How to Clean White Crocs

Crocs are the funny looking (yet oh so comfortable) shoe that people either love or love to hate. You can spot them almost anywhere! From hospital floors, to poolside, to grocery stores, to playgrounds, and more. Plus, Croc fans can customize their shoes with Jibbitz charms to show off a little extra personality.

White Crocs in particular are a versatile and comfortable footwear option that can be worn for a variety of activities, from casual errands and outings to outdoor adventures. However, white Crocs are prone to getting dirty and stained, and they can be challenging to clean, especially if you’re not sure what cleaning methods to use. 

In this article I’ll guide you through the steps of how to clean white Crocs to help you keep them looking their best. I have researched and tested the best methods. Whether you need to remove dirt, grass stains, or food stains from your white Crocs, these tips and tricks will help you restore them to their pristine condition. So, let’s get started!

How to Clean White Crocs

The cleaning method and products you will use to clean your white Crocs will depend entirely on the type of stain you’re trying to remove. But regardless of the type of stain, I recommend starting with basic soap, water, and a scrub brush or sponge. Soap and water will remove the majority of stains on white Crocs. 

With that said, some stains are tougher to remove than others so here are a few of the most common stains found on white Crocs and how to clean them.

Basic Scuffs and Light Stains

If you wear your white Crocs regularly, it is highly likely you will notice a scuff or two appear over time. Luckily, minor scuffs are super easy to remove with the help of soap and water, or a Magic Eraser. You don’t even have to remove your Crocs from your feet to remove scuff marks using this method! 

What You’ll Need:

• Magic Eraser Sponge

Instructions:

1. Wet the magic eraser sponge with water: Before using the magic eraser sponge, wet it with water to activate the melamine foam material.
2. Gently scrub the affected area: Using the damp magic eraser sponge, gently scrub the scuffed or stained area of the white Crocs. Apply light pressure and be careful not to damage the material of the Crocs.
3. Rinse the Crocs with water: After scrubbing the affected area, rinse the Crocs with clean water to remove any residue from the magic eraser sponge.
4. Dry the Crocs: Once the Crocs are rinsed, pat them dry with a clean towel or let them air dry. Avoid using a dryer or direct sunlight, as this may damage the material.

RELATED: How to Clean White Shoes

Mild Stains like Dirt

Cleaning white Crocs can be challenging, especially when they are covered in dirt. My friend wore her white Crocs on a walk outside down a dusty fire road and ended up with red clay dust and dirt completely staining her shoes. The good news is, dirt stains are washable! Here are some steps you can follow to effectively clean dirt off of white Crocs.

What You’ll Need:

• Dish Soap
• Sponge
• Small Scrub Brush (or an old toothbrush designated for cleaning projects)
• Water
• Sink or Basin

Instructions:

1. Remove any loose dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the Crocs.
2. Rinse and Apply Dish Soap: Rinse the dirty Crocs under cold running water. Apply a small amount of dish soap or detergent to a damp sponge or soft-bristled brush.
3. Scrub the Crocs: Use a sponge, soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) or a cloth to scrub the Crocs, paying extra attention to the areas with stubborn dirt or stains. 
4. Rinse the Crocs: Rinse the Crocs thoroughly with clean water, making sure all the soap or cleaning solution is removed.
5. Dry the Crocs: Pat the Crocs dry with a clean towel or let them air dry. Avoid using a dryer or direct sunlight, as this may cause damage to the material.

My friend’s stained Crocs came out totally white and clean after completing these steps. No trace of dirt remained – yet another example of how so many cleaning projects can be completed with simple, basic (natural!) cleaning ingredients. 

RELATED: How to Clean the Bottom of Shoes

Tougher Stains like Grass or Blood

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove tough stains like grass and blood from a multitude of materials (including other types of shoes!). If you’re facing blood stains then I recommend going straight to the hydrogen peroxide paste. If it’s grass stains that you’re up against, then I suggest following the instructions below in the order suggested.  

