Can you put Crocs in the washing machine? Yes, but only with the right precautions and only for certain Crocs styles. Classic Crocs and other styles made mainly from Croslite foam can usually handle a gentle washing machine cycle with cold water. However, hand washing or spot cleaning is still the safer method if you want to protect the shape, color, and lifespan of your Crocs.
The biggest risk is heat. Hot water, dryers, dishwashers, direct sunlight, and hot cars can shrink, warp, or deform Crocs. If you use a washing machine, keep the cycle gentle, the water cold, and always air dry your shoes away from heat.
This guide explains when machine washing is okay, when hand washing is better, which Crocs styles need extra care, and how to clean your Crocs without ruining them. For a broader cleaning routine, you can also read How To Clean Crocs? A Step-By-Step Guide.
Quick Answer: Is It Safe to Wash Crocs in the Washing Machine?
It can be safe to wash some Crocs in the washing machine if you use a gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent, and air drying. This works best for Classic Crocs and other styles made mostly from Croslite foam.
However, the washing machine is not the best choice for every pair. Crocs with fuzzy lining, leather, suede, wool, canvas, embellishments, or delicate details should be cleaned more carefully by hand.
If you are unsure what your Crocs are made of, choose hand washing. It gives you more control and lowers the risk of damage.
Machine Wash or Hand Wash: Which Crocs Cleaning Method Is Best?
Use this table before putting your Crocs in the washing machine.
| Crocs Style or Material | Washing Machine? | Better Method | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Croslite Clogs | Yes, gentle/cold only | Hand wash or gentle cycle | Durable, but heat can warp them |
| Croslite Slides or Sandals | Yes, gentle/cold only | Hand wash | Usually easy to rinse clean |
| Fuzzy or Lined Crocs | Not recommended for regular machine washing | Gentle hand cleaning | Lining can hold water and take longer to dry |
| Leather Crocs | No | Damp cloth and leather care | Machine washing can damage leather |
| Suede or Wool Crocs | No | Brush and spot clean | Water and agitation can damage texture |
| Canvas Crocs | Usually no | Damp cloth or soft brush | Shape and glue may be affected |
| Crocs with Jibbitz Charms | Remove charms first | Wash charms separately | Machine agitation can loosen or damage charms |
The safest rule: if your Crocs are simple Croslite foam, gentle machine washing may be okay. If they have special materials, lining, leather, or decorations, hand wash them instead.
How to Wash Crocs in the Washing Machine Safely
If you decide to use the washing machine, follow these steps carefully.
1. Remove Jibbitz Charms and Accessories
Take off all Jibbitz charms and detachable accessories before washing. A spin cycle can pull on the charm holes, loosen the fit, or damage the charms.
If your charms are dirty, wipe them separately with mild soap and water. For more charm care tips, read How To Wrap Croc Charms.
2. Brush Off Loose Dirt
Before machine washing, remove mud, grass, sand, or debris from the soles and upper. Use a soft brush, old toothbrush, or damp cloth.
This helps prevent dirt from spreading inside the washer and gives your Crocs a cleaner result.
3. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag or Pillowcase
Place your Crocs inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This protects the shoes from banging against the washer drum and reduces noise.
You can also add a few towels to cushion the load, but avoid washing Crocs with heavy items like jeans, boots, or thick blankets.
4. Choose Cold Water
Use cold water only. Hot water can soften Croslite foam and increase the risk of shrinking, warping, or changing the shape of your Crocs.
Cold water is enough for most dirt and everyday grime when paired with mild soap or detergent.
5. Use Mild Detergent
Choose a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, strong stain removers, alcohol-based cleaners, or solvent cleaners.
Strong cleaners can affect color, finish, and material quality.
6. Select a Gentle Cycle
Use the gentle, delicate, or low-agitation cycle. Avoid heavy-duty cycles and high spin settings because rough movement can stress the material and straps.
If your washer allows it, choose a low spin speed.
7. Air Dry Only
After washing, remove your Crocs and let them air dry in a cool, well-ventilated place. Do not put Crocs in the dryer.
Keep them away from:
- Direct sunlight
- Hair dryers on hot settings
- Space heaters
- Radiators
- Hot cars
- Dishwashers
- Clothes dryers
Heat is the fastest way to damage Crocs.
Can You Put Crocs in the Dryer?
No. You should not put Crocs in the dryer.
Dryer heat can shrink, warp, or deform Crocs. Even a short hot cycle can affect the shape of Croslite foam.
If you need them to dry faster, place them near a fan or in a shaded, airy room. Do not use high heat.
Can You Wash Crocs with Hot Water?
No. Avoid hot water when cleaning Crocs.
Warm water may be okay for some gentle hand cleaning, especially for certain lined styles, but hot water is risky. For machine washing, cold water is the safest option.
If your Crocs are very dirty, scrub them gently by hand first instead of increasing the water temperature.
Can You Put Fuzzy Crocs in the Washing Machine?
It is better not to machine wash fuzzy Crocs regularly. The fuzzy lining can trap water, take longer to dry, and become less soft over time.
