To wash Hey Dude shoes, first brush off loose dirt and remove the insoles to hand wash separately. Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag and run them through the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle with a mild detergent and a low spin. Never put Hey Dudes in the dryer — the heat warps their shape and breaks down the materials. Air dry them in a well-ventilated spot away from direct heat and sunlight, stuffing them with dry towels to hold their shape.
Hey Dudes are a daily-wear favorite, and a little routine care keeps them fresh and comfortable. Cleaning them is easy — here’s how to do it by machine or by hand, and how to keep them odor-free.
How do you machine wash Hey Dudes?
You can wash your Hey Dude shoes in the machine safely — it just takes the right prep and settings.
Pre-wash prep
Remove loose dirt with a gentle brush, paying attention to the soles and crevices so mud doesn’t soak in. Take out the insoles and treat them separately — hand wash them with mild soap and warm water, scrub to remove odor and stains, and let them air dry fully before reinserting. Check the care label first; if your pair is machine-wash friendly (many are), proceed with cool water on a gentle cycle.
Washer settings
- Select a gentle cycle to protect the shoes’ structure.
- Use cool water, which is gentler on the fibers and dyes than hot.
- Use a mild detergent — strong cleaners degrade the materials.
- Place the shoes in a mesh bag and use a low spin to limit agitation, and don’t overload the machine.
How do you dry Hey Dudes?
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water — don’t twist or wring — then air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight, which can warp the fabric and ruin the fit. Once they’re completely dry, a dryer sheet or odor-neutralizing spray adds an extra-fresh finish.
Skip the dryer
Heat is the enemy when drying Hey Dudes:
- Avoid the dryer — high temperatures warp the shape and deteriorate the materials.
- Air-dry in a cool, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight.
- Remove the insoles and set the shoes near a fan to speed drying without heat.
Other drying tricks
- Stuff with dry towels: absorbent fabric draws out moisture while holding the shoe’s shape.
- Rotate the shoes: promotes even drying on all sides.
- Use silica gel packets: great for absorbing moisture from the interior.
- Run a dehumidifier: a dehumidified room dries shoes faster without heat.
- Use a gentle fan: indoor air circulation works when drying outside isn’t an option.
How do you hand wash Hey Dudes?
Hand washing keeps Hey Dudes in peak condition. Remove excess surface dirt, then prepare a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush to lift stubborn stains — thorough but gentle, to protect the materials. Rinse thoroughly to remove soapy residue, press out as much water as you can without twisting or wringing, then air dry.
Cleaning the insoles
Carefully remove the insoles and brush off loose dirt. Mix mild soap with warm water and clean them with a soft brush in gentle circular motions, focusing on areas that absorb sweat. Rinse under cold water, press them between towels to remove excess water, and let them air dry completely away from direct heat. For persistent odor, sprinkle baking soda on them before cleaning as a deodorizer.
Scrubbing technique
- Dry brush first: use a soft-bristle brush to sweep away surface dirt without water.
- Make a soap solution: a few drops of mild detergent in lukewarm water makes a good DIY shoe cleaner.
- Apply with care: dip a soft cloth in the solution and scrub in gentle circles, without oversaturating the material.
- Target tough spots: use an old toothbrush dipped in the solution to scrub stubborn stains locally.
- Wipe and repeat: remove the soap with a clean, damp cloth, and repeat gently if needed.
How do you get odors out of Hey Dudes?
Keeping Hey Dudes odor-free comes down to airflow and regular maintenance. After each wear, loosen the laces and remove the insoles to help them dry, which prevents the bacterial growth behind persistent odors. A footwear deodorizing spray or powder helps too.
DIY deodorizing tricks
- Baking soda is a powerful odor absorber — sprinkle it inside, leave overnight, then shake it out.
- Tea bags tucked inside absorb unpleasant scents while adding a light fragrance.
- Fresh air and sunshine help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
- For a deeper treatment, lightly spritz the inside with equal parts vinegar and water (don’t drench), which neutralizes odors as a natural disinfectant — then air dry completely before wearing.
Preventative care
Prevent odors rather than react to them: let the shoes breathe after each use by loosening the laces and removing the insoles, clean the insoles separately with mild detergent, use antimicrobial sprays sparingly on the insoles and interior, and alternate your Hey Dudes with other footwear so they have time to air out. Store them in a well-ventilated spot away from damp and clutter.
FAQ
Can I wash my Hey Dudes in the washing machine?
Yes — wash them in the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle, and remove the insoles to wash them separately.
Can you put Hey Dudes in the dryer?
No — air drying is best. The dryer’s heat can warp the shape and degrade the materials.
How do you keep Hey Dudes from smelling?
Sprinkle baking soda inside, let it sit overnight, and shake out the excess before wearing them again.
How do you wash Hey Dude insoles?
Remove the insoles and hand wash them with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry before putting them back.
How do you wash Hey Dudes without a washing machine?
Clean them by hand with a soft brush or cloth, mild soap, and water. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
