Hey Dudes are great-looking shoes. They’re also surprisingly affordable, and they make you look stylish no matter where you wear them.
But like any shoes, they get dirty and need to be cleaned if you want them to look good.
So you are probably wondering: how do I wash Hey Dudes without damaging them?
We’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn more about these shoes and the ways you can get them clean and shiny again so they look brand new… Without damaging the materials.
What Are Hey Dudes?
Hey Dudes are a range of casual, stylish shoes that offer options for both men and women, as well as youth.
They offer a huge selection, including sneakers, loafers, sandals, slip-ons, platforms, and even boots.
Aside from the variety of styles, they have a number of different designs and also come in multiple color options. There’s truly something for everyone in Hey Dudes’ collection!
What Materials Are Hey Dudes Made Of?
Hey Dudes shoes are made from a wide variety of different materials. These could include canvas, wool, leather, suede, and stretch-cotton fabrics.
This differs by model and purpose of the shoe, so it’s something you should check before you decide to clean your Hey Dudes.
Neglecting to check this could result in you inadvertently causing damage to your shoes! Knowing which material your shoes are made of will help you to choose the right—safe—way to clean them.
How to Wash Hey Dudes
Here are some safe ways to wash Hey Dudes shoes. Note that not all these methods are suitable for all Hey Dudes, so check which way works best for your shoes before you start cleaning!
Washing Regular Hey Dudes
Remove the Laces and Insoles
No matter which way you decide to wash your Hey Dudes, you should remove the laces and insoles and clean them separately. This will ensure that you clean them properly, but also that they don’t end up getting damaged while you’re cleaning the actual shoes.
Soak the laces in water and vinegar. The insoles will depend on their material—if you have leather insoles, wipe them with a damp cloth or scrub them lightly with soap and a soft-bristled brush.
Memory foam insoles should be washed gently by hand in soapy water and then rinsed and air-dried.
You can use baking soda to get rid of odors, by sprinkling some on the insole and leaving it overnight. Brush it off in the morning, and the odor should be gone.
Hand-Wash Your Hey Dudes
Hand-washing your Hey Dudes is the safest way to get them clean without damaging the shoes.
Start by brushing off any dirt before you wash them, using a soft brush or a cloth. Take care not to spread mud over the shoes, though.
You’ll want to mix a small amount of laundry detergent in warm water. Ensure the water is not too hot or cold. Swirl the water until it’s soapy. Dip a towel or cloth into the water and dab it onto your Hey Dudes.
You can scrub a little harder on stains across the shoes, to rub them out. Make sure you’re rubbing the stains out and not spreading them. You should avoid using a brush to scrub your Hey Dudes, as it could damage the fabric. However, you can use a brush on the soles.
When the shoes are clean, blot the water with a paper towel. Once the excess water has been removed, use a clean damp towel to wipe the soapy residue off the shoes.
Once there’s no more soap on your shoes, you want to leave them to air-dry. Try not to leave them in direct sunlight, as this could cause the material to fade. You can use a fan to dry them faster.
It’s a good idea to stuff them with newspaper before you leave them to dry, as this will help to absorb water and dry them faster.
Washing Suede Hey Dudes
If your Hey Dudes are made of suede, you’ll need to take a bit more care washing them.
You should also start by removing the laces and insoles and cleaning them separately, and then gently brushing the shoes off with a soft brush to remove any loose dirt.
Make sure you brush in the same direction with each stroke. You can also brush out any scuff marks that may be on the shoes. You can buy specific suede brushes online.
If there are water or oil stains on the shoes, remove them gently with a wet nail brush. Then, blot the shoes with a dry cloth and let them dry overnight. No direct sunlight, but you can use a fan if necessary.
Once the shoes are dry, it’s a good idea to spray them with a suede protector spray. This will protect the suede from the elements and make the shoes last longer. You will need to reapply the protector spray regularly whenever it starts to fade.
What To Avoid
As well as understanding how to wash Hey Dudes, you also need to know what NOT to do when it comes to getting your favorite shoes clean again.
Don’t Tumble-Dry Your Hey Dudes
The tumble dryer is a sure way to damage your Hey Dudes. It’s always best to air-dry your shoes, although it may take a little longer.
The dryer provides heat, which can cause your shoes to become misshapen, damage the fabric, or fade the colors.
Don’t Dry Your Hey Dudes In the Sun
Sunlight is also a dangerous way to dry you Hey Dudes. The harshness of the sun can fade colors, wear down materials, and ultimately, ruin your Hey Dudes shoes.
While placing them in the sun to dry might seem convenient and quick, it’s not worth the potential damage!
You may be tempted to place them in the sun inside a room, where it’s technically not direct sunlight. However, this can still cause damage. Your best bet is always to air-dry your shoes in a well-ventilated area out of the sun.
Don’t Use the Washing Machine
If you’ve been on the Hey Dudes website, you may have seen that they mention washing your Hey Dudes in the washing machine. They even recommend it, but don’t be fooled—if you read the fine print, they mention that once you’ve washed them in a washing machine, the shoes will no longer be eligible for returns or warranty.
Based on this, we highly recommend NOT washing your Hey Dudes in the washing machine. The washing machine does the same thing as the dryer—it subjects your Hey Dudes to high heat, which can leave them misshapen and they may never fit properly again.
While they may come out clean, the risks are not really worth it. Rather take a bit of time to clean them carefully by hand, and you can look forward to your Hey Dudes lasting for a long time and looking great throughout their lifespan!
