Are Hey Dudes Machine Washable Answers You Need on Washing These Popular SlipOn Shoes

Are Hey Dudes Machine Washable Answers You Need on Washing These Popular SlipOn Shoes

Check the Hey Dude Shoe Tag for Care Instructions

One of the best ways to determine if your Hey Dudes are machine washable is to check the tag inside each shoe. This tag contains the official care instructions provided by the manufacturer, so it’s the most reliable source for how to properly wash and care for your Hey Dudes.

The care tag is usually found near the top opening of the shoe, stitched onto the inner sole or side. It’s a small white tag with text and symbols providing cleaning directions. If the tag says the shoes are machine washable, you’ll see a graphic of a washing machine tub.

The instructions on the tag indicate not only if Hey Dudes can go in the washing machine, but also provide other key details. This includes water temperature (likely cold water), washing cycles or settings (delicate or gentle cycle recommended), and whether bleach can be used (bleach should be avoided).

Following the exact wash method on the Hey Dude tag is highly recommended. This prevents possible damage to the materials and construction. Machine washing Hey Dudes differently than the tag states risks harming the cotton canvas upper, EVA foam outsole, and glued construction.

If the tag specifies “Dry Clean Only” then machine washing is not recommended. While some consumers do put dry clean only shoes in the washing machine, this goes against the manufacturer’s care instructions and can shorten the life of the shoes.

So before tossing your Hey Dudes into the washing machine, be sure to consult the care tag. This simple step will provide the definitive answer on if machine washing is advised and the best washing method to safely clean Hey Dudes without causing excess wear and tear.

Use a Gentle Cycle and Cold Water

Once you’ve checked the care tag and confirmed your Hey Dudes are machine washable, the next key step is to use a gentle cycle and cold water when washing the shoes.

Washing machines have various settings and cycles that control the wash motion, water temperature, and spin speed. For delicate items like shoes, the gentle or delicate cycle is ideal. This uses a slower agitator or tumbling motion.

The gentle cycle prevents excessive stress on the shoes during washing that could cause damage. Aggressive wash motion can distort glued seams, cause the EVA foam outsoles to separate, or put extra wear on the cotton canvas uppers of Hey Dudes.

Washing Hey Dudes in cold water is also highly recommended. Hot water can cause the cotton fabric to shrink or fade. The adhesive holding the shoes together can also weaken when exposed to very hot water.

Cold water provides sufficient cleaning when used with a mild detergent and the gentle cycle. Unless the care tag specifically says warm water is okay, cold water is the safest bet.

When putting your washing machine through the wash cycle with Hey Dudes inside, start with the cold water tap only. Verify the temperature never rises above lukewarm, which is typically around 30°C or 85°F.

Also choose the gentle or delicate cycle with a slower agitator speed. Top loading machines should use their lowest agitation setting. Front loaders should use the gentle tumble option.

Washing Hey Dudes Too vigorously can damage the shoes. A gentle cycle also reduces friction and abrasion against other items in the wash. Be sure to wash Hey Dudes separately or only with other delicate items.

Following the care instructions by using a gentle cycle and cold water allows Hey Dudes to be safely washed in the machine without excess wear. Being gentle ensures your shoes last many wears without falling apart in the wash.

Wash Hey Dudes in a Mesh Bag

Washing your Hey Dudes in a mesh bag before placing them in the washing machine is highly recommended. The bag helps protect the shoes during the wash cycle.

A mesh wash bag is made from a net-like material that allows water and detergent to pass through while keeping the shoes contained. This prevents the Hey Dudes from bouncing around the drum during washing.

Excess movement while wet can distort the shoe shape. The abrasion against the drum or other garments can also cause pilling, scratches, and premature wear. A mesh bag minimizes motion so the Hey Dudes stay protected.

Look for a mesh bag designed for delicate items. The bag should fully enclose the shoes with a durable zipper or drawstring closure. Place both the left and right shoe inside the bag together before zipping shut.

Make sure to turn the shoes upside down so the soles face inward toward each other. This prevents the canvas uppers from rubbing against the mesh walls during washing.

