Stop The Stink! How To Clean Hey Dude Shoes


Hey Dude shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and stylish shoes that are made for both men and women. They are perfect for casual wear, as they can match with a variety of outfits and activities. However, like any other shoes, they can get dirty over time and need some care and maintenance to keep them looking fresh and new.

We’ll show you how to clean Hey Dude shoes using simple methods and materials that you can find at home or in a local store. We’re also sharing some tips and tricks on how to prevent your Hey Dude shoes from getting dirty in the first place, and how to prolong their lifespan.

How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes: The Basic Steps

Before we dive into the specific methods and materials for cleaning different types of Hey Dude shoes, let’s go over the basic steps that you should follow for any kind of cleaning:

  1. Remove Hey Dudes insoles. The insoles are the removable parts of your Hey Dude shoes that provide cushioning and support for your feet. They are usually made of foam or fabric, and they can get dirty and smelly over time. To clean them, you can simply take them out of your shoes and wash them separately by hand or in a washing machine.
    • If your insoles are particularly smelly, sprinkling them with baking soda and letting them sit overnight before cleaning can help remove odors.
  2. Brush off the excess dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry cloth to gently remove any loose dirt or dust from the surface of your Hey Dude shoes. This will make the cleaning process easier and more effective.
  3. Choose the appropriate cleaning method. Depending on the material and color of your Hey Dude shoes, you may need to use different cleaning methods and materials to avoid damaging or discoloring them. We’ll explain the different cleaning methods and materials for different types of Hey Dude shoes in the next section.
  4. Dry your Hey Dude shoes. After cleaning your Hey Dude shoes, you need to let them dry completely before wearing them again or storing them away (see below for more details).

How to Clean Hey Dude Shoes: Canvas or Mesh

Canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes are some of the most popular and versatile ones, as they come in various colors, styles, and designs. They are also durable and easy to clean with water and soap.

Handwashing Canvas and Mesh Hey Dudes

  • Fill a bucket or a sink with warm water and add a mild detergent or soap. You can also use a specialized shoe cleaner if you have one.
  • Dip a soft cloth or a sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the surface of your canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes. You can also use a soft-bristled brush for stubborn stains.
  • Rinse your canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes with clean water to remove any soap residue.
  • Dry your canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes with a towel or a paper towel to absorb the excess water.
  • Air-dry your canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Machine Washing Canvas or Mesh Hey Dudes

  • Place your canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect them from damage.
  • Add a mild detergent or soap to the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle with cold water. You can also add some vinegar or baking soda to the wash to help remove odors and stains.
  • Air-dry your canvas or mesh Hey Dude shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

How to Clean Leather or Suede Hey Dude Shoes

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Leather or suede Hey Dude shoes are more delicate and require special care and products to clean them properly. You should avoid using water and soap, as they can cause fading, cracking, or shrinking of your leather or suede Hey Dude shoes. Instead, you should use a leather or suede cleaner and a leather or suede brush to gently remove dirt and stains.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Apply a small amount of leather or suede cleaner to a soft cloth or a sponge and gently rub it on the surface of your leather or suede Hey Dude shoes. You can also spray the cleaner directly on your shoes if the instructions say so.
  • Wipe off the excess cleaner with a clean cloth or a paper towel.
  • Air-dry your leather or suede Hey Dude shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

You can also use a leather or suede conditioner after cleaning your leather or suede Hey Dude shoes to restore their moisture and shine. Here’s how to do it:

  • Apply a small amount of leather or suede conditioner to a soft cloth or a sponge and gently rub it on the surface of your leather or suede Hey Dude shoes. You can also spray the conditioner directly on your shoes if the instructions say so.
  • Wipe off the excess conditioner with a clean cloth or a paper towel.
  • Air-dry your leather or suede Hey Dude shoes (again, in a well-ventilated space).

How to Clean Wool Hey Dude Shoes

Wool Hey Dude shoes are cozy and warm, but they can also get dirty and smelly over time. You should avoid using water and soap, as they can cause shrinking, felting, or pilling of your wool Hey Dude shoes. Instead, you should use a wool cleaner and a lint roller to gently remove dirt and lint.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Remove the insoles from your wool Hey Dude shoes and wash them separately by hand or in a washing machine.
  • Brush off the excess dirt from the surface of your wool Hey Dude shoes with a lint roller. You can also use a dry cloth for light dusting.
  • Apply a small amount of wool cleaner to a soft cloth or a sponge and gently rub it on the surface of your wool Hey Dude shoes. You can also spray the cleaner directly on your shoes if the instructions say so.
  • Wipe off the excess cleaner with a clean cloth or a paper towel.
  • Air-dry your wool Hey Dude shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

You can also use a wool deodorizer after cleaning your wool Hey Dude shoes to remove any odors and refresh them.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Apply a small amount of wool deodorizer to a soft cloth or a sponge and gently rub it on the surface of your wool Hey Dude shoes. You can also spray the deodorizer directly on your shoes if the instructions say so.
  • Wipe off the excess deodorizer with a clean cloth or a paper towel.
  • Air-dry your wool Hey Dude shoes

How to Dry Your Hey Dude Shoes

After cleaning your Hey Dude shoes, you need to let them dry completely before wearing them again or storing them away. You can either air-dry them or use a dryer, depending on the type of material and the instructions on the label or the website.

How to Air-Dry Your Hey Dude Shoes

Air-drying is the safest and easiest way to dry your Hey Dude shoes, as it prevents shrinking, fading, or damage caused by heat. However, it may take longer than using a dryer, especially if the weather is humid or cold.

Here are some tips on how to air-dry your Hey Dude shoes:

  • Remove the laces before drying, as this can help the shoes and laces dry more thoroughly
  • Use a towel or a paper towel to blot out any excess water from your Hey Dude shoes after cleaning them.
  • If you choose to air-dry them, place them in a well-ventilated area and stuff them with paper towels or newspaper to help them retain their shape and absorb any moisture. 
  • Do not expose them to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause fading or cracking of your shoes.

How to Dry Your Hey Dudes in the Dryer

  • If you choose to use a dryer, put them in a pillowcase or a mesh bag and set the dryer on low heat or no heat.
  • Do not over-dry them, as this can cause shrinking or cracking of your shoes.
  • Also, be careful of repeatedly using a dryer for shoes because it can cause them to wear out faster, so air drying is always the best option if possible.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Hey Dude Shoes

  • Regular Maintenance: Don’t wait for your shoes to get extremely dirty before cleaning them. Regular light cleaning can help maintain the quality and appearance of your shoes.
  • Rotate Your Shoes: Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Giving your shoes a day off to air out can help reduce odors and wear.
  • Use a Shoe Protector Spray: Especially for canvas, leather, and suede shoes, using a shoe protector spray can help repel water and stains. Make sure to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
  • Store Your Shoes Properly: When you’re not wearing your Hey Dude shoes, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If your shoes get wet, make sure they are completely dry before storing them.

Conclusion: Washing Hey Dudes

Hey Dude shoes are comfortable, stylish, and perfect for casual wear. However, like all shoes, they need regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. With the right care, you can keep your Hey Dude shoes looking and smelling fresh for a long time. Remember to check the care instructions on your specific pair of shoes, as some materials may require special washing instructions. 

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