Can You Bleach Crocs? Methods, Materials, and Answering Common Questions

Crocs have become an iconic footwear choice known for their lightweight and comfortable resin material. Their vibrant colors and fun designs make them popular among all ages.

It’s no surprise that the foam material that makes Crocs so comfortable also tends to show dirt and stains easily. This leads many Crocs owners to wonder: can you bleach Crocs to get them clean and bright again?

Bleach is Not Recommended for Crocs

While bleaching Crocs may seem like an easy shortcut to cleaner shoes, it is not a good idea. Here’s why you should avoid using bleach when cleaning your Crocs:

1. Bleach Can Damage and Discolor

The foam resin material that Crocs are constructed from can become degraded by harsh chemicals like bleach. Over time, bleaching Crocs will cause:

• Cracking or tearing as the foam becomes brittle
• Fading of bright colors
• Permanent white discoloration on colored Crocs

Even just occasional bleaching will weaken the Crocs material. This damage adds up over time with repeated bleaching until the structural integrity fails.

2. Does Not Remove Stains Effectively

Many people turn to bleach in order to remove difficult stains on white Crocs. However, bleach does not actually remove stains – it only decolors the area.

In other words, bleaching stained Crocs will not get them clean, it will just create white patches where stains were while weakening the overall material.

Some organic stains may even set permanently when bleached. Food, oil, grease, and dirt stains could all become baked on if bleached.

3. Better Alternative Cleaning Methods

The good news is that Crocs are quite easy to get clean without using harsh chemicals like bleach:

• Soap and water is highly effective at cleaning Crocs and removing most stains
• Baking soda makes an excellent abrasive paste for scrubbing off grime
• Hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice can lift discoloration safely
• A Magic Eraser easily wipes away scuffs and stains

Later in this post we will cover the proper methods to effectively clean both white and colored Crocs.

In-depth guide: Can Crocs Double as Reliable Water Shoes

Credit: www.reddit.com

Proper Techniques to Clean White Crocs

Getting white Crocs to look bright and new again can be accomplished with some handy homemade solutions:

1. Deep Cleaning the Interior

Over time, the inside of Crocs tend to get extra dirty and smelly from feet sweating and grime building up:

1. Remove Crocs insoles if possible and wash separately with laundry detergent
2. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons baking soda into each Croc shoe
3. Let sit for 8-12 hours to allow baking soda to absorb odors
4. Rinse out the baking soda then scrub inside with soapy water using an old toothbrush

This baking soda technique helps remove both stains and foot odor smells from the Crocs interior.

2. Scrubbing the Exterior Surface

For the outside of dirty white Crocs follow this process:

• Wet down the entire Croc under cool running water
• Apply a small dollop of dish soap to a soft scrub brush
• Gently scrub the soap evenly over the entire upper, sides and soles of the Crocs
• Pay extra attention to any stained or dirty areas by scrubbing more
• Rinse thoroughly with cool clean water after scrubbing

Repeat the scrubbing process as needed for badly soiled Crocs.

3. Whitening and Brightening Techniques

If your white Crocs have extensive staining or yellowing, use these tricks:

• Magic Eraser – Wet the Croc surface lightly then firmly wipe it with a Mr Clean Magic Eraser, which acts as a mild abrasive. Rinse after scrubbing.
• Baking Soda Paste – Make a paste from 1 part water to 2 parts baking soda. Apply paste to stained areas, allow to set 5 minutes, scrub with brush then rinse. The baking soda has a slight whitening effect.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Soak very stained or yellowed white Crocs overnight in a 50/50 bath of hydrogen peroxide and water solution. This helps lift discoloration.

4. Important Reminders

• Always check Crocs care instructions before attempting any intensive cleaning
• Never bleach white or colored Crocs
• Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol, acetone and CLR which could damage Crocs

How to Properly Clean Colored Crocs?

