3 Simple Steps to Deodorize Your Hey Dudes Using Lumi Outdoors (No Wash!)
- Avoid the Washer Washing machines warp the foam and weaken the glue in your shoes over time.
- The Insole Secret Always remove the insoles to spray the underside where the most odor-producing elements live.
- Natural Power Using essential oils like eucalyptus and lemongrass neutralizes odors without using harsh chemicals.
Most people think a trip through the washing machine is the only way to save a pair of stinky Hey Dudes. It's not. In fact, doing that too often can actually break down the very foam and knit fabric that makes them so comfortable. You can get that "new shoe" smell back without ever turning on the tap or waiting two days for them to air dry.
We’ve all been there. You kick off your shoes after a long day, and the smell hits you like a physical wall. Since Hey Dudes are designed to be worn without socks, they become magnets for sweat and odors. But here's the thing: you don't have to choose between comfort and a fresh-smelling closet. By using the right tools, you can keep your favorite loafers in the rotation for years instead of months.
Can You Put Hey Dudes in the Washing Machine?
While you can technically wash Hey Dudes on a delicate cycle with cold water, frequent washing ruins the flex-foam soles and causes the knit uppers to lose their shape. Air drying is mandatory because the heat from a dryer can permanently warp or melt the shoe's structure.
If you're like me, you probably bought Hey Dudes because they feel like walking on clouds. That "cloud" feeling comes from a specific type of lightweight foam. Every time you submerge that foam in water and toss it around a plastic drum, it loses a little bit of its integrity. It’s like a kitchen sponge—eventually, it just doesn't bounce back the same way.
And let's talk about the drying time. Nothing is worse than needing your shoes for a Saturday morning errand only to find they’re still damp from Friday’s "emergency wash." Moisture is actually the enemy here. When shoes stay damp for hours, it creates an environment where odors can actually get worse. Finding a way to refresh them while they're dry is the real secret to shoe longevity.
You don't need a chemistry degree to fix this. You just need a spray that actually works on a molecular level. This is the one we keep by the door:
What You'll Need
- Soft-bristle shoe brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Extra Strength Shoe Deodorizer Spray Check Price →
- Cedar blocks
How Do You Clean Hey Dudes Without Water?
To clean Hey Dudes without water, use a soft-bristle brush to remove surface dirt, then treat the interior with a natural deodorizing spray to neutralize odors. This "dry cleaning" method preserves the glue and foam that keep the shoe together while keeping the fabric fresh.
The process is simpler than you think. First, take a soft-bristle shoe brush and gently whisk away any dried mud or dust from the knit upper. If you leave dirt on the fabric, it can actually work its way into the fibers and start to smell musty over time. It only takes about thirty seconds per shoe, but it makes a huge difference in how they look.
Next, grab a microfiber cloth. Use it to wipe down the "tuxedo" edges of the foam soles. You’d be surprised how much grime sticks to the sides of the shoes. Once the outside looks good, it's time to tackle the real problem: the inside. This is where most people go wrong. They spray the top of the shoe and hope for the best. To really get results, you need to be more strategic.
If you're dealing with a serious situation, you might want to look at a full system. Natural Foot Powder and Extra Strength Shoe Deodorizer Spray is the best way to handle chronic odors by stopping the moisture before it even starts. It's the "belt and suspenders" approach to shoe care.
What Is the Best Way to Use Lumi Outdoors Hey Dude Shoe Deodorizer?
The most effective method is to remove the insoles, spray them thoroughly with Lumi Outdoors, and then spray the interior of the shoe before letting both air dry for at least six hours. Removing the insole allows the essential oils to reach the deep recesses of the toe box where odors are most concentrated.
Step one: Pull those insoles out! Hey Dudes have removable foam insoles for a reason. Most of the "funk" lives on the underside of that insole and in the bottom of the shoe's heel. If you just spray the top, you're only fixing half the problem. Give the insoles a good 2-3 sprays of the Extra Strength Shoe Deodorizer Spray and set them aside.
Step two: Spray the inside of the empty shoe. Aim for the toe box. That’s the dark, cramped space where your toes have been sweating all day. It’s the epicenter of the odor. Use a quick, sweeping motion to ensure you cover the entire footbed.
