Want to know how to clean Hey Dude shoes correctly? You’re not alone, as most people have no idea whether to use baking soda for cleaning or put the sneakers in a washing machine.
Don’t worry. We’re here to help.
Yes, you can machine wash Hey Dudes (cold wash, no dryer), and you can remove smells using baking soda. For tough stains, use a toothbrush with a mild cleaner and air dry your sneakers after you’re done.
Easy right?
Keep reading, as we’re explaining the Hey Dudes cleaning process, along with insoles. Plus, find out how to wash muddy ones and whether they are waterproof or not.
Key Points
-
You can wash Hey Dudes in the machine—just use cold water and air dry only.
-
For canvas shoes, always use a laundry bag and skip the spin cycle.
-
Hand wash tennis-style Hey Dudes with mild soap and a soft brush.
-
White Hey Dudes can be cleaned with Dawn Powerwash or a baking soda paste.
-
Let muddy shoes dry first, then brush and spot clean.
-
Use baking soda overnight to get rid of smells fast.
How To Clean Hey Dude? The Best Method
People often ask, Can you put Hey Dudes in the washing machine? Yes, you can safely machine wash Hey Dude shoes made of canvas. But only if you do it the right way, like:
-
Cold wash
-
Gentle cycle
-
No heat drying.
If you don’t do these things, you’ll risk shrinking your Hey Dudes.
Here’s how to clean Hey Dudes:
-
Remove insoles and laces: Take them out first so they don't get damaged or tangled.
-
Place in the laundry bag: Put your shoes in a mesh bag to protect their shape.
-
Use a cold water cycle: Always choose a cold, gentle wash to avoid shrinking or weakening the fabric.
-
Add mild detergent: A small amount of gentle detergent is enough to clean them.
-
Skip the spin and fabric softener: Spin cycles can damage stitching. Softener leaves residue.
-
Air dry only: Never use a dryer. Let them dry outside in shade or indoors near airflow.
How to Clean Hey Dudes Tennis Shoes Without Ruining Them
Tennis-style Hey Dudes get dirty fast, but you don’t need a machine to clean them. In fact, hand cleaning is much better for keeping them looking fresh and keeping the shape. This is how we clean ours:
-
Knock off loose dirt: Gently tap the soles together outside or over a bin.
-
Mix lukewarm water and mild soap: A drop of dish soap in a small bowl of water does the trick.
-
Use a soft brush: A toothbrush or soft shoe brush helps scrub without hurting the fabric.
-
Spot-clean gently: Dip the brush, scrub lightly on dirty spots, and avoid soaking the whole shoe.
-
Rinse with damp cloth: Wipe off any soap with a clean, damp cloth — not under running water.
How to Clean White Hey Dudes With Dawn Powerwash
White Hey Dudes look amazing only until they get stained. We’ve used Dawn Powerwash, and honestly, it works.
Here's how to clean white Hey Dudes with the Dawn powerwash:
-
Remove insoles and laces: Take them out so you can clean every part properly.
-
Spray Dawn Powerwash directly: Apply a small amount to stained areas—don’t soak the shoe.
-
Use a soft cloth to scrub: Gently rub the stained areas in circles until the dirt lifts.
-
Wipe clean with wet cloth: Use a separate damp cloth to remove any soap or dirt left behind.
-
Air dry completely: Let them dry fully before wearing again so they don’t smell or warp.
How to Clean Muddy Hey Dudes
Mud can ruin the look of Hey Dudes if you try to clean them too fast. The trick? Let the mud dry first.
Do these steps to clean Muddy Hey Dudes:
-
Let the mud dry completely: Don’t touch them until the mud is hard and dry.
-
Brush off dried mud: Use a shoe brush or even your hand to knock off the dry chunks.
-
Rinse with warm water: Gently rinse off the leftover dust and dirt.
-
Use mild soap and cloth: Scrub gently with a damp cloth and soapy water to clean what’s left.
-
Air dry the shoes: Set them in a well-ventilated area to dry on their own.
How to Stop Hey Dudes from Smelling?
Hey Dudes can start to smell after a few wears, especially if we wear them without socks. Baking soda is a super easy and safe way to fix that. It works by absorbing the sweat and odor while we sleep.
-
Remove the insoles: Take them out if they smell too—clean them separately if needed.
-
Sprinkle baking soda inside: Use about a tablespoon in each shoe and spread it evenly.
-
Leave overnight: Let the baking soda sit for at least 8 hours so it can absorb odors.
-
Shake it out the next morning: Dump the powder into the trash and wipe out any leftover dust.
-
Repeat weekly if needed: If you wear them often, this can be a weekly habit to keep them fresh.
How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes by Hand? Use the Vinegar Method
If you want a natural way to clean your Hey Dudes without tossing them in the machine, vinegar works great. It’s safe, it kills odor, and it’s good for deep stains.
-
Mix vinegar and water: Use 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts warm water.
-
Soak a cloth in the mix: Wring it out so it’s damp, not dripping wet.
