Hey Dudes have emerged as a popular option of footwear recently and hey, rightfully so. As a clear rival to vans, they offer an assortment of options for both men and women and can be worn just about anywhere.
If you’re a lover of footwear though, you will always want to keep your pairs of shoes in the best condition they can be and knowing how to clean them properly comes at the top of that list. (I’m sure you agree with me, right?)
Which begs the question, how do I clean my Hey Dude shoes? Well, lucky for you, you don’t have to worry because I’m here to fix that by giving you a detailed guide.
Let’s dig right into it, shall we?
What You’ll Need
First and foremost, we need to know what we require for the job. I’ve summarized it all in this table right below.
| Washing Hey Dude Shoes | ||
| Hand Wash | Machine Wash | |
| Detergent | Liquid detergent | Liquid detergent |
| Water Temperature | Cold | Cold |
| Cycle Type | Gentle hand-wash | Delicate cycle setting |
| Drying Cycle Type | Air-dry, out of direct sunlight | Air-dry, out of direct sunlight |
| Special Treatments | Use a soft bristle brush | Wash in a mesh bag |
| How Often to Wash | Only when necessary | |
Instructions
It’s always important to know what material your Hey Dudes are made of.
For instance, your pair may be made of woven fabric, and yet there are some which have a suede material. Take note of that as you proceed to wash them.
Now that you know what you need for the wash, let’s run you through the washing process.
Hand-Wash
We recommend that you use this method for cleaning your Hey dudes.
On their website, Hey Dudes recommends that you use this method for cleaning their special category shoes.
This includes suede, leather, and wool but does not limit use of this method on the woven fabric material.
Steps:
- First, carefully remove the shoe laces and insoles of the shoes.
- Next, create a cleaning solution in a basin or sink. This will consist of some liquid detergent and lukewarm water. Make sure that the water is NOT hot as this may cause the shoes to lose their shape. (we don’t want that now, do we?) Mix the solution well until it foams because this is what will do the magic on your shoes.
- Remove any dirt and lose debris that might be stuck in the treads of the shoe soles.
- Soak your shoes, (with the laces and insoles removed) in the cleaning solution you prepared.
- Use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the surface of your shoes, thoroughly covering every spot.
- Rinse the shoes in clean water thoroughly until the water runs clean to remove the cleaning solution and all dirt scrubbed off.
- Allow the shoes to air dry away from direct sunlight.
Machine-Wash
Hey Dudes recommends on their website that this method be used for all types of shoes EXCEPT their special category shoes. This category includes suede, leather and wool.
Steps:
- Start by removing the laces and insoles from your shoes to prevent the laces from getting entangled during the wash and the insoles from getting ruined.
- Remove any lose dirt or mud from the treads of your sure soles.
- Place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from abrasion damage during washing.
- Wash the shoes on delicate setting with a small amount of liquid detergent and cold water. (Avoid using hot water as this may cause the shoes to shrink or lose their shape during the wash)
- After the wash is done, take the shoes out and allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight. (again, direct sunlight will cause the shoes to shrink)
How to Wash Suede, Leather, and Wool Hey Dudes
As I mentioned earlier, you should never wash these kind of shoes in a washing machine. Instead, follow these specific cleaning instructions.
For suede Hey Dudes, remove dust, dirt, and dried mud with a suede brush. If there are beverage or water stains, gently clean them using a cloth dampened with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
For oily stains, sprinkle cornstarch on the affected area and leave it for 24 hours to absorb the oil.
For more stubborn stains, use a suede cleaner. Once the shoes are dry, lightly brush them again with the suede brush.
For leather Hey Dudes, use a leather cleaner and follow the instructions on the product. For wool, hand wash using a wool-specific detergent, adhering to the product directions.
Washing Hey Dude Soles and Inserts
Of course we cannot forget these two components what complete our shoes.
To clean dirty soles, simply wipe them with a damp Magic Eraser.
To preserve the memory foam and overall structure of the insoles, always hand wash them; never use a washing machine.
You can apply a presoak treatment to a nylon brush, gently scrub the insoles, rinse thoroughly, and then let them air dry overnight.
How Often to Wash Hey Dudes
Many shoe manufacturers do not recommend washing shoes often in a washing machine as this makes them wear out quite faster.
However, we recommend that you make it a habit to clean them using a soft damp lint-free cloth to remove any light dirt they may have.
You should also remember that Hey Dudes states that washing these shoes in a washing machine voids the warranty. So, try not to do so.
Invest in your own Shoe Cleaning Routine
Just like any and every other thing we wear on our bodies like clothes, hoodies, e.t.c, make it a point to routinely clean your Hey Dudes shoes.
This can involve wiping them clean with a clean damp cloth in-between washes to keep them clean and ready to wear when you need them.
Additionally, you should try and store your Hey Dudes in a nice dry and dust-free area whenever you are not using them. This will preserve their quality and allow them to last longer in the process.
Spot Cleaning Between Washes
In some occasions, you may find that you only need to remove a small stain from your shoes, and it’s not worth running them through a full wash cycle, is it?
Instead, you can spot clean your Hey Dudes with a damp cloth and a bit of mild laundry detergent.
After cleaning, press out the moisture with a towel and let them air dry. Easy peazy huh?
Treating Stains on Hey Dudes
Stains on shoes can be such a pain. It’s no different on Hey Dudes. Some shades and materials can be susceptible to this and believe me, you can hate it.
Worry not though because there’s a quick fix for that here as well;
- First and foremost, start by first removing the insoles and shoelaces from your shoes.
- Before treating any stains, test the stain remover on a hidden area to ensure it’s safe to use and won’t ruin your lovely kicks.
- Then, use a nylon brush, like an old toothbrush, to gently scrub away stains on the uppers and midsoles. Rinse the shoes carefully afterward.
Storing Hey Dudes
When storing your Hey Dudes, ensure they are completely dry before putting them away.
Remove the inserts and let both the shoes and inserts air dry overnight. Once dry, replace the sole inserts.
To maintain the proper shape of your Hey Dudes, you can ideally store them with shoe trees.
How to Keep Your Hey Dudes From Stinking Up Your House
Because many people opt not to wear socks with Hey Dudes, they can develop odors fairly quickly.
Here are some tips to prevent them from reaching that unpleasant smell stage:
- Leave dryer sheets inside the shoes when they’re not in use.
- Use no-show socks to cover the insoles and absorb sweat.
- Apply baby powder to your feet to reduce excessive sweating.
- Store your shoes in cool, well-ventilated areas to prevent bacterial growth and minimize odors.
FAQs
Can I wash my Hey Dudes shoes in the washing machine?
No, it’s not recommended to wash Hey Dudes shoes in the washing machine, especially if they are made of suede, leather, or wool. Machine washing can damage the materials and affect the shoe’s shape and durability.
How can I clean leather Hey Dudes shoes?
Use a leather cleaner specifically formulated for leather shoes. Apply the cleaner according to the product instructions using a soft cloth or brush. Wipe off any excess cleaner and allow the shoes to air dry.
Can I use household cleaning products to clean my Hey Dudes?
It’s best to avoid using harsh household cleaning products as they can damage the materials of your Hey Dudes shoes. Stick to cleaners specifically designed for the type of material your shoes are made from.
Can I dry my Hey Dudes shoes in the dryer?
No, it’s not recommended to dry Hey Dudes shoes in a dryer. Air drying at room temperature is the best method to preserve the materials and shape of the shoes.