Slippers are a comfy shoes we love to slip our feet into after a long day. But like any footwear, slippers get dirty over time and need proper care to stay fresh and extend their life. With some simple cleaning methods and care tips, you can keep your slippers looking and feeling like new for years to come. We’ll walk you through the complete guide to washing and caring for slippers of all styles and materials.
Materials to Avoid Putting in the Washer
When it comes to cleaning slippers, you first need to consider the material. Some can be tossed right in the washing machine, while others require hand-washing only. Here are some slipper materials you’ll want to avoid the washing machine with:
Leather
Genuine leather or suede slippers should never go in the washing machine, as the agitation and water pressure can damage the material. Stick to spot cleaning leather slippers by hand instead.
Shearling
The soft shearling lining found on many slippers is delicate and should be hand washed gently to avoid damaging the fibers. Machine washing can cause shearling to mat and shrink.
Memory Foam
Memory foam often loses its shape and supportive qualities when subjected to machine washing. It’s best to spot clean slippers with memory foam insoles by hand.
Fabric with Embellishments
If your slippers have fabric uppers with beading, sequins, or other decorations, the embellishments could get knocked off or damaged in the washer. Hand wash embellished fabric slippers separately.
So if your slippers are made of suede, leather, shearling, memory foam, or delicate embellished fabrics, stick to hand washing only. For all other materials, read on for how to machine or hand wash slippers properly.
Preparing Slippers for Washing
Before washing your slippers in the machine or by hand, you’ll want to take a few preparatory steps:
- Brush off any loose dirt or debris – Use a suede brush, small shoe brush, or toothbrush to gently brush away any dried mud, dirt, or other debris clinging to the exterior of the slippers. This will prevent soils from getting further ground in during washing.
- Remove insoles if possible – Many slippers have removable insoles that can be taken out before washing the uppers. This allows everything to get fully cleaned. If insoles cannot be removed, it’s fine to wash the slippers fully assembled.
- Pre-treat any stains – For any mud, dirt, food stains, grease stains, or other types of buildup, pre-treat with a stain remover stick, spray, or gel. This helps lift stains from the fabric or leather before washing.
- Fill out the toes with something if needed – To help maintain the shape of slippers during washing, fill out the toes with rolled socks, towels, or other filling if the slippers are prone to collapsing. This isn’t necessary but can help preserve shape.
Once you’ve pre-treated stains and brushed away any loose dirt, the slippers are ready for washing by machine or by hand.
How to Wash Slippers in the Washing Machine
Many slippers with fabric uppers are safe to toss right in the washing machine. Here’s your step-by-step guide to machine washing slippers:
Step 1: Place slippers in a mesh wash bag
Putting the slippers in a mesh bag prevents the agitation from beating up the shoes. Zip the bag closed with the slippers inside.
Step 2: Wash on gentle cycle with cool water
Wash the slippers on the gentle or delicate cycle setting using cool water. Warm or hot water can cause fabrics and materials like rubber soles to warp or shrink.
Step 3: Use a mild detergent
Forget the heavy duty detergents here – a mild liquid detergent dissolved fully in the water is best for slippers. Powder detergent can get trapped in seams.
Step 4: Air dry completely
Never put slippers in the dryer after washing. Simply remove from the bag and allow to air dry completely before wearing again.
Step 5: Use shoe trees or tissue paper
While air drying, stuff slippers with shoe trees, rolled socks, or tissue paper to hold the shape. Rotate periodically.
And that’s it! Following these simple machine washing steps will have your slippers looking like new.
How to Hand Wash Slippers
For delicate slippers or ones that can’t go in the washer, hand washing is best. Here are some tips for effective hand washing:
- Fill a sink, tub, or basin with cool water and mild detergent. Allow slippers to soak for 15 minutes, gently moving them around.
- Use a soft bristle brush or old toothbrush to gently scrub the exterior, seams, and soles of the soaked slippers.
- Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh cool water for rinsing. Rinse thoroughly.
- Never wring out slippers to dry. Simply press gently with a towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Stuff with shoe trees, tissue, or socks while air drying to maintain the shape.
- Allow slippers to fully air dry for 24-48 hours before wearing again.
Hand washing with care prevents damage and keeps delicate slippers in great shape.
