Hey Dude shoes made from Sox, Wool, Suede, and Leather should be cleaned by hand.

To keep your white or grey Hey Dudes safe from scuffing, stretching, and twisting,

only hand wash those that are sensitive or stained to ensure they stay fresh and last longer.

How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes By Hand?

To clean Hey Dude shoes by hand, start by removing the laces and insoles if you plan to soak the shoes in a water solution. Scrub with a soft brush, rinse in clean water, and let them air dry. The cleaning methods for Sox, Leather, and Suede differ. Each type of stain—be it ink, mud, blood, or grease—requires a specific approach.

Let’s explore the various methods for hand cleaning Hey Dudes without delay.

Steps of Cleaning Canvas Hey Dudes By Hand:

Canvas Hey Dudes are among the most comfortable and can be machine washed or hand washed. However, if you’re concerned that machine washing might damage them, opt for hand cleaning.

Their breathable material allows water to seep inside when worn in wet conditions, necessitating a complete soak for thorough cleaning.

While these shoes are water-resistant, overexposure to water can negatively affect their condition; repeated exposure might lead to discoloration or deterioration.

To machine wash your canvas Hey Dudes, place one or more pairs in a pillowcase, tie it securely, and set your washer to a slow cycle. Avoid washing clothes simultaneously; use towels instead to balance the load. Ensure the water is cold, and the detergent is mild.

After washing, insert newspaper or a microfiber cloth inside to help retain their shape.

Continue reading for hand cleaning methods for canvas Hey Dudes based on different stains.

Hand Washing Mud Stains:

Not all stains necessitate machine washing, such as mud stains. For lighter mud stains, scrape off the dried mud with a knife or toothpick, and wipe the remaining dirt with clean water.

If the stains are more persistent, use a mild detergent or shampoo diluted in water to clean the shoe or soak it in the solution if mud has settled in the grooves.

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A gentle scrub with your hands or a brush can help remove accumulated dirt from the shoe’s nooks.

After cleaning, rinse with fresh water and hang the shoes in a shaded or cool spot, avoiding direct sunlight to protect them.

While sunlight can eliminate bacterial growth, drying methods like hair dryers or heaters may cause brittleness and damage.

Hand Washing Grass Stains:

Grass stains on your canvas shoes require more than just a simple wipe. Use a light detergent in cold water and let the shoes soak for at least an hour, allowing the stains to loosen. Quick scrubbing can also help remove the colors. A nail polish remover can be effective for older stains.

Hand Washing Tar/Grease Stains:

Grease stains can be troublesome, but you only need a cotton swab and clear nail polish remover to lift them from your Hey Dudes. Ensure the remover is clear to avoid dyeing the shoe. If grease is widespread, soak the shoe in a dish detergent solution or scrub it with a soft brush.

Hand Washing General Stains:

For general stains, simply use fresh water or a mild detergent to clean them. Avoid vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or oxygen bleach, as these can damage the shoes.

Hand Washing Blood Stains:

Cleaning blood stains from Hey Dudes is straightforward. Use a cotton swab or fabric with fresh water to scrub the stained area, and you’ll easily remove the blood.

If you’re hesitant about using water for fear of damaging your shoes or voiding your warranty, a magic eraser works wonders on canvas shoes without harsh chemicals.

Steps of Cleaning Leather Hey Dudes by Hand:

Avoid putting precious leather shoes in the washing machine. Leather enthusiasts know the risks. Even hand washing leather Hey Dudes has limitations, but there are methods to clean them without causing damage.

Leather can crack when exposed to water for extended periods. Thus, cleaning and maintaining leather Hey Dudes require specific techniques to keep them in excellent condition.

To remove dirt, blood, ink, or grease, use saddle soap or a leather cleaner. Since only the shoe’s exterior gets dirty, most of the time, you can wipe it clean without needing water.

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For stubborn stains like grease or ink, use a cotton swab with soapy water if simple water doesn’t suffice.

Once cleaned, apply conditioner quickly to keep the surface moist, as dried leather is more susceptible to cracking. Leather care is more crucial in dry conditions, like winter, compared to the humid summer.

Polishing offers protection, but excessive polish can be harmful. After applying, rub off any excess with a cloth for the desired shine.

Some leather aficionados use weather-proofing products like beeswax to create a protective layer, which can prolong the life of your leather Hey Dudes.

That’s how to maintain the integrity of your shoes while addressing different types of stains without compromising their health.

Hand Wash Cleaning Sox Hey Dudes:

Sox Hey Dudes are water-resistant but not waterproof, handling typical moisture like sweat or walking on wet grass. Like most Hey Dudes, you need to clean and dry them promptly, as they lack a hydrophobic layer (like Gore-Tex or PVC), unless you have waterproof models like Paul Sox H2O, which are not entirely waterproof either.

