Hey Dude shoes have become incredibly popular in recent years for their comfortable and lightweight design. However, like any shoe, they can get dirty over time and require cleaning to keep them looking fresh. Learning how to properly clean Hey Dude shoes is important to extend their life and maintain their appearance. With some simple cleaning tips and products, you can have your Hey Dude shoes looking like new again.

Why It’s Important to Clean Hey Dude Shoes

Keeping your Hey Dude shoes clean is key for several reasons:

Hygiene – Dirt, debris, and bacteria can build up on shoes over time. Giving your Hey Dudes a good cleaning helps get rid of germs and keeps your feet healthy.
Appearance – A grimy pair of shoes just doesn’t look great. Proper cleaning keeps Hey Dudes looking newer for longer.
Longevity – Dirt and stains can actually break down shoes over time if left untreated. Cleaning helps maintain the integrity of the materials.
Traction – Built up dirt in the crevices of the sole can make your shoes slippery. Cleaning gives you better grip and avoids accidents.
Smell – Shoes can develop unpleasant odors from sweat and bacteria. Cleaning helps remove smells and keep feet and shoes fresher.

Supplies Needed to Clean Hey Dude Shoes

Gathering the right cleaning supplies makes the process much easier. Here are the items you’ll need:

Mild dish soap – Choose an unscented liquid soap. Dish soap works great for cleaning all shoe materials.
Old toothbrush – The bristles help scrub away dirt in the crevices. An old toothbrush works perfectly.
Baking soda – Baking soda naturally deodorizes and brightens shoes as you clean.
White vinegar – Mixed with water, vinegar safely disinfects and removes stains and odors.
Microfiber cloths – Soft cloths safely clean shoes without abrasion or scratches.
Laundry detergent – For washing shoe laces and removable insoles.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – Gently removes stubborn marks on shoes.
Stiff bristle brush – Only for shoe soles. Helps loosen ingrained dirt.
Bucket – Fill with water to wash your Hey Dudes.
Towels – For drying shoes after washing. Absorbent towels work best.

Prepping Hey Dude Shoes Before Cleaning

Before getting started, you’ll want to prep your shoes a bit:

Remove the laces and removable footbed if your shoes have them. Set aside to clean later.
Use a dry brush to dust off any loose dirt particles before washing. This prevents them from getting wet and smeared into shoes.
For bad odor issues, sprinkle baking soda directly on the insoles and leave overnight before brushing off. This helps absorb odors.
Use an old toothbrush to gently brush debris trapped deeply in any crevices of the sole.
Check shoes for any deep stains and treat with a small amount of dish soap, gently rubbing with a microfiber cloth.
Use a Magic Eraser to spot treat any tough scuff marks on shoe uppers, before washing.

Cleaning the Insoles and Footbeds

The insoles and removable footbeds of Hey Dudes can get pretty funky with sweat and bacteria buildup. Here’s how to clean them:

Mix a solution of warm water and a small amount of laundry detergent in a bucket.
Place insoles/footbeds in the solution and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub both sides.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water until there are no more suds.
Stuff insoles with paper towels or cloth to hold shape and air dry completely before replacing in shoes.

Washing the Upper Portion of Hey Dude Shoes

Over time, dirt, body oils, and stains make the upper part of Hey Dudes look dingy. Follow these steps to clean:

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small squirt of mild dish soap.
Mix the solution with your hand to create suds.
With a microfiber cloth, wipe down the upper portion with the sudsy solution. Clean both the inside and outside.
Use a clean toothbrush to scrub any stubborn spots, taking care around seams.
Rinse shoes thoroughly under running water until all soap residue is gone.
Pat gently with a towel to soak up excess moisture. Air dry completely before wearing again.

Cleaning Dirty Shoelaces

Shoelaces inevitably get grimy from contact with your feet and the ground. Keep them like new with this quick cleaning method:

Place laces in a laundry bag and tie it closed, or knot laces together. This prevents tangling.
Wash with a small amount of detergent and warm water on a gentle cycle.
Air dry laces by laying flat or hanging over a door. Do not place in dryer.
Once fully dry, rub laces between your fingers to soften and remove any remaining detergent residue.

Scrubbing the Soles of Hey Dudes

As the part of your shoes touching dirty surfaces, Hey Dude soles tend to get very dirty. Getting them clean requires a little extra elbow grease.