Use a mesh bag large enough to contain the Hey Dudes without having to overly squeeze or smash them. Overstuffing can lead to damage, so allow a bit of extra room.

Washing Hey Dudes loose without a protective mesh bag makes them vulnerable to getting caught in the washing machine drum. The shoes may get jammed and tangled on central agitator spikes if washing in a top loader.

Putting Hey Dudes in a closed mesh bag also prevents the laces, footbed, and any removable insoles from getting dislodged and lost amongst your other laundry items.

A quality mesh wash bag is an inexpensive but useful investment for protecting Hey Dudes and other delicate footwear when machine washing. Taking this precaution helps maintain your shoes in like-new condition.

Air Dry Hey Dudes – Don’t Put in Dryer

Once you’ve washed your Hey Dudes in the machine, it’s crucial not to put them in the dryer. Hey Dudes should always be air dried instead.

The intense heat of the dryer can damage Hey Dudes in several ways. It can cause excessive shrinkage or warping, melt the EVA foam outsoles, weaken glued parts, and make the cotton canvas brittle and cracked.

The tumbling motion of a dryer also subjects Hey Dudes to unnecessary friction that can accelerate wear. Lint and debris inside the dryer drum can become lodged in shoe crevices too.

Air drying prevents any of these issues. Simply take your washed Hey Dudes out of the mesh bag and stuff paper towels or rags inside each shoe. Crumple up the towels to fully stuff the toes, instep, and heels.

Stuffing the shoes helps them hold their shape as they dry. It prevents collapsing or sagging of the uppers, distortion of toe boxes, and wrinkling. Place the stuffed shoes on a drying rack or set them outside in the fresh air. Make sure they sit upright and are supported to retain their structure. An ideal spot is near a window or outdoors in a covered space safe from direct rain or sun.

Allow Hey Dudes to fully air dry before wearing again. The drying time depends on humidity levels but can take 12 hours or longer. Refrain from using fans or heaters to speed up drying time, as this can cause damage.

Feel inside the shoes to check if completely dry before removing the paper towels. The fit may seem tight at first after air drying but should recover after a few minutes of wearing.

Avoiding the dryer is a simple way to keep Hey Dudes looking and feeling like new after washing. The small time investment of air drying is worth it to extend the life of your shoes.

Remove Insoles Before Washing

Before placing your Hey Dudes in the washing machine, it’s recommended to remove any insoles or footbeds first. This helps the shoes get completely clean and prevents damage to the insoles.

The footbeds that come with Hey Dudes are either glued down or loose fitting. For loose insoles, simply take them out of each shoe before washing.

If the insoles are glued, use care when removing. Try gently tugging and wiggling the insole until it detaches. Don’t yank too forcefully to avoid tearing the upper material.

Removing washable insoles allows the shoes to get fully saturated with water and cleaning detergent during the wash cycle. With insoles still inside, the shoes won’t get as clean.

Detergent and dirt can get trapped underneath insoles, plus the shoes will take longer to dry. Bacteria and odor will build up faster if insoles prevent thorough washing.

The footbeds also need protection from excessive water saturation and heat damage. Letting them remain inside while washing risks warping, shrinking, or delaminating the material.

Set aside any Hey Dude insoles and clean them separately as needed. Use a small amount of mild detergent in warm water for hand washing. Allow insoles to completely air dry before replacing into shoes.

You may want to consider purchasing new replacement insoles specifically for wearing after washing Hey Dudes. Alternating between new and old helps extend overall insole life.

Taking a little extra time to remove Hey Dude footbeds prior to machine washing is worth the effort. Your shoes will come out cleaner and better maintained after avoiding excess wear on the insoles.

Use a Mild Detergent and Skip Fabric Softener

When washing Hey Dudes, use a mild or gentle liquid laundry detergent and avoid adding fabric softener. Harsh detergents and softeners can harm the shoes.

Look for a delicate wash detergent without dyes, perfumes, or bleaching agents. Powder detergents may not dissolve sufficiently to clean shoes. An eco-friendly liquid detergent is ideal.

