How to Wash Hey Dudes Shoes? (Step-by-Step)

If you’re a guy, there’s a good chance you have a pair of Hey Dudes shoes. They’re stylish, comfortable, and perfect for everyday wear.

But how do you wash them?

When you first get your pair of Hey Dudes shoes, you will want to learn how to wash them to keep them looking as good as new.

In this post you will learn:

Let’s get started.

Can You Wash Hey Dude Shoes?

Yes, you can clean your Hey Dudes either by using a washing machine or opting for handwashing. However, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to protect your shoes during the cleaning process.

How to Wash Hey Dudes Shoes?

Now that you know a little more about Hey Dudes shoes, let’s learn how to wash them.

So, to wash your Hey Dudes you can take either one of the approaches below:

• Approach 1: Hand Washing
• Approach 2: Machine Washing

Let’s take a quick look at each of the methods below.

How to Hand Wash Hey Dudes Shoes?

Hand washing your Hey Dudes is easy and only needs a few items handy.

What you will Need

In order to wash your Hey Dudes shoes, you will need the following Items

• A bucket or sink
• Mild detergent
• Soft brush
• Cold water

Once you have the above items ready move on to the next step.

Remove the Laces and Insoles

Remove the laces from your shoes. This will make it easier to scrub the dirt and stains from your shoes.

Fill the Bucket with Water

Fill a bucket or sink with cold water and add some mild detergent, followed by mixing the detergent properly.

Soak the Shoes

Soak the shoes in the water for about 15 minutes this will help to loosen the dirt and stains from your shoes.

Scrub the Shoes

Use a soft brush to scrub the dirt and stains from the shoes. Be sure to scrub all areas of the shoes.

Rinse the Shoes

Once you have finished scrubbing the shoes, rinse them with clean water.

Repeat the process if needed

If the shoes are still dirty, repeat the steps above until they are clean.

Drying your Hey Dudes

It’s always a good idea and a best practice to air-dry your Hey Dudes shoes.

Simply remove the shoes from the water and allow them to air dry in a cool, shady place.

Try avoiding the dryer and keeping them away from direct sunlight it can weaken your shoes in the long run.

How to Machine Wash Hey Dudes Shoes?

Before jumping onto the steps to clean your Hey Dudes using a washing machine, I would like to give a quick disclaimer.

While machine washing your Hey Dudes is an option, it’s not something I would recommend as it can damage your shoes and will void the warranty since manufacturers do not recommend them to be machine washed.

That being said, if you still want to machine wash your shoes, here are the steps.

What You Will Need

In order to machine wash your Hey Dudes shoes, you will need the following items.

• Mild detergent
• Washing machine
• Cold water
• Mesh Bag

Once you have all of the above items, you are ready to move on to the next step.

Remove the Laces and Insoles

Remove the laces and Insoles from your shoes. This will help to prevent them from getting damaged during the washing process.

Add Mild Liquid Detergent

Add a mild liquid detergent to the washing machine. You can also add some white vinegar to help remove any tough stains.

Add the Shoes to the Washing Machine

Put your shoes inside a Mesh Bag and then place them in the washer.

Using a Mesh Bag should be the first option, if you don’t have one you can still wash the shoes on a delicate cycle.

It’s just that Mesh Bags provide extra safety to your shoes while washing.

Select the Right Settings

Set the washing machine on a delicate cycle and use cold water.

If you have the option to choose the soil level, you can simply select the soil level as a medium.

Even if your hey dude shoes are heavily soiled, keep the soil level to low-medium OR Medium.

If you don’t get the desired results post-wash, simply follow the same process in medium soil settings.

Avoid using hot water as it can damage your shoes.

Wash on Delicate Cycle

Set your washing machine to the delicate cycle and wash your shoes using cold water.

Washing them using cold water helps to avoid shrinking and color fading.

Remove and Air Dry

Once the cycle is complete, take your shoes out and allow them to air dry in a cool shady place.

