How to Clean Crocs Effectively without Leaving Scratches

When it comes to footwear, I can’t deny that Crocs are one of my go-to choices. Whether I’m running errands or spending the day in the garden, they provide comfort and ease like no other. However, as with any footwear, they can easily accumulate dirt, grime, and unpleasant odors if not properly cleaned. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my personal tips on how to clean Crocs and keep them looking and smelling fresh.

As an experienced Crocs wearer, I’ve experimented with various cleaning methods and products over the years, and I’ve come up with a few tried-and-true techniques that work wonders. In this article, I’ll be sharing my favorite methods on how to clean Crocs, so you can keep your favorite pair looking as good as new.

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains or just looking to freshen up your Crocs, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the world of Croc cleaning and discover how to make your footwear sparkle again!

What exactly are Crocs?

As someone who has been a fan of Crocs for years, I can tell you that they are more than just a pair of shoes – they’re a lifestyle.

Crocs is an American footwear brand based in Colorado that produces foam Dutch-styled clogs. It first came out in 2002. The main characteristic of this footwear is the holes on the top and side that functions as ventilation and easy drainage. The shape of Crocs also has a resemblance with the reptile Crocodile. 

This design makes them perfect for outdoor activities like light hiking, gardening, and even water sports. And if you do get them dirty, there is no need to worry – Crocs are easy to clean and maintain.

Crocs are made from a unique foam resin material called Croslite, which provides a comfortable and lightweight feel that you won’t find in any other shoe. When you slip your feet into a pair of Crocs, it feels like you’re walking on clouds.

In fact, according to an article in Business Insider, Crocs were initially designed as boating shoes due to their slip-resistant soles and ability to float in water.

But they quickly gained popularity beyond the boating world, becoming a fashion statement and a symbol of comfort. The brand has since expanded to offer a variety of styles, from classic clogs to sandals and sneakers, in a wide range of colors and designs.

Crocs Material

Crocs are primarily made from a type of synthetic fiber named Croslite polymer, hence the name. Croslite is a foam resin produced and trademarked by the company Crocs Inc. The material is popular because of its weightlessness and softness. Not only that, but Croslite also has numerous excellence such as easy to clean, anti-odor, anti-microbe, non-toxic, and won’t leave marks after a period time of use.

Crocs’ advice on how to clean crocs

Just like any other footwear, you need to clean your Crocs regularly to ensure their lifetime and durability. The following is how to clean Crocs according to the official website.

1. Foam Crocs

Here’s how to clean your Croslite™ foam Crocs, both by hand and with a washing machine.

By hand

• Mix a mild soap with cold water until bubbles are formed.
• Clean the Crocs by wiping the surface with a dampened cloth. Repeat until the dirt and stains are gone.
• Let the Crocs sit for air dry.

By washing machine

• Fill the washing tube with cold water and pour a part of mild liquid detergent.
• Throw the Crocs into a laundry bag, then put them into the washer.
• Start the cycle in gentle mode.
• Take the Crocs out and leave them to air dry.

2. Fuzzy Crocs

If you own a pair of fuzzy Crocs, here’s the step-by-step on how to clean them.

• Mix warm water with mild soap in a separate bowl.
• Dab a clean cloth into the mixture, then wipe the dirt and stains off the surface. Repeat until it’s all clean.
• Allow it to air dry before use.

3. Leather Crocs style

As we know, the leather Crocs style needs special maintenance due to its delicate materials. Here’s our guide on how to clean for leather Croc style. 

• Dust the dirt off from the Crocs surface with a damp soft sponge or rag.
• Apply a little leather cream in a circular motion to shine the leather, then polish it with a soft brush or cotton rag.
• Spray a protective layer to protect the leather Crocs style from water.

4. Suede Crocs

The following is the tutorial on how to clean Suede Crocs.

• Clean the upper with a plastic brush gently so you don’t scratch the surface.
• Apply a waterproof spray to ensure their durability.

5. Wool Croc

Last but not least, here’s our guide about how to clean Crocs made from wool manually and with a washing machine.

By hand

• Combine cold water with mild soap to create a cleaning solution.
• Damp the cloth into the mixture, then wipe the Crocs gently. Repeat the process until no more dirt and stains are left.
• Let the Crocs air dry entirely.

By washing machine

• Fill the washing tube with cold water and pour a part of mild liquid detergent.
• Throw the Crocs in a laundry bag before putting them into the washer.
• Run the cycle in gentle mode.
• Leave Crocs to air dry completely.

What can I use to clean my Crocs?

