Online, you may have seen people cleaning Crocs in the dishwasher. It looks like a clever hack: put the shoes on the top rack, run a cycle and take out a sparkling pair. But is it a good idea? The risks are bigger than many people realise.
In this guide
The Short Answer
Putting Crocs in a dishwasher is not a recommended way to clean them. Dishwashers use hot water and often a hot drying cycle. Croslite™, the material used in most Crocs, is sensitive to heat and can shrink or deform at high temperatures.
Crocs advises keeping its footwear away from excessive heat. Our guide on why Crocs shrink in heat explains why.
Why the Dishwasher Hack Is Risky
Hot water: Many dishwasher cycles use water that is much hotter than hand washing.
Heated drying: The drying stage can be especially hot, which increases the risk of shrinking or warping.
Hygiene concerns: Many people prefer not to wash dirty shoes in the same appliance used for plates and cutlery.
Loose charms: Jibbitz can come loose and end up in the machine’s filter.
What Can Happen to Your Crocs
Heat-damaged Crocs may come out smaller, warped or misshapen. They may no longer fit comfortably. Once Croslite has shrunk from heat, there is no guaranteed way to reverse it.
Imagine trying the dishwasher hack on a favourite pair before a holiday. The cycle finishes, and your Crocs are a size smaller. Instead of saving time, you now need a new pair.
A Safer Way to Clean Crocs
Hand washing is quick and safe:
- Remove the Jibbitz charms.
- Rinse off loose dirt.
- Wash with mild soap and cold or lukewarm water.
- Scrub the footbed with a soft brush.
- Rinse and air-dry in the shade.
Our guide on how to clean Crocs explains each step, and our guide on how to remove stains from Crocs helps with tougher marks.
What About Washing Machines?
Washing machines have similar risks, especially when combined with a tumble dryer. Our guide on whether you can wash Crocs in a washing machine explains why hand washing is the better choice.
Final Thoughts
The dishwasher hack may look tempting, but hot water and heated drying can shrink or warp your Crocs. A few minutes of hand washing with mild soap and cold water is the safer way to keep them clean.
Have you seen the Crocs dishwasher hack online?