Step three: Let them rest. Don't spray them and immediately put them on. The essential oils need time to settle into the fibers. I usually do this right before I go to bed. By the time I wake up, the shoes don't just smell "better"—they smell like a spa. The lemon and eucalyptus oils don't just mask the scent; they actually help clear the air inside the shoe.
Don't just spray the top of your insoles; flip them over and spray the bottom. The space between the insole and the shoe floor is a prime breeding ground for odors that most people completely miss.
Why Do Hey Dudes Smell So Bad So Quickly?
Hey Dudes smell quickly because they are primarily made of porous materials like cotton canvas and knit fabric that absorb sweat, especially when worn without socks. Without a barrier, skin cells and moisture migrate directly into the foam, providing a food source for odor-producing elements.
It's the "sockless" trap. We all love the look of Hey Dudes with shorts, but your feet can produce up to half a pint of sweat a day. When you wear socks, they act as a sponge to catch that moisture. Without them, your shoes are the sponge. And because the foam in Hey Dudes is designed to be breathable, it has thousands of tiny pockets that can trap that moisture.
If you’ve ever wondered why your other shoes don't stink this fast, that's your answer. It's similar to why boat shoes or slippers get "the funk" so easily. You can read more about this in our guide on why boat shoes always smell. The science is the same: moisture + skin cells + dark space = a bad time for your nose.
To help manage this between wearings, you can use cedar blocks or shoe trees. Cedar is naturally thirsty and will pull moisture out of the foam while the shoes sit in your closet. Combined with a daily spray of Natural Citrus Tea Tree Shoe Deodorizer Spray, you're looking at a much fresher experience.
I tested Lumi's natural formula against those big-brand aerosol cans you see at the supermarket. The difference isn't just in the smell—it's in how long the freshness actually lasts.
| Feature | Lumi Outdoors Extra Strength | Generic Grocery Aerosols |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Base | Pure Essential Oils | Synthetic Fragrance & Alcohol |
| Longevity | Lasts 24+ Hours | Fades in Minutes |
| Safety | Safe for Skin/Pets | Hazardous if Inhaled |
| Effect on Foam | Gentle & Non-Corrosive | Can degrade foam over time |
How Do You Keep Hey Dudes Fresh Daily?
The best daily maintenance routine is to rotate your shoes every 24 hours to allow them to fully dry and to give them a light mist of a natural deodorizer after every wear. This prevents the buildup of odors and extends the time between deep cleanings or "emergency" washes.
Consistency is everything. If you wait until you can smell your shoes from the next room, you're already fighting an uphill battle. I keep a bottle of Natural Lavender Tea Tree Shoe Deodorizer Spray right in the mudroom. As soon as the kids come in from school, they give their shoes a quick spritz. It takes five seconds, and it has saved me from having to replace shoes every three months.
Another tip? Rotate your pairs. I know, they're your favorite shoes and you want to wear them every day. But giving them 24 hours to "breathe" without a warm foot inside them allows the foam to decompress and the moisture to evaporate. If you wear the same pair 7 days a week, they never truly dry out. That's when the permanent odors start to set in.
"This stuff is a lifesaver. My son's Hey Dudes were so bad we almost threw them out. One night with the Extra Strength spray and they actually smell like lemon instead of... well, you know. I'm a believer!"
— Sarah M., Verified Buyer
Is the natural route perfect? Mostly, but it does require you to be consistent. You can't spray them once a month and expect miracles. Here's the honest breakdown:
- Saves shoes from washing machine damage
- 100% natural, plant-based ingredients
- Safe for children and pets
- Smells like a high-end spa, not a locker room
- Extends the lifespan of expensive footwear
- Requires regular application for best results
- Does not remove physical mud or deep stains
At the end of the day, you bought your Hey Dudes to be easy. Maintenance should be easy, too. You don't need to ruin them in the washing machine or soak them in harsh chemicals. A few sprays of a plant-based formula can keep your shoes (and your house) smelling exactly the way you want.
Ready to stop the stink without ruining your favorite shoes?
Join 1 Million+ Other People Who Chose Lumi to Conquer Their Shoe Odor.
- DESTROYS ODOR AT THE SOURCE, DOESN'T JUST MASK IT
- ALL-NATURAL & PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS
- PROUDLY FAMILY-OWNED & MADE IN UTAH
- THE "FRESH CONFIDENCE" GUARANTEE