Only a small amount of mild detergent is needed, about 1-2 tablespoons per wash load. This sufficiently removes dirt and odors when combined with cold water and the gentle cycle.

Too much detergent or a formula that’s too harsh can damage Hey Dudes. The chemicals can strip color from the canvas, degrade stitching, and dry out materials. Rubber outsoles may crack if the detergent is too alkaline.

Fabric softener provides no benefit and should also be avoided. The waxy coating it leaves behind can stain shoe uppers and attract more dirt. Softener residue makes the cotton canvas feel stiff.

Vinegar is sometimes recommended as a natural fabric softener for shoes in the wash. However, vinegar can alter the pH balance of Hey Dude materials. The acidic liquid can be too harsh.

When pre-treating tough stains before washing Hey Dudes, stick to gentle stain removers like diluted dish soap or laundry pre-wash spray. Don’t use pre-treatments containing hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice.

Test any new detergent first in an inconspicuous area inside the shoe to check for colorfastness. Discontinue use if dye transfer occurs.

Choosing a mild liquid laundry detergent without added fabric softener or bleaches will allow you to safely and effectively wash Hey Dudes without causing excess damage or wear.

Hand Wash for Best Results

While Hey Dudes are machine washable, hand washing the shoes provides the most gentle cleaning for best results.

To hand wash Hey Dudes, remove the laces and insoles first. Use a soft bristle brush and a mild detergent diluted in cool water to scrub the soles and canvas upper exterior.

Make sure to get into creases, along edges, and underneath straps or stitching. For tough stains, use a targeted spot treatment method before hand washing such as a paste of baking soda and water.

Submerge Hey Dudes in a sink, tub, or bucket filled with cool water and a dash of gentle detergent. Let soak for 15-30 minutes so the soap can penetrate deep into materials.

Drain the water and use a clean soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of the soaked shoes. Stuff with paper towels before reshaping.

Rinse Hey Dudes thoroughly with cool clean water to remove all soap residue. You can stuff wet paper towels inside and reshape overnight as they absorb excess moisture.

Allow Hey Dudes to fully air dry upright and supported before wearing again. The paper towels absorb moisture and help retain the shape.

Hand washing requires more time and effort than machine washing but is the most delicate cleaning method. There’s no risk of mechanical damage from agitation.

You have more control hand washing to target problem areas as needed. Mild soap and water is effective for cleaning most dirt buildup.

Periodically hand washing your Hey Dudes preserves the materials and construction better than frequent machine washing. It helps retain the fit, comfort, and appearance to extend the overall life of your shoes.

Stuff with Paper Towels to Maintain Shape

An important tip when washing Hey Dudes is to stuff the shoes with paper towels before drying to help maintain their shape.

After washing Hey Dudes, whether by machine or hand, thoroughly stuff paper towels inside the shoes while still damp. Wadded up towels fill the entire interior from toe to heel.

Carefully stuff towels into the toes without stretching them out. Pack the instep and heel area fully. The towels absorb moisture and provide internal support.

Paper towels work better than shoe trees which are too rigid. Towels conform to the interior contours. Make sure to use plain paper towels without added chemicals or fragrances.

With towels inside, reshape Hey Dudes by evenly smoothing the exterior before letting dry. This prevents sagging or wrinkling while drying.

If needed, place additional rolled towels underneath the insole area to reinforce shape. Use balled up towels in the toe box to retain structure.

Check drying shoes periodically to ensure they are retaining proper form. If sagging occurs, restuff with additional paper towels to reexpand the interior.

Allow Hey Dudes to fully air dry upright before removing the paper towels stuffed inside. The fit may feel snug at first but will relax after a few wears.

Repeating the reshaping steps with paper towel stuffing each time you wash Hey Dudes will help them maintain their look and fit. Proper drying shape prevents damage.

A little time spent stuffing damp Hey Dudes with paper towels makes a big difference in preserving the shoes after washing. Following this easy tip will keep them looking like new.

Disinfect with Diluted Bleach if Needed

If your Hey Dudes have been exposed to bacteria or fungi and require disinfecting, use diluted bleach for sanitizing after washing.

