Can You Put Hey Dudes in the Washing Machine? (Official Guide)

Yes, you can put most canvas Hey Dudes in the washing machine if the care label allows it. Remove the insoles and laces, use cold water and a gentle cycle, then air dry. Never machine wash leather, suede, wool, cork, or shoes with substantial leather detailing.

If the care label or product instructions say “hand wash only” or “spot clean only,” follow those directions instead. When the material is unclear, hand washing is the safer choice.

What Can and Can’t Go in the Washing Machine

• ✅ Usually OK in the washer with care:
  • Canvas Hey Dudes, including most classic Wally and Wendy styles
  • Washable textile or knit uppers when the care label permits machine washing
• ❌ Do not put in the washer:
  • Leather or suede Hey Dudes
  • Wool styles
  • Shoes with large leather panels or delicate decorative details
  • Shoes with cracked, peeling, or separating soles
  • Cork or leather insoles
  • Memory-foam insoles, which can break down or lose their shape in a machine wash

Big rule: Insoles MUST be removed and cleaned separately. If you leave them in, they can warp, crack, lose cushioning, or trap water and smell.

How to Identify the Material

Check the shoe’s care label, packaging, or product description before washing. Canvas usually has a woven fabric texture. Suede has a soft, brushed surface, while leather is generally smoother and may crease rather than fold like fabric.

Do not assume a shoe is machine washable based only on its color or style name. Some pairs combine a textile upper with leather trim, decorative patches, or specialty insoles. If you cannot identify every major material, spot clean or hand wash the fabric areas instead.

Before Washing: Check the Condition of the Shoes

Machine agitation can worsen existing damage. Hand wash or stop cleaning if you notice:

• A sole that is already separating from the upper
• Cracked, peeling, or brittle material
• Loose stitching or decorative pieces
• Leather or suede trim that cannot be kept dry
• Color rubbing onto a damp white cloth during a spot test

For a colorfastness test, dampen a white cloth with cool water and press it against a hidden fabric area. If noticeable dye transfers, avoid machine washing because the color may fade or bleed.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Hey Dudes in the Washing Machine

1. Prep: Get the Shoes Ready

1. Remove loose dirt
   • Tap the soles together outside to knock off dust and dirt.
   • Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe off mud and debris.
   • Let wet mud dry before brushing it away. Putting mud-covered shoes directly into the washer can spread soil through the load.
2. Take out the laces
   • Remove the laces so they don’t tangle and so the shoe cleans more evenly.
   • You can place laces in a small mesh bag or pillowcase to wash with the shoes.
3. Remove the insoles (non-negotiable!)
   • Gently pull the insoles out of each shoe.
   • Do not put them in the washing machine.
   • Set them aside for hand cleaning using the material-specific instructions below.
4. Pre-treat visible spots
   • Apply a small amount of diluted mild liquid detergent with a soft cloth.
   • Gently work it into the fabric and allow it to sit for several minutes.
   • Do not aggressively scrub printed fabric, stitching, or glued seams.

⚠️ WARNING: Washing Hey Dudes with the insoles still inside can cause:

• Permanent odor from water trapped in foam
• Warped or crumbled insoles
• Slow drying and potential mildew

2. Load & Settings: Wash Them Gently

1. Use a mesh bag or pillowcase
   • Place each shoe and the laces, if you’re washing them, inside a mesh laundry bag or an old pillowcase tied securely.
   • This reduces snagging and protects the shoes and washer drum.
2. Choose the right cycle
   • Cold water only – hot water can shrink or fade fabric and may weaken glued areas.
   • Delicate or gentle cycle – less agitation means less stress on seams and soles.
   • Use a low-spin setting if your machine allows you to select one.
3. Add detergent
   • Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much can leave residue that makes the fabric feel stiff or attract dirt.
   • Avoid bleach or fabric softener because they can affect the fabric, color, and adhesive.
   • Do not mix detergent with other cleaning products.
4. Balance the load
   • Wash with a couple of light, colorfast towels to keep the load balanced and reduce banging.
   • Don’t wash with heavy items such as jeans, blankets, or bath mats.
   • Keep dark or brightly colored shoes separate from light laundry in case dye transfers.

A front-loading washer or a top loader without a central agitator is generally gentler on lightweight shoes. If your only option is an aggressive agitator-style machine, hand washing is the lower-risk method.

3. Drying: Air Dry Only

Never put Hey Dudes in the dryer.

1. Remove them promptly
   • Take the shoes out of the mesh bag when the cycle finishes.
   • Gently reshape them with your hands while the fabric is damp.
2. Stuff and shape
   • Stuff with clean, dry white paper towels or a small hand towel to help them hold their shape and absorb moisture.
   • Do not use newspaper or printed paper because ink may transfer to damp fabric.
   • Replace wet stuffing after a few hours to improve airflow.
3. Air dry in a ventilated spot
   • Place them in a cool, airy location, away from direct heat.
   • Set them upright with the openings exposed rather than leaving them inside the laundry bag.
   • Avoid:
     • Direct sunlight, which can fade colors or cause uneven drying
     • Radiators, heaters, hair dryers, or other concentrated heat
4. Allow enough drying time
   • Let them dry completely before wearing. They may dry overnight, but humid conditions or thick fabric can extend the process to 24–48 hours.
   • Do not judge dryness from the outer fabric alone. Check the toe area and interior seams for remaining dampness.

⚠️ WARNING: The dryer’s heat can shrink the shoes, weaken glue, and damage soles. Always air dry.

Reassemble the Shoes

Wait until the shoes, laces, and insoles are completely dry. Insert each insole flat from heel to toe, making sure it is not curled or bunched. Replace the laces without pulling them excessively tight while the fabric is still settling back into shape.

