How to Wash Your Slippers?
The first step to washing your slippers is to work out what material they are made with, whether that be textile (like cotton), leather or suede. It is important to differentiate, as each material requires a different method. Typically, you can find this information on the inside of the shoe (for example, under the tongue), or on the manufacturer’s website.
Textile Slippers
- Textile slippers are the perfect cozy treat for your feet and can easily be washed to return to their earlier glory.
- Many textile slippers are machine washable, and you can check the label inside your slipper to find out this information. But don’t despair if they’re not washable or if you’re unsure, just follow the steps below:
- Prepare the slippers (even if they’re machine washable). You can do this by wiping down the soles with a damp towel to remove any loose dirt and pre-treating any stains with a washing detergent.
- If your slippers are machine washable, you can pop them in the washing machine and let it do its magic. Otherwise, fill a bowl or sink with warm soapy water and allow your slippers to soak for at least 20 minutes to lift the dirt.
- Work the soapy water through the slippers and then submerge them in warm, clean water to wash away the soap.
- Wrap the slippers in a dry towel to absorb extra water.
- Finally, leave slippers to air-dry, reshaping them by lightly stuffing them with paper towels (don’t use newspaper as the ink can run and stain your slippers).
Suede Slippers
- Suede slippers are a timeless favorite among many, but they can be a bit of a minefield when it comes to cleaning them. the simple steps below will leave your slippers looking good as new:
- Wipe away any loose dirt from the sole of the slippers with a lightly damp towel.
- Use a suede brush to gently buff the uppers to clean away any surface-level dirt.
- Spot treat stains using corn starch to absorb excess grease and oils. if corn starch doesn’t work you can try a specialist suede cleaner, following the instructions on the product.
- To freshen up shearling-lined interiors, sprinkle the lining with baking soda, using a suede brush to ensure it is thoroughly coated. Leave to stand for several hours before vacuuming away the baking soda.
- Allow your slippers to air dry before wear.
Leather Slippers
- Leather slippers are perfect for anyone desiring a luxurious indoor footwear experience, and to maintain the quality of your genuine leather slippers it’s important to keep them clean.
- Gently rub away any dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
- Use warm water and a cloth to clean the non-leather interior of the slipper.
- In order to prevent any damage to the material, use only a leather-safe soap on the upper of the slipper.
- Gently shine with a soft, cotton cloth.
- Apply a leather conditioner to the upper, following the directions on the bottle. This is a great way to extend the lifespan of your slippers, encouraging the leather to age well.
- Allow slippers to air dry for several hours before wearing to prevent any stretching.