Can You Put Crocs In The Washing Machine With Cold Water

Yes, you can put your Crocs in a washing machine with cold water. In fact, this is the recommended temperature if you want to use a washing machine to clean your Crocs.

When you use warm or hot water to wash your Crocs, there is a possibility of your Crocs shrinking because exposing your Crocs to heat shrinks it.

Cleaning your Crocs in a washing machine is a bit tricky because if done wrong, it would not only ruin your Crocs, it may damage the machine as well.

Steps to take when washing Crocs using a washing machine with cold water

• Know your Crocs material
• Wrap your Crocs in a towel
• Put your Crocs in the washing machine one pair at a time
• Wash your Crocs softly and gently
• Use cold water
• Air dry after washing

There are other ways to clean your Crocs that may be a bit more tedious but carry a lower risk of damaging your nice pair of Crocs or even your washing machine.

However, if you insist on using a washing machine, here are steps you should take:

Know your Crocs Material

There are several kinds of Crocs on the market, from Clogs, Slides to Shoes. Although, most Crocs are made from the trademark CrosLite Foam Material and the new LiteRide Material, these are both synthetic materials.

There are a few though, which are mixed with natural Leather materials.

Only put Synthetic materials when you want to use a washing machine to clean your Crocs.

When you put a natural material like Leather into your washing machine, the Leather material typically isn’t water repellent, therefore it will absorb the water and will make it begin to crease and will eventually crack.

For Crocs that have a fuzzy lining in the insoles for a soft and comfortable aesthetic. It is necessary to separate or remove the lining and wash them separately.

Wrap in a towel

Before you put the Crocs in the washing machine, you need to wrap it in a Towel which will create a buffering effect for goo Crocs so the revolving agitator blades of the machine don’t rip or damage your Crocs.

If your Crocs get between the blades, it may damage the Crocs and the blades in the process. There is no point damaging your washing machine simply because you want to clean your Crocs, so take the appropriate steps.

Put your Crocs in the washing machine one pair at a time

If you have multiple Crocs you want to clean, you must put them in the washing machine one at a time in order not to crowd the machine and cause the agitator to get stuck.

It is common sense to know that there is limited space in your washing machine, no matter the size.

If you have a large washing machine that can probably take more than one, you can give it a go.

However, it is recommended that you take your time.

Wash your Crocs softly and gently

While setting the washing machine, ensure you tune it to the “gentle” wash setting. While in this setting, there is less chance of your Crocs getting damaged and discoloring.

You may have to run it for an extended period to let it clean properly. Due to the bulky and rigid nature of your Crocs, unlike clothes that compress easily.

While the machine is churning, if the agitators spin too fast it may cause a clog. No pun intended.

Use cold water

This is the most important part, remember to use cold water while cleaning your Crocs in the washing machine.

When you apply heat to rubber it expands and the CrosLite and LiteRide Foam materials are like a synthetic form of rubber.

Therefore when you wash your Crocs in hot water, the heat will expand it and will either change the shape or damage your pair of Crocs.

Simply cold-wash them and you’re good to go.

Air dry after washing

You may be tempted to use the dryer to dry your Crocs after cleaning them but the fact that dryer uses heat through convection to draw moisture.

It isn’t advised to put your Crocs in a dryer, heat will expand and may damage them, remember?

After washing, all you need to do is take a dry piece of cloth and wipe the water off, then simply leave it out in the open for a few minutes and it will completely dry.

Keep away from direct sunlight.

Other ways to clean dirty Crocs

There are other ways to clean your Crocs without a washing machine. Most people don’t like to use a washing machine to clean shoes because it has less control over the degree to which you can clean them, especially when there are tough stains.

As I mentioned earlier, when washing your Crocs it’s important to put the material your Crocs are made of into consideration and take appropriate measures that suit the nature of the said material while washing or cleaning.

Handwashing

This is the most convenient and safest way to clean your Crocs because you have full control over the pressure applied to the material.

You can hand wash your Crocs by using; A coarse sponge and a mild soap for the classic CrosLite Foam clogs.

All you need is a bucket or you can do this in the sink, pour some water over the Crocs so it’s wet, apply some of the soap across the dirty surface and gently scrub till the stain comes off.

Apply pressure as you see fit. Alternatively, you can use a Bristle brush and soap if you don’t have a sponge, a brush would give you more control and you’d cover more surface area of the Crocs.

Just follow the same procedure, soak the Crocs in water, apply soap and scrub till clean with the brush

For The Classic Crocs Clog with the fuzzy-furry lining, you could use a hard bristle brush to scrub the liner while it’s in the Crocs till it’s clean.

However, while you’re drying make sure you take the liner out of the Crocs and sundry properly so it does not develop a bad odor.

For a stretch or elastic material, you should use a warm damp cloth and gently scrub the material repeatedly across the whole surface area until you are satisfied with the state.

When cleaning ensure to use cold water because as I mentioned earlier, hot water may damage your Crocs.

If you don’t want your Crocs to shrink or expand a few sizes after every wash, then always use cold water.

For tough stains, there are special shoe cleaning chemicals and detergents available for purchase that you can get to make the job of cleaning less stressful.

However, when buying ensure you get the Ideal detergent for the material of your Crocs.

When you are done thoroughly cleaning and rinsing your Crocs to your satisfaction, get a dry piece of rag and gently dab off the water, keep in the open air to dry.

Preferably away from direct sunlight. You know why? Yes, that’s right. The sun is a heat source and always remember what heat does to your Crocs.

Get professional cleaning

If you are the lazy type like myself. You can take your Crocs to a cobbler or any store that renders shoe cleaning services.

If you can not afford to buy the cleaning agents or you just don’t have the time to do it yourself due to your busy schedule or just the classic “I don’t want to”, they will clean your Crocs professionally with special cleaning agents and chemicals to remove every form of stain and odor.

That way you don’t have to risk damaging your Crocs due to a lack of experience or negligence.

Conclusion

Like most material things and personal belongings, if you want them to last and serve you, then you need to take good care and practice proper maintenance for longevity, the same rule applies to your pairs of Crocs.

You need to properly clean your Crocs after every use, and if it’s not too dirty, you can just get a damp rag and gently wipe the dirt off.

When you need to clean your Crocs thoroughly and you want to use a washing machine, ensure you take the appropriate measures by following the guidelines I have outlined above.

To ensure the safety of your Crocs and the washing machine, cold water washing is the only way to go when using a washing machine to clean your Crocs if you don’t want to expand them.

If you want to play it safe or you have control issues and want to keep matters in your own hands.

You always have the option of handwashing your Crocs, just ensure you get the Ideal brush or sponge in order not to scratch nor crease it by using an overly abrasive and coarse sponge.

Also, get the detergent that is most appropriate for the material of your Crocs, when you use the wrong detergent it may discolor your Crocs.

Well, if all these steps sound too cumbersome. Pay a guy, not everything has to be DIY.

When you properly maintain your Crocs by using the best practices while cleaning, your Crocs will always look new and it will increase longevity.