For fuzzy or lined Crocs:
- Use mild soap and water.
- Gently clean the lining by hand.
- Rinse carefully.
- Press out excess water with a towel.
- Air dry completely before wearing.
Do not use heat to dry fuzzy Crocs. The lining needs time and airflow.
Can You Put Crocs in the Dishwasher?
No. Do not put Crocs in the dishwasher.
Dishwashers use heat, strong water pressure, and detergents that are not designed for footwear. This can shrink, warp, discolor, or damage your Crocs.
Even if a dishwasher makes dirty Crocs look cleaner, the heat risk is too high.
Best Way to Hand Wash Crocs
Hand washing is the safest cleaning method for most Crocs. It is simple and helps preserve the shape of the shoe.
You will need:
- Mild soap or gentle detergent
- Cold or lukewarm water
- Soft brush or sponge
- Clean towel
Steps:
- Remove charms and accessories.
- Rinse off loose dirt.
- Mix mild soap with cold or lukewarm water.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge.
- Clean the soles, toe box, and strap areas.
- Rinse away all soap.
- Pat dry with a towel.
- Air dry in a shaded, ventilated area.
For regular maintenance, hand washing is usually enough.
How to Remove Odor from Crocs
If your Crocs smell bad, do not reach for harsh chemicals first. Start with gentle cleaning.
Try this:
- Wash the Crocs with mild soap and cold water.
- Scrub the footbed and ventilation holes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Let them air dry completely.
- Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside overnight if odor remains.
- Shake out the baking soda before wearing.
Make sure your Crocs are fully dry before storing them. Moisture can make odor worse.
How to Remove Stains from Crocs
For light stains, use a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher stains, use a soft brush and scrub gently in small circles.
Avoid harsh stain removers, bleach, acetone, alcohol, or abrasive pads. These can damage the surface or fade the color.
If you are cleaning white Crocs, be patient and use repeated gentle cleaning instead of one aggressive scrub.
How Often Should You Wash Crocs?
Clean your Crocs whenever they look dirty, smell unpleasant, or have visible mud or stains. For everyday wear, a quick wipe every few wears can prevent buildup.
A good routine is:
- Wipe after messy outdoor use.
- Hand wash every few weeks if worn often.
- Deep clean when dirt or odor builds up.
- Clean soles more often if you use Crocs on wet or slippery floors.
Clean soles also help maintain traction. If slip resistance matters to you, read Are Crocs Non-Slip? Which Styles Are Slip-Resistant?.
Why Heat Can Damage Crocs
Crocs are known for their lightweight comfort, and many styles are made from Croslite foam. This material is durable for everyday wear, but extreme heat can affect its shape.
Heat can cause Crocs to:
- Shrink
- Warp
- Curl at the edges
- Lose their original fit
- Become uncomfortable
- Change color or finish
To understand more about the material, read What Are Crocs Made Of?.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Crocs
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not use hot water.
- Do not use the dryer.
- Do not put Crocs in the dishwasher.
- Do not leave Crocs in direct sunlight to dry.
- Do not leave Crocs in a hot car.
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals.
- Do not scrub with abrasive pads.
- Do not machine wash leather, suede, wool, or delicate Crocs.
- Do not wash Jibbitz charms while attached.
These mistakes can shorten the life of your Crocs or permanently change their shape.
FAQs
Can you put Crocs in the washing machine?
Yes, some Crocs can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. This is safest for simple Croslite styles. Hand washing is still the better option for most pairs.
What washing machine setting should I use for Crocs?
Use a gentle or delicate cycle, cold water, mild detergent, and low spin if available. Put the Crocs in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
Can you wash Crocs with Jibbitz charms attached?
No. Remove Jibbitz charms before washing. Machine movement can damage the charms or loosen the holes.
Can Crocs shrink in the washing machine?
Crocs are more likely to shrink or warp when exposed to heat. Cold water and a gentle cycle reduce the risk, but hot water and dryers should be avoided.
Can you put Crocs in the dryer?
No. Do not put Crocs in the dryer. Air dry them only, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Can fuzzy Crocs go in the washing machine?
It is better to hand clean fuzzy Crocs. The lining can hold water and may take a long time to dry.
What is the best way to clean Crocs?
The best way is hand washing with mild soap, cold or lukewarm water, and a soft brush or sponge. Machine washing should be used only when appropriate for the material.
How do I keep Crocs from smelling?
Wash the footbed and ventilation holes regularly, dry the Crocs completely, and use a small amount of baking soda overnight if odor remains.
Conclusion
So, can you put Crocs in the washing machine? Yes, but only for certain Crocs styles and only with care. Classic Croslite Crocs can usually handle a gentle cold cycle, but hand washing is safer and better for long-term care.
Never use hot water, a dryer, a dishwasher, direct sunlight, or strong chemicals. Remove Jibbitz charms first, use mild detergent, and air dry your Crocs in a cool, shaded place.
If your Crocs have fuzzy lining, leather, suede, wool, canvas, or delicate details, skip the washer and clean them by hand. For more practical Crocs care guides, explore VivaCrocs Tips & Tricks.