Avoid using a dryer as it can damage your shoes.

Repeat the process if Needed

If you feel that your shoes are still not clean, you can repeat the process.

However, make sure to use the same settings and cycles while repeating the process.

How to Clean Hey Dudes Laces & Insoles?

If you remember we had set aside the lace and insoles in the beginning.

Now is the time to clean them using the following steps.

Cleaning the Laces

The laces can be easily cleaned using a mild detergent and some water.

Simply soak the laces in soapy water for a few minutes and then scrub them lightly using a brush.

Once you have scrubbed the laces, rinse them with clean water and allow them to air dry.

Cleaning the Insoles

The insoles can be cleaned in the same way as the laces.

Soak them in soapy water for a few minutes and then scrub them with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.

Once you have scrubbed the insoles, rinse them with clean water and allow them to air dry.

If you are using a washing machine, make sure to use laundry bags OR mesh bags and always wash them separately.

Ideal Settings to Wash Hey Dudes Shoes in Washing Machine

Here’s a table that will give you a better idea about the ideal settings to wash your hey dude shoes in a washing machine.

Washing Machine Settings	Intensity Level
Wash Type	Delicate
Soil Level	Normal
Water Temperature	Cold
Detergent Preference	Mild
Drying Method	Air-Dry
Cycles	1 or 2 cycles

Specific guidelines for cleaning different shoe materials

Leather Shoes

• Wipe off surface dirt with a damp cloth or sponge and avoid using excessive water, as it can damage the leather.
• Use a mild leather cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water to clean the leather (Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first).
• For scuffs and stains, use a leather conditioner or a mixture of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) on a soft cloth to rub the affected area.
• Allow the shoes to air dry naturally. Avoid direct heat or sunlight, as it can cause the leather to crack.

Note: You should never wash leather hey dudes in washing machine or even by hand, read the care label before deciding the cleaning approach.

Woolen Hey Dudes

• Remove loose dirt and debris by brushing the shoes with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
• Create a cleaning solution with a mild detergent suitable for wool and water or simply opt for wool wash.
• Dip a cloth or sponge into the solution and gently clean the fabric surface.
• For tough stains, apply a mixture of baking soda and water as a paste (use only in extreme cases).
• Allow it to rest for a few minutes before softly scrubbing and rinsing.
• Rinse the shoes thoroughly to remove any soap residue and let them air dry.

Suede Shoes

• Use a soft brush or suede eraser to remove surface dirt and stains gently.
• Avoid using water on suede, as it can leave watermarks, instead, use a suede-specific cleaner to spot clean stains.
• To restore the nap of the suede, hold the shoes over steam (not too close) for a few seconds and then brush them gently.
• Protect suede shoes with a waterproof spray specifically designed for suede to prevent future stains.

Dealing with mold and odor issues on hey dudes

Mold and odor issues can arise with shoes, especially when they are not properly cared for.

To ensure comprehensive shoe care, it’s important to know how to tackle these problems effectively.

Here are some tips to address mold and odor issues in Hey Dudes shoes:

Preventative Measures

Allow shoes to fully air dry after each wear before storing them. Moisture trapped inside the shoes can promote mold growth and cause odors.

Use moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packs or cedar shoe trees to keep the interior dry and prevent mold.

Cleaning Moldy Shoes

If you discover mold on your Hey Dudes shoes, take immediate action.

Combine equal amounts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then delicately spritz the impacted areas.

White vinegar has natural anti-fungal properties that can help combat mold.

Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the moldy areas, being careful not to damage the shoe material.

After cleaning, wipe the shoes with a clean damp cloth to remove any residue and allow them to air dry completely.

Removing Odors

Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let them sit overnight to absorb odors.

Alternatively, place a few activated charcoal pouches inside the shoes to neutralize unpleasant smells.