To clean your Crocs, you can use two methods. The first one is cleaning manually, also known as washing by hand. I advise you to follow this method because it’s much safer and prevents the Crocs from potential damage. First, create a cleaning mixture with water and mild soap, then start the cleaning by using either a sponge or a clean cloth. Ensure the cleaning that there are no stains or spots left. Let the Crocs air dry completely.

If you think cleaning manually is a bit inconvenient, using a washer is another method of keeping your Crocs clean. One thing before you resort to this method is to make sure that the material of your Crocs is safe to wash by machine. To start, pour cold water into the washer and add an amount of laundry detergent. Put the crocs in, and run the cycle at a gentle speed. Let the Crocs air dry, and don’t put them into the dryer as it might damage and shrink the Crocs.

How do you clean dirty Crocs Manually?

As time passes, Crocs are catching dirt and other small particles that can make them look grungy and unpleasing. That happens especially if you wear them outdoors. It’s such a big problem to see some clumps of dirt and mud stuck in your favorite Crocs after a long day of walking. Lucky for you, the Croslite foam material of Crocs makes the slippers easy to be cleaned!

Keep scrolling to see the kits you’ll need to make them shine and clean as new.

A. Cleaning kits and their functions

• Shoe cleaner. It’s a cleaning agent specializing in cleaning shoes, including Crocs. 
• Apron. Use an apron to keep your clothes neat and dry while cleaning Crocs.
• Premium brush. You’ll need a premium brush with soft bristles from animal hair to clean the upper Crocs.
• Standard brush. Get a strong and sturdy-bristled standard brush for cleaning the outsole.
• A small brush or toothbrush. Use a small brush to scrub the inner and hard-to-reach parts of the Crocs. If you don’t have one, replace it with a toothbrush.
• Microfiber cloth. You’ll need a microfiber cloth to wipe the dirt and stains off from the Crocs after being cleaned.
• Washbowl. Fill the washbowl with water to create a cleaning solution with the shoe cleaner.

B. Using the right kit for cleaning Crocs parts 

Sole

Located at the very bottom of crocs, the sole catch much dirt and debris that can accumulate over time. To scrub them off, use a standard brush with strong and stiff bristles so the dirt and debris can be removed and make the sole clean again.

Upper

This part is on the upper side of the sole, also known as the footbed. Use a soft-bristled premium brush to remove stains and dirt without leaving scratches.

C. How to clean your Crocs

Step 1: Prepare the dirty Crocs

To start, get a pair of grungy Crocs for cleaning. Brush them lightly to dust the surface off. If your Crocs have some dirt or mud clumps, I recommend rinsing them first with running water to erode the layer for easier cleaning.

Step 2: Get the cleaning kits

Next, prepare the cleaning kits, which consist of a shoe cleaner, an apron, a set of brushes, a microfiber cloth, and a basin. Wear an apron to protect yourself from the mess while cleaning. In the washbowl filled with water, add a small part of the shoe cleaner, then combine them well until foaming.

Step 3: Clean the Crocs sole

Dip a standard brush into the mixture, then start scrubbing the sole. Brush the sole vigorously to remove dirt, debris, and stains from the part. To reach the small nook, I recommend you use a small brush or toothbrush.

Repeat the process if necessary until the sole is clean. Wipe the suds and dirt off with a microfiber cloth. I prefer microfiber cloths because their durability and water absorbance is far superior compared to ordinary cloth.

Step 4: Clean the Croc’s upper

Similar to the previous step, dip the premium brush into the cleaning solution, then rub the upper gently to prevent scratches and damage. Use a small brush or toothbrush to reach the narrow part. Wipe the suds with a microfiber cloth and Repeat the process until no more dirt is left behind. 

If you don’t have a shoe cleaner at home, clean the Crocs with a brush under direct running water. Wipe the dirt from Crocs with a microfiber cloth, then set aside. In my opinion, cleaning Crocs with either shoe cleaner is more effective because using mere water can’t completely clean stubborn dirt or stains. 

Step 5: Drying

After the cleaning process is finished, let the Crocs sit in front of a fan and let them dry for about one to two hours. I suggest you not dry them under direct sunlight, as the heat may shrink the rubber material of the Crocs.

Step 6: Finishing  

Now your Crocs are clean and dry; they’re ready to wear again.

D. How do you deep clean dirty Crocs?

Ideally, you need to deep clean any footwear you own to get rid of build-up dirt and unpleasant smell from it. The same goes for Crocs. One combination to use for deep cleaning dirty Crocs is baking soda and vinegar. Here is how to deep clean dirty Crocs. 

