What’s the Crocs
Dishwasher Hack About?

People on TikTok and Instagram have started putting Crocs in the dishwasher. It’s a viral cleaning hack. Videos show dirty shoes going in and coming out clean. Makes sense why people are giving it a go. No scrubbing, quick results, and it looks easy enough.

But does it work? And more importantly, is it safe?

Why People Are Doing It

Here’s what makes it appealing:

• Easy: put shoes in, press start.

• Quick: a single dishwasher cycle.

• Appears effective: shoes look cleaner.

But hold on. Before you load your dishwasher, consider the actual risks.

The Hygiene Risks (Real Ones, Not Just Theory)

Your dishwasher is meant for dishes, cups, and cutlery—not shoes. Shoes, including Crocs, carry germs. Think E. coli, faecal bacteria, dirt from pavements, and animal waste from parks. Even chemicals and pesticides from outdoors. Dishwasher water sprays around those germs, potentially leaving contamination behind. Next time you use it for plates, cups, baby bottles—there’s a genuine risk of cross-contamination.

Dishwashers use hot water and steam to sanitise dishes. But shoes have grooves, holes, and textures. Germs can stay trapped there, untouched by dishwasher sprays. Food hygiene experts say dishwasher temperatures aren’t guaranteed to kill everything hiding in shoes.

Dishwashers Aren’t Built to Clean Shoes – Here’s Why

Your dishwasher is designed for plates, glasses, and pots. It isn’t just a hot-water box. It’s carefully balanced and engineered. Here’s why shoes shouldn’t go in:

• High heat: Crocs can warp, shrink or deform due to drying cycles.

• Interior damage: Shoes are rougher than dishes. They can scratch stainless steel or coated dishwasher interiors, shortening appliance lifespan.

• Spray blockage: Lightweight shoes can move around, block spray arms, and lead to poor cleaning performance.

In short, the dishwasher might get damaged. Shoes probably won’t come out fully clean. Lose-lose.

Cleaning Experts Agree: Don’t Do It

Hygiene experts strongly advise against this dishwasher shoe hack. Why?

• Shoes carry outdoor contaminants that dishwashers aren’t equipped to handle safely.

• Potential contamination risk for your dishes and kitchenware.

• Dishwashers just aren’t very good shoe cleaners—the risks clearly outweigh the benefits.

A Better Way to Clean Crocs (Properly)

Crocs can be cleaned easily without risking contamination. Here’s the right way:

1. Rinse Crocs under warm water to loosen mud or dirt.

2. Fill a basin with warm water and mild soap (dishwashing liquid or gentle detergent).

3. Scrub shoes with a brush (a toothbrush works well for small areas and holes).

4. Rinse shoes thoroughly to remove soap residue.

5. Leave shoes to air-dry in an airy place (not direct sunlight—could warp them).

For really grubby Crocs, soaking them briefly in warm water and baking soda before scrubbing can help loosen dirt and remove odours.

Why Cleaning Shoes Properly Matters (Especially in Homes with Kids, Allergies, or Pets)

Proper cleaning isn’t just about looks. It’s about hygiene and health. This matters a lot if:

• You have small children who touch the floors, shoes, and then their mouths.

• Anyone in your home who has allergies or a weaker immune system.

• You have pets who walk across floors and sofas, spreading germs.

Dishwashers are safe for dishes because they’re built specifically for kitchen hygiene. Shoes introduce different hygiene problems – ones that dishwashers aren’t equipped for.

Need Professional Cleaning Help? Call OneCall Cleaners.

Sometimes, everyday cleaning doesn’t cut it. A proper deep clean from professionals can make your home safer and cleaner. OneCall Cleaners specialises in hygienic, thorough home cleaning across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. Regular cleans, seasonal jobs, tricky hygiene tasks – we handle it.

Don’t risk your appliances or your health with dodgy cleaning hacks. If you prefer relaxing to scrubbing, give OneCall Cleaners a call. We sort it properly. No fuss or shortcuts. Just a cleaner home.

To book a professional deep clean today, contact OneCall Cleaners.