When your Crocs get really dirty, it can be tempting to throw them in the washing machine with a load of laundry. It seems quick and easy. But is it safe? Hand washing is the safer choice for most Crocs, and here is why.
In this guide
The Short Answer
Hand washing is the recommended way to clean most Crocs. Crocs advises keeping its footwear away from excessive heat, and washing machines can expose shoes to hot water, tumbling and spin cycles.
Croslite™, the material used in most Crocs, is sensitive to heat. High temperatures can cause it to shrink or deform. Our guide on why Crocs shrink in heat explains what happens.
Why Washing Machines Can Be Risky
Hot water: Many wash cycles use warm or hot water, which can affect Croslite.
Tumbling: The movement of the drum can knock your Crocs around and may damage straps, charms or linings.
Dryers: If washed Crocs go into a tumble dryer, the heat can cause serious shrinking or warping.
Charms: Jibbitz left in the shoes can come loose and get lost or damage the machine.
The Better Way: Hand Washing
Hand washing takes only a few minutes:
- Remove any Jibbitz charms.
- Rinse off loose dirt.
- Wash with cold or lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Scrub the footbed with a soft brush.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air-dry in the shade.
Our step-by-step guide on how to clean Crocs explains the process in detail.
What About Lined Crocs?
Lined Crocs are even less suited to machine washing. The lining can take a long time to dry and may lose its softness. Spot-clean the lining gently with cold water and mild soap instead.
A Simple Comparison
Imagine two people cleaning muddy Crocs. One puts them in a hot wash and then the dryer, and the pair comes out smaller and slightly warped. The other spends five minutes washing them by hand at the sink and leaves them to dry overnight. The second pair stays the same size and shape.
If You Already Machine-Washed Your Crocs
If your Crocs went through a cool wash without a dryer, they may be fine. Let them air-dry and check the fit. If they went through a hot wash or a dryer, they may have shrunk. There is no guaranteed way to reverse this, so prevention is best.
Final Thoughts
Hand washing is the safest way to clean Crocs. Washing machines and especially dryers can expose Croslite to heat and tumbling that may damage your pair. A quick hand wash with mild soap and cold water does the job.
Have you ever been tempted to throw your Crocs in the washing machine?