• Mix baking soda, vinegar, and warm water (one part each) until they turn into a paste.
• Use a clean cloth or a sponge to dab the paste onto the Crocs’ surface.
• Scrub the paste with a toothbrush vigorously, and don’t miss any spots, including the back strap.
• Leave for around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Rinse the Crocs from top to bottom with cold water.
• Leave them to dry, and don’t put them under direct sunlight.

In my opinion and experience, the results are not disappointing. My Crocs are looking clean as new and smell fresher than ever!

How to clean Crocs in a washer

Besides cleaning manually, you can put the Crocs in the washer and let the machine do the job. I have to say that using a washer is less troublesome compared to cleaning by hand. Here are our easy steps to clean Crocs in a washer safely.

• Fill the washer with cold water not more than 30 degrees Celcius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and add some laundry detergent.
• Put the Crocs inside a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent their shape to change. Throw the bag in along with some old towels to balance the machine and prevent excessive banging that can make Crocs deformed.
• Run on the gentle cycle and disable the drying and spinning to avoid damage.
• Take the Crocs out and allow them to air dry entirely.

Top 6 Alternative Ways to Clean Your Crocs!

Now that you’ve understood how to clean your crocs conventionally, I shall tell you some secret alternative methods that also work wonderfully!

#1 How to clean stained Crocs

Just like any other footwear, Crocs also get stained after a while. Of course, those spots make your Crocs look unflattering. To get rid of those, here are some ingredients or kits to use for cleaning stained Crocs.

Magic eraser

This piece of melamine foam is arguably one of the best kits to remove any stains from various surfaces. It’s the abrasive material of the foam that helps get rid of the stains from the surface. Below is how to clean stained crocs with a magic eraser.

• Wet a piece of magic eraser with water.
• Scrub it on the stained area of the Crocs until clean.
• Rinse with cold water to remove the grains that come off from the magic eraser.
• Let the Crocs air dry. 

From my experience with this method, I must say that it surely does the job without much hassle.  Magic erasers are a true lifesaver if you need to clean Crocs in a hurry. In addition, you can use this to remove dirt from colorful to darker-colored Crocs.

Bleach

If the stains are too stubborn to remove or your Crocs are filthy, you can try using bleach. The following is the step-by-step on how to clean stained Crocs with bleach, according to my experience.

• Wash your Crocs with soapy water. 
• In a separate bucket, dilute 5 ml of bleach with 5 liters of water.
• Soak the Crocs into the mixture. 
• Weigh the Crocs with something heavy so they don’t float to the surface.
• Let them sit for about 2 hours.
• Rinse with cold water and leave to air dry.

I suggest using bleach only for cleaning dirty or yellowing white Crocs because the bleach might cause discoloration to your colorful Crocs. From my own experience, it’s best to use bleach in a well-ventilated area to prevent respiratory problems. 

#2 How to clean Crocs with baking soda

Baking soda is one of the most popular ingredients for cleaning. The alkaline nature of baking soda is perfect for absorbing odor and breaking stains easily. This versatile holy grail is perfect for cleaning any dirty spots and stains on your lovely Crocs, as well as deodorizing them and giving them a refreshing scent.

In my experience, cleaning Croc with baking soda is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it.

• Damp a clean towel or cloth with cold water.
• Dab the wet paper towel into a container filled with baking soda the start scrubbing. Make sure you clean them thoroughly.
• Rinse in cold water and let them air dry.

You can also create a paste by mixing the baking soda with water and then just following the same process. I’ve tried both methods, and I must say that it’s more effective to scrub the Crocs with baking soda paste because the grains won’t get wasted

#3 How do you clean Crocs with dish soap?

Here’s our tutorial on how to clean Crocs with dish soap.

• Rinse your Crocs to remove big chunks of dirt.
• In a small bowl, mix water with a few drops of dish soap until it creates bubbles.
• Use a strong brush, dip it into the cleaning solution, and work on the dirty surface. You can use a toothbrush to reach small nooks and crevices.
• Rinse the Crocs, and repeat scrubbing if you notice some dirty spots.
• Let them dry completely

In my experience, the dish soap does an excellent job of removing oily stains and grimes from my Crocs. To speed up the process, I wrap the Crocs with clean towels and put them in front of a fan. 

#4 Can I clean my Crocs with detergent?