That said, Sox Hey Dudes can withstand a thorough soaking if dirt has penetrated deep into the fibers. Here’s how to clean them without risking damage.

The dual-layer elastic fabric of Sox Hey Dudes is breathable, meaning stains can exist inside as well as outside.

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Mix a simple detergent with cold water in a bucket, soak the shoes, and place something on them to keep them pressed. After 2-3 hours, remove and rinse in clean water to restore their former appearance.

For excessive stains, use a toothpick or knife to remove clumps of dirt so the solution can work more effectively.

Soaking not only removes stains but also deodorizes the shoes, eliminating any bacteria. Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, your Sox Hey Dudes will smell fresh and look brand new.

Additionally, other deodorizing methods include using baking soda to absorb odors, vinegar to eliminate smells (though it may damage the shoes), scented dryer sheets inside the shoes, or freezing them to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Hand Wash Cleaning Wool Hey Dudes:

Wool Hey Dudes are more delicate than other materials, and machine washing can damage them.

You should treat them with the same care as leather shoes. If you don’t, you risk stretching or damaging them, making them uncomfortable and limiting your freedom of movement.

Machine washing can cause shrinking, so it’s best to wash your wool Hey Dudes by hand to avoid sizing issues later.

Use wool-safe soap or detergent, not harsh chemicals. In a bowl of cold water, add detergent, soak a microfiber or soft cloth, and wipe the shoes without fully submerging them.

Gentle rubbing often removes all types of stains; a brush may help for tougher spots.

After cleaning, hang them to dry—avoid using a dryer or hairdryer to protect your shoes. You can stuff something inside to help maintain their shape, but be careful not to overfill, as this can stretch the shoes.

Hand Wash Cleaning Suede Hey Dudes:

Suede shoes are less stretchable and flexible than canvas shoes but still adaptable enough for a comfortable fit.

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Prioritize the care of your suede Hey Dudes, as machine washing can damage their appearance, making hand washing essential.

Acquire a suede cleaning kit with the necessary tools to maintain your suede Hey Dudes.

If your suede Hey Dudes are stained, don’t worry; they can withstand cleaning. However, using water and chemicals may put them at risk, so proceed cautiously.

Steaming can help lift stains by opening the shoe’s pores, allowing you to wipe them clean. Humidity poses a risk to suede, potentially leading to mold or discoloration.

Use a sharp object to carefully remove stains, or try a pencil eraser, crepe rubber, or suede eraser, but avoid excessive pressure to prevent damage.

A suede protector spray can clean without wetting the shoes. For gum stuck to the shoe, freeze it until hard, then pull it off without leaving residue.

If you must dip the shoes in water, act quickly to scrub the stains and rinse in clean water afterward, ensuring all chemicals are removed. Let them air dry or use a fan.

Avoid vigorous cleaning methods, as they can cause damage. If a part of your shoe breaks, use glue to hold the piece in place while it dries.

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What Are Hey Dudes?

Hey Dudes are exceptional and distinctive shoes—available as slip-ons, boots, sandals, and sneakers—created by Alessandro Romano in Italy in 2008. Since their inception, these versatile, affordable, stretchable, reliable, and stylish shoes have quickly gained global popularity.

There are several key features of Hey Dudes that you should be aware of:

Custom-Made Comfort: Designed for barefoot wear, these shoes are durable enough to withstand weeks of use without falling apart.

Eco-Friendly Design: Hey Dudes are made from recycled materials, ensuring no animals are harmed in the production process. They are suitable for kids, men, and women, and can be worn with or without socks.

Superior Comfort: With a ventilated canvas upper, memory foam padded insoles, and a soft leather lining, Hey Dudes provide a soft and comfortable experience. The EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) sole adds to their comfort.

Washable and Breathable: These shoes are easy to clean and maintain, allowing you to keep them looking fresh like new, and they are odor-resistant.

Versatile Style: Whether you’re standing, exercising, running errands, or walking your dog, Hey Dudes are stylish footwear that fits comfortably. The stretchable material conforms to your foot, and the durable laces can be adjusted for a secure fit.

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Fashion Versatility: Hey Dudes can be paired with socks, jeans, leggings, shorts, and dresses. They’re also resilient against various stains, including grease, blood, dirt, ink, water, and ketchup.

Overall, I would rate Hey Dudes a perfect 10 out of 10. They are the most comfortable and stylish shoes crafted from recycled fibers and cork (for the insoles), making them ideal for casual business outfits, running, or everyday wear. They retain their shape and do not stretch or shrink over time.