Ever wondered, “Can you put Crocs in the washing machine?” Well, almost every person who wears these shoes has asked this question at least once.
We get it - Crocs can get pretty dirty. But can you wash them in the washing machine?
It’s a tricky question because cleaning your shoes wrong can damage them.
But worry not. We’ve got you.
Yes, you can safely wash Crocs in a washing machine. Just make sure you go for a Gentle cycle and use cold water only. You should also use a laundry bag (just to be safe).
But wait. You can’t wash any Crocs in the washing machine. Keep reading to know which ones are not suitable for machine washing.
Key Points
- You can wash Crocs in the washing machine if you follow a few key steps.
- Always use a gentle cycle to protect the Croslite™ material.
- Cold water is a must to prevent your Crocs from warping or shrinking.
- Choose a mild detergent to avoid damaging the material.
- Put your Crocs in a laundry bag to prevent them from bouncing around.
- For small stains, try spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Let your Crocs air dry naturally after washing—never use a dryer.
Can you put Crocs in the washing machine?
Yes, you can definitely put Crocs in the washing machine, but there are a few things you need to know to do it right. According to DMR, Crocs are made from a unique material called Croslite™, which is soft and comfortable. However, it also needs a little extra care.
So, if you’ve decided to wash Crocs in a washing machine, we suggest you keep these things in mind:
Use a Gentle Cycle
We always suggest setting the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. Why? Well, the material Crocs is made from (Croslite™) is a soft, closed-cell resin. If you wash them too vigorously, it can cause damage. You may notice tearing in most cases.
Cold Water Only
Another important tip: only use cold water when washing your Crocs. In our experience, Hot water can be a real problem here. How? Well, it might cause the Croslite™ material to warp or shrink.
We’ve tested this, and trust us, cold water is the way to go.
So, before you start that wash cycle, you should double-check that the temperature setting is “cold.”
Mild Detergent
Keep in mind that choosing the right detergent is another key step. You’ll want to use a mild detergent. Why? Well, it’s gentle on the material.
In our experience, Harsh chemicals can lead to:
- Discoloration
- Material breakdown.
Place in a Laundry Bag
To protect both your Crocs and the washing machine, we recommend placing your Crocs in a mesh laundry bag. If you don’t have it, you can use a pillowcase.
Now, why is a laundry bag or pillowcase important?
It helps prevent your Crocs from bouncing around too much during the wash. But that’s not it. We’ve found that this also protects your washing machine from any potential damage.
Plus, it keeps your Crocs together.
Croc Accessories
If you’ve added any Jibbitz™ or other accessories to your Crocs, it’s best to remove them before washing. We’ve seen firsthand how these little decorations can come loose in the wash. In fact, these things can potentially damage both the washing machine and the Crocs themselves.
That’s it. Keep these details in mind and you will be able to machine wash your Crocs without any trouble.
Don’t hesitate. Remember - Regularly cleaning your shoes can prevent the buildup of bacteria that cause bad odors. Health Network has stated that washing shoes can also help eliminate foot fungus.
But you should also understand that there are some times when you can’t clean your shoes in the machine. Let’s now discuss them.
When You Should Not Wash Crocs in a Washing Machine?
In our experience, using the washing machine can cause more harm than good. Here are the times when it happens:
Fur-Lined Crocs
According to DMR, Crocs offers over 300 different styles of shoes. If you have fur-lined ones, it's best to avoid the washing machine. We’ve found that the fur can become matted or damaged if you throw them in the wash.
Instead, we suggest hand washing the lining with mild soap.
Old or Worn Crocs
When the Crocs get older, machine washing them might cause them to deteriorate even more. We believe that hand washing is a much safer choice in this situation. The washing machine can be a bit too rough on fragile Crocs.
Custom or Painted Crocs
Custom or painted Crocs are unique. People spend hundreds of dollars purchasing them. That’s why we recommend avoiding the washing machine for these special pairs.
The reason?
The paint or decorations can easily come off during a wash cycle. So, there’s a chance you will ruin the looks of your shoes.
Knowing how to care for your Crocs is important, but have you ever thought about why they cost so much? Learn more in Why Crocs is Very Costly?
Step by Step: How to Wash Crocs in a Washing Machine?
To wash Crocs in a washing machine, first, remove any accessories. Then, place them in a laundry bag. Then, you can machine wash.
After the wash, let the Crocs air dry naturally.
Sounds simple, right? Here’s the step-by-step guide, which we suggest you read carefully.
Step 1: Remove Any Accessories and Gather Materials
Before you toss your Crocs into the washing machine, make sure to remove any accessories like Jibbitz™ or charms. These little decorations can easily come off during the wash. When it happens, they can cause a lot of damage to the washing machine.
We’ve seen it happen, and trust us, it’s not fun!
So, remove them. Once you do it, put them aside in a safe place.
