How To Clean Slippers: Top Care Tips
Why should you clean your slippers
Slippers are often the most commonly used piece of footwear. Whether they’re clogs, flip-flops or fluffy, they’re worn inside and outside, from the bathroom to the garden. Due to their extensive use, slippers attract a lot of dirt and grime and can breed a lot of bacteria.
This is just one of the reasons why it’s important to know how to clean slippers effectively. Read on to discover useful tips on slipper cleaning as well as guidance on how to wash different materials such as wool, fluff, rubber and leather.
How to wash your slippers
Everyone has their favourite pair of slippers that they wear all day, every day. But it’s not often we think about taking care of them in the same way we do our other pairs. Just like your outdoor shoes, slippers can smell and generally just get worn down by everyday use. This is why it’s important to know how to clean your slippers.
Here are our top tips for cleaning your slippers.
Can you put slippers in the washing machine? The label will tell you if you can put your slippers in the washing machine. If yes, put them in on a slow, cold wash.
Hand wash them. Rub and soak your slippers with warm water and a gentle detergent. Rinse and carefully push out the excess water – don’t wring them! This could damage them and make them lose their shape.
Use special products. If you’re struggling to get rid of stains with water and detergent, there are specialist products that can help you target tough stains. Make sure to read the label beforehand to make sure the chemicals won’t ruin your slippers.
Tackle the smell. If your slippers smell, you can use baby wipes to give them a quick clean. Bicarbonate of Soda can also be used to soak up the stink. Sprinkle, leave for a few hours, and then vacuum out.
How to clean different types of slippers
Rubber and plastic
There are not too many precautions to take when cleaning rubber or plastic slippers. Just soak them in a 3-1 mix of water and vinegar and then scrub them with soapy water. Leave them to air dry, and you’ll be left with a fresh pair of slippers.
Fluffy slippers
When cleaning fluffy slippers such, hand wash them with warm water and use a mild to medium strength detergent. Then, leave them to air dry in the sun to ensure freshness and remove any potential odour.
Wool slippers
When looking at how to clean wool slippers, you should be very gentle. These should be washed rarely due to their natural ability to be odour-repellent. Wool is also likely to shrink in hot water, leaving them misshapen. With this in mind, remember to use cold water and air dry in the sun.
Leather Slippers
Understanding how to clean leather slippers can be a bit trickier. Although they are naturally durable, they can give off a bit of an odour if they get wet. You should use a brush and clean with a mix of warm water and castile soap. Use a cloth to wipe off the dirt. Finally, air dry them and apply your choice of leather polish or conditioner to finish up.
Suede Slippers
Suede, although very stylish, can attract a ton of dust and dirt and can become a bit dull if they’re not taken care of. To clean suede slippers, start by brushing off any dirt with a soft brush and clean the smaller marks with a microfiber cloth. You can also use cornstarch for removing stains. If your slippers are extra dirty, consider going for a special suede cleaning solution.
Fleece Lined Slippers
To give your fur or fleece-lined slippers a refresh, lightly sprinkle baking soda on the inside of the slippers and let it sit for a few hours. Then use a vacuum’s handheld extension to remove the residue.
Another option is to make up a mixture of two cups of warm water and one teaspoon of mild washing detergent. Then, gently blot the stains with a damp cloth and once done, allow the slippers to air dry.
Check out our blog for an extensive guide to cleaning suede footwear.
How do I make my slippers white again?
If your slippers are starting to lose their vibrance, use a 1 to 4 parts mix of bleach and water. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the dirt. Do this, rinse the brush and repeat until you get a white finish that you’re satisfied with.