Remove loose debris trapped in sole grooves with an old toothbrush first.
Create a basin of warm water mixed with dish soap. About 2 tablespoons of soap per gallon of water.
Dip a stiff bristle brush in the soapy mixture. Push the bristles into the sole grooves and scrub back and forth.
Use an old toothbrush to get into the small crevices. Scrub all sides and the bottom.
Rinse very thoroughly with clean running water. Repeat scrubbing if needed for excess dirt.
Pat dry with an absorbent towel, then allow to completely air dry before wearing.

Preventing Odors and Disinfecting Hey Dudes

Even after washing, bacterial odors can linger in shoes. Here are some extra steps to deodorize and disinfect:

Lightly sprinkle baking soda across the insoles and inside of shoes. Let sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb odors.
In a spray bottle, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Mist the interior of shoes to disinfect.
For tougher odors, place crumpled newspaper inside shoes to absorb smells overnight. The paper will wick away moisture.
Allow shoes to dry thoroughly in sunlight which naturally disinfects and freshens shoes.
You can use a UV shoe sanitizer device to kill bacteria if odors persist after cleaning.

Caring for Your Hey Dudes Between Wearings

To keep your Hey Dudes in like-new condition longer between cleanings:

Use cedar shoe trees to maintain shape and absorb moisture when not wearing your shoes.
Sprinkle some baking soda in shoes after each wear to deodorize and dry excess sweat.
Rotate your Hey Dudes so you aren’t wearing the same pair two days in a row. This extends the time between cleanings.
Wipe shoes down with a damp cloth after wearing to remove surface dirt before it gets ingrained.
Keep Hey Dudes stored in breathable natural fiber shoe bags when not in use. This prevents dust build up.
Apply a hydrophobic spray like Scotchguard to protect the material from future stains and dirt. Re-apply every few months.

When to Have Hey Dudes Professionally Cleaned

While home cleaning does the job most of the time, there are some instances where professional shoe cleaning is best:

If shoes have difficult set-in stains that DIY cleaning can’t remove. Shoe repair pros have specialized products.
For badly damaged or worn areas, professional restoration is better than DIY fixes.
Severe odor issues may require sanitizing methods you can’t do at home.
For expensive leather Hey Dudes, professional cleaning preserves the material.
If you simply don’t have the time or patience for DIY cleaning, professionals can clean thoroughly.

Look for reputable shoe repair experts certified by companies like Jason Markk. Proper shoe cleaning can extend the life of your Hey Dudes.

FAQs About Cleaning Hey Dude Shoes

Cleaning your own shoes often leads to questions. Here are some common FAQs:

Can you put Hey Dudes in the washing machine?

We don’t recommend machine washing Hey Dudes. The agitation and detergents used in machines can damage shoes. It’s best to hand wash gently instead.

What about bleach or other harsh cleaners on Hey Dudes?

Avoid bleach, ammonia, alcohol or other harsh chemicals on your Hey Dudes. They can discolor or degrade the materials. Mild dish soap and water is all you need.

How do you dry Hey Dudes fast after washing?

Don’t put wet shoes in the dryer or direct heat which can warp their shape. Instead, stuff with paper or cloth to hold form, and allow to air dry in sunlight which speeds the process. Use a fan to circulate air faster.

Can you put Hey Dudes in the dishwasher to clean?

Like clothes washers, dishwasher detergents and high heat cycles are too harsh for shoes. You’re better off with hand washing for a gentle clean.

What temperature of water should be used?

Lukewarm to warm water is ideal for hand washing shoes. Avoid hot water which can shrink or warp delicate materials like mesh or knit fabric uppers. Cold water won’t remove dirt as effectively.

How often should you clean Hey Dude shoes?

Most people need to clean their Hey Dudes every 2-3 months with regular wear. But it depends on how often you wear them and conditions. Inspect every few wears and clean when visibly dirty.

Conclusion

Hey Dude shoes are a comfy style loved for their lightweight design and breathability. But taking the time to clean them properly helps keep them in great shape. By using the right gentle cleaning methods and products, you can keep your Hey Dudes fresh and extend their lifespan. Just be sure to avoid machine washing, harsh chemicals, and heat which can damage the shoes. With a little elbow grease and our cleaning tips, your Hey Dudes will look like new for many seasons of fashionable comfort ahead.

How to Clean Your Hey Dude Shoes the Right Way