We get this question a lot. You’ve got a new pair of slippers and want to look after them so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. This guide is your one-stop shop for all your slipper care advice.
In this guide:
- How often should I wash my slippers?
- How to wash faux fur boot slippers?
- How to wash suede/sheepskin slippers?
- How to wash felt slippers?
How often should I wash my slippers?
How often you should wash your slippers depends on a few thighs:
- If you wear them with socks or barefoot
- If you wear them outside as well as inside
- If you have any fungal or odour issues
You should only wash your slippers when they really need it.
TIP: Keep Your Slippers Smelling Fresh for Longer
- If your slippers are otherwise clean but they have an unpleasant odour, try the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) method first. This method is cheap, kind to your skin and super easy.
- Sprinkle a generous dusting of bicarbonate inside the slippers and allow them to sit overnight. Hoover the baking soda up in the morning and voila! Your slippers should be as good as new. Baking soda also acts as a fungicide and has mild antibacterial properties.
How to wash faux fur boot slippers
- It’s best to hand-wash your faux fur slippers as the washing machine can be too harsh on the fluffy material. Fill the sink up with some warm water and a bit of mild detergent.
- Use a clean cloth to rub the soapy solution all over the slipper, focusing on difficult stains and areas around the sole which get in contact with the ground.
- Let the slippers soak in the warm water for 15-20 min.
- Squeeze the water out gently and allow your slippers to dry on the line or next to the radiator. Do not put them in the tumble dryer as this can damage them.
How to wash suede/sheepskin slippers
- Suede slippers require a special kind of care - they cannot be machine or hand washed. The best way to clean up any spills is to use a paper towel to soak up the moisture.
- Gently brush the surface to remove dirt and dust.
- Use a stain eraser or a suede cleaning kit following the instructions on the packaging.
- To clean the sheepskin lining, use a damp cloth with a bit of mild detergent and gently massage it over the lining. Use another damp cloth to remove any soapy residue.
- Use a dry cloth to soak up excess water. Allow slippers to air dry. A great way to prevent further stains is to apply a waterproofing spray to the suede upper in order to create a protective barrier.
If you’d like to know more about sheepskin slippers, read our Sheepskin Care guide.
How to wash felt slippers
- Use a soft-bristle hoover attachment to remove any dirt or dust. Do not rub or comb the felt as it can bauble or even tear.
- You can put your felt slippers in a pillowcase and wash them on a cold, gentle cycle in the washing machine with wool detergent.
- After washing, the slippers might be a bit tight or misshapen. Try the slippers on while they’re still wet to reshape them. Leave them out to dry on a flat surface (in the sun if possible) without any external heat, but do not put them on the line as this can damage their shape.