How to Clean Dirty Crocs at Home

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Wash and refresh any kind of Crocs, including white, leather, and more
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Crocs are as convenient and easy to clean as they are to wear. Their signature foam material sheds grime and stains with no problem, so long as you know how to properly wash them. That’s why we chatted with shoe care specialist Penny Simmons to show you how to clean your Crocs, from the classic foam styles to the fuzzy winter linings, plus canvas, leather, suede, and wool Crocs.

Things You Should Know

  • Scrub your foam or canvas Crocs with water, soap, and a scrub brush. Use a Magic Eraser to remove tough stains, then let them air dry.
  • Rub your fuzzy Crocs lining with a rag soaked in warm water and mild soap. Remove odors by sprinkling baking soda inside them and leaving it for 3-4 hours.
  • Clean leather Crocs by wiping them off with a dampened cloth. Use a dry, soft brush to remove dirt and debris on suede or wool Crocs.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning Foam Crocs

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  1. Rinse away and loose debris under a cool tap, then scrub your Crocs inside and out with a sponge dampened with cool water and mild dish soap, rinsing them periodically. [1]

    Shoe care specialist Penny Simmons says to “take a toothbrush, [a] bit of water, and some soap, and give it a good scrubbing,” especially on hard-to-reach spots, and that any sort of mild soap will work. [2]

    Let your Crocs soak in a bucket filled with a few pumps of dish soap and cool water for 10-20 minutes to loosen caked-on grime.

    Or, simply run foam Crocs through the washing machine on a cold, delicate cycle. Avoid hot water, which can shrink Crocs .
  2. Scrub dirt or grass stains with a dampened Mr. Clean Magic Eraser . [3] For more stubborn stains, like paint or oil, scrub a paste made with 2 parts of baking soda and 1 part of water into the stain with a damp sponge, then rinse it away.

    Or, dampen a paper towel or rag with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stain to remove things like ink, paint, or permanent marker. [4] Avoid treating stains with bleach, which might damage or discolor your Crocs.
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  3. Give the Crocs a final rinse under cool water, then let them air dry for 1-2 hours near an open window or a fan, but out of direct sunlight. [5] Then, you’re ready to wear your clean, fresh Crocs!
    • Avoid drying Crocs in a clothes dryer, as extreme heat can damage or warp them.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Washing Fuzzy Linings

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  1. Pour 1 tsp (6 g) of baking soda into each Croc and gently shake them to distribute the powder. Let them sit for 3 hours as the baking soda absorbs odors, then tap the baking soda out over a trash can. [6]

    This also works as a quick overnight odor remover, if you’d rather skip a more thorough wash.
  2. Use a sponge or rag to scrub the outside and inside of your Crocs with the soapy water, then rinse them off. [7] After, rinse the Crocs under warm water.Or, toss the Crocs in the washing machine and run a cool, delicate cycle.To preserve the softness of the lining, opt to have your Crocs dry-cleaned, instead.
  3. Set your Crocs in a well-ventilated area that’s out of direct sunlight to air dry for 24-48 hours. [8] Then, take a comb or an old toothbrush and gently stroke the lining to restore its comfy fluff.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Canvas, Suede, Leather, or Wool Crocs

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    • Canvas: Use a damp rag or soft brush with a dab of mild dish soap to gently scrub debris from the inside and outside of your Crocs. [9]

      Use a commercial stain remover to spot clean any stains, then dab away the stain remover with a damp cloth. Allow the Crocs to air dry for 4-5 hours.

    • Leather: Wipe dirt and debris off of leather crocs with a rag dampened with warm water, then dry them with a dry, clean rag.

      Shoe care specialist Penny Simmons says to then rub a “paper thin coat” of leather cream or polish into the exterior of the Crocs and spray them with a leather spray to protect them from water and stains. [10]

      Remove salt stains or other stains on leather Crocs by dabbing them with a cloth soaked in white vinegar. [11]

    • Suede or wool: Use a dry, soft wire or plastic brush to gently brush away any dirt or debris inside or outside the Crocs, then spray them with a waterproofing spray .

