Love or hate them, Crocs are well known and well-loved by many. They are unique shoes made of a special material produced by Crocs. They’re durable, breathable, and allow water to drain quickly.
They’re a convenient choice for summer activities, gardening, or even living somewhere that rains a lot, but you don’t want to wear wellies.
Although they are robust, they require a little TLC when cleaning to ensure you do not damage them
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What Are Crocs?
Crocs are featherlight, waterproof shoes made for comfort and function. They are distinct in their rubbery appearance and are covered in ventilation holes.
They come in various eye-catching colors, with the option of attaching stylish badges and adding a fluffy lining.
What Are Crocs Made Of?
It depends on what kind of Crocs you own. But the original Crocs are the most common, and although they look rubbery, they do not contain any rubber or plastic.
Instead, Crocs are made from a material called Croslite. It’s a closed-cell resin material produced by the brand Crocs.
Crocs’ technology makes each pair odor-resistant, comfortable, and extremely lightweight.
Are Crocs Machine Washable?
The Crocs material, the Croslite, does not like being subjected to high temperatures. The extreme heat in the washing machine may cause the material to shrink and warp.
So, Crocs do not recommend washing your Crocs in the washing machine, as there is this potential for damage.
However, you can wash Crocs at lower temperatures without harming the Croslite.
If you choose to wash your Crocs in the washing machine, the temperature should be below 30 degrees Celsius.
Can You Put Fuzzy Crocs in the Washing Machine?
Crocs have been branching out and offering various options for extra comfort or style. For example, as more and more people enjoy wearing Crocs around the house, they added the option of fur-lined Crocs.
This fuzz may feel nice, but it quickly holds onto dirt and grime, which you will get between your toes and traipse around the house.
Sadly, you cannot put the liners into the washing machine. It will significantly shorten their lifespan and may change their shape. However, they are easy to clean by hand.
Here are some steps to follow to wash fuzzy Crocs in the washing machine:
- Remove the fuzzy lining from the Crocs. This should be very easy, as they are designed to do this.
- Ideally, you do not want to put the liner into the washing machine as it will encourage them to stretch, and the fuzz will wear away much quicker. Wash them in the sink with a bit of soap and warm water. Rinse, and hang to dry.
- Brush off any excess dirt from the Crocs, and place them in the washing machine. Set the temperature to 30 degrees Celsius or less.
- Once the cycle has finished, leave the Crocs somewhere to air dry.
- Put the liners back in the Crocs once all components are dry, and enjoy your fresh, funky shoes.
If you’re in the market for a pair of fuzzy Crocs, here’s a funky pair on Amazon.
[amazon box=”B08H8V6CYP” template=”vertical”]
Can You Put Canvas Crocs in the Washing Machine?
Canvas Crocs are a stylish alternative that you could mistake for a standard loafer. The slip-on shoes are built with a croslite material sole with canvas uppers.
You could sneak these on into work without batting an eye, unlike many other eye-catching croc alternatives.
Canvas Crocs are machine washable. However, just like the classic Croc, they need to be treated with care.
Set the washing machine to a cold temperature below 30 degrees Celsius. If you plan on putting them in the dryer, you must also use a delicate setting.
Canvas Crocs are almost unrecognizable as Crocs, but we promise they are indeed made of the classic croslite material. Check out the link below if you are considering buying a pair.
[amazon box=”B0017U3R1Q” template=”vertical”]
How to Clean Crocs in the Washing Machine?
There are a few steps to follow when washing your Crocs to ensure they are not damaged.
- Remove Lining or Badges/ Jibbitz.
If you have any additions to your Crocs, you should remove them before machine machining the shoe.
For example, linings can stretch out during a washing cycle, and the badges may break off.
- Brush off excess dirt.
Give the Crocs a quick brush before machine washing. After all, they are shoes you wear outside in dirt and muck, so you don’t want to introduce too much grime into your washing machine unnecessarily.
- Place shoes into a bag.
This step is optional. Putting the Crocs into a pillowcase or a specially made wash bag may help the Crocs from losing their shape.
Alternatively, you can place a few old towels into the washing machine to provide some padding.
- Set the washing machine to a low temperature.
This is the crucial step. Do not wash above 30 degrees Celsius. Additionally, put the washing machine on for a short spin cycle if you have the option.
Finally, put a bit of regular detergent in and turn it on.
- Dry.
You can put the Crocs in a tumble dryer, but it’s not recommended. Crocs dry quickly on their own when left to air dry.
How Long Should I Put My Crocs in the Washing Machine?
The shorter the spin cycle, the better. Choose a cycle with the lowest temperature, the fewer spins, and the shortest run time. It should be adequate to clean your Crocs.
Is It Safe to Put Crocs in the Dryer?
Crocs dry quickly on their own, but if you’re in a rush and need your Crocs, you may consider putting them in the dryer.
This may be okay, depending on the type of croc, but it is not recommended in most situations.
Classic Crocs:
Luckily, Crocs are robust enough to put in the washing machine. However, there is only so much heat and spin they can take.
The washing machine temperature can be set relatively low; however, the nature of dryers means they are hot.
This extreme heat may cause the Crocs to melt or crack. It’s not worth the risk of damaging your croc to tumble dry them. Instead, leave them somewhere to air dry.
Canvas Crocs:
Canvas Crocs are a little different, as they only contain a small amount of croslite in the soul. As such, you can put canvas Crocs into the dryer; however, you must put them on a low setting.
Low temperatures and a shorter cycle will minimize the chance of any damage. Additionally, ensure you remove the Crocs while they are still damp- do not let them fully dry in the dryer.
Instead, take them out near the end of the cycle and allow them to air dry. Again, it’s better to allow them to air dry to prevent any damage.
How to Clean Crocs with Ease
If you have read the washing machine guide and are a little concerned about damaging your Crocs, you can hand wash them.
Here are some easy steps to follow to hand-clean your Crocs with ease:
- Fill a sink with cold water, and dunk the Crocs a few times to thoroughly wet them.
- Wet a cloth and add some dish soap.
- Rub the Crocs with the surface in a circular motion, covering the entire shoe.
- If some stains remain, grab something more abrasive, like an old toothbrush or a sponge, and continue rubbing.
- Rinse with cold water and allow to air dry.
This method works for most kinds of Crocs. If you have a fuzzy liner, follow these steps:
- Fill a sink with cold water, and thoroughly wet the croc inside and out.
- Drain, put some fresh water in the sink, and add a few tablespoons of laundry detergent.
- Place the Crocs back into the sink.
- Using an old toothbrush, scrub the Crocs inside and out.
- Drain the sink, and rinse the Crocs with water.
- Place somewhere and allow to air dry, out of direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Crocs are robust and built for utility. However, they require a little special care and attention when cleaning. Fortunately, they are machine washable. Set them to a gentle cycle, and place them in a bag or pillowcase to protect them.
Avoid using a dryer, and instead, leave your shoes to air dry. If you look after your Crocs, they will look after you in the long term.
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
