Ever glanced at your muddy Crocs and wondered if the washing machine could do the dirty work for you? You’re not alone—many Crocs owners are curious about the safest way to restore their favorite footwear to like-new condition.

Knowing if your Crocs can handle a spin cycle could save time and effort, but you don’t want to risk damaging them.

In this article, we’ll answer the big question and share clear steps, tips, and insights to keep your Crocs clean and comfortable.

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Can Crocs Be Washed in the Washing Machine? The Expert’s Guide

Crocs are known and loved for their comfort, durability, and ease of wear. However, after regular use, these quirky shoes often need a thorough cleaning to keep them looking fresh and feeling comfortable. A common question many Crocs owners ask is: Can Crocs be washed in the washing machine without getting ruined? Here’s your comprehensive guide to keeping your Crocs clean—safely and effectively.


The Clear Answer: Can You Machine Wash Crocs?

In most cases, yes—the classic style of Crocs, made from Croslite foam, can be washed in the washing machine. However, there are important conditions to keep in mind:

  • Gentle settings are key. Use a delicate or gentle wash cycle with cold water.
  • Lined or fur-lined Crocs require special care and are generally not recommended for machine washing.
  • Bright colors and special materials (like leather or suede trims) should always be washed by hand to avoid fading or damage.


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While tossing your Crocs in the washing machine is possible and convenient, following the proper steps ensures you won’t shorten their lifespan or compromise their comfort.


Step-by-Step: How to Wash Crocs in the Washing Machine

If your Crocs are the classic foam (Croslite) style, here’s how you can safely clean them using your washing machine:

1. Preparing Your Crocs

  • Remove loose dirt. Give your Crocs a quick rinse to remove any loose mud, grass, or debris.
  • Check for special features. Remove charms, decorations, or Jibbitz (they may get damaged or lost in the wash).
  • Take out liners (for lined Crocs). If your Crocs are lined, remove the lining before washing the exterior.

2. Setting Up Your Washing Machine

  • Choose a gentle cycle. Select the delicate or soft cycle option.
  • Use cold water. Hot water can warp the Croslite material, causing the shoes to shrink or lose shape.
  • Add a mild soap or gentle detergent. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, bleach, or heavy-duty detergents.
  • Consider a laundry bag. For extra protection, place each Croc in a separate mesh bag or pillowcase.

3. Loading and Washing


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  • Wash with towels. Add a few old towels to balance the load and cushion the shoes, reducing noise and preventing banging.
  • Start the wash. Allow the cycle to complete fully.

4. Drying Your Crocs

  • NEVER use a dryer. The heat will shrink and ruin the foam.
  • Air dry only. Place your Crocs in a shaded, well-ventilated area and let them dry naturally. Direct sunlight can cause fading or warping.

When Machine Washing Is Not Recommended

Not all Crocs are equal when it comes to cleaning. Machine washing should be avoided if:

  • Your Crocs have fur or fleece lining: The agitation and water can damage the lining, causing it to mat, warp, or separate from the shoe.
  • They feature leather, suede, or metallic finishes: These materials are delicate and can be ruined by machine washing.
  • Your Crocs contain significant decorative elements: Glue, stickers, or other decorative attachments may not survive a machine wash.

In these cases, stick to gentle hand washing (see below).


Hand Washing Crocs: The Safe Alternative

Even if machine washing is quick and easy, hand washing is the safest option for all Crocs styles. Here’s how:

  1. Fill a basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water.
  2. Add a gentle soap or mild detergent.
  3. Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge, paying extra attention to heavily soiled areas.
  4. For lined Crocs: Wash the lining separately with a gentle brush, rinse, and let air dry.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and let the shoes air dry, away from direct sunlight.

Benefits and Challenges of Washing Crocs in the Washing Machine

Let’s weigh out the pros and cons.

Benefits

  • Quick and convenient: Saves time and effort, especially when cleaning several pairs.
  • Deep cleaning: Reaches hard-to-clean spots, like treads and ventilation holes.
  • Efficient: Cold water and mild detergent can effectively remove most grime and odors.

