Your Favorite Hey Dudes Are Looking a Little Tired
You slip them on every day. They’re your go-to for errands, casual outings, and that perfect blend of comfort and style. But now, your trusty Hey Dudes are telling a story—a story of muddy trails, spilled coffee, and general everyday wear. The once-bright canvas is dingy, the footbed feels less fresh, and those stubborn stains on the toe just won’t budge.
You know you can’t just throw them in the washing machine like an old pair of socks. One wrong move could ruin the lightweight construction, warp the flexible soles, or fade the colors you love. So you search for “how to clean hey dudes,” looking for a method that actually works without destroying your favorite shoes.
Cleaning Hey Dudes properly isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about longevity and hygiene. Dirt grinds down fabric, and bacteria in a damp footbed can lead to odors and material breakdown. The good news? With the right approach, you can restore your shoes to near-new condition. This guide walks you through the safest, most effective methods for every part of your Hey Dudes, from the uppers to the infamous footbed.
Understanding What Makes Hey Dudes Different
Before you grab any cleaner, it’s crucial to know what you’re working with. Hey Dudes are designed for comfort, which means they use specific materials that require gentle care.
The upper is typically a lightweight canvas or a stretchy knit fabric. These materials are breathable but can be delicate. The sole is a flexible, lightweight EVA or rubber compound that’s glued, not stitched, to the upper. Aggressive scrubbing or harsh chemicals can weaken this bond.
Inside, the removable Memory Foam insole is the star of the show for comfort, but it’s also a magnet for moisture, oils, and odor-causing bacteria. This layered construction means a one-size-fits-all cleaning method doesn’t exist. You’ll need a targeted strategy.
What You’ll Need for the Job
Gathering the right supplies is half the battle. You likely have most of these items at home already.
– A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush works perfectly)
– Several clean, dry microfiber cloths or soft towels
– A small bowl of lukewarm water
– Mild liquid dish soap (clear, dye-free is best) or a dedicated sneaker cleaner
– White vinegar or baking soda for odor removal
– A dry, well-ventilated area for air-drying
Avoid at all costs: harsh detergents, bleach, abrasive scrub pads, hot water, and direct heat sources like hair dryers or radiators. These will damage the materials and shorten your shoe’s life.
The Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Follow this sequence to clean your Hey Dudes thoroughly without causing damage. Always start with the gentlest method and test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first.
First, Remove the Insoles and Laces
Begin by taking out the Memory Foam insoles. If your model has laces, remove those as well. This allows you to clean every surface and crevice. It also lets the insoles and the shoe interior dry completely, preventing mildew.
Gently tap the shoes together or use a soft brush to knock off any loose dirt, dust, or dried mud from the outside. Doing this over a trash can or outside prevents making a bigger mess.
Cleaning the Canvas or Knit Upper
For general dirt and stains on the upper fabric, create a simple cleaning solution. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into your bowl of lukewarm water. You only need enough to create some suds.
Dip the soft-bristled brush into the soapy water, then gently scrub the fabric in a circular motion. Focus on stained or soiled areas. Don’t soak the shoe; use a damp cloth to wipe away soap suds as you go. For tougher stains, let the soapy solution sit on the spot for a few minutes before gently scrubbing again.
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire upper, take a clean microfiber cloth dampened with plain lukewarm water and wipe down the shoes to rinse away all soap residue. Soap left behind can attract more dirt.
Tackling the Flexible Sole and Sidewalls
The light-colored EVA soles and side panels can show scuffs and dirt quickly. The same soapy water and soft brush method works here. Be careful around the seam where the sole meets the upper to avoid forcing water into the glue line.
For stubborn black scuff marks on the sole, a magic eraser (melamine foam) can be remarkably effective. Dampen the eraser slightly and gently rub the mark. Use a light touch, as the foam is mildly abrasive.
Reviving the Memory Foam Footbed
This is often the source of odors. You cannot submerge or aggressively wring the foam insoles, as this can break down their structure.
For surface dirt, use a cloth with a tiny amount of soapy water to wipe them down. For odors, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the entire insole, gently rubbing it in. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then tap or brush off all the powder. Alternatively, a light spray with a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar can neutralize odors—just allow it to air dry completely.
The Final and Most Critical Step: Drying
How you dry your Hey Dudes is as important as how you clean them. Never, ever put them in a clothes dryer, near a heater, or in direct sunlight. The heat can warp the soles, shrink the fabric, and damage the glue.
Stuff the shoes loosely with crumpled paper towels or dry cloths to help them maintain their shape and absorb moisture from the inside. Place the shoes and insoles in a well-ventilated, room-temperature area out of direct sun. Let them air dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours. Ensure they are fully dry before wearing them again to prevent discomfort and bacterial growth.
Solving Common Hey Dude Cleaning Problems
Even with careful cleaning, you might run into specific issues. Here’s how to handle them.
Dealing with Deep-Set Stains
For oil-based stains or deeply ingrained dirt, a pre-treatment can help. Apply a small amount of stain remover designed for delicate fabrics directly to the stain, following the product’s instructions. After letting it sit for the recommended time, proceed with the gentle soap and water cleaning method outlined above.
When Odors Just Won’t Quit
If baking soda or vinegar doesn’t solve persistent foot odor, consider using odor-eliminating sprays made for shoes. Look for enzyme-based formulas that break down odor-causing bacteria. After cleaning and drying, you can also place odor-absorbing sachets or cedar shoe trees inside the shoes when they’re not being worn.
Can You Machine Wash Hey Dudes?
The official recommendation from Hey Dude is to avoid machine washing. The agitation and spin cycle can be too harsh on the materials and construction. However, if you must attempt it, use a cold, gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase, and always air dry. This is a last-resort method with inherent risk.
Keeping Your Hey Dudes Clean Longer
Prevention is easier than restoration. A few simple habits can keep your shoes looking fresh between deep cleans.
– Rotate your shoes. Don’t wear the same pair every single day. Giving them a full day to air out reduces moisture buildup.
– Use the insoles. The removable feature is there for a reason. Consider having a second pair of insoles to swap out, allowing one set to fully dry.
– Address spills immediately. Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth as soon as they happen to prevent staining.
– Apply a fabric protector. Once your shoes are completely clean and dry, a spray-on water and stain repellent designed for canvas or sneakers can create a protective barrier against future dirt and spills.
These small steps significantly extend the time between major cleaning sessions and preserve the look and feel of your shoes.
Giving Your Go-To Shoes a New Lease on Life
Cleaning your Hey Dudes isn’t a chore; it’s an investment in the comfort and style you bought them for. By understanding their construction and using gentle, targeted methods, you can remove dirt, eliminate odors, and tackle stains without compromising the shoes’ integrity.
Start by removing the insoles and brushing off loose dirt. Clean the uppers and soles with a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Revive the footbed with baking soda for odors, and above all, commit to air drying completely away from heat. When faced with tough stains or persistent smells, you now have the knowledge to address them safely.
Pull your Hey Dudes out of the closet, gather your soft brush and dish soap, and give them the refresh they deserve. In a couple of days, you’ll have a pair that feels almost as good as new, ready to provide comfort on your next adventure, stain-free.
