CROCS Shoe Care

CROCS: Anywhere you go, they go too. 
 

CROCS protect feet from emergency room floors, muddy stream beds, asphalt, even sashying down fashion runways. The shoes are made from a proprietary material known as ‘Croslite’, which starts out as EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate—a versatile, cushy-but-tough, flexible copolymer. Both Croslite and EVA resist moisture, dirt, oils, and other funky substances.  

But CROCS are still shoes, and they get dirty so we have come up with an easy guide on how to clean them. 
 
CROCS can be cleaned with common household products and a bit of care:  

For light stains try:  

• dishwashing liquid 
• a regular kitchen sponge  
• an old, soft-bristled toothbrush 
• cold water 

For tougher stains, we suggest: 

• baking soda 
• White vinegar 

 It depends on how dirty your shoes are. Cleaning a few small smudges off the tops will only take a minute or two but getting in between the ridges on the bottom of the sole and in the crevices behind the strap clasp can be more time-consuming. 

 

How to clean CROCS

We do not recommend tossing CROCS in the washing machine - we recommend spot-cleaning and air-drying instead. In almost every case, this is enough, though some stains may take longer than others to remove. 
 
Make sure the area where you’re working doesn’t become impacted by whatever you’re cleaning off the shoes. Using an old towel to cover the working surface is recommended 

 

Common dirt stains 

Everyday dirt is the main culprit, and we recommend any mud is left to dry before attempting cleaning.  

Remove any larger mud chunks, with a shake and dry cloth.  Wipe away the rest using cold water and dishwashing soap. Use a damp kitchen sponge, and mid-strength pressure to go over the dirty spots. Do not use the rough/ scourer side of the sponge, or you could scratch the finish on the CROCS. Rinse off the extra dirt as you go.   

Use an old toothbrush to get between the grooves at the bottom of the shoes and under the rivet where the heel strap connects to the clog. 
Leave the CROCS to dry on a clean surface. Do not leave CROCS in direct sunlight or near a heater.  

 

Kids get creative 
 
Crocs are especially popular with kids, but art supplies such as acrylic paint and glitter glue can be tricky. 
Leave the sticky stuff to dry overnight. 
The following day, thicker pieces of both the paint and glitter glue tend to peel right off. 

Light paint stains do come off with a dash of dishwashing liquid and water. For the heavier stains, try soaking the CROCS in the water mix for 20 minutes before attempting to clean.  

For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the stained area, and gently clean with a toothbrush - to help get in the grooves. Rinse off the paste, and allow the CROCS to dry. 

 
For the gardeners 

Covered in grass stains? Use the same baking soda paste suggested for the kids.  Apply the paste to the impacted spots and let the solution sit for a while before adding a small amount of white vinegar. 
Gentle scrub the paste off, rinse clean. Let the CROCs dry overnight.  

 
 
CROCS Warning: Avoid the Hot Car in Summer 

No one likes the hot car after a day of beach adventures - especially crocs. This can cause the CROCS to shrink or warp in shape. Don’t leave them in direct sunlight over 28C degrees for extended periods. 
 
 
How long do Crocs actually last? 

• Crocs can last between 2 to 4 years if you wear them a few times per week. 
• Crocs can last between 1 or 2 years if you wear them 25 hours per week. 
• The tread on the bottom of Crocs usually wears out after 8 to 10 months.   

In most cases, the tread on the bottom of Crocs will wear out first before the “squishiness” goes away. For safety reasons, and to avoid slipping replace any Crocs once the tread is worn down.