Yes, you can clean Crocs with detergent, although I suggest using mild ones like dish soap, so you don’t damage the material. I’ve tested this method, and the result is much similar to using shoe cleaner. Here’s the tutorial on how to clean Crocs with detergent.

• Wash your Crocs under running tap water to remove dirt.
• In a separate bowl, mix detergent with water until the water turns soapy.
• Soak the Crocs in the cleaning solution and scrub the dirt and stains off with a brush. Scrub them thoroughly, especially on the stained areas.
• Rinse the Crocs with running water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
• Leave Crocs to air dry, and don’t put them under direct sunlight.

After some trials and errors, my Crocs are now squeaky clean and look brand new. In my case, I prefer using a liquid detergent that can be mixed with water easily compared to powdered ones. 

#5 Can you clean Crocs with bleach?

Cleaning Crocs with bleach is doable but with some precautions. I recommend doing this in an open area or well-ventilated room to prevent excessive chlorine gas inhaling. I use this method only for cleaning heavy-stained or yellowing white Crocs because the bleach might discolor the other ones. Here’s how to clean Crocs with bleach.

• Clean the Crocs with a dry brush to dust them off, then wash them under running water to erode the first layer of dirt.
• Dilute one part of bleach with five parts of water and allow the mixture to incorporate.
• Soak the Crocs in the mixture and make sure that they don’t float. You can put some weight into the Crocs to keep them submerged.
• Leave them for 2 hours.
• Take the Crocs out and rinse them under running water.

I must say that this method only works for white Crocs because bleach can discolor the Crocs, even with only a small amount of it. In addition, 

#6 Can you clean Crocs with a magic eraser?

Yes, magic erasers are one of the most recommended materials for cleaning crocs. It’s very easy and doesn’t require many kits for cleaning. Here’s our easy guide on cleaning Crocs with a magic eraser.

• Take one piece of magic eraser and wet them with cold water.
• Scrub the eraser into the stained or scuffed area of your Crocs thoroughly and clean them gently.
• Wipe the Crocs and repeat the process if necessary until you get the desired result.

In my opinion, this method is my go-to if I need to clean my Crocs in a hurry. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about splashing soapy water and causing a mess.

Pros & Cons of Cleaning Crocs Manually & Using a Washing Machine

The best way to clean Crocs, according to their official website, is either by cleaning them manually or using a washer. I’ll list below some pros and cons of cleaning Crocs in both ways.

Cleaning manually pros & cons

Pros	Cons
By using your hands, you can clean more thoroughly and ensure no spots are left	It’s not recommended for people who have allergies to some specific chemical substances
You have control over how strong you should scrub them	Quite troublesome and messy
Keeping the Crocs’ life longer	It takes a lot of time

Cleaning with washer pros & cons

Pro	Cons
Hassle-free and no mess.	Risk of being deformed due to excessive tumbling.
Perfect for cleaning super filthy and grungy Crocs.	You must set it to the lowest temperature so the Crocs won’t be damaged or shrink.

I prefer to clean Crocs by handwashing because it’s much safer, and I can ensure all parts are clean. But again, it’s up to your preference and the main material of your Crocs!

How to clean black Crocs

People tend to wear black Crocs to avoid catching dirt and stains, but eventually, they get dirty and scuffed marks from usage. To clean black Crocs and make them look flattering again, here’s what you can do.

• Brush the excess dust and dirt from your Crocs.
• Mix a few drops of shoe cleaner with water until homogenous.
• Work the cleaning solution into the Crocs with a brush gently and thoroughly.
• Rinse the Crocs and allow them to dry completely in a cool place.

When the crocs are dry, prepare them for repainting.

• Get black paint and squeeze some of it on the palette. You can use either fabric or acrylic paint to cover the stains.
• Use a small brush to apply the paint in the desired area.
• Leave the Crocs to dry entirely.

From my experience, repainting black Crocs is an effective solution if you notice scuff marks or stubborn stains on them. The paint will stick much stronger if you wash the Crocs before.

How to clean Crocs with fur

Fuzzy Crocs are another type of Crocs that have fur lining on the footbeds. Their lining is permanently glued, so washing them can be a bit tricky. No worries! We got these steps on how to clean Crocs with fur lining safely.

• Get a bucket filled with warm water, then add a few drops of mild detergent and mix until it gets soapy.
• Soak Crocs with fur into the mixture and scrub occasionally.
• Leave them to sit for a few minutes until the dirt and stains are gone.
• Rinse with water thoroughly and allow to air dry. You can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
• After the Crocs are dry, sprinkle some baking soda into the lining and leave for 3 hours before shaking them out.
• Use a wire wool brush to make the fur fluffy again.

