Can You Put Crocs in the Washing Machine?

To understand how to properly clean Crocs, it helps to first understand exactly what they are made from.

Crocs are made from a proprietary foam material called Croslite. Croslite is a closed-cell resin that is soft, lightweight, and non-marking. The tiny air bubbles within the foam give it a spongy, comfortable texture.

Here are some key facts about Croslite foam:

• Proprietary material exclusively made for Crocs
• Closed-cell means the foam does not absorb water
• Weighs about 3 ounces per shoe – very lightweight
• Allows for ventilation and drainage via the trademark holes
• Can be molded into funky shoe shapes easily
• Available in a rainbow of colors – part of the brand’s fun design

The Croslite material makes the shoes waterproof. The holes allow for airflow and drainage when wet.

Overall, the foam is durable yet soft on the feet. But when it comes to cleaning, the porous nature requires some delicacy to prevent warping.

Let’s Find Out: Can Crocs Survive the Dishwasher

Cleaning Crocs in the washing machine offers a few advantages over hand washing:

1. More Thorough Cleaning

The agitation motion and rinsing cycles of a washing machine can penetrate deep into the porous foam to release dirt, odors, and stains. Hand washing may not fully cleanse the whole shoe.

2. Kills Odors Better

The funky foam of Crocs is prone to developing odors from sweat and use. A good wash fights odors that may linger after a hand wash.

3. Saves Time and Effort

Manual scrubbing of Crocs by hand takes time. Machine washing cleans 6-12 pairs of Crocs with almost no effort.

4. Improves Longevity

Regular machine washing can help extend the usable life of Crocs by up to 50% or more. Keeping them clean maintains the integrity of the material.

For busy Crocs wearers, tossing them in with a normal laundry load is certainly an appealing way to keep this comfort footwear fresh and clean. But special care must be taken to prevent potential risks.

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While machine washing reaps some benefits, there are a few risks to be aware of:

1. Heat Deformation

The Croslite foam can become misshapen, melted or shrunken if subjected to hot water and high drying heat.

2. Spin Cycle Damage

Intense spinning can deform Crocs and distort their original shape.

3. Material Degradation

Harsh detergents and chemicals may break down Croslite foam over time.

To enjoy the perks of machine washing while avoiding damage, follow these best practices:

Follow these dos and don’ts for keeping your Crocs clean in the machine:

1. Use a Cold, Gentle Cycle

• Wash Crocs in cold water only, no higher than 86°F (30°C)
• Use a delicate or casual clothing cycle with low agitation

2. Skip the Spinning

• Turn off any spin or centrifugal spin cycles
• Spinning can misshape and strain Crocs’ foam

3. No Heat Drying

• Line dry or air dry Crocs only
• Avoid any machine heat drying to prevent warping

4. Use a Laundry Bag

• Place Crocs in a mesh bag before washing
• Helps protect from abrasion damage in machine

5. Avoid Harsh Detergents

• Use gentle, bleach-free detergents made for delicates
• Harsh chemicals degrade Crocs material over time

6. Remove Insoles First

• Always remove Crocs insoles before washing
• Clean insoles separately to prevent warping

By following these tips, you can safely machine wash Crocs without damaging the structural integrity of the foam. But it’s wise to avoid the washer for certain Crocs as well.

Tips for: Cleaning Your Favorite Furry Crocs

While most standard Crocs can handle the washing machine, certain types are too delicate:

• Embellished Crocs – Those with fabric, leather, or additional decorations require hand washing only. The additions may deteriorate or detach.
• Vintage Crocs – Older Crocs that are cracked or showing their age already should not be machine washed, as it could worsen existing damage.
• Label Says No Machine Washing – If your Crocs have a “hand wash only” tag, abide by that guidance.
• Severely Damaged – Badly cracked, warped, or broken Crocs should not be put in the machine, even if newer pairs can.

For these delicate Crocs, gently hand wash them instead and allow to fully air dry.

After much experience washing my own cherished Crocs, I believe machine washing is generally safe for them with proper precautions.

The convenience of tossing my Crocs into a mesh bag and letting the machine work its magic is worth it to me. I haven’t noticed any damage to my Crocs’ shape or structure over many washes. As long as I use cold water and avoid heat drying, I find the benefits outweigh the risks.

That said, I only machine wash my classic plastic Crocs. If I had a fancy pair of vintage Jibbitz Crocs or something with embellishments, I would absolutely hand wash to be safe.

While a washing machine cleans foam Crocs well, I don’t think it’s worth potentially ruining a delicate pair. Follow the recommendations carefully and make exceptions when needed.

With some caution, machine washing can keep funky, well-loved Crocs looking and smelling fresh for many wears to come. It helps maximize their longevity – a good thing for both your shoes and the environment.

Let’s go over some commonly asked questions on the do’s and don’ts of washing Crocs:

Should I remove Crocs insoles before washing?

Yes, you should always remove the insoles from your Crocs and wash them separately before machine washing. The insoles can warp or become misshapen during the wash if left inside the shoes. Wash them gently by hand instead.

Is it OK to put my Crocs in the dryer after washing them?

No. Never put your Crocs in the dryer after washing. The intense heat can deform the foam or make them shrink. Always allow your Crocs to air dry fully after washing them.

How often should I wash my Crocs?

Aim to wash your Crocs every few wears or anytime they get visibly dirty. Washing them frequently prevents sweat and odor buildup within the porous foam material. About every 5-10 wears is ideal for most.

What water temperature should I wash Crocs in?

Always use cold water only when machine washing Crocs – no more than 30°C or 86°F. Hot or warm water can damage the foam. Stick to the coldest, gentlest setting.

Can I use bleach when washing my Crocs?

No. Avoid using any bleach, harsh detergents, or aggressive cleaning agents on your Crocs, as they could degrade the Croslite foam material over time with repeated use. Opt for gentle, bleach-free soaps.

While popular, Crocs’ porous foam construction also makes them prone to grime. To keep your Crocs in top shape, be sure to wash them regularly – and doing so in the washing machine is perfectly fine with a few easy precautions:

• Use a cold, delicate cycle
• Skip the spin cycle
• Allow to fully air dry
• Use a mesh bag for washing
• Avoid harsh detergents
• Hand wash embellished Crocs

Follow these tips and machine washing can safely keep your Crocs looking fresh, extending their longevity so you can enjoy many years of podiatric bliss. Just be gentle and selective in how you cleanse your precious Crocs.

So go ahead – toss that dirty pair in the wash without worry by using sound practices. Your feet will thank you!