How to Clean Crocs in 3 Simple Steps

Multiple pairs of Crocs on a shoe rack

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 4 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to 10

Crocs hit the United States marketplace in 2003 and became a footwear classic for men, women, and children. Whether you stick to the classic foam clogs or have branched out into their fabric and leather shoes, you need to know how to clean Crocs and keep them looking their best.

Tip

As with most successful ideas, there are lots of knock-off Crocs that look similar to the originals for sale around the world. These cleaning steps will work for off-brands, as well.

How Often to Clean Crocs

How frequently Crocs need to be cleaned depends on how often they are worn and where they are worn. For shoes worn only occasionally, give them a good cleaning at least once per season and spot-clean any specific stains.

For Crocs worn daily, more frequent cleaning will keep them looking their best and smelling fresh. They should be cleaned weekly to prevent odors from developing or when there is visible soil on the shoes.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • 1 to 2 microfiber cloths
  • 1 washing machine
  • 1 sink or dishpan
  • 1 suede brush
  • 1 soft-bristled nylon brush
  • 2 small cloth bags

Materials

  • 1 container gentle laundry detergent
  • 1 bottle mild soap
  • 1 container leather conditioner
  • 1 container shoe polish
  • 1 container waterproofing spray
  • 1 box baking soda

Instructions

Materials for cleaning Crocs

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

How to Clean Foam Crocs

  1. Remove Excess Soil

    If the shoes are muddy or sandy, rinse them off in a dishpan to remove excessive soil.

    Excess soil on crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Machine or Hand-Wash

    • The shoes can be cleaned using the delicate cycle in a washing machine with a load of color-fast towels. Use a gentle laundry detergent.
    • You can also handwash the shoes in a sink with water and mild soap. Rinse well.

    Tip

    To prevent damage and to get the shoes thoroughly cleaned, remove any attached charms.

    Handwashing Crocs in a dish pan

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Air-Dry

    • Never place CrocsTM in an automatic dryer. Allow them to air-dry away from direct sunlight or a forced-air heater.
    • Add a circulating fan to the area near the shoes to speed drying.
    Letting Crocs air dry

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

How to Clean Fleece-Lined Crocs

  1. Remove Excessive Soil

    Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away excess soil on the outside of the CrocsTM.

    Removing excess soil from fleece-lined Crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Clean the Interior Lining

    • Since the interior fuzzy, fleece-like lining is not removable, it must be cleaned in place.
    • Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild soap.
    • Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring until it is not dripping.
    • Wipe the inside of the shoe to remove the soil. Move to a clean area of the cloth as the soil is transferred.
    Cleaning the interior lining of fleece crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Rinse and Air-Dry

    • When the lining is clean, dip a microfiber cloth in warm water and wring until just damp.
    • Wipe the inside of the shoe to remove any soapy residue.
    • Allow the CrocsTM to air-dry.
    Letting fleece-lined Crocs air dry

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

How to Clean Leather Crocs

  1. Wipe Away Dust and Dirt

    • For both Nappa and patent leather uppers, dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water and wipe away dust and dirt.
    • Clean the synthetic soles and heels with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Avoid harsh cleaners or solvents as these may destroy the glue used to bond the sole.
    Wiping away dust and dirt on leather Crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Clean and Shine the Leather

    For Nappa leather uppers, after wiping away dust, apply a matching color shoe polish or cream following the product directions. Buff to a shiny finish.

    For patent leather uppers, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth or use a commercial patent leather cleaner. Do not use alcohol or other solvents to clean the leather as they will dull the finish.

    Polishing leather Crocs after cleaning

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

How to Clean Canvas, Suede, and Wool Crocs

  1. Brush Away Loose Soil

    Use a suede brush or a soft-bristled nylon brush to remove loose soil on the uppers of suede, wool, and canvas CrocsTM.

    Brushing dirt off of canvas Crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  2. Spot Clean Stains

    • Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of mild soap. Dip in a microfiber cloth and wring until it is just damp.
    • Spot clean stains and heavily-soiled areas of the shoe uppers and soles.
    • Use the same solution to clean the interior of the shoes.
    • Dip a clean microfiber cloth in fresh water and wring until it is not dripping to rinse away any soapy residue from the outside and interior of the uppers.
    Spot cleaning canvas Crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

  3. Air-Dry and Waterproof

    • Allow the shoes to air-dry completely.
    • Use a waterproofing spray to protect the finish.
    Spraying waterproofing spray on canvas Crocs

    The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Tips to Keep Your Crocs Looking Their Best

  • Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents on the shoes. They can dull the finish or loosen the glue that holds the soles in place.
  • Use the gentle cycle when machine-washing to prevent excessive twisting of the foam.
  • Never use high heat to dry CrocsTM. Extreme heat can warp the foam.
  • Do not leave CrocsTM in a hot car or direct sunlight to prevent warping.
  • Fill cloth bags with baking soda and place them inside fleece-lined CrocsTM to absorb odors.