Christine asked: What is a good way to get dirt and grime off a pair of Crocs? I’ve seen containers of “Crocs cleaners” in stores where Crocs are sold. Do you know what this cleaner is and if there is anything else I could use instead?
The
latest fad in footwear, Crocs have become extremely popular with all ages and backgrounds. These sandal-like shoes are made from a non-porous resin that makes them very durable and keeps them from absorbing things such as stains, odors, etc. They are extremely easy to care for with things that you have right in your own home.
Cleaning Rubber Crocs
You Will Need:
- Dish detergent
- Water
- Soft cloths
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Bleach
- Scrub brush
Steps to Clean the Crocs:
- Begin by rinsing the shoes thoroughly with plain water. Much of the dirt will be removed this way.
- For any remaining dirt, mix some dish detergent with water in a bucket or sink.
- Use the soft cloth to wipe off any dirt and grime that may seem stuck to the surface.
- If a stubborn stain is giving you problems, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to wipe it away.
- If they are really soiled, add a small amount of bleach to the water.
- As the Crocs are soaking, use a scrub brush to scrub the dirt away.
- Rinse the shoes thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.
- That’s it! They’re ready for another round of outdoor exploration, beach time, work, etc.
Cleaning Winter Crocs
Winter Crocs have a sheepskin-like lining inside to keep them warm. The outsides can be spot cleaned with a cloth and some soapy water or with the methods above for Cleaning Rubber Crocs. To clean the inner sheepskin part, use the steps below.
You Will Need:
- An absorbent powder
- A vacuum
- A brush
Steps to Clean the Lining:
- For minor dirt or odor removal, you can try the powder method. Select a powder that is a similar color to your lining if possible, such as dry oatmeal (white), cornmeal (beige), or wheat germ (brown). If you have a dyed lining like blue, you can use salt. The powder will absorb the dirt, oils, and odor.
- Sprinkle the powder inside the shoe and move it around to ensure it covers all portion of the lining. If using salt, you may need to use extra as it will not easily stick to the lining.
- Leave the powder for several hours, then shake it out.
- If needed, use a vacuum hose to remove the excess.
- This process can be repeated as many times as needed. When the lining is clean, brush it to fluff it up.
- If the linings are very dirty and not coming clean with the steps above, you may need to wash them. Follow the steps in the guide How to Clean Shearling or Sheepskin.
Cleaning Canvas Crocs
- The tips in this guide are for traditional rubber Crocs only. If you have canvas Crocs, use the guide How to Clean Canvas Shoes.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- For quick cleanings, place the Crocs in the dishwasher. Running them through a normal cycle has been found effective in removing even tough stains like grass stains.
- For on-the-go cleanings, keep a package of Armor-all wipes handy. These wipes can be used to quickly spruce up your Crocs when you’re out and about.
- If you have tough dirt and grime build-up and want to avoid bleach, try Formula 409 spray cleaner. Just spray it on and scrub the area until it is clean. Rinse thoroughly after all of the dirt is removed.
- Though there are special cleaners available, they are not necessary. Even the Croc website suggests just using soap and water or just water to clean Crocs. However, if your Crocs are looking a little dull, you may want to consider CrocsButter. It’s an oil-like polish that will restore the surface of your Crocs and keep them looking shiny and new.
Magic Eraser worked great on my daughter’s light pink crocs. Quite surprised how nice they looked, almost new!
Putting them in a hot dishwasher or washing machine could shrink them!
I followed these steps on some used mock Crocs that I bought for my son and they look brand new!
Don’t put you Crocs in the blazing sun to dry – they shrink! Crocs kindly replaced my shoes, which I had dried in the African summer sun. They really shriveled!
My crocs are not dirty, but they have soaked up sweat. What is the best way to clean them of sweat and the smell of sweat?
DO NOT put CROCS in the DISHWASHER!!! The temperature is too high and it will ruin them. I put mine in the washer with a cold water wash. Add a few items of clothing (too many may cause the Crocs to get stuck and rub) with them.
I spilled tomato sauce on my white Crocs at work; how do I get it off? I have tried everything you suggested except the dishwasher. Any ideas?
Diane,
Perhaps this article can help: How to Remove Tomato Stains. An enzyme-digester (like for pet accident stains) could also work.
I just put my crocs into the dishwasher and they came out looking like new. The hot water did not shrink them. I did not leave them in the dishwasher for a full two wash. I took them out after they washed for a few minutes, then towel dried them and gently rubbed the soiled spots with a clean towel. They look like new.
Mine shrunk in the dishwasher’s top rack. I was so upset. They’re not cheap and I couldn’t even get into them after that. I learned my lesson.
I’m thinking of putting my Crocs in the dishwasher and I never use heated dry because it shrinks things. I was wondering if those who had their Crocs shrink in the dishwasher had used the heated dry setting or if it was due to the water temp.
It’s amazing… I’m following these steps, but when I put them in the sun for drying, they shrunk!
I use black liquid shoe polish on my black Crocs to bring them back to black again. Works well!
You should really read the Crocs FAQ on their website. They SPECIFICALLY say to not expose Crocs to heat from the sun, the washing machine, the dishwasher (etc.) – it can shrink and/or warp them. It’s irresponsible to post this article without even doing any research; it could cost someone their expensive pair of shoes!
I regularly put my Crocs right into the washing machine and was on 60 Celsius. 🙂 No shrinking. 🙂 They look brand new every time! I put them into a washing bag to protect them a bit, though. 🙂
I need to know how to wash my Crocks because some sticky juice fell in between the holes on the top of mine. =-O
Tammy,
A cotton swab might work to get into each of the holes. If that doesn’t work, try putting them in the dishwasher. Good luck!