Any mild detergent can do the cleaning, but for me, shoe cleaner is still the best choice. In my experience, baking soda is effective in keeping the Crocs fresh and preventing offensive smells. 

How to clean Crocs LiteRide

Similar to the classic Crocs, LiteRide is washable and very lightweight. The only difference is a super soft foam insole on the base. Here’s our guide on how to clean Crocs LiteRide.

• Dust the Crocs off with a dry brush before start washing.
• In a separate bowl, mix a cleaning solution consisting of water and a shoe cleaner.
• Dip a brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the surface thoroughly. Make sure you don’t miss any spots.
• Wipe the suds off and repeat the process until you get the desired result.
• Let the Crocs air dry.

From what I do, shoe cleaners are the ideal choice for cleaning Crocs LiteRide. I also rinse the Crocs under running water after washing them with a cleaning solution to ensure their cleanliness.

Do’s and don’ts 

Do’s

• Clean the Crocs if they’re getting too dirty and grungy.
• Use a premium brush to clean Crocs without leaving scratches or damage.
• Wear Crocs for casual activities, like strolling around.

Don’ts

• Avoid drying Crocs under direct sunlight to prevent shrinking and warping.
• Don’t put Crocs with delicate materials in a washing machine.
• Don’t wear Crocs when it’s flooding because they’ll get soggy after a long time in the water.

How to care for your Crocs

• Don’t expose Crocs to any form of heat. The Croslite material is susceptible to heat, which might shrink, warp, and damage when exposed too long under heat. In my experience, it’s best to leave them by aerating or putting them in front of a fan.
• Clean Crocs regularly, depending on how often you wear them. Wash them more frequently if you’re wearing them outdoors. I usually deep clean my Crocs once every month to prevent dirt accumulation and unpleasant odors from dead skin cells and sweat from feet.
• If your Crocs have accessories, clean them as well. Jibbitz, also known as shoe charm, sometimes comes with the Crocs and functions as an attractive addition. I often soak them in a soapy water mixture, then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel to remove build-up dirt on the Jibbitz and make them shine again.
• Use Crocs Shine, a specialized formula to make them shine again. I suggest applying a layer of polish after the Crocs are dry and clean.

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Questions and Answers

Does Crocs Shine work?

Yes, Crocs Shine works well in terms of restoring the brilliance of your footwear to look brand new. Apply a layer of Crocs Shine on the surface with the existing sponge to the Crocs, then wipe the excess with either dry paper towels or clean washcloths. From my own experience, you’ll need to wash them prior to applying the Crocs Shine because this polish doesn’t function as a cleaning agent.

How to clean smelly Crocs?

To clean smelly Crocs, especially for leather and fuzzy ones, you can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the footbed and leave for overnight. Brush the excess off by knocking them or use a vacuum to suck them up. I feel satisfied with the result of testing this hack. It is impressive!

Although Croslite materials are odor resistant, there’s still a chance the classic Crocs might smell funky. If you’re having this problem, relax your nerves! Here’s what I do to get rid of the unpleasant smell from my foam Crocs. In a small bowl, mix equal parts of baking soda, white vinegar, and water until they form a thick paste. Using a toothbrush, dab the mixture and work on the footbed in a circular motion. Let the paste sit and dry, then rinse them with cold water and allow your Crocs to dry.

Can I soak my Crocs in vinegar?

You don’t have to soak Crocs in vinegar to get rid of the unpleasant smell. From my experiment, spraying vinegar and water mixture into the Crocs footbed is enough to remove bad smells.

How do you clean Crocs fast?

If you need to clean Crocs fast, here are my best recommendations.

#1 Wet wipes

All you have to do is get one or two wet wipes and wipe the dirty area off from your Crocs. In my case, cleaning Crocs with wet wipes is very effective, especially when you’re going outside and accidentally stepping on animal waste.

#2 Magic eraser

True to its name, magic erasers work in removing scuff marks in your Crocs. Simply wet them with water and scrub the dirty area with the dampened sponge. You can either rinse the excess or wipe them off with a tissue. In my opinion, cleaning Crocs with magic erasers is not as simple as using wet wipes, but the results are much better.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, it’s necessary to take care of your Crocs in order to extend their lifetime and make them look as if you just bought them from the store yesterday. Either using a washer or cleaning Crocs by hand, it’s up to your preference! For the cleaning agent, you’re free to choose either eco-friendly home ingredients or manufactured detergents specialized for cleaning Crocs.