How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes Safely
Hey Dude shoes are famous for being incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. However, because they are made of soft fabrics like canvas, knit, or delicate suede, they accumulate dirt and stains easily. Cleaning them incorrectly can cause the shoes to shrink, warp the insoles, or destroy the lightweight foam outsoles. This guide covers how to safely clean canvas Hey Dudes in a washing machine and how to hand-wash more delicate styles without causing damage.
What You Will Need:
- Mild laundry detergent (liquid is preferred)
- A clean pillowcase or mesh wash bag (for machine washing)
- A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Warm water and a small bowl
- A dry towel
- Suede brush and eraser (only for suede styles)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shoes (Always Remove the Insoles)
Before doing any washing, remove the laces and the leather-lined memory foam insoles from both shoes. Crucial Rule: Never machine-wash or submerge the leather insoles. Doing so will warp the memory foam and cause the leather to crack. Clean the insoles separately by wiping them with a damp soapy cloth.
Step 2: Brush Away Loose Dirt
Take your dry, soft-bristled brush and gently brush away any dried mud, dust, or loose dirt from the fabric and outsoles. Removing this dry dirt beforehand prevents it from turning into mud during the washing process, which can stain the fabric further.
Step 3: How to Machine-Wash Canvas Hey Dudes
If your shoes are made of standard Canvas or Knit:
1. Place both shoes and the laces inside a clean pillowcase or a mesh wash bag to protect them from snagging.
2. Put them in the washing machine and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
3. Set the machine to the Delicate/Gentle cycle using cold water. Warning: Never use hot water, as it can shrink the canvas and dissolve the glue holding the outsoles together.
Step 4: How to Hand-Wash Suede or Wool Hey Dudes
If your shoes are made of Suede or Wool, do not place them in a washing machine.
1. For Suede: Use a specialized dry suede eraser to rub away scuffs and dirt. Gently brush the suede with a suede brush pointing in one direction to restore the soft texture.
2. For Wool: Dip your soft brush into a bowl of lukewarm soapy water. Gently scrub the wool fabric, wipe away soap with a damp cloth, and blot dry with a towel.
Step 5: Air Dry Correctly (Never Use a Dryer)
Place your Hey Dudes in a well-ventilated, shady area to air dry. To help them keep their shape and dry faster, stuff the inside of each shoe with crumpled paper towels or clean white packing paper (do not use newspaper, as the ink can bleed). Crucial Rule: Never put Hey Dudes in a clothes dryer or place them in direct sunlight. High heat will warp the foam outsoles and cause the canvas to shrink, rendering the shoes unwearable.
Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I put my Hey Dudes in the dryer?
No, you should never place Hey Dudes in a clothes dryer. The intense heat of a dryer will shrink the canvas fabric and permanently warp the lightweight EVA foam outsoles, destroying the fit of the shoes.
How do I remove bad odors from my Hey Dudes?
Because these shoes are often worn without socks, they can develop odors. To freshen them, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the dry shoes (with the insoles removed) and let it sit overnight. Shake out the baking soda in the morning before inserting the clean insoles.
How do I clean the white outsoles of my Hey Dudes?
The white foam outsoles can get scuffed easily. To clean them, mix a small amount of liquid dish soap with warm water, and scrub the outsoles with an old toothbrush. You can also use a melamine foam sponge (like a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) to quickly wipe away stubborn scuff marks.