Crocs go everywhere with you, so a scuffed, dingy pair is really just proof you wear them. The good news is that the same foam that shrugs off mud also wipes clean in minutes, whether you own the classic clogs, a fuzzy lined pair, or one of the leather and canvas styles.
This guide walks through how to clean Crocs by hand or in the machine, how to kill that barefoot smell, and how to whiten a yellowed white pair without wrecking the finish. One rule sits behind all of it: keep the heat low, because the Croslite foam warps once it gets hot.
Key Takeaways
- Rinse off loose dirt under cold water, then scrub Crocs with mild dish soap and an old toothbrush.
- Machine washing works on a cold delicate cycle with gentle detergent, but hand washing is safer for the foam.
- Deodorize smelly Crocs by sealing them in a bag of baking soda for 24 hours.
- Never use a dryer, hot water, or direct sun, since heat shrinks and warps the Croslite foam.
Can You Wash Crocs In the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can wash Crocs in the washing machine. Crocs itself okays the Classic Clog, slides, and other Croslite foam styles on a delicate cycle with a gentle laundry detergent, so the machine is a legitimate option, not something you get away with. The catch is heat. Croslite foam warps or shrinks in hot water or a heavy spin, so the cycle settings matter more than the soap you use.
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, stand them somewhere cool and out of the sun to air dry, and point a fan at them to speed things along. Never use the dryer, and keep them clear of a radiator or heat vent, since the same heat that would warp them in the wash will do it just as easily while they dry.
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 to 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, a small capful of bleach in the water can help, but use it sparingly and wear gloves. Chlorine bleach can actually turn white foam yellow over time, so it is a last resort rather than a routine cleaner. For dingy or already-yellowed white pairs, a gentler fix is a paste of baking soda and white vinegar, roughly one part soda, one part vinegar, and two parts water. Dab it over the shoe, let it fizz for a few minutes, then rinse. Keep both bleach and the vinegar paste off colored or patterned Crocs, since either one can lift the design.
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 it and gently rub the scuff marks and stubborn stains, especially on the white rubber. Go easy, though. A Magic Eraser is a fine abrasive, so scrubbing hard or working the same spot over and over sands off the glossy Croslite coating and leaves a dull patch that then grabs dirt faster. Use light pressure and stop the moment the mark lifts.
5. Rinse and Dry
Give the shoes a final rinse under cool water to clear the soap. Pat them with a towel, then let them air dry in a well-ventilated spot, ideally with a fan running to move things along. Keep them out of direct sun and away from any heat source, since that warmth can shrink or warp the foam.
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 neutralize 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.
- Prep: Remove any shoelaces and soak them separately in soapy water.
- Scrub: Dip a toothbrush into mild soapy water (laundry detergent works well here) and scrub the canvas fabric. Avoid scrubbing hard over printed labels.
- Treat Stains: For dark spots, spray a laundry stain remover on the area and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
- 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.
