How to Wash and Care for Slippers

How to Clean Cotton and Synthetic Fabric Slippers

Cotton terry cloth slides and any slippers made from polyester fabrics, even those lined with faux fur, can be machine or hand-washed to revive and deodorize them.

1. Wipe Down Soles

   If the slippers have been worn outside, wipe down the soles with a damp cloth or baby wipes (they are infused with gentle soap) to remove any mud or grit.

2. Pre-Treat Stains

   If the slippers have food stains or heavily soiled areas like interior soles, use a dab of heavy-duty detergent that contains enzymes (like Tide or Persil) to pre-treat and break apart stains. Work the detergent into the stained area with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Allow the detergent to work for at least 15 minutes before washing.

3. Machine-Wash Fabric Slippers

   If you are machine-washing fabric slippers, add them to a load of similar colors and fabrics. A load of towels usually works well. Wash in warm water with your regular detergent on a regular cycle.

4. Hand-Wash Fabric Slippers

   Fabric slippers can also be hand-washed in a sink in warm water with about one teaspoon of a heavy-duty detergent. Add the slippers to the soapy water and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to lift the soil. Gently squeeze the solution through the slippers and then drain away the soapy water.

   Fill the sink with fresh water and rinse the slippers until no more soap bubbles appear. Gently press out excess water. Roll the slippers in a thick towel to help absorb water.

5. Drying Washable Fabric Slippers

   Whether machine or hand washed, all slippers should be allowed to air-dry. Reshape the slippers and place them in a well-ventilated space to dry. If you are concerned about them holding their shape, stuff the slippers lightly with paper towels or white tissue paper. Don't use newspaper because it can leave ink stains on your slippers. Change the paper frequently as the slippers dry.

   Warning

   Never place slippers in an automatic dryer. The high heat can cause the soles to become distorted and any glues used in construction to dissolve.

How to Clean Suede Slippers

Suede slippers, like those from Deckers X Lab, are made from leather hides and must be spot cleaned to maintain the finish. Diligently work on the inside of slippers because when they become moist, bacteria begin to grow, which is the reason your slippers have that lingering odor.

1. Remove Loose Soil

   Use a suede brush or a soft cloth to remove loose soil from the surface of the suede.

2. Spot Clean Stains

   Treat grease stains by sprinkling them with cornstarch to absorb the grease. This is most effective if done as soon as stains happen. Allow the cornstarch to sit on the stains for several hours and then brush away. Repeat until no more grease is absorbed.

   Use a commercial suede cleaner to treat heavy soil and stains following the product instructions.

3. Clean the Interior of Suede Slippers

   Most suede slippers have a shearling-lined interior. To clean and freshen the lining, sprinkle in a heavy layer of baking soda. Use the suede brush to work it into the lining and allow it to sit for several hours. Vacuum out the baking soda.

   If the lining is heavily soiled, mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water and 1 teaspoon of wool wash or gentle detergent. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wring until just damp. Gently scrub the interior of the slippers until most visible soil is removed, and rinse the cloth frequently.

   Finish by rinsing the cloth in clean water and wiping down the interior of the slippers to remove any soapy residue. Allow the slippers to air-dry for several hours. You can also use a blow-dryer on a low setting to dry the interior; use your fingers to work the fur to make it fluffy again.

How to Clean Leather Slippers

Leather slippers should not be machine-washed but they can be hand-cleaned. Careful care of the leather will keep your slippers in good shape for many years.

1. Remove Loose Soil

   Wipe down leather slippers with a slightly damp cloth or baby wipes (wring them out a bit to remove excess wetness) to remove loose soil.

2. Clean With Saddle Soap

   Mix a solution of warm water and Castile or saddle soap, following product directions. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring until only slightly damp. Working in sections, gently wipe down the exterior and leather interior of the slippers.

   If the interiors are shearling-lined, clean them separately, as described above, after the exterior leather has been cleaned and conditioned.

3. Buff Dry

   When the leather is cleaned, wait about five minutes and then buff with a clean, soft cloth.

4. Apply Leather Conditioner

   To keep the leather soft and supple, apply a commercial leather conditioner following the product directions. Finish by buffing to a shine.

5. Allow to Dry

   Allow the slippers to air-dry for several hours before wearing them. This will help prevent stretching.

Slippers Care and Repairs

Most people simply discard worn-out or damaged slippers and buy new ones, but if you have a favorite pair you can't part with, there are some repairs that might be possible.

• Loosened seams can be resewn to secure the uppers to the soles.
• On cloth or felt-bottomed slippers that wear through on the soles, you can cut out a piece of felt to match the outline of the slippers, then stitch it over the bottom of the slipper to create a new sole.
• If the inner soles lose their cushiness, you can also cut and insert a piece of felt to fit inside the slippers. There may also be commercial inserts you can buy to fit into your worn-out slippers.

If your slippers have leather uppers, regularly applying conditioner or polishing the leather will help keep it supple and prevent cracking.

Storing Slippers

You may well have different slippers for warm weather and cold winter weather. This means that the slippers may need to be put away for storage for a good portion of the year. Before putting them away for the season, give your slippers a good cleaning and make sure they are fully dry. Then, stuff paper towels into the slippers so they hold their shape and store them away in the original shoe box or in plastic containers. Store them side-by-side rather than atop one another, as this will help preserve their shape.

Never store leather slippers in sealed plastic bags, as they need to breathe during the months they are in storage.

How Often to Wash Slippers

Generally speaking, it's a good idea to clean your slippers once a month, but you may well find it beneficial to clean them more often. How often slippers need to be cleaned depends on several factors:

• Do you wear slippers outside?
• Do you wear socks with slippers?
• Do you deal with foot fungus and odor?

Every type of slipper should be cleaned as soon as any odors or heavy soil become apparent.

Tips for Keeping Slippers Clean Longer

Do not wear the slippers outside. If you do wear your sheepskin slippers outdoors, protect the interiors from sweat and other dirt by wearing lightweight no-show socks.

• Put on fresh socks before changing into slippers after work.
• Clean slippers regularly.
• Rotate slippers so they have a chance to breathe between the times you wear them.