Whether after work or on the weekend: slippers are our daily companions. Just like regular street shoes, slippers are put to the test – after all, we usually wear them for several hours a day. Of course, they don’t last forever, but there are many things you can do to enjoy them for a long time. For that, you need to wash and clean your slippers. Here you will learn about the materials slippers come in and how to best care for them.
Slippers: What materials are there?
Slippers come in various materials.
Depending on their intended use, slippers are available in natural materials (e.g., leather, felt, and wool) as well as synthetic materials (e.g., faux leather and rubber).
You can find slippers designed mainly to keep feet warm or to optimally support the soles during extended wear.
The following materials are commonly used.
Felt slippers
Especially in the cold season, nothing is more desired than warm footwear for time spent at home. Felt slippers with lambswool lining are the best choice for this. This 100% wool material impresses with its temperature-regulating properties. Because felt neither lets feet freeze nor sweat, it creates an optimal foot climate. With just a few steps, you can even knit your own felt slippers.
Leather slippers
Leather is also a very popular material for slippers. They not only look incredibly stylish but are also extremely comfortable. If well cared for, leather slippers are very loyal everyday companions – lasting many years. Additionally, the material is very elastic and adapts excellently to every single foot movement.
Washing slippers – care instructions
Most slippers are by far not as robust as street shoes. That’s why they have a significantly shorter lifespan. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace your slippers early. If you want to wear them for a long time, you should care for them properly. Here we have compiled some valuable tips on how to wash, clean, and dry your comfortable felt slippers.
Washing shoes in the washing machine
The biggest enemies of slippers are liquids, food residues, and dust. Most dirt can be easily removed with a cloth or brush. However, for stubborn stains, often only washing in the washing machine helps – but not for all slippers.
Slippers made of textile materials, such as wool felts and boiled wool, can safely be washed in the wool cycle (at 30°C) in the washing machine. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to be on the safe side. However, never use fabric softener, as this can cause the slippers to lose their shape.
Slippers made of leather and all other glued materials should not be washed in the washing machine. Instead, a coarse dirt brush or a damp cloth is usually sufficient. This can effectively remove both small and larger dirt.
Cleaning slippers with a damp cloth
A damp cloth or rag is the gentlest way to clean slippers, regardless of their material. Often, warm water alone works wonders to remove surface stains in various places over the long term. Especially rubberized materials, but also wool and felt, can be cleaned optimally this way.
For tougher stains like tea and coffee, it’s worth adding a small drop of dish soap to the cloth or rag. Dish soap dissolves grease, making it much easier to remove various stains from the material. Alternatively, you can also use some wool detergent or a special stain remover.
Cleaning slippers with a brush
Even if you regularly keep your home spotless, a little dust can always remain on the floor. If you have pets, scattered pet hair is no surprise either. So there are no slippers that are immune to dust and pet hair.
If you want to remove these impurities from your slippers, it’s best to use a regular shoe brush. In many cases, gently rubbing the shoes is enough. This way, dust and pet hair can be optimally loosened from the upper material. For more stubborn dirt, simply rub a bit more vigorously.
Washing slippers – what helps against unpleasant odors?
After prolonged wear, slippers not only get dirty on the outside. It can also happen that you notice really unpleasant odors. This is quite common because slippers quickly absorb odors from the air. Especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, unpleasant odor development is usually inevitable.
Usually, the odor comes from bacteria. These settle in the shoe material over time and significantly contribute to odor formation. To bring freshness back to your home footwear quickly, it’s best to use a special spray. This kills bacteria fast and ensures a pleasant scent.
If you prefer to try a home remedy, prepare your freezer. Pack your smelly shoes in a clear plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. The cold kills bacteria, so this method is effective against unpleasant odors.
| Quick tip: Most slippers are best cared for with a combination of different cleaning methods. For example, first remove dry, surface dirt with a brush before washing the slippers. However, always choose the cleaning method depending on the material. |
Drying shoes: How to properly dry slippers?
After cleaning your slippers while damp, it is very important to let them dry thoroughly before wearing them again. Never put on wet shoes prematurely. It is quite possible that the materials will quickly absorb unpleasant odors like sweat. Keep the following in mind when washing and properly drying your slippers.
- Drying takes time: Give your slippers enough time to dry. Drying too quickly (e.g., with a heater or hairdryer) often damages the materials. In the worst case, they can even deform. Also, the glue that holds the sole and upper together can come loose.
- Stuff with newspaper: Slippers need to dry well both inside and out. No moisture should remain inside the shoe. Stuff your slippers with newspaper to absorb any remaining moisture effectively.
Washing slippers for long-lasting enjoyment!
Whether at home, in the office, or visiting family and friends: slippers are our loyal everyday companions. To enjoy your slippers for a long time, you just need to take especially good care of them. With the right care, you can extend the lifespan of your slippers. When you wash, clean, and dry your slippers, it’s best to follow our care tips. That way, you won’t have to buy new slippers all the time!