Bleach is an effective disinfectant that can be safely used on Hey Dudes in proper dilution. It kills germs that cause foot odor, athlete’s foot, and other contagious conditions.

Mix a bleach and water solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts cool water. Use plain unscented bleach containing 6% sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient.

Lightly spray or wipe the diluted bleach solution onto the clean, washed Hey Dudes. Avoid oversaturation and focus on the insole and interior sides.

Let the bleached shoes sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Use a soft brush and cool water to remove all bleach residue.

Fully rinse two or three times until no bleach smell remains. You can stuff paper towels inside to absorb excess moisture after rinsing.

Make sure no bleach solution remains before drying, as it can damage materials and cause fading. Never use undiluted bleach.

Allow properly bleached and rinsed Hey Dudes to fully air dry as usual. The bleach will have sanitized the shoes without harsh chemicals when diluted correctly.

Periodic disinfecting with diluted bleach can help eliminate shoe odors and prevent transfer of contagious conditions like fungi. Just be sure to dilute it adequately and rinse thoroughly for safe use on Hey Dudes.

Wash Infrequently to Extend Life of Shoes

While it’s okay to occasionally wash your Hey Dudes, you’ll extend their lifespan by not washing too often. Frequent washing can degrade materials.

Aim to wash Hey Dudes only when visibly dirty or smelly. For casual wear, this may mean washing every few weeks or up to a few months between washes.

Washing more frequently subjects Hey Dudes to heat, friction, detergents, and other damage that accumulates over time. The cotton canvas and EVA foam can break down.

Overwashing fades colors, weakens stitching, erodes tread, and deteriorates the adhesives holding the shoes together. It’s best to wash only on an as-needed basis.

To help Hey Dudes stay cleaner between washes:
– Wear with socks to absorb sweat
– Use shoe powders or spray anti-microbials
– Alternate between pairs
– Hand wash spots or stains
– Wipe down with damp cloth after wearing
– Use cedar shoe trees to absorb odor

Also inspect Hey Dudes after washing to ensure construction remains intact before re-wearing. Stop washing if excessive damage becomes apparent.

With a combination of smart preventative care and only occasional washing, you can keep Hey Dudes looking and performing great for many months or years before needing to be replaced.

Moderating how often you machine or hand wash your Hey Dudes helps protect them from wash-related wear. Remember – less frequent washing extends shoe life.

Expect Some Color Fading Over Time

When machine washing Hey Dudes, expect that the colors may fade or lighten somewhat over repeated washings.

The cotton canvas upper of Hey Dudes is susceptible to color loss with washing. Even with cold water and gentle detergent, some dye breakdown occurs.

Each wash slowly strips a bit of color from the cotton fabric. The friction against other laundry can also rub off pigment. This is normal with most dyed textiles.

Washing less often and air drying out of direct sun prolongs color vibrance. But some gradual fading is unavoidable after many washes, especially with bold or dark colors.

Try to wash Hey Dudes inside out to protect the outside fabric face. Look for a detergent formulated for color protection. Vinegar in the rinse water helps set dyes.

Inspect shoes before washing to determine if the degree of fading has become excessive. This is a sign the cotton canvas has broken down.

For drastically faded Hey Dudes, textile specialty dyes can renew color. Match the new dye to the original color as closely as possible.

Remember, pale pastel or earth tone Hey Dudes will show fading faster than darker shades. Expect to replace extremely faded shoes sooner.

Plan on light color loss over time with any washable shoes. But you can take steps to minimize fading. With proper care, Hey Dudes will still look presentable after many gentle washes.

Inspect for Damage After Each Wash

It’s important to thoroughly inspect your Hey Dudes after each wash to check for any damage or wear issues needing attention.

Take time to closely examine all interior and exterior shoe components looking for problems. Check the insoles, lining, laces, stitching, straps, and canvas upper.

Pay particular attention to the edges of soles and areas where upper material is bonded to the base. These are vulnerable spots.

