How to wash Hey Dude shoes?

Hey Dude shoes are the epitome of casual comfort, lightweight design, flexible soles, and laid-back style. Originally designed for those who crave both comfort and style, these shoes have quickly gained popularity across all ages.

Whether you’re strolling through the city, relaxing at the beach, or just running errands, Hey Dude shoes offer a perfect blend of function and fashion.

Their slip-on style and breathable materials make them a go-to choice for everyday wear, explaining why they’ve become a beloved staple in many wardrobes.

While regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of dirt and odors, careful washing preserves the integrity of the materials. By taking the time to care for your HDs, you’re not only prolonging their life but also maintaining the comfort and support that makes them so special.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the best ways to clean your HEY DUDE shoes, whether they’re made of canvas, suede, or another material. So, if you are looking to learn how to wash Hey Dudes, this is the blog for you.

So, with no further ado, let’s start.

Things you should know before you start

Here’s a bunch of things you must check before you start washing your Hey Dudes.

Check the care label

Before diving into the washing process, it’s crucial to check the care label on your Hey Dude shoes. This label contains essential information specific to your pair, including recommended cleaning methods and any materials that require special attention. 

Ignoring these instructions could lead to damage or shrinkage, so take a moment to read through them carefully.

What you’ll need

To clean your Hey Dude shoes effectively, gather the following materials based on the cleaning method you plan to use:

General tips

To ensure the best results and extend the life of your Hey Dude shoes, keep these general tips in mind:

• Avoid heat: Never expose your Hey Dude shoes to direct heat sources like dryers or heaters. High temperatures can cause the fabric to shrink, warp, or lose its shape. Always opt for air drying in a well-ventilated area.
• Use mild detergents: Choose a mild, liquid detergent for both machine and hand washing. Harsh chemicals or powdered detergents can be abrasive and may damage the material over time.
• Protect the shape: To prevent your shoes from losing their shape while drying, stuff them with plain crumpled paper or use shoe trees. This simple step helps maintain their structure and keeps them looking new.

By following these preliminary steps and gathering the right materials, you’re setting yourself up for a successful cleaning session that will leave your Hey Dude shoes looking fresh and ready to wear.

Method 1: Machine washing your Hey Dude shoes

A machine wash can give your HDs a refreshing new feel. Here’s how you can achieve it.

Step 1: Prepare your shoes

Before you toss your Hey Dude shoes into the washing machine, take a few moments to get them ready:

• Remove excess dirt: Gently wipe off or rinse away any loose dirt or mud from your shoes. This will help prevent the washing machine from getting clogged and ensure your shoes come out cleaner.
• Remove laces and insoles: Untie and remove the laces from your shoes, and take out the insoles. Laces can be washed separately in a delicate laundry bag or pillowcase, and insoles should be cleaned by hand to avoid losing their shape.

Step 2: Washing machine settings

When washing your Hey Dude shoes in a machine, it’s important to follow these best practices to keep them in great condition:

• Use cold water: Always select cold water for the wash. Hot or warm water can cause the shoes to shrink or warp, especially if they are made from canvas.
• Select a delicate cycle: Set your washing machine to a delicate or light wash cycle. This minimizes agitation, which can wear down the fabric of your shoes.
• Add liquid detergent: Pour a small amount of liquid laundry detergent (about 1 tablespoon or 15 ml) into the machine. Avoid using powdered detergents as they can be abrasive and might not dissolve completely, leaving residue on your shoes.
• Add a towel: To prevent your shoes from banging around inside the machine, throw in a towel with the load. This acts as a cushion and helps reduce noise and wear on the shoes.

Step 3: Air drying your shoes

Once your Hey Dude shoes are clean, it’s time to dry them properly:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area, but keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading or damage to the fabric.
• Maintain shape: To help your shoes retain their shape, stuff them with plain crumpled paper or use shoe trees. This is particularly important for canvas shoes that can lose their form easily.
• Drying time: Hey Dude shoes typically dry within two hours, but it’s best to let them air dry completely before wearing them. If you washed the laces, hang them to dry alongside the shoes.

Method 2: Hand washing your Hey Dudes

Let’s see how you can wash your HDs with your hands. In my opinion, this is one of the safest and most effective methods.

Step 1: Remove dirt and mud

Before diving into the hand-washing process, it’s important to start with a clean slate:

• Wipe or rinse off loose dirt: Use a cloth, rag, or old towel to gently wipe away any clumps of dirt or mud. If your shoes aren’t too dirty, you can skip rinsing and go straight to washing.

Step 2: Create a soapy solution

Now that your shoes are free of loose dirt, it’s time to prepare the cleaning solution:

• Mix liquid laundry detergent with lukewarm water: Fill a bucket or basin with lukewarm water and add a few drops of liquid laundry detergent. Swish the water with your hand until you see soap suds forming. Avoid using powdered detergent, as it may not dissolve completely and could leave residue on your shoes.