      For fuzzy suede or wool Crocs, wipe the interior with a damp rag and a pea-sized dab of mild dish soap, or run them through the washing machine on a cool, delicate cycle. Then, let them air dry. [12]

      Shoe care specialist Penny Simmons says, “don't be too shy about [using] good firm strokes” with your brush to wipe away dirt and grime on suede shoes. [13]

    • Avoid using chemicals like alcohol or clothes detergents on leather, suede, and wool Crocs, as these chemicals may damage them.

    • Spot treat stains on suede or wool Crocs by dabbing the spot with a cloth soaked in warm water and mild dish soap.

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can it be straight bleach?
    Rebecca Davis
    Community Answer
    Straight bleach will probably discolor Crocs that aren't white, so I would advise against it. (If your Crocs are white, then it should be fine.)
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  • Question
    Can I use bleach to disinfect white Crocs that fell in the toilet?
    Lina DaSilva
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you can use a diluted bleach solution, but mix it with water to create a mild solution and proceed with caution.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What can I use to bring the shine back to my Crocs?
    Lina DaSilva
    Top Answerer
    Use a bit of olive oil or a special shoe polish made for rubber. Clean them first. Wash them with soap and water and let them dry completely. Then use a soft cloth to rub a small amount of olive oil over the surface. This can give a nice shine. After applying the oil, buff with another clean, dry cloth for extra shine. Alternatively, you can use a shoe polish or conditioner designed for rubber materials. Follow the instructions on the product.
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      Tips

      • Crocs will warp if they're in the heat or sunlight for too long. Don't leave Crocs in a hot car or put them in a dishwasher or washing machine on a warm or hot setting. [14]
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      • Rub your foam crocs with Crocs Shine to restore their glossy finish after you wash them. [15]
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      • Clean your Jibbitz by scrubbing them with a sponge or a toothbrush dampened with warm water, and soap.
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      Things You'll Need

      Cleaning Foam Crocs

      • Mild dish soap
      • Soft rag, sponge, or brush

      Cleaning Fuzzy Linings

      • Baking soda
      • Mild dish soap
      • Soft rag, sponge, or brush

      Cleaning Canvas, Suede, Leather, or Wool Crocs

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.crocs.co.uk/pg/care-cleaning/care_cleaning.html
      2. ↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
      3. ↑ https://ohsospotless.com/how-to-clean-crocs/#q5
      4. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/stain-removal-guide
      5. ↑ https://www.crocs.co.uk/pg/care-cleaning/care_cleaning.html
      6. ↑ https://cleanerdigs.com/how-to-clean-crocs-with-fur/#How_to_Clean_the_Fur_in_Fuzzy_Crocs_4_Steps
      7. ↑ https://www.crocs.ca/null/cs-caring-for-crocs,en_CA,pg.html
      8. ↑ https://www.crocs.ca/null/cs-caring-for-crocs,en_CA,pg.html
      9. ↑ https://www.crocs.ca/null/cs-caring-for-crocs,en_CA,pg.html
      1. ↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
      2. ↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.crocs.ca/null/cs-caring-for-crocs,en_CA,pg.html
      4. ↑ Penny Simmons. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.crocs.ca/null/cs-caring-for-crocs,en_CA,pg.html
      6. ↑ https://www.crocs.co.uk/pg/care-cleaning/care_cleaning.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean standard rubber Crocs, all you need is water and mild soap. Rinse your Crocs under running water to remove any loose dirt. For a deeper clean, fill a basin or bucket with warm water and add a couple of squirts of mild hand or dish soap. Soak the Crocs in the soapy water and gently scrub them with a brush or rag. To get into the vent holes in your shoes or any other hard-to-reach areas, use an old toothbrush. If there are any particularly stubborn spots or stains, try gently scrubbing them with a Magic Eraser. When you’re done, rinse the Crocs with cool water and dry them off with a towel. Let them finish air drying completely before you wear them again. For more tips, including how to clean canvas crocs, read on!

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