How to Clean Dirty Crocs at Home

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Wash and refresh any kind of Crocs, including white, leather, and more

Co-authored by Penny Simmons and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: June 4, 2024 Fact Checked

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Foam Crocs

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Fuzzy Linings

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Canvas, Suede, Leather & Wool

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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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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]
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Research source}

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]
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Expert Source

Penny Simmons
Shoe Care Specialist

Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}

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.
Scrub dirt or grass stains with a dampened Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.^{[3]
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Research source} 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]
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Research source}Avoid treating stains with bleach, which might damage or discolor your Crocs.

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Rinse the shoes under cool water and let them air dry completely. 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]
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Research source} 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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Washing Fuzzy Linings

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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]
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This also works as a quick overnight odor remover, if you’d rather skip a more thorough wash.
Use a sponge or rag to scrub the outside and inside of your Crocs with the soapy water, then rinse them off.^{[7]
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Research source} 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.
Set your Crocs in a well-ventilated area that’s out of direct sunlight to air dry for 24-48 hours.^{[8]
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Research source} Then, take a comb or an old toothbrush and gently stroke the lining to restore its comfy fluff.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Canvas, Suede, Leather, or Wool Crocs

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1
- 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]
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  Research source}
  
  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]
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  Expert Source
  
  Penny Simmons
  Shoe Care Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
  
  Remove salt stains or other stains on leather Crocs by dabbing them with a cloth soaked in white vinegar.^{[11]
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  Expert Source
  
  Penny Simmons
  Shoe Care Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
- 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]
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  Research source}
  
  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]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Penny Simmons
  Shoe Care Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.}
- 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

How do we remove dried yellow food stains from Crocs?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

To remove yellow food stains from Crocs, follow these easy steps: Rinse the Crocs with warm water to loosen the stains. Make a paste using baking soda and water. Gently scrub the paste onto the stains with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse off the paste and check the stains. If they're still there, repeat the process or try a mild detergent. Once the stains are gone, wash the Crocs with soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry.

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Can I use bleach if the Crocs are red?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Using bleach on red Crocs is a bit risky, as bleach can cause color fading or uneven discoloration.

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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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