How to Clean Crocs: A Step by Step Wash and Dry Guide

Why cleaning Crocs matters

Crocs are a molded foam clog that most people wear without socks, which means sweat, dead skin cells, dust and outdoor grime end up directly on the footbed and inside the upper. The textured footbed, with its raised massage nubs, traps small particles that are hard to see but easy to smell. The ventilation ports and strap holes collect the same buildup, so a quick wipe is not always enough.

Keeping your Crocs clean is not just about looks. Professional podiatric organizations, such as the American Podiatric Medical Association, treat foot health as an everyday priority, and clean footwear is part of that routine. Orthopaedic patient education resources, developed and reviewed by experts at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, cover a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, which is a reminder that the shoes you wear daily deserve regular attention.

NIOSH, the federal research agency for worker safety and health, also studies how workplace conditions affect the body, and for people who stand in foam clogs through a long shift, clean, dry footwear helps keep feet comfortable. A simple wash every couple of weeks, plus a quick rinse after heavy use, keeps the foam fresh and extends the life of the shoe. If you are shopping for a fresh pair, our best Crocs shoes guide compares the current lineup.

How to wash Crocs by hand

Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean Crocs and works well for light dirt. Start by removing the straps if your pair allows it, then knock off loose dirt and sand from the outsole treads. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent.

Use a soft-bristled brush, an old toothbrush or a clean cloth for the scrubbing. Work the soap into the footbed in a circular motion so it reaches the massage nubs, then clean the outer surface, the ventilation ports and the areas where the strap attaches. Pay extra attention to any white or light-colored pairs, since scuff marks show up quickly on them.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue, since leftover soap can attract more dirt and irritate skin. Wipe the inside of each shoe with a damp cloth to catch anything the brush missed, including the heel area and the lip around the opening. For a similar routine on other summer footwear, see our guide on cleaning rubber sandals and slides.

• Mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Clean cloths for rinsing and drying
• A basin or sink with lukewarm water

How to machine wash Crocs

Crocs are generally machine washable, and the washing machine is the easiest way to get a thorough deep clean. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag so they do not bang against the drum and so the strap holes and decoration holes stay protected. If you do not have a mesh bag, a pillowcase with a secure closure works as a substitute.

Use a cold or warm cycle, never hot, with a small amount of mild detergent. Skip the bleach entirely and skip fabric softener, which can leave a film on the foam and make the surface feel slippery. Wash the Crocs on their own or with soft items like towels that have no hooks, zippers or metal parts that could scuff the molded surface.

Avoid washing Crocs with heavy footwear such as boots or shoes with hard soles, since the friction can leave marks on the foam. When the cycle finishes, remove the shoes right away so they do not sit wet in the machine, then move straight to the drying step.

How to dry Crocs properly

Drying is the step where most mistakes happen. Heat is the enemy of molded foam, so never put Crocs in a tumble dryer and never place them on a radiator, near a heater vent or in direct hot sunlight. High heat can warp the shape, shrink the fit and make the material stiff, which ruins the comfort the shoe is known for.

The safe method is air drying at room temperature. Gently shake off excess water, then stuff each shoe with a dry towel or paper towels so it holds its shape while the foam dries from the inside out. The towel also absorbs moisture that would otherwise sit against the footbed.

Turn the shoes upside down so water can drain out of the footbed and the ventilation holes. Depending on the humidity in your home, they can take a day or more to dry fully, so plan ahead and do not rush it. Check the inside before wearing them again, since a damp shoe invites odor and bacteria. For the full picture on getting any type of footwear dry without damage, see our guide on drying wet shoes properly. If your current pair is beyond saving, our best clogs guide has replacement options.

Odor prevention and daily maintenance

Crocs develop odor when sweat and bacteria build up in the foam, especially because most people wear them without socks. The best prevention is letting the shoes dry completely between wears and giving them a quick rinse after sweaty use, like after a long walk or a hot day in the garden.

A mild baking soda treatment neutralizes odor effectively. Sprinkle a thin layer inside the footbed, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then shake it out and wipe the surface clean. You can find more detail in our guide on deodorizing shoes with baking soda.

For a deeper understanding of how moisture and bacteria work together to cause smell, our article on odor control in shoes explains the cycle and how to interrupt it. Regular cleaning also keeps the outsole treads free of packed dirt, which helps maintain traction; see our piece on cleaning shoe outsole treads for the technique.

If you wear your Crocs daily, consider rotating between two pairs so each one gets time to air out. Storing them in a dry, ventilated spot rather than a closed bin also slows bacterial growth and keeps the foam from holding onto moisture.

A quick reference for the three main care methods is below.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I put Crocs in the dryer?

No. Tumble drying exposes the molded foam to heat that can warp the shape and shrink the fit. Air dry them at room temperature, stuffed with a towel to hold their form, and never place them on a radiator or in direct sunlight.

Can I use bleach on my Crocs?

Avoid bleach. It can discolor and weaken the foam. A small amount of mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent cleans the material well without harsh chemicals, and it is safer for the footbed surface that touches your skin.

How often should I clean my Crocs?

Clean them when they look dirty or start to smell, and give them a quick rinse after sweaty or muddy wear. A deeper hand wash or machine wash every couple of weeks keeps most pairs fresh, but daily wear without socks may need more frequent attention.

Why do my Crocs smell even after cleaning?

Odor comes from bacteria that live in the foam and feed on sweat. If the shoes were not fully dried, the bacteria survive and the smell returns. Dry them completely between wears and use a baking soda treatment to neutralize lingering odor.

Can I wash Crocs in the washing machine?

Yes, in most cases. Put them in a mesh laundry bag, use a cold or warm gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent, and never use bleach. Remove them promptly when the cycle ends and air dry them completely.

How do I clean the inside of my Crocs?

Wipe the footbed with a cloth dipped in lukewarm soapy water, paying attention to the massage nubs where grime collects. Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry thoroughly before wearing them again.