What You’ll Need:

• Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent
• Sponge or Scrub Brush
• Baking Soda
• Water
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Empty Spray Bottle (optional but recommended)

Instructions:

1. Begin by brushing off any loose dirt or debris from the crocs with a soft-bristled brush.
2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of dish soap to make a paste.
3. Apply the paste onto the grass stains on the crocs, using a clean cloth or brush to rub it in gently. Allow the paste to sit on the stains for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse the crocs with warm water to remove the baking soda and dish soap paste.
5. If the grass stains persist, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water in a small bowl.
6. Apply the hydrogen peroxide solution onto the remaining grass stains, using a clean cloth or brush to rub it in gently. Allow the solution to sit on the stains for 5-10 minutes.
7. Rinse the crocs with warm water again to remove the hydrogen peroxide solution.
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 as needed until the grass stains are completely removed.
9. Allow the crocs to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

NOTE: If you complete all of these steps and the stains persist then try setting your white Crocs outside in direct sunlight for an hour or two. The sun has natural bleaching properties that can help lift stains. I have read about multiple instances where stains magically disappeared from white Crocs after they were left alone in sunlight for a period of time. Give it a try!

RELATED: How to Get Blood Out of Shoes

Stubborn Stains like Ketchup or Sriracha

The one type of stain that seems to be the most difficult to remove from white Crocs is a tomato-based stain. Ketchup, sriracha, tomato sauce – all of these stains really make a lasting mark on white Crocs. BUT, with the right products and some patience  it is possible to remove these tomato-based stains from white Crocs, here’s how.

What You’ll Need:

You might not need ALL of the below products. I always recommend starting with the gentlest cleaning solution and working your way up. The products below are listed in order of how I recommend applying them to stained white Crocs (rinsing thoroughly with water in between each application): 

• Dish Soap
• Sponge or Scrub Brush
• Water
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Isopropyl Alcohol (or Vodka)
• Clorox Bleach Bathroom Cleaner

Instructions:

1. Start with dish soap: Start with the gentlest cleaning method and work your way up! Scrub the stains to the best of your ability with dish soap and water then rinse clean.
2. Grab the vinegar: In a bowl, mix one-part white vinegar and two parts water. Soak your Crocs in the vinegar solution for about 10-15 minutes to help loosen the stains, then scrub once again and rinse clean.
3. Try alcohol: If stains persist after a few rounds of scrubbing with white vinegar, apply isopropyl alcohol or vodka to the stains. Scrub alcohol into the stains, then rinse clean. Repeat as necessary.
4. Sun Bleach: If you feel like scrubbing is not getting you any closer to removing the stains, take a break and let your Crocs sit in direct sunlight for an hour or two. The bleaching properties of the sun can do some of the brightening work for you and you may be surprised to see the stains magically disappear!
5. Clorox Bleach: Still no luck? According to this Reddit thread, using Clorox Bleach Bathroom Cleaner is the ticket. Apply it directly to your tomato-based stains and scrub them away with a cleaning brush. Be sure to rinse your Crocs thoroughly before drying and wearing.

With these steps, you should be able to remove stubborn sriracha stains from white Crocs. However, it’s essential to treat the stains as soon as possible to increase the chances of complete removal.

RELATED: How to Clean Sandals

How to Clean White Crocs with Fur

Cleaning fuzzy crocs is a lot like cleaning your favorite slippers. It isn’t complicated, but of course you want to take care not to damage the fur lining. When it comes to cleaning Crocs with fur you can choose to hand wash or machine wash. Regardless of your preferred cleaning method, here is how to clean fuzzy Crocs:

What You’ll Need:

• Mild soap or laundry detergent
• Soft cleaning brush or cloth

Instructions:

1. Remove any loose dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the Crocs.
2. Hand wash: In a sink or a bowl, mix a few drops of mild detergent with warm water. Soak the Crocs in the cleaning solution. Dip a soft-bristled brush or a cloth into the cleaning solution and gently apply it to the fur and the rest of the Crocs. Rinse clean under cold water.
3. Air dry: Use a towel to dry the crocs as much as possible before setting them out to air dry.
4. Machine wash: If you have access to a washing machine, you can machine wash your fuzzy Crocs on a cold, delicate cycle with mild laundry detergent.
5. Dry the Crocs: Dry your clean Crocs the same way you would after hand washing.
6. Brush the fur: Once the Crocs are dry, use a soft-bristled brush to fluff the fur and restore its texture.

It’s important to note that the fur on Crocs may be sensitive to high temperatures, so avoid using hot water or a hot dryer. With these steps, you should be able to clean white Crocs with fur and maintain their appearance.

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