-
Gently scrub the shoes: Rub the stained areas and seams using small circular motions.
-
Use clean water to rinse: Wipe down with another cloth soaked in plain water.
-
Air dry fully: Let them sit in a breezy spot until totally dry before you wear them again.
How to Wash Hey Dude Insoles
Insoles soak up sweat and can get really smelly. We always wash ours separately to make sure the odor doesn’t stay trapped inside.
-
Take out the insoles: Gently pull them out of your shoes.
-
Soak in warm soapy water: Fill a bowl with warm water and a drop of mild soap.
-
Let them sit for 10 minutes: This helps loosen dirt and odor.
-
Scrub gently with a brush: Use an old toothbrush or sponge to clean both sides.
-
Rinse with clean water: Make sure there’s no soap left.
-
Air dry fully: Lay them flat on a towel in a breezy spot.
Can You Put Hey Dudes in the Dryer?
No, you should never put Hey Dudes in the dryer. Heat can cause the fabric to shrink, and it can mess up the shape of the soles. What we do instead is always air dry them to get rid of moisture.
After washing, stuff them with paper towels to help hold the shape, and then place them in a well-ventilated area. Don’t leave them in the sun for too long either, since that can fade the color.
If you’re in a hurry, put a fan near them. It speeds things up without using heat.
How to Clean White Hey Dudes
White Hey Dudes look great, but pick up dirt fast. We’ve found that a paste made with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide works wonders.
-
Make a paste: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with ½ tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a little water.
-
Remove laces and insoles: Set them aside to clean separately.
-
Apply paste with toothbrush: Gently scrub it into dirty spots using circular motions.
-
Let it sit for 10 minutes: This helps the mix work on deeper stains.
-
Rinse off with a damp cloth: Wipe away all the paste without soaking the shoes.
Hey Dudes Care Instructions
Taking care of your Hey Dudes the right way helps them last longer. Here are the proven instructions:
|
Care Step |
What To Do |
|
Washing |
Machine wash canvas only, cold water, gentle cycle, air dry only |
|
Drying |
Never use a dryer—air dry only, preferably in shade |
|
Insoles |
Wash insoles separately in warm soapy water, rinse, and air dry |
|
Odor Control |
Sprinkle baking soda inside overnight, shake out the next morning |
|
Stain Removal |
Use Dawn Powerwash, vinegar solution, or baking soda paste depending on stain |
|
Brushing Dirt |
Use soft brush or dry cloth to remove surface dirt regularly |
|
Storage |
Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight or heat |
How Often Should You Clean Hey Dudes?
How often to clean Hey Dudes really depends on how often you wear them. If you're wearing them daily, especially without socks, cleaning them once a week is ideal. This helps prevent odor and stains from setting in.
For light casual wear, like short walks or errands, cleaning them every 2–3 weeks should be fine. Spot cleaning during the week helps too. For example, if you spill coffee or step in mud, just wiping that area with a wet cloth is recommended.
Also, always clean the insoles separately if they’re starting to smell. We found that when we skip that step, the shoes never feel totally fresh.
Are Hey Dudes Waterproof?
No, most Hey Dudes are not waterproof. The standard versions, especially canvas or knit, can soak up water easily. If you wear them in rain or snow, they’ll absorb moisture and might even get damaged if not dried properly.
If you need waterproofing, some people use a spray (like Scotchgard), and we’ve tried that too. It helps a bit but doesn’t make them fully waterproof. Just more resistant.
The best move is to avoid wearing them in wet conditions. And if they do get wet, take the insoles out, stuff the shoes with paper towels, and air dry them right away.
Are Hey Dudes Comfortable?
Yes, Hey Dudes are super comfortable, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. We wear ours almost every day for quick walks, grocery runs, or even travel days. They’re super lightweight, and the memory foam insoles make them easy on your feet.
What makes Hey Dudes comfy is how soft and stretchy they feel. You can slip them on without even bending down. There’s no break-in period. From day one, they feel like worn-in favorites.
We’ve worn them for long flights, road trips, and even a full day at a theme park. No sore feet, no blisters. That says a lot. Just make sure you get the right size. If they’re too tight or loose, the comfort drops big time.
What is the Hey Dude Shoe Controversy?
The biggest controversy around Hey Dude shoes came after Crocs bought the company. A lot of fans started noticing changes, like different fit, quality, and return policies. Some people feel the newer models aren’t as well-made as the originals.
We’ve had pairs from both before and after the buyout, and yeah, there are small differences. The older ones felt a bit more solid. The newer ones sometimes feel lighter, but not always in a good way. Also, some users online have complained about poor stitching, sole separation, or sizing issues.
Final Words
Cleaning Hey Dudes doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Here's a quick recap:
-
Machine wash only with cold water and no heat drying.
-
Use baking soda or vinegar to remove odors and stains naturally.
-
White Hey Dudes need gentle scrubbing with the right cleaner.
-
Wash insoles separately, as they’re odor magnets.
That’s all.
