The proper way to clean slippers will depend on the materials they are made from. Cloth fabric, suede, and leather all require different techniques, which are easy enough, but you must be mindful of structural elements such as arch supports or sole cushions.
In some cases, you can wash cloth slippers in a clothes washer using a warm regular cycle or, in the case of leather, hand-clean with saddle soap.
However, never machine-wash wool slippers, and never dry them in a clothes dryer.
Follow these steps to effectively clean and maintain your fabric, suede, and leather slippers with these straightforward methods.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Washing machine or large sink
- Suede brush
- Vacuum
- Soft cloth
- Clothes drying rack
Materials
- Heavy-duty laundry detergent
- Suede cleaner
- Cornstarch
- Saddle soap
- Leather conditioner
- Baking soda
- Wool wash or gentle detergent
- Baby wipes
Instructions
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| Detergent | Standard, heavy-duty |
| Water Temperature | Warm |
| Cycle Type | Regular |
| Drying Cycle Type | Air-dry only; do not machine dry |
| Special Treatments | Hand-wash soles, pre-treat stains |
| How Often to Wash | Monthly (or more frequently, if needed) |
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.
Wipe Down Soles
Wipe down the soles with a damp cloth or baby wipes (they are infused with gentle soap) to remove any mud or grit if the slippers have been worn outside.
Pre-Treat Stains
- Use a dab of heavy-duty detergent that contains enzymes (like Tide or Persil) to pre-treat and break apart food stains or heavily soiled areas like interior soles.
- 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.
Machine-Wash Fabric Slippers
- Add them to a load of similar colors and fabrics if you are machine-washing fabric slippers. A load of towels usually works well.
- Wash in warm water with your regular detergent on a regular cycle.
Hand-Wash Fabric Slippers
Fabric slippers can also be hand-washed in a sink in warm water with about one teaspoon of 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.
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 towels frequently as they absorb moisture.
Warning
Never place slippers in an automatic dryer. The high heat can cause the soles to become distorted and can dissolve the glue, causing the sole to separate from the slipper.
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How to Clean Suede Slippers
Suede or sheepskin slippers, like Uggs, 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 grow, causing unpleasant lingering odors.
| Cleaning Agent | Cornstarch, baking soda, gentle detergent |
| Special Treatments | Clean soles, uppers, and interiors separately |
| How Often to Clean | Monthly (or more frequently, if needed) |
Remove Loose Soil
Use a suede brush or a soft cloth to remove loose soil from the surface of the suede.
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.
Clean the Interior of Suede Slippers
Most suede slippers have a shearling-lined interior.
- Sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda to clean and freshen the lining.
- 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 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 the visible soil is removed; rinse the cloth frequently.
- Wipe down the interior of the slippers to remove any soapy residue.
- Allow the slippers to air-dry for several hours.
- Use a blow-dryer on a low setting to dry the interior; use your fingers to work the fur to make it fluffy again.
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How to Clean Leather Slippers
Leather slippers should not be machine-washed, but they can be hand-cleaned. Attentive care of the leather will keep your slippers in good shape for many years.
| Cleaning Agent | Saddle soap |
| Special Treatments | Finish with leather conditioner |
| How Often to Clean | Monthly (or more often, if needed) |
Remove Loose Soil
Wipe down leather slippers with a slightly damp cloth or baby wipes (wring them out to remove excess wetness) to remove loose soil.
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.
Buff Dry
Wait about five minutes after leather is cleaned and then buff with a clean, soft cloth.
Apply Leather Conditioner
- Apply a high-quality commercial leather conditioner following the product directions to keep the leather soft and supple.
- Finish by buffing to a shine.
Allow to Dry
Allow the slippers to air-dry for several hours before wearing them. This will help prevent stretching.
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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.
Tip
Having separate slippers for indoor and outdoor use will reduce how frequently you need to clean them.
Slippers Care and Repairs
Most people discard worn-out or damaged slippers and buy new ones, but if you have a favorite pair you can't part with, the following repairs might be worth your time:
- 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 inner soles lose their cushiness, cut and insert a piece of felt to fit inside the slippers. You may also buy commercial inserts 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
If you have different slippers for warm and cold winter weather, store them properly between seasons. Before putting them away for the season, clean your slippers and ensure they are fully dry.
Stuff paper towels into the slippers so they hold their shape, and store them away in the original shoe box or plastic containers. Store them side-by-side rather than atop one another, which will help preserve their shape.
Never store leather slippers in sealed plastic bags. They need to breathe during the months they are in storage.
Tips for Keeping Slippers Clean Longer
Avoid wearing slippers outside. Wear lightweight socks if you wear your sheepskin slippers outdoors and protect the interiors from sweat and other dirt.
- 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.
FAQ
Can I wash cloth slippers with other laundry items?
Yes, but it's best to place them in a laundry bag to prevent them from rubbing against other clothing. And always use a medium temperature setting and standard wash cycle.
My slippers still smell, even after washing. What should I do?
Sometimes, slippers smell dank if they haven't dried out completely. Dry them in direct sunlight outdoors, where sunlight and good air circulation can work their magic. Deep-set foot odor will require multiple washings.
How do I clean wool slippers?
The technique for cleaning most slippers made of wool fabric is similar to that for suede: brush them lightly to remove surface dirt, and use a damp cloth and mild detergent to scrub the insides of the slippers. Stains on the wool outer fabric can be cleaned by gently scrubbing with a damp cloth—never machine-wash wool slippers, and never dry them in a clothes dryer.
How do I clean sheepskin slippers?
Sheepskin is a type of leather in which the woolly animal hair is left attached to the animal skin for the benefit of its warmth. Sheepskin slippers are exceptionally warm on the feet. The outer surface of sheepskin slippers can be cleaned as you would any form of suede, while the wool insides shouldbe scrubbed with a damp cloth moistened with gentle detergent.
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