In recent years you have likely heard of the Italian shoe brand, Hey Dude Shoes. Hey Dude has been taking to shoe market by storm, selling over 1 million pairs of shoes in their second year of business in 2010.
Due to their popularity, many people are asking the question, “How do you clean hey dude shoes?” Is it safe to throw them in the washer? What about getting stains out of white hey dudes?
This guide will answer all of those questions and show you how to clean your Hey Dude shoes with dawn powerwash, a washing machine, magic erasers, and a little elbow grease.
How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes:
The following steps are for colored Hey Dude shoes that are not suede, leather, or wool. Instructions for white Hey Dude shoes can be found later on.
What you’ll need:
Step 1: Remove the insole from the Hey Dude footwear. In most cases, the insoles will come out easily, but if they are stuck simply apply light pressure from underneath the insole and it will pop out. If your insoles are damaged or are beyond repair, Hey Dude sells replacements in all sizes that you can find here.
After removing the insoles, set them aside as they are not machine washable. If you wish to wash them, spray them with dawn powerwash and let them sit for an hour. Once the soap has had time to cure, scrub them by hand with a coarse brush, rinse, and then set them aside to dry.
Step 2: Prep your shoes to go in the washer. Place your Hey Dude footwear into a pillowcase or laundry mesh bag. Place them in the washing machine, and add liquid laundry detergent. Liquid detergent is the best choice because it will not leave a residue on the shoes.
Step 3: Start the machine on the light wash setting and set the water temperature to warm. This will help cut the grease and grime on the shoes. Do not worry about the shoes shrinking due to the warm water.
Step 4: Once the cycle is finished, remove your Hey Dude shoes from the washer and place them somewhere warm to dry. Try to avoid direct sunlight as this can cause the colors to fade.
Step 5: Put on your fresh new kicks and wear them with pride!
How To Wash White Hey Dude Shoes By Hand
What You Will Need:
Step 1: Do not place white hey dude shoes in the washer immediately. To start, rinse off large debris from your Hey Dude shoes in the sink. Once this is complete, spray the entire shoe with Dawn Powerwash and follow this up by scrubbing the entire shoe in small circular motions to loosen the dirt and grime.
Step 2: Rinse off both shoes. Fill a sink halfway full with water and mix in a cup of Out White Bright. Submerge the shoes in the sink and place an object on top of them to ensure proper submersion. Leave the shoes in the mixture for two hours before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Remove the Hey Dudes from the sink. Place them into a washing machine on a cold water setting and run it without any other detergents. At the end of the cycle, place them in indirect sunlight to dry. Once dry, they will be sparkling once again!
How to Clean The Soles of Hey Dude Shoes
Over time the soles of Hey Dude shoes will become tainted from everyday wear and tear. Restore their look with these simple steps!
What you will need:
Step 1: Run warm water over the soles and scrub them with a coarse brush. To detail the cracks, use a fine pick to remove debris and dirt. Rinse the entire sole of dirt.
Step 2: Use a magic eraser to completely clean the soles. Work back and forth from the toe of the shoe to the heel until the whole sole has been stripped of all dirt and debris.
Can You Bleach Hey Dude Shoes?
Although you may think that tossing some bleach on your Hey Dudes will remove gross stains and restore their look, that is incorrect.
Using bleach on any Hey Dude shoe, whether they are leather, suede, or canvas, is a bad idea. This will destroy the color and design of the shoes. Using bleach on White Hey Dude shoes will turn them into a pale yellow color, which of course is not what you want.
How To Deodorize Hey Dude Shoes
… I can smell the stench from here. Here’s how to deodorize your Hey Dude shoes.
Technique #1: Place a dryer sheet in each shoe, and let it sit for 24 hours. These dryer sheets will absorb any liquid that may be in the shoe, and help mask the overall odor. For the best result, do this multiple times within a few day period to eliminate as much stench as possible.
Technique #2: Mix ¼ cup of baking powder, ¼ cup of baking powder, and ½ cup of cornstarch. Once the mixture is created, pour it into two cotton socks and place them in the shoes overnight. This will greatly improve the smell of your Hey Dudes.
How To Tighten & Shrink Hey Dude Shoes
Over time Hey Dude Canvas shoes will become loose due to their material. Luckily, there are simple ways to solve this issue,
Technique #1: Wash the Hey Dude shoes in hot water in a washing machine. Once the cycle is done, place them into the dryer for a full cycle. The heat from both the water and dryer will cause the fibers to shrink, making the fit tighter.
Technique #2: Buying a new pair of laces helps ensure a tighter fit because over time, Hey Dude elastic laces stretch out and can become weak. Luckily, Hey Dude sells replacement laces here!
Wrapping Up – How To Protect Hey Dude Shoes Over Time
After going through the cleaning process, the last thing you want is to have to do it again anytime soon. To protect Hey dude shoes for a long period of time from dirt, debris, and grime, consider one of the following solutions:
1: Best for Seude Hey Dude Shoes: Scotchgard Suede & Nubuck Protector
2: Best for Canvas Hey Dude Shoes: Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector
Both Scotchgard products are easy to apply and essential for getting the most out of Hey Dude shoes. After proper Scotchgard application, they will be protected against rain, dirt, and other debris. Extend the life of your shoes and eliminate the need for a wash by choosing Scotchgard.