Challenges


Can You Toss Your Crocs In The Washing Machine Or Will They Get Ruined? - crocs be washed in the washing machine

  • Potential for damage: High temps, harsh cycles, or strong detergents can warp or shrink Crocs.
  • Noise: Unprotected Crocs can bang around in the washer.
  • Limited to certain styles: Not all designs are machine-washable.

Practical Tips & Best Practices

To keep your Crocs in top shape while machine cleaning, follow these expert tips:

  • Stick to cold water. Never use hot.
  • Keep cycles gentle. The delicate cycle is best.
  • Balance the load. Add towels or small linens to reduce noise and impact.
  • Skip the spin cycle. If possible, opt for a rinse-only or a low-speed spin.
  • Never use bleach or harsh chemicals. These break down Croslite foam.
  • Don’t wash too often. Machine washing should be occasional; regular cleaning can be done by hand.
  • Air dry away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colors to fade and foam to warp.

Special Considerations for Lined or Fuzzy Crocs

If your Crocs come with a soft lining (like fleece or fuzz), machine washing is generally not recommended. The agitation and water exposure can cause the lining to separate or become matted.

Instead, try this:

  • Remove the lining if possible. Wash it by hand with gentle soap.
  • Clean the Croc exterior using cold water and a soft brush.
  • Dry both parts separately, in a ventilated area, away from heat and sunlight.

Deodorizing and Deep Cleaning Tips

If your Crocs have picked up stubborn odors, here are a few ways to freshen them up:

  • Baking soda: Sprinkle a small amount inside, let sit overnight, then shake out.
  • Vinegar soak: For stubborn smells, mix equal parts cold water and white vinegar. Briefly soak (no more than 5 minutes), then rinse thoroughly and air dry.
  • Sunlight refresh: Leave your Crocs in indirect sunlight for a short period to help naturally kill bacteria and odors.

Remember: Too much exposure to moisture, sunlight, or cleaning chemicals can weaken the foam and reduce the lifespan of your Crocs.


What About Crocs with Charms and Jibbitz?

Accessories like Jibbitz charms should always be removed before washing—whether by hand or machine. These can collect grime and may get damaged or lost during a wash cycle. Clean them separately with gentle soap and water.


Extending the Life of Your Crocs

To keep your Crocs looking new for longer, follow these care routines:

  • Clean regularly. Don’t let dirt or grime build up.
  • Dry them thoroughly after each use or wash.
  • Store in a cool, shaded place. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or direct sunlight, which can deform the material.
  • Avoid exposure to chemicals or sharp objects that may scratch, melt, or damage the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I put my Crocs in a dishwasher instead of a washing machine?

It’s not recommended. Dishwashers use high temperatures that can warp or melt Crocs. Also, dish soap may be too harsh and degrade the foam.


Is it safe to put Crocs in a dryer after washing?

Absolutely not. The intense heat of a dryer will shrink and warp Crocs. Always let them air dry naturally.


How should I clean my white Crocs if they’re stained?

Hand washing with a mild soap, cold water, and a soft brush is best for white Crocs. For stubborn stains, try making a baking soda paste and scrubbing gently. Avoid bleach, as it can weaken the foam and yellow the material.


Can I machine wash Crocs with fur lining or fuzzy interiors?

Machine washing is not recommended for lined or fuzzy Crocs, as the interior may come apart or get damaged. Remove the lining (if possible) and hand wash both parts gently.


How often should I clean my Crocs?

Clean your Crocs whenever they look dirty or develop an odor. Regular light cleaning is better than frequent deep machine washing, which should be reserved for extra-grimy pairs.


In Summary

Washing your classic Crocs in the washing machine is safe if you use cold water, a gentle cycle, and avoid the dryer. Lined or specialty Crocs, however, need special care—stick to hand washing for these. Always remove decorations and avoid harsh chemicals to keep your favorite footwear fresh, comfortable, and long-lasting.

With a little TLC and the right cleaning methods, your Crocs will stay as comfy and colorful as the day you bought them!

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