Look for:
– Detached or loose outsoles
– Cracked or deformed soles
– Peeling stitched seams
– Fraying or holes in upper
– Discoloration or stains
– Thinning or weakened canvas
– Shrunken, warped, or ill-fitting materials

Make notes of any issues like split seams or adhesive failure. This indicates if washing is causing excessive damage requiring repair.

Catching problems right after washing helps prevent further damage when shoes are worn again. Make fixes as needed with adhesive, stitching, patches, etc.

For recurring issues in the same spots, evaluate your washing methods. You may need to wash more gently, infrequently or stop machine washing shoes showing excessive deterioration.

Proactively inspecting and repairing wash wear helps extend the usable life of well-loved Hey Dudes. Take a few minutes after each wash to check for problems.

Replace Insoles if They Become Misshapen

If your Hey Dudes’ insoles start to become overly misshapen, warped, or compressed with washing, consider replacing them with new insoles.

The constant saturation and drying from machine washing can break down insole materials over time. EVA foam or faux leather insoles may shrivel or flatten.

If the original insoles are removable, inspect their condition after each wash. Check for excessive curling at the edges, compressed foam, or permanent creasing.

Test the cushioning and support by pressing down on the insoles. They should rebound back and not feel overly soft or flattened.

Permanently deformed insoles alter the shoe’s inner dimensions and can indirectly damage the upper material.

Replacement aftermarket insoles specially designed for Hey Dudes are available to swap out old insoles. Choose an insole material like fresh EVA foam or antimicrobial brushed polyester.

The new insole shape should match the original design from Hey Dude. Cut any overhanging material for a flush fit.

Consider rotating between pairs of insoles with washing to extend use. Allow insoles to fully air dry between wears.

Don’t overlook worn out insoles, as poor support underfoot impacts comfort and shoe integrity. Replace insoles as needed to keep Hey Dudes performing their best.

Swapping fresh insoles into Hey Dudes restores cushioning and proper fit when the originals get too compressed and misshapen with repeated washings.

Consider Professional Cleaning for Tough Stains

For Hey Dudes with difficult stains that won’t come out from home washing, consider taking them to a shoe repair shop for professional cleaning.

Shoe specialists have commercial machines and powerful cleaning solutions for deep stain removal. This provides a more vigorous clean for badly soiled Hey Dudes.

Typical stains they can tackle include:
– Oil, grease, tar, wax, mud
– Coffee, wine, blood, food spills
– Ink, marker, paint splotches
– Scuffs, gouges, burns, melted rubber
– Mildew, mold, algae

Avoid DIY stain removal methods like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh solvents that may damage Hey Dudes. Let pros handle it.

The intense commercial cleaning can extract stains from the cotton canvas upper, EVA foam base, and bonded edges of Hey Dudes.

Machines can agitate and soak shoes for longer than home washers. Heat drying also sets stains so they don’t reappear later.

However, frequent professional cleaning does accelerate wear. Use occasionally for deep cleaning needs, not as a substitute for periodic home washing.

For tough cleaning jobs, trust the experts. Obstinate stains on well-worn Hey Dudes can often be remedied at a quality shoe repair shop.

Wash New Hey Dudes Before First Wear

It’s a good idea to wash new Hey Dudes before wearing them for the first time. This removes factory chemicals and prepares the materials.

Brand new Hey Dudes arrive covered in various protective coatings and adhesives from the manufacturing process. The chemicals help preserve during shipment and storage.

These extra finishes need removal before wearing to avoid skin irritation. The layer of chemicals also repels water and dirt, interfering with break-in.

Hand wash or gentle machine wash per the care instructions. Use a small amount of mild detergent and cold water.

Scrub the soles and canvas exterior with a soft brush. Rinse extremely thoroughly after washing to get rid of all soap residue.

Stuff the damp shoes with paper towels before air drying to maintain their original molded shape.

The wash water will draw out the waxes, adhesives, formaldehyde finishes, and other new-shoe coatings applied at the factory.

Properly washing Hey Dudes before that first wear helps remove irritation factors and lets the materials start to mold to your feet.

You’ll break them in faster and maximize comfort after removing the protective factory sprays and films pre-wash. Just be extra gentle washing brand new Hey Dudes.