How To Wash Crocs The Right Way (Including Fur Lined Crocs)

That’s why Crocs are comfortable, quick to dry, and generally easy to clean. It’s also why heat is their enemy. High temperatures can cause Croslite to soften and change shape, which is how Crocs end up warped, shrunken, or no longer sitting quite right on your feet.

Fur lined Crocs are slightly different. The outer shoe is still Croslite, but the lining is usually synthetic fleece. That lining can hold onto dirt and smells and needs a gentler approach than the Crocs themselves.

Read also: What’s Really the Best Temperature For Washing Clothes

• Mild dish soap or a gentle liquid detergent
• Warm water (not hot)
• A soft brush, sponge, or cloth
• An old toothbrush for grooves and tread
• A towel for drying

Start by rinsing off any loose dirt under warm running water. This makes the actual cleaning easier and stops you from scrubbing grit into the surface.

Add a small amount of mild dish soap to a bowl or directly onto a sponge. Gently scrub the outside and inside of the Crocs, paying a little more attention to the footbed, ventilation holes, and the sole. An old toothbrush works well for the tread and any stubborn marks.

Once clean, rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Leftover soap can leave a dull film and make them slippery when dry.

Give them a quick shake, pat them dry with a towel, set them aside to air dry, and voila!

If you’re going to use the washing machine:

• Use a cold or cool wash only
• Choose a gentle or delicate cycle
• Place them inside a laundry bag
• Add a small amount of mild detergent
• Wash them with towels to cushion the impact

DO NOT use hot water, heavy-duty cycles, or fabric softener. Heat and aggressive spinning are the main reasons Crocs lose their shape.

Once the cycle finishes, take them out immediately and let them air dry.

Fur lined Crocs do need a bit more care than the standard ones, though. The Croslite shell is still easy enough to clean, but the lining can hold onto dirt, sweat, and smells if it’s not washed properly.

If they’re only a little dirty, hand washing is your best bet. Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild detergent and gently clean the lining without soaking it. You’re aiming to freshen it up, not flood it.

For a deeper clean, fur lined Crocs can go in the washing machine, but only on a gentle, cold cycle. Place them in a laundry bag, use a mild detergent, and don’t wash them with anything heavy that could flatten or pull at the lining.

NB: After washing, reshape the lining with your fingers while it’s still damp. This helps prevent matting as it dries.

Always air dry and be patient. The lining will take longer to dry than the rest of the shoe.

A regular wash (as discussed earlier) often does the trick, but if smells linger, try one of these options:

• Sprinkle baking soda inside dry Crocs and leave overnight, then shake it out
• Use a vinegar and water solution (50/50) to wipe the inside, then rinse well
• Let them dry fully between wears to stop moisture build-up

Avoid using sprays designed for fabric shoes. They tend to just mask smells instead of actually removing them and can leave residue behind.

All right, this is where the gentle warning labels come in.

Crocs should never go in the dryer. The heat will soften the Croslite material very quickly, causing the shoes to warp, shrink, or twist out of shape. Even a low heat setting can be enough to do damage, and once it happens, it’s not fixable.

The same applies to fur lined Crocs. The dryer can melt or flatten the lining, leaving it stiff, matted, and uncomfortable.

If your Crocs are wet and you’re tempted to speed things up, step away from the dryer. It’s not worth the risk.

After washing, shake off any excess water and pat them dry with a towel. This helps speed things up and stops water sitting in the footbed.

Keep them somewhere well ventilated, away from direct heat or sunlight. A warm room is fine. A radiator, tumble dryer, or hot windowsill is not.

If they’re fur lined, stuff the inside with a dry towel or some kitchen paper to absorb moisture. Replace it after an hour or two if needed. This will also help to keep shape.

Depending on how wet they were, Crocs usually dry within a few hours. Fur lined styles will take a bit longer, so make sure they’re fully dry before wearing them again.

If they’re muddy or dusty, give them a quick rinse rather than letting the dirt dry in. Dried-on dirt is harder to remove and will only mean more scrubbing later.

Always let your Crocs dry properly between wears, especially if you’ve been wearing them without socks or in wet conditions. Damp shoes are where smells start.

If you wear Crocs for gardening or outdoor jobs, it’s worth keeping a separate pair just for that. It saves your everyday pair from constant deep cleaning.

Keep them somewhere cool and dry when you’re not using them. Try not to leave them in hot cars, sheds, or near radiators, as heat will slowly affect their shape over time.