Step 3: Wash and rinse

With your soapy solution ready, you can start cleaning your Hey Dude shoes:

• Wash with a cloth: Dip a clean cloth or old towel into the soapy water and gently blot the sides and surface of your shoes. Focus on any areas that appear dirty or stained, and frequently re-dip the cloth in the solution to ensure you’re cleaning effectively, not just spreading dirt around.
• Rinse away soap residue: Once your shoes are clean, dip another cloth in plain lukewarm water, squeeze out the excess, and use it to wipe away any remaining soap. This step is crucial to prevent soap buildup, which could attract more dirt over time.

Step 4: Air drying tips

After washing, it’s essential to dry your Hey Dude shoes properly to maintain their shape and longevity:

• Avoid direct sunlight: Place your shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry, but keep them out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading or damage. If drying indoors, consider using a fan to speed up the process.
• Maintain shape: To help your shoes retain their form, stuff them with crumpled paper or insert a shoe tree. This is especially important if your shoes are made from canvas, as they can easily lose their shape when wet.
• Drying time: Your shoes should be dry within a couple of hours, but it’s best to let them air dry completely before wearing them again.

Method 3: Cleaning suede HDs

Your pair of suede HDs may demand a different treatment. Let’s look at the process for cleaning these shoes.

Step 1: Brushing off dirt

Start by gently removing surface dirt from your suede Hey Dude shoes:

• Use a suede brush: Take a natural bristle or brass bristle suede brush and gently brush the surface of your shoes. Brush in a consistent direction rather than back and forth to lift away dust and dirt without damaging the suede. If you notice any scuff marks, you can use the brush to help lift them.

Step 2: Removing stains

For more stubborn stains, follow these steps:

• Tackle water and oil stains: Dip a wet nail brush into clean water and gently scrub the stained areas. For oil stains, you may need to be a bit more forceful to lift the grease. Be cautious not to soak the suede, as excessive moisture can cause damage.

Step 3: Air drying and maintaining shape

Proper drying is essential for maintaining the shape and condition of your suede shoes:

• Air dry overnight: After cleaning, let your suede shoes air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or using heat sources, as these can cause the suede to shrink or warp.
• Maintain shape: Use a shoe tree or stuff your shoes with crumpled paper to help them keep their shape while they dry. This prevents any deformation and helps retain their original form.

Step 4: Protecting your suede shoes

To keep your suede shoes looking their best and to protect them from future damage:

• Apply suede protector spray: Once your shoes are completely dry, use a suede protector spray to create a barrier against stains and water damage. Shake the can well and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the shoes, applying an even layer over the entire surface. Allow the shoes to cure for 30 minutes before wearing them.

Tips and warnings

Here are some extra tips to keep your Hey Dude shoes looking and smelling great:

Important warnings

Be aware of these crucial points to avoid potential issues:

By keeping these tips and warnings in mind, you can ensure that your Hey Dude shoes stay in great condition and continue to provide comfort and style for a long time.

Marty’s final words

Keeping your Hey Dude shoes clean not only preserves their look but also extends their lifespan, ensuring they continue to provide you with comfort and style. Regular maintenance is key, whether you’re machine washing, hand washing, or caring for suede.

Hungry for more shoe care tips or looking for advice on other related topics? Check out our other articles and guides to keep your entire wardrobe looking and feeling fantastic. Explore more and keep your shoes—and yourself—shining!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

By now, we have read a lot about cleaning and washing Hey Dude shoes. Now, let us answer some of the frequently asked questions relating to washing HDs.

Can you wash Hey Dudes with clothes in the washer?

It’s generally best to wash Hey Dude shoes separately to avoid potential damage to both your shoes and other laundry items. When machine washing, add a towel to the load to help cushion the shoes and prevent them from banging around too much. This will also help protect your other clothes from any potential damage caused by the shoes.

How often should you wash Hey Dude shoes?

The frequency of washing Hey Dude shoes depends on how often you wear them and the conditions they are exposed to. For everyday wear, washing them every 3-4 weeks is usually sufficient to keep them fresh. If they’re subjected to heavy dirt or stains, you might need to clean them more often. Regular spot cleaning can also help extend the time between full washes.

What to do if your Hey Dude shoes shrink?

If your Hey Dude shoes have shrunk, unfortunately, there isn’t much that can be done to fully restore them to their original size. To prevent shrinking in the future, always follow the recommended washing instructions, such as using cold water and air drying. If the shoes are only slightly shrunken, you can try gently stretching them while they are still damp, using a shoe stretcher or manually stretching them with your hands.