How To Clean Crocs? A Step-By-Step Guide

Everyone loves Crocs, including celebrities, for their comfort, durability, and versatility for any occasion. However, regular wear can leave them looking less than new, with dirt, stains, and odors taking their toll. And you thought cleaning your Crocs was easy? Big mistake. Here are some pro tips.

General Cleaning Guidelines

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the items you’ll need for cleaning. We’ll also list some important warnings to help you avoid damaging your beloved Crocs.

Materials Needed:

To clean your Crocs properly, you don’t need any fancy tools—just a few simple items you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mild soap or detergent: A gentle soap is perfect for removing dirt and stains without damaging the material of your Crocs. Harsh chemicals can be too strong and might cause discoloration or wear.
• Soft-bristled brush or sponge: This will help you scrub away tough dirt, especially on textured surfaces, without scratching the material. For delicate areas, a sponge works great to clean gently.
• Clean cloth: Use a cloth for wiping away soap and water or to give your Crocs a final polish to make them shine.
• Cold or lukewarm water: Stick to cooler water to prevent damage. Hot water can warp the shape of your Crocs, especially the Croslite foam ones.

Gather these items before starting so you’re fully prepared to make your Crocs look as good as new!

Precautions:

Additionally, here are some important tips to keep in mind to avoid damaging your Crocs:

• Crocs can warp if exposed to high temperatures. So remember: don’t use hot water, leave them in the sun for too long, or leave them near a heater.
• More importantly, avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive tools. Because harsh detergents and rough brushes can scratch or damage the material, especially on Crocs with delicate decorations.

So How To Clean Crocs? Cleaning Methods by Material

There are many different variations of Crocs but the three most common types are Croslite™ Foam, leather Crocs, fuzzy-lined Crocs. And of course, each type will have a different treatment.

1. Classic Crocs

This pair is the most basic type so the handling is also quite basic and not very complicated.

Hand Washing

This one is quite simple, here’s how:

1. Start by rinsing your Crocs under cold water.
2. Next, take a damp cloth or sponge and add a small amount of mild soap to it. You don’t need harsh cleaning products—mild dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent works best.
3. Gently scrub the surface of your Crocs, paying extra attention to any stained or dirty spots.
4. After scrubbing, rinse your Crocs under cold water again to wash away any soap residue.

Machine Washing

This method is way more simple than doing the hand washing, but you have to be careful. If you don’t do it correctly, you will ruin those precious shoes. So how to clean Crocs using a washing machine?

1. Place Crocs in a mesh laundry bag.
2. Use a delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent (e.g. Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Puracy Natural laundry detergent, …)
3. Avoid high spin speeds to prevent damage.

Drying

After cleaning your Crocs, place them in a cool, shaded area to dry. Remember, avoid putting them in direct sunlight or near high-heat sources like radiators, heaters, or using a hairdryer. These can cause the Crocs to shrink, crack, or warp. It’s best to let them dry naturally.

2. Leather Crocs

This type might seem a bit more complicated than Croslite™ Foam, but it’s actually not if you just want to keep it clean. If you want to take extra care of it, you only need to pay attention to a few additional things.

Cleaning

• Start by gently wiping the surface with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
• For tougher stains, you can use a leather cleaner or mild soap mixed with water. Apply it gently—just enough to deal with the stain.

Note: Some cleaners can damage leather, so be sure to test the cleaner on a small, hidden area first to make sure it’s safe. As they say, “Better safe than sorry!”

Conditioning

For those who want to go the extra mile and keep the leather on their Crocs soft and looking great, apply a leather conditioner. This helps prevent the leather from drying out and makes it more durable.

It’s simple—start by applying a small amount of conditioner to a clean, soft cloth. You don’t need much—just a little will do. Then, gently buff the conditioner into the leather using circular motions.

Drying

After cleaning or conditioning, do the same with the classic Crocs, let your Crocs air dry naturally at room temperature. Be mindful to place them in a cool, shaded area and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or placing them near heat sources.

3. Fuzzy-Lined Crocs

This type has only appeared recently, so many people find themselves unsure about how to clean their warm and cozy fuzzy-lined Crocs. Patience is key here—you’ll need to remind yourself to take it slow. Here’s how to do it:

Cleaning

1. Use a soft brush to gently remove any loose dirt or debris from the fuzzy lining.
2. Mix a little mild soap with lukewarm water to create a gentle cleaning solution.
3. Dampen a clean cloth with the soapy water and carefully scrub the lining. Be gentle to avoid damaging the soft material.
4. If you’re dealing with tough stains, you can use a fabric cleaner that’s safe for delicate materials. Just make sure to use the right one and follow the instructions on the product.

Drying

After cleaning, press a dry towel gently against the lining to soak up any extra moisture. And don’t rush the drying process! Let your Crocs air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

Odor Removal Tips

So, your favourite Crocs are clean, but they still have an unpleasant smell. What should you do? It’s simple—all you need are a few common items like vinegar or baking soda.

• Use baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your Crocs, making sure it covers the entire interior. Leave it overnight to allow the baking soda to absorb any unpleasant odors. In the morning, simply shake out the excess baking soda, and your Crocs should smell fresh and clean.
• Use vinegar: Another effective method is to use a vinegar solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small container. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and thoroughly wipe the interior of your Crocs. Once you’re done, let them air dry completely in a well-ventilated space.

And voilà, you’re done!

Stain Removal Techniques

For Tough Stains:

If you happen to wear your favorite Crocs in the rain and they get splashed with dirt, they’ll end up looking pretty messy, right? And by the time you get home, those stains might already be stuck on your shoes. So, what should you do?

1. Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water.
2. Apply the paste directly to the stain and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
3. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the area, then rinse thoroughly with water.

For Scuff Marks:

1. Grab a pencil eraser and gently rub it over the scuff marks until they disappear.
2. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to clean off any leftover residue.

For small scratches, you can handle them with these steps, but for larger scratches or even small tears, it can be really hard to fix. So, be careful!

Maintenance and Care Tips

A good pair of Crocs doesn’t come cheap! So if you want them to last, you need to take good care of them. Here are some things you can do to extend their lifespan:

• Clean your Crocs regularly to avoid dirt and odor build-up.
• After washing, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Use Crocs Shine or something like that to maintain their appearance.

FAQs

1. Can I use bleach to clean my Crocs?

While bleach is a powerful cleaner, it can damage the material and cause discoloration on your Crocs. It’s best to avoid using bleach and stick to mild soap or a gentle detergent instead.

2. How often should I clean my Crocs?

You should clean your Crocs regularly, especially if you wear them frequently. Cleaning them every few weeks will help prevent dirt buildup and keep them looking fresh, but if you wear them in muddy or wet conditions, it’s a good idea to clean them more often.

3. Can I use a washing machine to clean my leather Crocs?

It’s not recommended to machine wash leather Crocs, as this could damage the leather and cause it to lose its shape. Instead, clean leather Crocs gently by hand using a soft cloth and mild soap solution.

Conclusion

Cleaning Crocs isn’t too difficult, but it’s not too easy either. Just be patient, careful, and gentle. Don’t be lazy—get up and wash your Crocs so they shine and smell fresh!