Yes, You Need to Wash Your Crocs — Here’s How

If you want to see a throwback to the early 2000s, look down at people’s feet: Crocs are back in a big way. These squishy, water-resistant shoes are everywhere right now, “thanks in part to Gen Z’s embrace of comfort-first style and millennials’ nostalgia for the brand,” says Maria Mooney, nontoxic cleaning expert and brand director at Truly Free Home.

“But as more people live in Crocs daily, keeping them clean and doing it safely, to uphold the integrity of the shoe’s material has become a priority,” Mooney says. You might think tossing them in the washing machine is the easiest way to clean them, but you’ll want to think twice. Here’s how to clean your Crocs without damaging them.

You can put Crocs in the washing machine, but it’s not the best option. Agitation and heat can warp their shape, and if you’ve put Jibbitz charms on the shoes, a spin cycle can stretch the holes so the charms don’t fit as tightly. If you absolutely need to use the machine, pick a delicate cycle with cold or warm water — never hot. “I’d recommend even adding a few towels in the cycle to provide a buffer and cushion for the shoes,” Mooney says.

No. Keep your Crocs far away from the dryer. High heat can shrink or deform the foam. “The best method is to air-dry them in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight to avoid any sort of warping or cracking,” Mooney says. “If you need to speed things up, use a cool hair dryer setting briefly, but avoid hot temperatures that can soften or destroy the foam.”

Mooney recommends skipping the washing machine entirely and opting for a gentle hand-wash instead. Here’s her step-by-step method.

• Warm water
• Oxygen-based powder cleanser (like OxiClean or Truly Free Home’s OxyBoost Brightener)
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Odor and stain remover (optional)

1. Remove any charms from your Crocs.
2. Soak the shoes in a sink or basin filled with warm water and your oxygen-based cleanser. Follow the label instructions for how much to use.
3. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to tackle dirt in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Treat stains or odors with a targeted odor- and stain-remover spray, then give the area another light scrub.
5. Air-dry completely before wearing again.

If your charms need a refresh, you can follow the same process to get them looking new.