How to Sanitize Slippers Between Wears
To keep your slippers fresh between full washes, you can sanitize them using these quick methods:
- Air out – Take out any shoe trees or inserts and allow the slippers to air out for several hours between wears. This helps dissipate odors and moisture.
- Use baking soda – Sprinkle baking soda inside the slippers, leave overnight, then shake out in the morning. Baking soda absorbs odors naturally.
- Freeze overnight – Place slippers in a plastic bag and freeze overnight. Freezing kills odor causing bacteria.
- Disinfectant spray – Mist slippers inside and out with an antimicrobial fabric spray containing tea tree oil or other natural disinfectants.
- UV light – Place slippers in a UV sanitizing device for 10 minutes. The UV light kills germs and bacteria.
These easy methods keep your slippers smelling fresh until the next full wash.
How to Wash Specific Types of Slippers
Here are some more targeted tips for washing and caring for popular slipper styles and materials:
Fleece Slippers
- Machine wash on gentle/delicate with mild detergent
- Air dry completely, avoid heat
- Use a fabric shaver to remove accumulated pilling
Terry Cloth Slippers
- Machine wash warm with like colors
- Don’t use fabric softener (reduces absorbency)
- Air dry thoroughly before wearing
Rubber Sole Slippers
- Hand wash exterior with mild soap and water
- Spot clean rubber soles with all purpose cleaner
- Stuff with paper while drying to maintain shape
Shearling Slippers
- Never fully submerge in water, spot clean exterior only
- Use shedding comb for accumulated fuzz
- Allow to fully dry between each wear
Memory Foam Slippers
- Spot clean exterior with damp sponge or cloth
- Blot gently to remove stains from foam
- Air out foam inserts between wears
- Replace foam every 6-12 months when compressed
How to Safely Dry Slippers
It’s important to dry slippers fully before wearing them in order to prevent bacteria growth. Here are some safe drying methods:
- Air dry naturally – The best way to dry any type of slipper is in open air. Simply leave out on a rack or over hangers.
- Stuff while drying – Use shoe trees, balled up socks, or paper to help maintain the shape as slippers air dry.
- Rotate periodically – Rotate the stuffing every so often so it absorbs moisture from all sides.
- Dry in sunlight – In addition to air drying, placing slippers in direct sunlight helps kill bacteria and dries faster.
- Use a fan – Direct a fan on the lowest speed toward slippers to speed up drying time. Just don’t aim heat directly at them.
- Avoid fire hazards – Never dry slippers near open flames or heat sources like stoves or space heaters.
Patience is key – it’s better for slippers to dry slowly and thoroughly before wearing again. Rushing the process can lead to bacteria and mildew.
How to Store Slippers Properly
Keep your slippers in great condition in between wears by storing them properly:
- Use breathable materials – Store in canvas or mesh shoe bags versus plastic bags. Plastic traps in moisture and odors.
- Add cedar blocks – Place cedar blocks in storage boxes or bags to repel insects and absorb moisture.
- Keep out of direct sunlight – Don’t store slippers in direct sunlight, which can cause fading and damage.
- Avoid extreme temps – Don’t store slippers long term in very hot or cold places like garages or porches.
- Keep slippers upright – Store slippers standing upright rather than laying horizontally if possible. This maintains shape.
- Don’t stack or crush – If possible, don’t stack other items on top of stored slippers to prevent flattening them.
- Unstuff before storing – Remove any shoe trees, paper, or socks stuffed inside before storing slippers between wears.
Proper storage helps extend the lifespan of slippers significantly.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Slippers
While you can get years of wear from quality slippers with proper care, there are some signs that indicate it’s time to replace them:
- Holes, tears, or major damage that can’t be repaired
- Permanent stains that don’t come out fully with cleaning
- Visible signs of bacterial or fungal growth like odor, discoloration, or fuzz
- Compressed, misshapen foam or filler that won’t rebound
- Soles completely worn down with no traction left
- Loose lining that bunches or seems detached from the upper
- Slippers that flop or fail to stay on your feet properly
When your faithful slippers start exhibiting these issues, it may be time to retire them and break in a fresh new pair.
