Crocs are a household name in footwear as it offers comfort and durability combined with its unique look. And like all shoes, Crocs are not immune to the grime of everyday life. No matter if you use them for gardening, a day at the beach, or casual outings, you’ll want to keep them clean for appearance’s sake and to get the most wear out of them.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Yes, Crocs can generally be washed in the washing machine. | |
| Use a gentle cycle with cold water. | |
| Mild detergent is recommended; avoid strong detergents. | |
| Place Crocs in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them during the wash. | |
| After washing, let them air dry away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent shrinking. | |
| Avoid hot water and high temperatures to prevent damage to the material. | |
| Crocs can also be cleaned by hand using mild soap and cold water. | |
| Fuzzy Crocs are also machine washable, following similar precautions as regular Crocs. |
Understanding Crocs Material
Before looking into if Crocs are washing machine-safe, understanding the material they’re made from and how it responds to cleaning methods is necessary first.
What Are Crocs Made Of?
Crocs are constructed of Croslite, a proprietary resin material that’s neither plastic nor rubber. Croslite is light weight, soft, and moldable, which is ideal for shoes. Here are some specific qualities of Croslite:
- Durability: This material is rugged and very suitable for heavy use.
- Zipper: Note that the water-repellent type is suitable for wet or muddy environments.
- Croslite contorts to your feet as they soften and flex over time.
Antimicrobial: Reduces buildup of odor and bacteria, but regular cleaning is still needed
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Why Washing Material Matters
Those unique properties of Croslite also dictate how it should be cleaned. Unlike traditional leather or fabric shoes, the resin material reacts to heat and certain detergents. Warps, discoloration and permanent damage can occur from high temperatures, harsh chemicals or extreme handling. When thinking of washing methods, ensure you choose one that doesn’t compromise the integrity of the Croslite material.
Can You Put Crocs in the Washing Machine?
The short answer is yes: while Crocs can go in the washing machine, it helps to take precautions. Here’s a closer look at how to safely wash them and what to consider.
Yes, But With Precautions
Machine washing is possible on some styles of Crocs, and must be done with care. Some general rules are as follows:
- Use cold or lukewarm water: Hot water can distort the material.
- Choose a delicate cycle: Stay away from heavy or high-speed cycles, which can break Crocs or damage your washing machine.
- Put them inside a mesh laundry bag: This stops the shoes from banging around and is less likely to cause damage to the washing machine.
Most Popular Types of Crocs and How to Wash Them
Not all Crocs are created equal, and their washability depends on the style. Here’s a breakdown:
Classic Clogs
Plain old classic Crocs — with no added lining or embellishments — are the easiest to wash in a washing machine. They are abrasive but some can withstand the gentle cycle.
Lined or Furry Crocs
If you own very soft and occasional fluffy Crocs with fleece or faux fur linings, these require extra care. Lining can shrink or become matted under heat or aggressive washing. These styles are often better suited for hand washing.
Specialty Crocs
Other Crocs come with bling, straps, or funky designs. Others might not be machine washable, and should be cleaned by hand to prevent damage.
Very Detailed Guide to Machine Wash Crocs
And if you decide using a washing machine is the best way to clean your Crocs, here are steps for a safe and effective wash.
Preparation Before Washing
Damage Inspection: Look for cracks, holes and weak spots in the material. However, such damage can be exacerbated by washing the shoes in the machine.
Cleaning your soles: Use a brush or a cloth (depending on how dirty they are) to clean the soles and outside of your shoes.
Pre-Treat Stains: If any stains remain, using a gentle cleaning agent like baking soda or vinegar, pre-treat them before washing again. Leave it for a few minutes, then wash it.
Setting Up the Wash
But those Crocs are filthy and not in a good way, so toss them in a Mesh Laundry Bag when you put them in the washing machine to keep the machine protected.
Choose the Right Settings:
Water Temperature: Cold or lukewarm is the best.
Gentle Cycle: Choose a gentle or delicate cycle so new agitation is kept to a minimum.
Add Towels for Extra Padding: Toss some old towels in with them to help balance the load and keep the Crocs from banging around while they wash.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Only Mild Detergents: To wash your cotton curtains, opt for a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Bleach or strong cleaners can damage the Croslite material.
Do not use too much: A little helps a lot. Use too much soap, and the shoes can leave residue.
How to Take Care of Your Crocs After Washing
Now that your Crocs are clean, it’s important to dry and maintain them so that they stay in good condition.
Drying Techniques
Air Dry: After washing your Crocs, place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, and let them air dry. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, as it can discolor it.
Avoid Heat — Crocs should never be dried using a dryer or any source of heat. Heat can cause the Croslite to warp, ruining the fit.
Post-Wash Care
Worn Shape: To ensure they don’t lose their structure, after washing, bend your Crocs back into the proper shape gently while they’re still wet but almost dry.
Store them the right way: Make sure to store your Crocs in a cool, dry area so they don’t warp or get smelly.
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Crocs
So, to ensure you don’t ruin your favourite pair of Crocs, avoid these common mistakes:
Using Hot Water
Croslite material will deform and lose shape if exposed to hot water. Only ever clean your Crocs with cold/tepid water.
Skipping the Mesh Bag
Without a mesh laundry bag, Crocs can bounce around in the machine and damage the washer as well as the shoes. Use a bag for extra protection at all times.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
If you’re not certain about machine washing or have Crocs unsuited to that option, try these alternative cleaning methods.
Hand Washing Techniques
Hand washing is the most gentle way to clean Crocs, particularly for lined or specialty styles. Follow these steps:
- Cleaning with mild soap and water on a soft sponge or cloth
- Gently scrub to lift dirt and stains.
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
- Spot Cleaning Tips
Spot cleaning is great for small stains or for when you just need to do fast cleaning. Scrubbing with a damp cloth with a bit of baking soda, then wiping clean with water.
Conclusion
So, are Crocs machine washable or not? Yes, but with the right precautions. With the right washing methods and knowledge of the material, your Crocs will be good as new — just go through washing them thoroughly. Whichever method you opt for, if you keep your Crocs clean, comfy and well-maintained, they will last for years down the road.
We’d love to hear from you! Can we get your tips or tricks for cleaning Crocs? Tell us about it in the comments below, and be sure to share this guide with your fellow Crocs lovers.
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