Crocs are designed with odour-resistant properties, but they can still pick up a smell over time, especially if you wear them barefoot in hot weather. The good news is that a bad smell is usually easy to fix with a proper clean and a few simple habits.
In this guide
Why Do Crocs Start to Smell?
Most odour comes from sweat, bacteria and dirt building up on the footbed. Warm weather, long days and wearing Crocs without socks can all make this more likely. Lined Crocs can also trap moisture in their fabric.
Croslite™ is described by Crocs as odour-resistant, but no shoe stays fresh forever without cleaning. Our guide to what Croslite is explains the material.
Step 1: Give Them a Proper Wash
Remove any Jibbitz charms, then wash your Crocs with cold or lukewarm water and mild soap. Scrub the footbed carefully with a soft brush, especially the textured areas where dirt and sweat collect. Rinse thoroughly. Our guide on how to clean Crocs explains the full process.
Step 2: Dry Them Completely
Let your Crocs air-dry fully in a shaded, airy place before wearing them again. Damp shoes are more likely to smell. Do not use heat to speed up drying, because Croslite can shrink in high temperatures.
Step 3: Try a Gentle Home Method
If a smell remains after washing, many people sprinkle a little baking soda on the dry footbed, leave it for a few hours and then rinse it away. Others wipe the footbed with a mixture of water and a small amount of white vinegar, then rinse. Test any method on a small area first, and avoid harsh chemicals.
Cleaning Lined Crocs
For lined Crocs, spot-clean the lining with cold water and mild soap, then let it dry completely. Avoid soaking the lining, because it can take a long time to dry.
Habits That Keep Crocs Fresh
Imagine wearing your Crocs barefoot all summer. If you rinse the footbed once a week and let them dry in the shade overnight, they are far less likely to develop a strong smell.
Other helpful habits include:
– Rotating between two pairs if you wear Crocs every day.
– Washing your feet before wearing Crocs barefoot.
– Wearing socks on very hot or long days.
Our guide on whether you can wear Crocs without socks explains when socks help.
When It May Be Time for a New Pair
If your Crocs still smell after careful cleaning, or if the footbed is worn and damaged, it may be time to replace them. Our guide on how long Crocs last explains the signs.
Final Thoughts
Bad smells in Crocs usually come from sweat and dirt on the footbed. Wash them with mild soap, dry them fully, try a gentle home method if needed and build simple habits to keep them fresh.
What is your favourite trick for keeping shoes smelling fresh?