After this, gather all the materials you will need to machine wash your Crocs. Here’s the table about it:
|
Item |
Purpose |
|
Soft Brush/Toothbrush |
To remove loose dirt and debris before washing. |
|
Mesh Laundry Bag |
To protect the Crocs during the wash cycle. |
|
Old Towels |
To balance the washing machine load. |
|
Mild Liquid Detergent |
To clean the Crocs without damaging the material. |
|
Cool/Lukewarm Water |
To safely wash the Crocs without warping them. |
Step 2: Place Crocs in a Laundry Bag
The next step is to place your Crocs in a laundry bag. As discussed above, if you don’t have a bag, you can use a pillowcase. This simple step is super important because the bag does not allow Crocs to bounce in the machine.
So, don’t skip this step. It only takes a few seconds, and it can make a big difference.
Step 3: Set the Washing Machine to a Gentle Cycle with Cold Water
When you’re ready to start the wash, make sure two things:
- Your washing machine is set to a gentle or delicate cycle
- Use cold water only.
Why cold water? Because hot water can cause your Crocs to warp or shrink, and we definitely don’t want that!
And what about the gentle cycle? That’s to make sure the wash isn’t too rough on your Crocs.
Step 4: Add a Mild Detergent
In this step, you will add a detergent. We recommend using a mild one, something that’s gentle and won’t damage the material. It’s because harsh chemicals can cause the Croslite™ to break down or discolor over time.
Orbit Research has published a great report on it. According to it, there’s a growing trend towards using eco-friendly cleaning products for shoes, such as natural soaps and biodegradable detergents. Companies are now aiming to help the environment.
Just make sure the detergent or cleaning agent you get is “mild.”
Note: Just add the detergent as you normally would, and you’re good to go!
Step 5: Start the Wash
Before you start the washing machine, it's important to do a couple of things to make sure your Crocs get as clean as possible. First, grab a soft brush or an old toothbrush and gently brush off any visible dirt or debris from the Crocs.
Next, take a few old towels and add them to the washing machine (along with your Crocs).
Once you’ve done these preparations, it’s time to start the wash. We suggest letting it run through its full cycle.
Step 6: Air Dry Your Crocs Naturally
After the wash cycle is complete, take your Crocs out of the laundry bag and let them air dry naturally. In this step, don’t make the mistake that most people do. People usually use the dryer to get rid of moisture. However, doing this can damage your Crocs.
Similarly, don’t put the shoes near a heat source, as this can cause the material to warp or shrink.
We recommend placing Crocs in these places:
- Shady Outdoor Spot.
- Ventilated Porch.
- Indoor Laundry Room.
- Near an Open Window.
- Garage with Ventilation.
Keep in mind that letting Crocs dry naturally is the best way to keep their shape. Just find a nice, cool spot and that’s it.
After figuring out how to clean your Crocs, you might want to see if there are more affordable options out there. Discover Shoes Similar to Crocs but Cheaper.
When Is It Recommended to Wash Crocs in a Washing Machine?
Washing Crocs in a washing machine is recommended on some occasions only. Let’s find out about them:
Heavily Soiled Crocs
When your Crocs are covered in dirt, mud, or other tough stains, it’s a good idea to wash them in the machine. In our experience, hand washing is not a great idea when the shoes are really dirty.
So, when your Crocs need a thorough cleaning, don’t hesitate to use the washing machine.
Standard Croslite™ Material Crocs
If your Crocs are made of the standard Croslite™ material, then you can go for the washing machine method.
We’ve noticed that Croslite™ holds up well in the washing machine as long as you follow the right steps, like using a gentle cycle and cold water. The material is durable, so it can handle the wash without losing its shape or comfort.
Remember that there should not be any fur or special designs on the shoes.
After Long Periods of Outdoor Use
If you’ve been wearing your Crocs outdoors for long periods, they can pick up all sorts of dirt and bacteria. In our opinion, a machine wash is the best way to thoroughly clean them. Hand washing might miss some of the deeper dirt.
Take it seriously. According to GoodFellowCleaners, cleaning your shoes regularly helps extend their lifespan. How? by removing dirt and debris that can cause wear and tear.
Best Alternatives of Machine Washing
If you’re hesitant to machine wash your Crocs, then don’t worry. We’ve got the top two alternatives for you.
Spot Cleaning
If your Crocs only have a few small stains or dirt spots, there’s no need to toss them in the washing machine. Instead, spot cleaning is a quick and effective alternative.
We’ve found that using a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap works wonders. Just do this:
- Dip the cloth in some soapy water
- Gently scrub the dirty areas
- Rinse with cold water. It’s that simple!
This method is perfect for keeping your Crocs looking fresh.
Magic Eraser
For tougher stains or scuff marks, we suggest the Magic Eraser method. We’ve tried it, and it works really well on Crocs. Here’s what to do:
- Just dampen the magic eraser
- Gently rub it over the stain or scuff. You’ll see the marks disappear almost like magic!
If you’re hesitant, you can always get shoe cleaning services. According to Orbis Research, the shoe cleaning service market is growing. Companies have hired footwear experts that can wash your shoes (including Crocs) without causing any damage.
That’s all.
Conclusion
All in all, you can put your Crocs in a washing machine but you have to be careful. It’s crucial you remember this before cleaning:
- Use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent damage.
- Remove any accessories before washing (to avoid losing them).
- Place your Crocs in a laundry bag for extra protection.
- Avoid the dryer and let the air dry naturally.
Now you know how to clean your Crocs properly!
