5. Rinse and Dry

Give the shoes a final rinse under cool water to remove all the soap suds. Pat them dry with a towel or let them air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause the rubber to shrink or warp.

How to Remove Bad Smells From Crocs

Crocs are breathable, but barefoot wear eventually leads to odors. Baking soda is the best neutralizer for that funky foot smell.

• Time: 24 hours
• Difficulty: Beginner

What You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• Large gallon Ziploc bag

1. Bag Them Up

Place your dry Crocs inside a large plastic bag. If you don’t have a bag big enough, you can use a plastic grocery bag and tie the handles tight.

2. Add Baking Soda

Pour a generous amount of baking soda inside the bag. You want enough to coat the shoes lightly. Seal the bag shut.

3. Shake and Wait

Give the bag a good shake to distribute the powder over the shoes. Let them sit in the sealed bag for at least 24 hours. The baking soda will absorb the bacteria causing the odor.

4. Clean Up

Remove the shoes and shake off the excess powder over a trash can. If some powder is stuck in the crevices, rinse them quickly with water or vacuum it out.

How to Clean Crocs With Fur Lining

Fuzzy Crocs are cozy, but the lining traps sweat and dirt easily. Since the lining is usually synthetic, you can wash it with water, but you must be gentle to keep it fluffy.

• Time: 30 minutes + drying time
• Difficulty: Intermediate

What You’ll Need

• Mild liquid soap (or wool wash)
• Warm water
• Dry towel
• Wire pet brush (slicker brush)

1. Hand Wash the Lining

While some people put these in the washer, hand washing preserves the texture better. Dampen the fur with warm water. Apply a small drop of mild soap directly to the lining and gently massage it in with your fingers to lift the dirt.

2. Rinse Carefully

Rinse the lining under the tap, making sure to squeeze out the suds gently. Do not twist or wring the fabric hard, or it might lose its shape.

3. Air Dry

This is the most important step. Blot the lining with a dry towel to absorb as much water as possible. Set the shoes in a cool, dry place. It may take 24 hours or more to dry completely. Do not use a hairdryer.

4. Fluff the Fur

Once the lining is 100% dry, it might look a little matted. Take a wire wool brush (or a wire dog brush) and gently brush the fur. This separates the fibers and makes them soft and fluffy again.

Pro Tip

If your fur-lined Crocs just need a quick refresh and aren’t heavily soiled, sprinkle dry baking soda or cornmeal into the lining. Let it sit for 3 hours to absorb oils, then vacuum it out.

How to Clean Different Types of Crocs

Not all Crocs are made of the classic foam. Here is how to handle the other materials in your collection.

Leather Crocs

Leather needs hydration to prevent cracking. Wipe away surface dirt with a damp cloth. Once dry, apply a small amount of leather cream, like Skidmore’s Original Leather Cream, using a soft rag in circular motions. Finish with a water-repellent spray to protect them from future stains.

Suede and Wool

Water can stain suede, so dry cleaning is best. Use a soft plastic brush to gently sweep away dust and dried dirt. Brush in the direction of the grain. If you have stubborn stains, use a designated suede eraser. Protect the material afterward with a spray like Silver Canyon Water and Stain Repellent.

Canvas and Elastic Loafers

Canvas absorbs stains, so you might need to scrub harder here.

1. Prep: Remove any shoelaces and soak them separately in soapy water.
2. Scrub: Dip a toothbrush into mild soapy water (laundry detergent works well here) and scrub the canvas fabric. Avoid scrubbing hard over printed labels.
3. Treat Stains: For dark spots, spray a laundry stain remover on the area and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
4. Rinse: Wipe the soap away with a clean, damp sponge. Blot dry with a towel and let them air dry away from the sun to prevent fading.

How to Clean Jibbitz Charms

Your Crocs aren’t complete without Jibbitz, but those little charms get dirty too.

• Pop them out: Remove the charms from the shoe for a better clean.
• Soak: Let them sit in a bowl of warm, soapy water for 5 minutes.
• Scrub: Use an old toothbrush to scrub the crevices of the charm.
• Dry: Pat them dry with a towel before popping them back into your clean shoes.

FAQs

Can You Use Bleach On Crocs?

Yes, but only on white Crocs. Using bleach on colored, dyed, or patterned Crocs will cause discoloration. For white shoes, you can create a solution of water and a small amount of bleach to restore brightness.

Can I Put My Crocs In the Dishwasher?

Technically yes, but it is risky. The high heat of the drying cycle in a dishwasher can shrink the Croslite foam material. If you must use the dishwasher, use the rinse-only cycle with no heat drying, and place the shoes on the top rack.

Can You Remove the Fur Lining to Wash It?

On most standard lined Crocs, no. The liner is glued or stitched in and cannot be removed. However, some specific models do feature removable liners, so check your specific style before pulling on the fleece.

How Long Do Crocs Last?

Crocs are incredibly durable. With regular wear, they typically last 3 to 5 years. The tread on the bottom is usually the first thing to wear down.

How Do I Unshrink Crocs?

If your Crocs shrank in the heat, you can try to stretch them back. Place them in a bucket of hot water for a minute to soften the foam. Put on a thick pair of socks, take the shoes out of the water, and shove your feet into them while they are still warm. Wear them until they cool down to reshape them.

Should You Wear Socks With Crocs?

It is entirely up to you. Wearing socks can help absorb sweat and prevent the shoes from smelling bad as quickly, but many people prefer the breathability of wearing them barefoot.

Why Do Crocs Have 13 Holes?

The 13 holes on the top of Classic Crocs serve two purposes: ventilation to keep your feet cool and drainage to let water or sand flow out easily. They also act as the holders for Jibbitz charms.

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