I’m a huge fan of grey Hey Dudes, and in my collection, I have Wally Free Light Grey, Wally Sox Funk Dark Grey, and Wally Break Stitch Grey. Trust me, I own more than 50 shades of grey (just kidding).

The biggest challenge I faced was maintaining my grey Hey Dudes until I made them waterproof. Before that, I learned a lot about cleaning grey Hey Dudes, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with you.

How to Clean Grey Hey Dude Shoes?

To clean your grey suede, canvas, or Sox Hey Dudes, start by removing the insoles and laces. Next, fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm or preferably cold water, add some detergent or shampoo, mix it well, and soak your shoes, pressing them down with something heavy.

If waterproofing isn’t your preference, keep reading to learn how to restore your grey Hey Dudes and prepare them for your next event.

There are various washing methods, such as machine wash, hand wash, and spray wash. Which one should you choose, and why?

Remember that cleaning techniques vary based on different materials of Hey Dudes. Likewise, various stains require specific approaches for effective removal. For instance, ink or grease stains can’t simply be wiped off; the shoes must be soaked in water and scrubbed to eliminate such marks. Otherwise, you risk spreading them across the shoe.

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Now, let’s discuss how to clean, deodorize, and disinfect your grey Hey Dudes.

How, without further ado, to Clean Grey Suede Hey Dudes?

Grey suede is an elastic and breathable fabric that provides exceptional comfort, allowing the foot to fit perfectly inside the shoe. Washing it in a machine, by hand, or using a spray will not damage, shrink, or stretch it; however, using a dryer will irreparably ruin the shoes.

To clean your grey suede, remove the insoles and laces, then add cold water and regular detergent to the washer. Place one or multiple pairs in a mesh bag to prevent twisting and scuffing, and run the washer on a low cycle to protect the fabric bristles and stitches.

Afterward, rinse the shoes with clean water to ensure they are safe. Hang them to air dry in the shade and avoid direct sunlight, although sunlight can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria and prevent bacterial growth.

Do not put your Hey Dudes in the dryer or near a heater, nor use a hair dryer, as heat can damage them, causing shrinkage and size issues.

How to Clean Grey Sox Hey Dudes?

To clean your grey Sox Hey Dudes, prepare a bucket or sink filled with water, add some detergent and shampoo, and mix thoroughly.

Remove the insoles and laces, soak them in the solution, and use a toothbrush to scrub off grease, ink, or grass stains. If the stains are from blood or dirt, don’t bother trying to wear the shoes until they’re cleaned. It’s best to wipe those off.

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Although these shoes are water-resistant, they aren’t waterproof, so try to limit their exposure to water. You can apply a waterproof spray to create a protective layer on the shoes. This way, you can clean them with water regularly.

How to Clean Grey Wool Hey Dudes?

Wool Hey Dudes aren’t very elastic, and water can damage them more quickly than other materials. Therefore, carefully decide if soaking is necessary or if wiping or spray washing will suffice.

For example, if your wool Hey Dudes are muddy, you’ll need to soak them in water to remove all the embedded dirt. Use a soft brush to scrub off the mud from crevices and grooves, then rinse with clean water and let them dry.

A helpful tip is to remove larger clumps and dirt patches with a toothpick, knife, or sharp object to minimize the amount of dirt when soaking the shoe.

For minor stains like grease or ink, you can use toothpaste and scrub the stain with a toothbrush before wiping it away with a clean cloth. Nail polish remover can also help eliminate stains effectively.

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If odors are an issue due to moisture settling in the insoles or the inner sides of the boots, thoroughly wash the shoes. Baking soda, vinegar, or dryer sheets can absorb moisture and eliminate unpleasant smells without washing. If gum is stuck to the shoe, place it in a bag and freeze it; the gum will harden, making it easier to remove once frozen.

How to Clean Grey Canvas Hey Dudes?

Canvas is the most flexible material used in Hey Dudes, providing enough ventilation for comfort during summer. However, this same ventilation can allow dirt and stains to accumulate, necessitating a good wash.

Cleaning grey canvas Hey Dudes follows the same methods as other shoes—you can machine wash, hand wash, or spray wash them. Just remember that exposing Hey Dudes to water can cause some minor damage.

Unless you have a waterproof model like the Paul Sox H2O, water can harm the recycled materials of your shoes. A good strategy is to use water-repellent sprays or silicone-based sprays for waterproofing; this way, you can protect your boots from water damage.

How to Clean Grey Leather Hey Dudes?

Leather is the most delicate material, and it’s recommended not to clean your grey Hey Dudes with water. Instead, use a polisher or conditioner to keep them moist and clean. Water can dry out the leather, making it brittle and prone to cracking, similar to what occurs in dry winters.

You can either spray your leather Hey Dudes with a waterproof material, allowing you to wash them with water, or simply wipe them down with a cloth or use a polisher; those are your two main options.

What Are Hey Dudes?

Hey Dudes are unique and extraordinary shoes (slip-ons, boots, sandals, sneakers) designed in Italy by Alessandro Romano in 2008. Since then, these versatile, affordable, stretchy, reliable, and stylish shoes have quickly gained global popularity.

There’s no single selling point for Hey Dudes; several factors contribute to their appeal.

Hey Dudes are custom-made for barefoot wear and are durable enough not to wear out after just a few weeks.

They are environmentally friendly (no animals are harmed in their production; even the faux fur is made from recycled materials), making them suitable for kids, men, and women, with or without socks.

Hey Dudes provide a comfortable and soft experience, thanks to their ventilated canvas upper, memory foam padded insoles with soft leather lining, and EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) sole.

Additionally, these shoes are washable and breathable, so you can refresh them like new whenever you want, and they don’t retain odors.

Hey Dudes are fashionable footwear that suits various activities—standing, sports, running errands, walking, or jogging with a dog. The stretchy material allows for a comfortable fit, and durable laces provide adjustment options.

Lastly, Hey Dudes can be worn with socks, jeans, leggings, shorts, dresses, and all types of stains (grease, blood, dirt, ink, water, ketchup) are washable.

I would rate Hey Dudes a perfect 10 out of 10, as they are the most comfortable and stylish shoes made with recycled fibers and cork (for insoles). They work well for casual business outfits, running, or everyday use, without losing their shape or size.

Final Words :

If you often engage in activities that may stain or wet your Hey Dudes, consider scotch guarding your shoes. This will make cleaning them easier, so you don’t have to worry about getting your boots wet again.