When your comfy pair of slippers start to smell like someone smuggled blocks of cheese in them, it’s time to give to give them a good clean. Whether they’re made of made of suede, fur-lined, synthetic materials, or a mix, cleaning fluffy slippers without damaging them is simple and can be done with items you probably have at home.
Let’s go through some easy steps to get your slippers clean and ready for your feet!
How to clean wool slippers
A quality pair of wool slippers are perfect for the winter mornings and evenings that we have lying ahead in the Southern Hemisphere. As comfy as they are, wool – especially when it’s white – can become visibly stained and dirty quickly, especially if you trend to trot about in them at home often. Don’t worry, cleaning wool slippers is easier than you might think.
What you’ll need:
- Soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush)
- Dish soap
- Small bowl
- Cloth
Cleaning steps:
- Use a dry soft-bristled brush or cloth to remove any stuck-on dirt or debris from your wool slippers. This will help loosen any dirt and prepare them for cleaning.
- Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a small bowl. Dampen a cloth with the soapy water and gently spot clean any stains on your slippers. Be sure to wring out the cloth well to avoid soaking your slippers.
- Allow your wool slippers to air dry completely before wearing them again. Avoid putting them in the dryer, as this can cause them to shrink or lose their shape.
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How to clean synthetic, cloth, or cotton slippers
Synthetic, cloth, or cotton slippers are often lightweight and breathable, perfect for autumn when the winter hasn’t totally set in. If your slippers are starting to look a bit worse for wear, it’s time to give them a good clean.
What you’ll need:
- Soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush)
- Mild liquid laundry detergent
- Optional: Washable paper towels for drying
Cleaning steps:
- Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to brush off any dirt or grime from the soles of your slippers. This will make it easier to clean them thoroughly.
- Pre-treat any stains on your slippers with a dab of mild liquid laundry detergent. Use your finger or a soft-bristled brush to gently massage the detergent into the stains and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Unless the tag on your slippers says otherwise, wash them in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle. Be sure to wash them with similar colours to avoid any colour bleeding.
- Once washed, air dry your slippers. If they’re taking a while to dry, consider stuffing them with paper towels to help absorb excess moisture.
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How to clean suede slippers
Suede slippers are soft and luxe, but they can be a bit trickier to clean than other types of slippers. If your suede slippers are looking like they’ve taken a turn for the dark side, you know the drill”
What you’ll need:
- Suede brush or soft cloth
- Cornstarch
- Suede cleaner
- Baking soda and vacuum
- Mild liquid laundry detergent
- Small bowl
- Optional: Washable paper towels for drying; hairdryer
Cleaning steps:
- Use a suede brush or soft cloth to brush off any dirt or debris from your suede slippers. This will help to loosen any dirt and prepare them for cleaning.
- If you have any fresh stains on your slippers, cover them generously with cornstarch. The cornstarch will help to absorb any oils from the stain. After a few minutes, wipe away the cornstarch with a clean cloth and repeat until the stain is gone.
- If the stains on your suede slippers are more stubborn, you may need to use a suede cleaner. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully to avoid damaging your slippers.
- For fur-lined suede slippers, sprinkle baking soda inside and leave it for several hours to absorb any odours. Then, use the handheld extension of a vacuum to clean it up.
If your slippers come with a manual, have a look at the cleaning instructions that may have been included before diving into a deep clean.
Plus, remember to always test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area of your slippers before using them to clean the entire slipper. This will help to ensure that the cleaning products won’t cause any damage to your cozy winter slippers.
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Feature Image: Dupe / Emilie Farout