Cleaning colored Crocs requires a much more gentle approach to avoid stripping the color. Here are some safe methods:

1. Cleaning the Interior

• Remove insole if possible and wash seperately
• Wipe out debris with paper towel
• Use only a small dab of mild detergent and water on interior with soft rag

2. Gently Cleaning the Exterior

• Use a soft bristle brush and lukewarm water to loosen dirt
• Work a tiny amount of gentle dish soap into a lather
• Carefully scrub the entire exterior avoiding pressing too hard
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water, do not soak

3. Spot Cleaning Stains

For food, dirt or mud stains:

• Apply baking soda paste directly onto stain
• Allow paste to set for 5 minutes
• Wipe paste off then rinse away residue

For grease, oil or tar stains:

• Apply lemon juice onto the stain
• Allow juice to set for 2-3 minutes
• Rinse away lemon juice thoroughly

Avoid using bleach, alcohol, acetone or other harsh chemicals on colored Crocs as they will strip the color.

Additional Care and Storage Tips

To get the longest lasting wear out of your Crocs, keep these suggestions in mind:

1. Washing Machine Cleaning

Crocs can be washed in the machine but only under specific settings:

• Wash Crocs in mesh laundry bag on delicate cycle
• Use cold water only – hot water can warp shape
• Air dry only – no machine drying

Check the Crocs care tag before machine washing.

2. Caring for Fuzzy Lined Crocs

For cozy sherpa or faux fur lined Crocs:

• Hand wash the lining gently with mild detergent
• Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water
• Allow 2 days to fully air dry before wearing
• Use a comb to revive flattened fuzz

3. Storing Crocs Properly

Make sure to store Crocs properly between wears:

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sun
• Insert shoetrees to retain shape
• Avoid placing heavy objects on top that could warp them
• Store in breathable mesh bags, not airtight containers

Proper storage preserves the structure and comfort of your Crocs over time.

FAQs – Common Crocs Cleaning Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about keeping Crocs clean:

Can I use magic eraser or other household cleaners on my Crocs?

Yes, Magic Eraser sponges are safe to use on Crocs. Avoid harsh cleaners containing alcohol, bleaches or acetone. Stick to mild dish soap or baking soda.

How do I get permanent marker off my Crocs?

Dab the marker spot with rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. The alcohol will dissolve the ink without damaging colored Crocs. Avoid using nail polish remover or other solvents.

My Crocs have mold or mildew – what should I clean them with?

First scrub off surface mold and mildew stains with dish soap and water. To kill remaining spores and prevent re-growth, swab Crocs with cleaning vinegar using a cloth or old toothbrush. Wipe off vinegar when done and air dry.

Can I put fuzzy lined Crocs in the washing machine?

No – wool, furry or sherpa lined Crocs should only be spot cleaned by hand with mild detergent. Machine washing risks damaging the delicate lining. Let fully air dry away from direct heat or sunlight before wearing again.

Conclusion

While it can be tempting to bleach stained or dirty Crocs to get them clean faster, always avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals. These substances actually damage and discolor the specialized foam material that Crocs are constructed from.

Luckily, some basic homemade solutions like dish soap, baking soda, and magic eraser can get your Crocs sparkling – no bleach required! Properly caring for your Crocs helps them last for many years of comfortable wear.

Writer’s Opinions

I own quite a few pairs of Crocs myself – they are my go-to footwear whether gardening, boating, or taking my dog on walks. Over time, all that outdoor wear-and-tear left my Crocs looking dingy no matter how much I scrubbed them with soap.

Recently I discovered the power of the Magic Eraser for refreshing them! By lightly wetting the surface then rubbing firmly with an Magic Eraser sponge, it safely lifts off embedded dirt and stains without any chemicals. My once-grungy Crocs now look bright white and new again.

I also swear by sprinkling baking soda inside to keep my Crocs smelling fresh in between wears. It soaks up foot odors amazingly well overnight!

Using bleach or other harsh cleaners is too risky in my opinion. Even with careful cleaning methods, Crocs do tend to show dirt quicker than other materials. But caring for them gently allows me to enjoy comfy Crocs for years before needing to replace them!