Crocs are comfy, quirky and surprisingly durable bits of footwear. And while their slightly ‘out there’ design might divide opinion, you can’t deny they’re the ultimate go-anywhere shoe. You can slip them on for a spot of gardening, wear them while you walk the dog, or potter about in them while you chill at home.
But when they get grubby, can you just toss them in the washing machine for a quick spin? Or is that going to end up with a melted mess stuck to your drum? It’s time to find out…
Which Crocs are machine washable?
Can you put Crocs in the washing machine then? Well, there’s good news. Not all Crocs are created equal, but many of the classic styles are surprisingly machine friendly. Most Crocs are made from Croslite™ (that soft, rubbery foam material they’re famous for). And this can handle a gentle spin in the washing machine. You’ve just got to be a tad careful.
Machine-washable styles include:
Classic clogs – The iconic Crocs that everyone knows about.
Slides and flip-flops – Simple designs with no extra fluff.
Kids’ Crocs – As long as they don’t have lights or fuzzy linings.
All of these styles are built to be tough and will easily stand up to a cold, calm wash. Basically, if your Crocs are the plain and simple kind, they’re going to be safe to pop in your machine.
What Crocs should never go in the washing machine?
Some Crocs need a little more TLC. If your pair is rocking any of the following, keep them far away from the washing machine...
Fuzzy linings – Like the Crocs Mammoth or Classic Lined styles. If you’re not careful, the lining can shrink, mat or detach.
Lights or electronics – We love a pair of light up Crocs as much as the next person. Water and electronics don’t mix though.
Leather or suede – These materials can easily warp, crack or lose their finish entirely.
Decorations – Think glued-on gems, sequins, or fancy straps. They’ll likely melt or just fall apart in the wash.
If you’re not sure, check the label or the official Crocs website. When in doubt, hand wash!
Machine wash safely: step-by-step instructions
Ready to wash your Crocs? Here’s how to do it properly without wrecking them…
Check the label – If it says ‘hand wash only’, trust it. Otherwise, you might find yourself shelling out on a whole new pair pretty soonish.
Look out for damage – Cracks and worn-out areas can get worse in the wash. If there’s visible damage, it’s not worth the risk.
Remove charms or liners – Take off any Jibbitz™ charms and remove liners or fuzzy insoles. Otherwise they’ll easily break or get lost.
Brush off loose debris – Grab a soft brush or cloth and get rid of mud, sand or grass.
Rinse off heavy dirt – A quick rinse helps to avoid clogging up your machine with debris.
Place in a laundry bag or old pillowcase – This’ll protect the Crocs and your washer from getting damaged.
Use cold water – Heat is Crocs’ worst enemy and will warp the foam into all kinds of mad shapes. Go for cold water instead.
Choose a gentle cycle – Avoid any settings labelled ‘heavy duty’ or ‘sanitise’. Being careful is the name of the game here.
Skip the spin – Let them drip dry naturally instead. You’ll have to wait a little bit longer, but the results are worth it.
Follow these tips and your Crocs will be clean as can be. Oh, and they’ll keep their shape and comfort too!
Washing machine settings to use (and avoid)
Here’s a few quick dos and don’ts when it comes to cleaning your Crocs…
Use:
Cold water – Prevents warping and shrinking. So, you won’t suddenly go from a size 12 to a size 7.
A gentle or delicate cycle – This mimics hand washing, which is a lot calmer.
Mild detergent (no bleach!) – Don’t use any harsh chemicals. They’re a sure-fire way to wreck the material.
Avoid:
Hot water – Like we’ve mentioned, Croslite™ foam really, really doesn’t like heat. Steer clear of those hotter temperatures.
Heavy-duty or sanitise cycles – They’re too rough for Crocs. You don’t want to absolutely batter them.
Fabric softener - It’s not needed and can leave an icky residue and rough texture. It’ll feel like you’re standing on sandpaper.
Stick to the basics, avoid any crazy techniques, and your Crocs will come out clean and happy.
Drying tips: how to keep your Crocs in shape
Drying your Crocs correctly is just as important as the actual washing. Here’s how to do it right:
Air dry indoors – Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight. If they sit out somewhere hot for too long, they might start fading or warping.
Stuff with paper towels – This’ll help your Crocs to keep their shape while they dry.
Avoid dryers, radiators or heaters – Too much heat can shrink or deform the foam.
Crocs usually dry pretty quickly, so just leave them in a well-ventilated spot and let nature do the hard work.
Why heat and mishandling can damage your Crocs
Crocs are made from a unique foam that’s flexible, soft and lightweight. And while that’s all great, it also makes them pretty sensitive to heat. Too much warmth can…
Shrink them – They might not fit your feet anymore.
Warp the shape – Making them uncomfortable or wobbly.
Make them brittle – Over time, heat can cause cracking.
That’s why it’s key to avoid the big three – hot water, dryers and direct sunlight. Treat them gently, and they’ll last so much longer.
Hand washing alternatives
If your Crocs aren’t machine-safe, don’t worry – hand washing them is incredibly easy:
Fill a basin with cool water and a few drops of mild soap.
Use a soft cloth or brush to scrub away dirt and stains.
Rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
Let them air dry somewhere indoors.
This method works for all sorts of styles. Plus, it’s fast, gentle and effective. And that’s a win-win-win!
Final takeaway and expert advice
So, you can put Crocs in the washing machine. Who’d have thunk it? Just make sure they’re the right type. Stick to classic foam styles, use cold water and a gentle cycle, and always air dry them. For anything fancy, fuzzy or electronic, hand washing is the way to go.
Expert tip: Want your Crocs to last longer? Clean them regularly, avoid heat and store them in a cool, dry place. Your feet (and your Crocs) will thank you.
Need more advice?
We’ve got loads more top laundry day tips too. Here’s how to pick the right washing machine settings for your clothes. And we’re all trying to keep our costs down at the moment. So, check out how to save money when doing laundry. Follow our advice, and hopefully you’ll have a few extra quid in your pocket at the end of each month.
