Crocs are a popular choice for shoes due to their comfort and durability, but sometimes they can start to develop an unpleasant odor. Whether you’re dealing with regular Crocs or Crocs with fur liners, it’s important to properly care for them in order to keep them smelling fresh.
Fungi and bacteria are oftentimes the most common causes of bad odor in your Crocs. These microorganisms thrive in moist, warm environments and if you wear your Crocs without socks or if you wear them in damp or wet conditions, it can create an ideal environment for them to grow.
The best way to deodorize your regular or furry Crocs is by using baking soda, white vinegar or commercial deodorizers. These chemicals contain odor-absorbing or removing qualities and will be effective most of the time. Once you battled the odors, the next best step to focus on is prevention which is all about keeping your pair clean and dry.
In this article we will introduce the prevention methods and elaborate on each of these odor removal options in more detail.
Causes and prevention of odors in Crocs
Crocs are made of odor-resistant material called Croslite. That means that your pair of Crocs itself shouldn’t soak any of the bad odors in, but there are other reasons why Crocs might seem smelly:
Wearing Crocs without socks
When you wear Crocs without socks, the sweat and bacteria from your feet can build up inside the shoe, leading to an unpleasant odor. This is especially true if you are wearing the Crocs for long periods of time or in hot, humid conditions. To prevent this type of odor, make sure you have your socks on to absorb sweat and help keep your feet dry.
Wearing Crocs in wet conditions
If you wear your Crocs in damp or wet weather conditions, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew inside the shoes. This can cause a musty or stale smell. To prevent this type of odor, it’s important to rinse your Crocs under tap water after getting them wet outside, and to allow them to dry completely or simply pat with a dry kitchen towel before storing them.
Deodorizing regular crocs
If your regular Crocs have developed an unpleasant odor, there are several methods you can use to deodorize them. While these methods may help to eliminate the odor, it’s important to note that it may be necessary to repeat the deodorizing process multiple times for severe odor issues. Below, we’ll discuss three effective options for deodorizing regular Crocs.
Option 1 – baking soda
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can be used to deodorize Crocs. I’s a safe and effective method for deodorizing Crocs, as it is also inexpensive and easy to find.
To use baking soda, simply sprinkle some inside the Crocs and spread it out. Make sure there’s enough baking soda at the front of the shoe. Let it sit for at least 24 hours. The baking soda will absorb any odors that may be trapped inside the shoe.
Once the time has passed, empty out the baking soda. If the odor persists, you can repeat this process, and before spreading consider adding 5 drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda.
Option 2 – white vinegar
White vinegar is another effective option for deodorizing Crocs. To use vinegar, fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and vinegar. Spray the inside of the Crocs with the mixture and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it clean. The vinegar will help to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be causing the odor, and will also help to neutralize any other unpleasant smells.
You can also wash your Crocs in a washing machine and pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser to help deodorize your pair. For concrete step-by-step instructions, you can follow our guide to washing crocs in a washing machine.
Option 3 – commercial deodorizers
If you prefer to use a commercial product to deodorize your Crocs, there are several options available. You can find shoe deodorizers in the form of sprays, powders, or insoles that are designed to eliminate odors and leave your shoes smelling fresh.
To use a commercial deodorizer, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some deodorizers like “Rocket Pure” may require you to spray them directly inside the Crocs, while others may need to be sprinkled and spread inside the Crocs and left for some time.
Deodorizing stinky Crocs with fur liners
Deodorizing Crocs with fur liners can be a bit more challenging than deodorizing regular Crocs, as the fur can make it difficult to access the inside of the shoe. However, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible!
Here are the steps you can take to deodorize stinky Crocs with fur:
- Remove the fur lining: if you own “Mammoth” clogs, you can remove the fur lining, deodorize your Crocs with one of the options described above and clean the fur separately. For other types of fuzzy Crocs, the fur lining is not removable so you can proceed to the next step.
- Wash the Crocs: you can wash your Crocs by hand or in the washing machine using cold water and a mild detergent. Do not put Crocs with fur in the dryer, as the heat can damage the fur. Follow our guided instructions about washing fuzzy Crocs in this article.
- Deodorize the Crocs: To deodorize, you can use one of the methods mentioned earlier to treat the fur inside your Crocs (baking soda, white vinegar, or commercial products).
- Let the Crocs air out: finally, make sure to let them air out and naturally dry for a few hours before wearing them again. This will help prevent any lingering odors from forming.
