How to Clean Crocs Correctly: 4 Different Models

Traditional Crocs are made from a special foam material called Croslite. This material is easy to clean with water and soap. Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean your foam Crocs and works well for regular maintenance.

1. Remove any loose dirt from your Crocs. Hold them under cool running water or rinse them in a sink. This removes sand, mud, and other debris from the surface.

2. Fill a basin or sink with cold water. Add one tablespoon of mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent to the water. Mix the water gently until you see some soap bubbles.

3. Take a soft cloth or sponge and dip it into the soapy water. Gently scrub the entire surface of your Crocs using circular motions. Pay extra attention to dirty areas and stains. Clean both the inside and outside of the shoes.

4. Rinse your Crocs completely under cool water. Make sure all soap is washed away. Any soap left on the shoes can make them feel sticky or look dull.

5. Place your Crocs in a cool, shaded area to air dry. Never put them in direct sunlight or near heaters. High heat can make Crocs shrink or change shape. Drying usually takes 2 to 4 hours.

You can also clean traditional Crocs in a washing machine for a deeper clean. This method is good when your shoes are very dirty or when you want to save time. Only use this method for classic foam Crocs, not for leather or fuzzy styles.

1. Remove any charms or decorations from your Crocs before washing. These small pieces can break or damage your washing machine during the cycle.

2. Place your Crocs inside the washing machine. Add a few clean towels to the load. The towels help balance the machine and prevent your shoes from moving around too much during washing.

3. Add a small amount of gentle laundry detergent to the machine. Use about one teaspoon for one or two pairs of Crocs. Too much soap can leave residue on your shoes.

4. Set your washing machine to the delicate or gentle cycle. Always use cold water, never hot water. Hot water can warp or shrink your Crocs permanently.

5. When the washing cycle finishes, take your Crocs out immediately. Let them air dry in a cool place away from heat sources. Never put Crocs in a clothes dryer. Machine-washed Crocs may take 3 to 6 hours to dry completely.

Fuzzy and lined Crocs have a soft, warm lining inside that needs special care. You cannot remove this lining, so you must clean it carefully while it stays attached to the shoe. These Crocs should never go in a washing machine.

1. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the outside of your fuzzy Crocs. Remove any visible dirt or dust from the foam exterior first.

2. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water with a few drops of mild soap or baby shampoo in a small bowl. The water should feel slightly warm but not hot.

3. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the soapy water. Squeeze the cloth well so it is damp but not dripping wet. Too much water can damage the fuzzy lining.

4. Gently blot the fuzzy lining inside your Crocs with the damp cloth. Do not rub hard. Use gentle pressing motions to lift dirt from the material. Move to a clean part of the cloth as it gets dirty.

5. Take another cloth dampened with plain water and blot the lining again to remove soap residue. Press a dry towel against the wet areas to absorb extra moisture.

6. Let your fuzzy Crocs air dry in a well-ventilated room. This can take 12 to 24 hours depending on how damp they are. Keep them away from heaters and direct sunlight during drying.

Leather Crocs look stylish but need gentle care to maintain their appearance. Never use harsh chemicals or too much water on leather shoes. The cleaning process is quick and helps protect the leather material.

1. Take a slightly damp cloth and wipe the leather surface of your Crocs. This removes dust and light dirt. Make sure the cloth is only damp, not wet.

2. If there are tougher stains, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a soft cloth. Gently rub the cleaner onto the stained areas using small circular motions. Follow the directions on your leather cleaner product.

3. Wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean, dry cloth. Make sure no product is left on the surface of the leather.

4. For the synthetic soles and heels of leather Crocs, use a damp cloth with one drop of mild soap. Wipe these areas clean, then rinse with a cloth dampened in plain water.

5. Allow your leather Crocs to air dry naturally in a cool location. Once dry, apply leather conditioner to keep the material soft and prevent cracking. You should condition leather Crocs about once a month if you wear them regularly.

Canvas Crocs are made from fabric material that can stain easily but also cleans well with proper care. Be careful not to use too much water, as canvas takes longer to dry than foam.

1. Use a soft brush to remove any loose dirt or debris from the canvas surface. Brush gently to avoid damaging the fabric fibers.

2. Mix a small amount of pH-neutral soap with water in a bowl. Dip a microfiber cloth into this solution and squeeze out most of the water.

3. Gently clean stained spots on your canvas Crocs using circular motions with the damp cloth. Do not soak the fabric. Work on one small area at a time.

4. For stubborn stains, make a thick paste using baking soda and a little water. Apply this paste to the stain using an old toothbrush. Scrub gently in circles, then wipe away the paste with a damp cloth.

5. Wipe the entire shoe with a cloth dampened in plain water to remove any soap or baking soda residue.

6. Let your canvas Crocs air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. This may take several hours. Once completely dry, you can spray them with a waterproofing spray to help protect against future stains.

Beyond regular cleaning, following these maintenance tips will keep your Crocs in the best condition possible. These simple practices help prevent damage and extend the life of your favorite shoes.

- Avoid High Temperatures: Never expose Crocs to temperatures above 125°F (52°C). This means keeping them away from hot cars, direct sunlight, heaters, and dryers. Heat causes Crocs to shrink, warp, or lose their shape permanently.

- Clean Regularly Based on Usage: If you wear your Crocs every day, clean them once a week to prevent odor buildup and heavy soil. For shoes worn occasionally, a thorough cleaning once per season is enough. Spot-clean visible stains as soon as you notice them.

- Remove Odors Naturally: Fill small cloth bags with baking soda and place them inside your Crocs overnight. The baking soda absorbs unpleasant smells without using chemicals. This works especially well for fuzzy lined styles.

- Store Properly: Keep your Crocs in a cool, dry place when not wearing them. Avoid leaving them outside or in damp areas. Proper storage prevents mold, mildew, and material breakdown.

- Test New Products First: Before using any new cleaning product on your Crocs, test it on a small hidden area first. This ensures the product will not damage or discolor your shoes.

- Reshape if Needed: If your Crocs accidentally shrink from heat, you can try to reshape them. Soak the shoes in water heated to about 104°F (40°C) for a few minutes. Put them on your feet while they are still warm and wet, then walk around until they dry and mold to your foot shape.

By following these care instructions, your Crocs will stay clean, comfortable, and ready to wear for many years to come.