DIY Slipper Cleaning Recipes & Solutions
You can also mix up your own effective slipper cleaning solutions at home using ingredients you probably already have:
Foaming Slipper Cleaner
Mix together in a spray bottle:
- 1⁄2 cup warm water
- 1 tsp clear dish soap
- 1 tsp washing soda
- 5 drops essential oil (eucalyptus, lavender, tea tree oil)
Shake vigorously until foamy then spray on slipper exteriors. Scrub with a soft brush, then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Odor Eliminator Spray
Combine and shake in a spray bottle:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 10-15 drops essential oil like lemon or lavender
Spritz inside slippers to kill odors and leave a fresh scent.
Stain Remover Gel
In a small bowl, stir together:
- 2 tsp mild laundry detergent
- 2 tsp glycerine
- 2 tbsp water
Use an old toothbrush to scrub stained or dirty areas with the gel. Rinse with water.
6 Tips to Make Slippers Last Longer
Here are a few final tips to extend the life of your trusty slippers even more:
- Use shoe trees – Insert cedar shoe trees after each wear to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
- Apply protectant spray – Use a waterproofing spray on fabric slippers to prevent staining. Avoid silicone sprays on leather.
- Add rubber sole guards – Adhesive rubber sole guards protect the bottom from premature wear.
- Spot clean often – Don’t let stains set. Remove promptly by dabbing gently with a damp cloth.
- Alternate slippers – Give them a rest once in a while by wearing a different pair. Rotating extends longevity.
- Handle gently – Avoid bunching, twisting, or crushing slippers to prevent damage. Slide feet in and out.
With the proper care methods, your beloved slippers can stay cozy and durable for many seasons ahead. Never be tempted to toss out a ratty old pair before trying these cleaning and revitalization tips first. With a little TLC, you may be able to breathe new life into those worn-out slippers after all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Slippers
Can you put slippers in the washing machine?
Many slippers can be machine washed, but some materials like leather, suede, and shearling require hand washing only. Check the care instructions – if machine washing isn’t specified, hand wash to be safe.
How do you wash slippers by hand?
Fill a basin with cool water and mild detergent, allow slippers to soak for 15 minutes, gently scrub with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, press gently to absorb moisture, and allow to fully air dry. Never submerge shearling or memory foam in water.
How do you dry slippers fast?
The best way to dry slippers quickly and safely is pointing a fan on low directly at them while they air dry in open air. Rotate stuffing periodically to absorb moisture. Avoid using heat sources that could damage slippers.
How do you soften hard slippers?
To soften up stiff, rigid slippers, fill a couple of socks with rice and tie off the ends. Heat the socks in the microwave for 1 minute, then place inside slippers while they cool. The residual heat softens and conditions the material.
How do you sanitize used slippers?
Used slippers can be sanitized by sprinkling baking soda inside overnight then shaking it out, spraying with a disinfectant, freezing overnight, or using a UV sanitizing device. Air out thoroughly between each wear.
How do you get bad smells out of slippers?
To remove odors from slippers, sprinkle baking soda inside and leave overnight before shaking out. You can also stuff lightly with coffee grounds overnight. Mist with an antimicrobial spray made with vinegar, vodka, essential oils or tea tree oil too.
How do I stop my slippers from smelling?
To prevent slipper odors, air them out fully between wears, use cedar shoe trees or charcoal inserts to absorb moisture, sanitize with UV or freezing periodically, and wash occasionally according to the care instructions.
How often should you wash slippers?
How often you need to wash slippers depends on how frequently they’re worn. Once every few weeks is a good rule of thumb for slippers worn regularly. Those worn only occasionally may just need monthly cleaning. Always wash immediately if visibly dirty or sweaty.
Why do my slippers get hard?
Slippers often get stiff and hard over time. This happens as dirt and body oils build up on the materials, hardening them. Regular cleaning according to material instructions will help prevent slippers from becoming stiff and maintain softness.
Conclusion
Cleaning and caring for your favorite slippers properly ensures they stay cozy and last for many seasons. Check the care label and only machine wash those made of durable materials like fleece or canvas. Delicate materials like leather and shearling are best washed by hand. Make sure to air dry thoroughly before wearing again. With occasional cleaning and proper storage methods, your slippers will become your loyal house shoe companions for years of comfort ahead!