Hand-Washing Option (If You Don’t Want to Use the Machine)

If the care label is unclear, your washer has a strong central agitator, or the shoes have delicate trim, hand washing is the safer option for canvas Hey Dudes.

Quick Hand-Wash Method

1. Prep:
   • Remove insoles and laces, just like for machine washing.
   • Brush away dry dirt before adding water.
2. Make a cleaning solution:
   • Fill a bowl or basin with cool or lukewarm water.
   • Add a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Scrub the shoes:
   • Dip a soft brush or cloth in the soapy water.
   • Gently scrub the fabric, focusing on stains and dirty areas.
   • Avoid soaking them completely if possible – aim for damp, not saturated.
   • Stop if color begins transferring heavily or glued edges start lifting.
4. Rinse:
   • Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.
   • Repeat with a freshly rinsed cloth if the fabric still feels soapy.
5. Dry:
   • Blot excess moisture with a clean towel without twisting the shoes.
   • Stuff with paper towels.
   • Air dry away from heat and direct sunlight.

FAQ: How Do You Clean Hey Dude Insoles?

Remember: Insoles should never go in the washing machine or dryer.

Before adding water, check whether the insole is fabric-covered foam, memory foam, cork, or leather. Cork and leather should be surface cleaned rather than soaked or rinsed under running water.

Cleaning Fabric-Covered Foam Insoles

1. Mix warm soapy water
   • Fill a bowl or sink with warm, not hot, water.
   • Add a small amount of mild dish soap or laundry detergent.
2. Scrub gently
   • Dip a soft brush or sponge in the soapy water and squeeze out the excess.
   • Scrub the insoles on both sides, focusing on the heel and toe areas where odors and dirt build up most.
   • Use as little water as practical, particularly with memory foam.
3. Remove the soap
   • Wipe repeatedly with a clean cloth dampened with cool water.
   • If the insole’s care instructions allow rinsing, rinse it briefly under cool running water until the soap is gone.
4. Remove excess water
   • Gently press the insole between towels. Do not wring, twist, or fold it.
   • Blot with a towel to speed up drying.
5. Air dry completely
   • Lay flat or prop it up in a well-ventilated area.
   • Make sure it is 100% dry before putting it back into the shoe to help prevent lingering odors and mildew.

Cleaning Cork or Leather Insoles

1. Brush or wipe away loose debris with a dry, soft cloth.
2. Use a barely damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap to wipe the surface.
3. Remove soap residue with another barely damp cloth.
4. Blot dry and leave the insole in a ventilated area away from heat.
5. Do not soak, submerge, or rinse cork or leather under running water.

Optional: Once fabric-covered insoles are dry, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on them, let it sit for a few hours, then shake or brush it off to help control odor. Do not combine baking soda with other cleaners.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

The Shoes Still Smell After Washing

First, make sure the shoes and insoles are completely dry. Moisture can remain in the toe box and seams after the exterior feels dry. Remove the insoles again, open the shoes as widely as possible, and allow both parts more time in moving air.

If the odor remains after everything is dry, clean the insoles separately. Repeatedly machine washing the whole shoe can shorten its usable life, so avoid running another cycle unless the material and condition still make machine washing appropriate.

Soap Residue Is Visible

White marks or stiff fabric may indicate too much detergent or incomplete rinsing. Wipe the area with a clean cloth dampened with cool water. If the entire washable canvas shoe is affected, a gentle cold-water rinse cycle without additional detergent may help.

The Shoes Look Misshapen

Reshape them while they are still slightly damp, then stuff them evenly with clean white paper towels. Do not use heat to force them back into shape. If the sole or glued seam has separated, stop handling the area and do not run another wash cycle.

A Stain Remains

Do not use hot water or aggressive scrubbing, since either can damage the fabric or spread discoloration. Let the shoe dry so you can assess the stain accurately, then spot clean with diluted mild detergent. Test any cleaner on a hidden area first.

Additional FAQs

Can You Wash White Hey Dudes in the Washing Machine?

Washable white canvas styles can use the same cold, gentle process. Remove loose soil first and wash them separately from dark or brightly colored items. Avoid bleach unless the shoe’s care instructions specifically permit it, because bleach can discolor fabric and affect glued or decorative areas.

Can You Machine Wash Knit or Stretch Hey Dudes?

Only if the care label permits machine washing and the shoes do not contain leather, suede, wool, or delicate trim. Place them in a mesh bag, select cold water and a gentle cycle, and air dry. Hand washing is safer when the material stretches easily or the instructions are unavailable.

How Often Should You Wash Hey Dudes?

Machine wash only when brushing, wiping, and spot cleaning are not enough. Frequent full washing creates unnecessary wear on fabric, stitching, and adhesive. Brushing off dry dirt after use and allowing damp shoes to air out can reduce how often they need a complete wash.

Can You Wear Hey Dudes While They Are Still Damp?

No. Wearing damp shoes can stretch the upper unevenly, compress a wet insole, and prolong drying. Wait until the interior, seams, laces, and insoles are completely dry before reassembly and wear.

Quick Recap

• Yes, you can machine wash many canvas Hey Dudes when their care instructions allow it.
• No, do not machine wash leather, suede, wool, cork, specialty details, or damaged shoes.
• Insoles MUST be removed before washing and cleaned separately according to their material.
• Use cold water, a delicate cycle, a mesh bag or pillowcase, and a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
• Stop if you notice heavy color transfer, peeling, sole separation, or loose stitching.
• Air dry only — never use a dryer, heater, or other direct high heat.
• Reinsert the insoles and laces only after every part is completely dry.