Lavender or tea tree oil drops can be added to cotton balls and placed inside the shoes to impart a pleasant scent and combat odor-causing bacteria.

Regular Maintenance

Incorporate regular shoe cleaning into your routine to prevent mold and odor build-up.

Remember to air-dry your Hey Dudes shoes after a few uses, especially if you notice any signs of sweat or dirt accumulation.

Deodorizing Hey Dudes

Whether it’s due to prolonged wear or specific activities, keeping your Hey Dudes smelling fresh is essential.

Here are a few proven ways to deodorize your Hey Dude shoes effectively.

1. White Vinegar Method:

• Dampen a cloth with white vinegar.
• Wipe the inside of your Hey Dudes thoroughly.
• Leave them to air dry.

2. Baking Soda Absorption:

• If you have baking soda handy try and sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your hey dudes shoes.
• Let it sit overnight to absorb odors.
• Then, shake out the excess baking soda from your shoes the next day and it should be good to go.

3. Freezer Technique:

• Place your Hey Dudes in a sealable plastic bag.
• Next, seal the bag and put it in the freezer overnight, doing this will allow the cold temperature to eliminate the odor-causing bacteria.

4. Activated Charcoal Inserts:

• Insert activated charcoal shoe inserts into your Hey Dudes.
• Leave them in overnight to absorb moisture and odors.
• Remove the inserts when not wearing the shoes.

5. Essential Oils Solution:

• Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water and put it into a spray bottle.
• Next, spray this mixture into your Hey Dudes.
• Let them air dry with a pleasant fragrance.

6. Sunlight and Fresh Air:

• Place your Hey Dudes in direct sunlight.
• Sunlight helps kill bacteria and freshens the shoes.
• Ensure they are fully dry before wearing them again.

7. Cedar Shoe Inserts:

• Insert cedar shoe inserts to absorb moisture and odors.
• Cedar naturally neutralizes unpleasant smells.
• Leave the inserts in when storing your shoes.

8. Dryer Sheets Trick:

• Place a scented dryer sheet inside each shoe.
• The sheets absorb odors and leave a fresh scent.
• Replace the sheets regularly for continuous freshness.

9. Regular Cleaning Routine:

• Establish a routine for cleaning your Hey Dudes.
• Remove dirt and debris promptly to prevent odor buildup.
• Follow the recommended washing and drying instructions.

Hey Dudes Shoe Caring Tips

Here are a few tips to help you keep your Hey Dudes shoes looking like new.

Avoid Using Dryers

Do not put your Hey Dudes in the dryer, and never expose them to direct sunlight. If you do, your shoes may become discolored.

Do Not Machine Wash

Do not machine wash your shoes as it can damage them and also void the warranty.

If you are not over-cautious about the warranty and still want to use the washing machine just make sure to use a mesh bag and wash them on a delicate cycle with cold water.

Only Hand Wash

The best way to clean your shoes is to hand wash them. It is a gentle process and helps to avoid any damage to your shoes.

Stuff the shoes with Microfiber cloth

Once you have hand washed your shoes and they are still wet, stuff them with a microfiber cloth. This will help to absorb the excess water and will also help to keep their shape intact.

Do Not Expose to Direct Sunlight

Do not leave your shoes in direct sunlight as it can damage the color and material of your shoes.

Use a Shoe Horn

When putting on your shoes, make sure to use a shoehorn. This will help to avoid creases and wrinkles on your shoes.

Use Shoe Trees

When you are not wearing your shoes, make sure to insert shoe trees in them. This will help to absorb moisture and will also help to retain their shape.

Fact: Did you know that Hey Dudes are made with 100 percent recycled fiber from PET and plastic water bottles? (1).

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to keep your Hey Dudes shoes in great condition, the best thing you can do is manually wash them.

Always make sure to use cold water to wash your Hey Dudes and use a mesh bag when washing them in the machine.

Lastly, avoid using a dryer and washing machine too frequently as it may void the warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that are asked very often.