In the garden, by the lake or just around the house: in spring and summer these lightweight clogs hardly ever come off. It soon shows, with soil in the grooves, a grey film on white pairs and a footbed that no longer smells fresh. To clean Crocs, what you mainly need is soapy water, a brush and a little patience.
More important than the right product is what you leave out: heat. These five steps show how to clean your clogs gently, brighten white pairs and get rid of odours.
Why these clogs get dirty so quickly
These clogs are made from a lightweight closed-cell foam. It absorbs hardly any water, but its surface has a fine texture. Dust, soil and skin oils settle in it, which shows up as a grey film, especially on light colours.
Inside, there's sweat too, as they're usually worn barefoot. If moisture and dirt stay in the footbed, odours develop. And because the material reacts to heat, many quick fixes that work for trainers are ruled out.
| Type of dirt | What to use | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dust, soil, sand | Lukewarm soapy water, soft brush | Grooves and holes with a toothbrush |
| Grey film on white | Bicarbonate of soda paste | Rinse well |
| Stubborn scuffs and marks | Melamine sponge | Lightly, after a test |
| Smelly footbed | Bicarbonate of soda, soapy water | Let dry completely |
| Fur or plush lining | Mild detergent, hand wash | Don't soak, use cold water |
1. Clean Crocs with soapy water and a brush
For basic cleaning, you need very little:
- Take out any charms (Jibbitz) and wash them separately.
- Knock off loose dirt outdoors or rinse it off under running water.
- Fill a washbasin or bucket with lukewarm water and a few drops of washing-up liquid or mild soap.
- Scrub the clogs inside and out with a soft brush, and the grooves and ventilation holes with an old toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water.
Mild soap is one of the simple products that the Swiss consumer protection foundation (SKS) recommends instead of many specialist cleaners. For these clogs, it is enough in most cases.
2. Get white Crocs white again
On white clogs, a grey sheen often remains after the soapy water. This is where bicarbonate of soda helps:
- Bicarbonate of soda paste: mix bicarbonate of soda with a little water, apply it with a toothbrush, leave for about 15 minutes, brush gently and rinse thoroughly. The SKS also lists bicarbonate of soda among its tried-and-tested household remedies.
- Melamine sponge: a dampened melamine sponge removes scuffs and marks. However, it works like very fine sandpaper. Use only light pressure and test it on an inconspicuous spot first, or the surface will turn dull or rough.
3. Why you should skip the bleach
Online tips often recommend bleach for white clogs. We advise against it: it is an aggressive product that isn't needed for this job and can damage the material and colour. Soapy water, bicarbonate of soda and a little patience usually get you there too.
4. Remove odours and care for lined models
If the clogs smell, clean the footbed thoroughly with soapy water and a brush. Then let them dry completely and sprinkle in a little bicarbonate of soda overnight. In the morning, tip it out and give them a quick rinse. For more ideas against shoe odour, see our guide to smelly shoes.
Models lined with faux fur or plush need more care:
- If the lining is removable, wash it separately by hand in cold water with a little mild detergent. Don't wring it; gently squeeze it out.
- If the lining is fixed, clean only the outside with soapy water and treat the lining with a damp cloth and a soft brush.
- The lining must be completely dry before you wear the clogs again, or a musty smell will set in.
5. Dry properly: without heat
After cleaning, put the clogs somewhere shady and airy at room temperature. Place them opening-down on a towel so the water can drain.
- Not in direct sun, not on a radiator and not near a stove.
- Not in the tumble dryer and not with a hairdryer.
- Not in a hot car, not even on the way to the lake.
Common mistakes when you clean Crocs
- Hot water or the dishwasher: the clogs can warp and shrink.
- Drying in the sun: it can get too hot on the balcony or in the car as well.
- Mixing bleach with other products: toxic gas can form.
- Pressing hard with a melamine sponge: the surface turns dull and picks up dirt faster afterwards.
- Damp lining: putting a lined pair back on while wet brings the smell straight back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash Crocs in the washing machine?
We advise against it. The heat in a washing machine or dishwasher can warp or shrink the clogs. By hand, with lukewarm soapy water and a brush, it's quick and gentle.
How do I get white Crocs white again?
First clean them with soapy water and a brush, then apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda and a little water, leave it briefly and brush it off. Remove scuffs carefully with a dampened melamine sponge.
What can I do if my Crocs smell?
Scrub the footbed thoroughly with soapy water, let the clogs dry completely and sprinkle in a little bicarbonate of soda overnight. For lined models, wash the lining separately by hand and dry it well.
Can warped Crocs be saved?
Slightly warped clogs sometimes recover a little, but there's no guarantee. Attempts using heat can make the damage worse. It's better to avoid heat from the start.
Thanks for your feedback! Feel free to share the guide.
Thanks! What was missing? Drop us a line – we will improve the guide. WhatsApp
