Getting stains out of Hey Dudes is no simple task.

You can’t just throw them in the washer or hand wash them without first considering key factors like:

Do they stretch? Are they waterproof? Can they handle getting wet? And much more.

By the way, you can make your Hey Dudes waterproof using Scotchgarding.

In this post, I’ll cover not only stain removal techniques but also everything you should know before attempting to clean your Hey Dudes. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to maintain their shape and how to disinfect and deodorize your shoes without damaging them.

How to Get Stains out of Hey Dudes?

To remove stains from your Hey Dudes, start by taking out the insoles and laces. You’ll need a bucket, cold water, and a detergent that works well with materials like Sox, Suede, or Canvas. However, if your Hey Dudes are made of leather or wool, you’ll need to avoid water because it can damage them more quickly than the stains can.

Now, let’s go over the various materials these shoes come in and how to treat stains for each one.

Before we continue, I’d like to share an unusual but effective tip that worked for me:

Also Read : Can chacos get wet 

Once, I had a bubble gum stuck to my Hey Dudes, and washing or pulling it didn’t help. So, I placed the shoe in a bag and stuck it in the freezer. After a few hours, the gum had hardened, and I could easily pull it off without leaving any residue. But don’t try this with leather shoes—the cold can dry them out, leading to cracks.

How to Get Stains out of Leather Hey Dudes?

Leather shoes require special care, and if they aren’t in great condition, they’re practically useless. So, how do you keep your leather Hey Dudes looking fresh and stain-free?

To remove stains from leather Hey Dudes, you’ll need to use specific methods for different stains—whether it’s blood, ink, grease, tar, grass, dirt, salt, or even water stains.

While water isn’t ideal for leather, it’s sometimes necessary to clean off grime that builds up on shoes. In most cases, you can wipe away stains, but leather lovers may want to apply beeswax to create a hydrophobic barrier that protects the shoes from water and stains. This allows you to safely clean leather Hey Dudes, even with water.

Also Read : Are chacos good for hiking

For simple leather Hey Dudes, start by wiping away surface-level stains like ketchup or dirt. Scrape off any patches of mud or dirt with a knife or toothpick to make wiping easier.

Using a shoe conditioner or leather polish can also remove stains without needing water. However, too much polish isn’t good for leather either, so wipe off the excess with a soft cloth to restore the shine. Leather tends to dry out in colder weather, so you’ll need to apply more polish in winter than in summer when humidity helps preserve the material.

It’s important to avoid chemicals like bleach, baking powder, vinegar, or nail polish remover on leather shoes if you want them to last.

How to Get Stains out of Sox Hey Dudes?

Sox Hey Dudes are more water-tolerant than leather ones, and you can even wash them in a machine. However, they are water-resistant, not waterproof, and too much exposure to water can still ruin the shoes or even cause them to break (though you can always use glue if they do).

Thankfully, there’s a waterproof version called Paul Sox H2O that you can fully water-wash for stain removal or wear in wet conditions like rain or on muddy paths.

Also Read : Are Chacos can be resoled 

The stretchable and breathable material of Sox Hey Dudes makes them super comfortable, but dirt or stains can easily get through from the outside to the inside. That’s why you may need to soak the entire shoe to remove dirt and stains from crevices.

For mud or blood stains, a microfiber cloth will do the trick, but grease or ink stains may spread if wiped. In such cases, you might have to wash the shoes by placing them in a pillowcase and tying the knot. This lets you clean multiple shoes at once, but avoid washing them with clothes, as bacteria can transfer.

Always run the washer on a low cycle to avoid twisting or scuffing. Afterward, rinse the shoes in clean water to remove detergent residue, then hang them up to air dry. You may need a fan for quicker drying, but never place them in direct sunlight or near heat sources like fireplaces or hair dryers. And don’t even think about using a dryer!

How to Remove Stains from Canvas Hey Dudes?

Canvas Hey Dudes can be cleaned both in the machine and by hand.

For dirt stains, you can tap both shoes together to dislodge loose particles, though this won’t help with other types of stains.

Also Read : Chacos wide vs medium 

For tougher stains like grease, oil, tar, or grass, remove the insoles and laces, and wash the shoes on a non-spin cycle.

Once clean, stuff the shoes with newspaper, a dry microfiber cloth, or a crumpled brown paper bag to help them dry quickly and retain their shape.

Avoid drying them with heat sources, as this could cause brittleness or damage the stitching.

How to Remove Stains from Wool Hey Dudes?

Wool Hey Dudes are delicate and can’t handle machine washing due to their soft fibers. Hand washing is the recommended method.

Use only wool-safe detergent and warm water. After soaking the shoes, use a soft brush to gently scrub the stains.

Be gentle while washing, as wool can stretch, and you don’t want to deform your shoes. After washing, hang them to air dry and stuff them carefully to maintain their shape.

Also Read : Chacos vs knee

If your wool Hey Dudes aren’t stained but just smell bad, sprinkle baking soda inside to absorb odors and moisture. You can also use dryer sheets for a fresh scent. Just stuff them inside the shoes for a refreshing fragrance.

How to Clean Stains from Laces and Insoles?

To clean the laces and insoles of your Hey Dudes, remove them and clean separately. Since they’re made of recycled materials, handle them carefully to avoid damaging them.

A bucket of water, some mild detergent, and a soft brush are all you need. Soak the laces and insoles, scrub gently, and rinse in clean water to remove any dirt and odor. Hang them in the shade to air dry. A fan can speed up the process, but avoid using a hair dryer or sunlight for drying.

What Are Hey Dudes?

Hey Dudes are unique shoes—ranging from slip-ons, boots, sandals, to sneakers—designed in Italy by Alessandro Romano in 2008. Since then, these versatile, affordable, stretchy, reliable, and stylish shoes have become popular worldwide.

There isn’t just one standout feature of Hey Dudes; there are several reasons they’re great:

Hey Dudes are designed to be worn barefoot and are durable enough to last.

Also Read : Doc martens vs timberland

These shoes are environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials, and can be worn by men, women, and kids, with or without socks.

They offer comfort, thanks to their ventilated canvas uppers, memory foam insoles, and EVA bottoms.

Not only are Hey Dudes washable, but they’re also breathable, so you can keep them fresh without worrying about odors.

Hey Dudes are fashionable and suitable for various occasions—whether you’re standing, running errands, or walking the dog. Their stretchable materials and durable laces allow them to fit snugly on your feet, with laces that can be tightened as needed.

Lastly, Hey Dudes can be worn with socks, jeans, leggings, dresses, or shorts. They’re also washable and resistant to stains like grease, blood, dirt, and ink.

Also Read : Doc martens vs blundstone

I’d rate Hey Dudes 10 out of 10 for their comfort, style, and sustainability. They’re made from recycled fibers and cork and are suitable for casual wear, business attire, or everyday use. Plus, they don’t stretch or shrink after wearing them for a while.