Why Do My Crocs Smell So Bad – And How to Stop This

Anything is endurable except for the awful smell of shoes and socks.

If you’ve ever had the chance of wearing Crocs, you know how badly they can start to smell. Even if you don’t wear them often, the shoes can begin to smell after just a few days of not being worn.

It is because Crocs get made out of a type of plastic that doesn’t allow air to circulate, which causes bacteria to grow and the shoes to smell bad.

However, do not panic thinking, why do my crocs smell so bad? It is a common question everyone asks.

Let’s stop the ado and discuss why crocks smell bad and how to stop this smell from coming out.

Why Do My Crocs Smell So Bad?

The smell of shoes and socks is not unusual- indeed, it’s pretty common and prominent. However, various factors may cause an unwanted odor in your shoe.

Firstly, Crocs get made out of plastic. Plastic doesn’t allow air to circulate, which makes your feet sweat. That causes your feet to smell.

Secondly, these plastic or special foam-like materials also make crocks a breeding ground for bacteria which causes shoes to smell. In fact, one study found that Crocs can harbor up to 1,000 different types of bacteria.

Thirdly, the smell gets caused by a chemical called methyl mercaptan (stay in the crocks inside, expose when you wore it for a long time without any smell prevention). This chemical gets also found in natural gas and propane. When it comes into contact with sweat, it creates that notorious Croc smell.

In addition, sweat and dirt can accumulate in the shoes, creating an unpleasant odor. If you wear your Crocs without socks, the moisture and bacteria will directly path to your feet, making them smell even worse.

The good news is that you can do a few things to reduce the smell from your Crocks. Continue with us to sharply know about all those ways.

How Do I Stop My Crocs From Smelling?

Smelling in the shoes is bothersome and embarrassing. However, you can apply some techniques to remove and prevent your shoe from becoming a rusty bin.

Here are some best ways to get the smell out of crocks.

1. Stop Exposure To Dark and Damp Areas

Crocs are known to smell bad after a while. In fact, there was even a study done on the matter. The study found that when crocs get exposed to dark and damp areas, they produce more sweat and smell worse.

The best way to prevent your Crocs from smelling is to make sure that you don’t wear them in dark and damp areas.

If you live in a humid climate, it’s also important to regularly air out your Crocs. You can do this by leaving them in direct sunlight for a few hours.

2. Keep Your Crocks Dry

The easiest way to keep your Crocs smelling is to make sure they are dry. If they are wet, bacteria will grow and create a bad smell. To prevent this, take them out of the water and let them air dry. You can also put them in the sun, but not let them get too hot.

Wash Your Crocs From Time To Time

Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add a little bit of dish soap. Swish the Crocs around in soapy water for a minute or two, then rinse them off with cold water. Let them air-dry overnight. Remember, if cleaned regularly, it will hardly give off any smell.

You can also use cleaners precisely made for shoe cleaning for a better wash. Check out the shoe cleaner here.

3. Wear Socks

Wear socks with your Crocs to stop the odd smell coming out. The socks will absorb the sweat and prevent the shoes from smelling. But be sure you are washing your socks regularly.

Try the socks here to avoid the unbearable odor.

4. Use Foot Deodorants

If you’re a fan of Crocs, you know that they can start to smell after a while. The best way to avoid this is to use a foot deodorant, which will help to keep your feet smelling good all day long. There are several different foot deodorants on the market, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Foot deodorants work to prevent bacteria from growing and causing foul smells. They come in various forms, including sprays, powders, and wipes. And they’re not just for Crocs – they can get used on any type of shoe.

5. Use Disinfectant/Anti-bacterial Spray

There are a few ways to combat the smell. Still, one of the simplest and most effective methods is to use a disinfectant or anti-bacterial spray. It will kill any bacteria causing the smell, and it only takes a few seconds to do.

6. Use Baking Soda

One way to combat the intense foot odor (from your crocks) is to sprinkle a little baking soda in your Crocs after each use. The baking soda will help to absorb the moisture and neutralize the smell. If you do not feel good with the baking soda odor, you can spray your favorite body spray inside your crock as well.

7. Use Vinegar

Luckily, there is a simple solution to stop the unpleasant smell from the crocks. And that is vinegar. To stop Crocs from smelling, soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar for about an hour.

Then, air dry them overnight. The vinegar will kill the bacteria that cause the shoes to smell bad. Like baking soda, if you are not habituated with vinegar’s smell, you can instantly add your body perfume or Telcom powder inside the crocks.

8. Use Talc Powder

Talc Powder is a great way to stop crocs from smelling. Simply sprinkle a little bit of talc powder inside your Crocs every time you wear them. It will keep your Crocs from smelling bad, but it will also help keep them from getting too sweaty. It will help to absorb the moisture and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

9. Use Old Newspaper In Your Crocs

You can stuff newspapers in your Crocs to stop them from smelling bad. It is a cheap and easy way to keep your Crocs from smelling like feet.

10. Use Detergent & Cold-Water Mixture

In order to prevent your Crocs from smelling, pour some detergent into a bowl of cold water, and then submerge your Crocs in the mixture. Let them soak for about 30 minutes, and then rinse them off with cold water.

11. Get More Than One Crocs

Well, you could get more than one pair of your crocks. That way, you can rotate them and give each pair a chance to air out.

How Do I clean Crocs With Fur That Does Not Come Out?

Crocs are one of the most popular types of shoes in the world. However, they can be challenging to clean. If you have Crocs with fur that does not come out.

Here are a few tips for cleaning them:

• Use a toothbrush or a small brush to remove any dirt trapped in the fur.
• Soak the Crocs in a mixture of water and detergent for about 30 minutes.
• Scrub the Crocs with a brush to remove any dirt or stains.
• Rinse the Crocs with water and let them air dry.

How To Deodorize Crocs?

Crocs are not the most stylish shoes on the market, but they are incredibly comfortable and perfect for summer weather. They also have the unfortunate tendency to start smelling bad after a while.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to deodorize Crocs and keep them smelling fresh. One way is to soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water. Another is to sprinkle baking soda on them and let them sit overnight. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the pores of the shoes.

You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of: Do Crocs Stretch? How to and How Much Stretch Them?

FAQs;

• Can Fur-lined Crocs Be washed?

For sure you can! As for lined Crocs clogs or other styles with fuzz. If you cannot remove the lining, gently clean with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt, debris, or stains. Allow to air dry completely.

• How To Get Gas Smell Out Of Crocs?

Crocs get made of Croslite/a special type of plastic, a closed-cell foam. This material is porous and will absorb any kind of smell. The gas smell will eventually dissipate over time, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process:

1. Leave your Crocs outside in the sun. The UV rays will help break down the molecules causing the smell.
2. Bake your Crocs in the oven. It will help to release the smell and sanitize them simultaneously.
3. Soak your Crocs in a mixture of vinegar and water. And let them soak for about 30 minutes. Rinse your crocks using freshwater.

• Why do Crocs make my feet stink?

The answer is actually quite simple. It all comes down to the materials used in their construction. However, one of the most common explanations is that the rubber material used to make Crocs is porous and can absorb sweat and bacteria from your feet, which then causes the shoes to smell bad.

Additionally, the design of Crocs can also lead to trapped moisture and bacteria, causing your feet to stink.

Verdict

Are you still asking- why do my crocs smell so bad?

After many studies, it got determined that the root cause of your smelly crocs is bacteria. It turns out that the porous nature of the croc’s materials provides a hospitable environment for bacteria to grow and thrive.

While it is impossible to get rid of bacteria completely, there are a few ways you can do to help keep your crocs from smelling.