🧼 How to Wash Slippers Without Damaging Them: The Ultimate Guide by Material
We love slippers. We slip them on as soon as we get home, drag them around the house... and after a few weeks, they smell a little less cozy.
So how do you wash slippers without damaging or deforming them?
This complete guide explains how to care for your slippers , whether by machine, by hand or with natural tips.
Why Should You Wash Your Slippers Regularly?
Because they accumulate much more than we imagine.
Indeed, over the days, dust, sweat, bacteria and even bad odors settle inside your slippers, making them real breeding grounds for microbes.
Additionally, the warm and often humid interior of your slippers provides an ideal environment for these unpleasant odors to develop and amplify.
Without regular maintenance, your slippers can quickly become uncomfortable and unhygienic.
A good wash means a long life for your slippers
Regular washing not only helps preserve the shape and material of your slippers, but also helps prevent unpleasant odors that can ruin your daily comfort.
By taking care of your slippers, you increase their lifespan, which allows you to save money by avoiding having to replace them too often.
How to Machine Wash Slippers: What You Need to Know
If you want to clean your slippers properly without damaging them, it is essential to take into account their material.
Each material requires a suitable washing method to ensure good results without altering their comfort or shape.
How to Wash Cotton Slippers
Cotton slippers are easy to care for. You can hand wash them in a basin of warm or cold water with mild soap.
Gently rub the stained areas using a small brush (like a toothbrush) then rinse thoroughly.
Squeeze them gently without twisting them, and let them air dry, away from direct sunlight.
💡 Tip : For very dirty models, add a spoonful of baking soda to the soapy water to neutralize odors.
Washing Synthetic Fabric Slippers
These models are often very machine washable . Choose a delicate cycle at 30°C with a mild detergent.
To avoid warping, place them in a laundry bag. Air dry, never use a tumble dryer.
💡 Bonus tip : Add a little white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment for a natural deodorizing effect.
How to Wash Wool Slippers
Wool is a delicate material that requires special attention.
Always check the label : some wool slippers are machine washable (wool cycle, cold water, gentle spin), but if in doubt, hand wash instead.
Use cold water and a special wool soap. Do not rub too hard to avoid felting the material.
How to Clean Leather Slippers
Leather does not tolerate water, so do not try to wash them like regular slippers.
Instead, use a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust or marks.
Then, apply a special nourishing leather treatment to maintain the material and extend its lifespan.
💡 Avoid : hand or machine washing, which could dry out and crack the leather.
How to Clean Suede or Suede Slippers
Suede requires special care. Use a special suede eraser to remove stains and a special brush to revive the material.
If the odor persists, you can sprinkle a little baking soda inside, leave it overnight, then shake off the excess.
💡 For long-term protection : Apply a special suede waterproofing spray after each cleaning.
To be avoided absolutely
The dryer: it deforms the slippers
Fabric softeners: they leave a greasy film
Hot washing: it shrinks natural materials
How to Wash Stinky Slippers (Without Chemical Detergent)
When your slippers have a strong smell, there's no need to break out the bleach. Here are some gentle, natural, and highly effective solutions.
💡 Tip #1: Baking soda, your best ally
Sprinkle the inside generously
Leave it on overnight
Shake or vacuum the next day
💡 Tip #2: Disinfectant white vinegar
Mix 50/50 water + vinegar
Spray inside (not on suede or leather)
Let air dry
💡 Tip #3: Tea tree against bacteria
3 drops of essential oil + water in a spray
Spray after each use
Bonus: Slip a sachet of lavender or activated charcoal into your slippers between uses.
Natural Tips for Maintaining Your Slippers Between Washes
Air them every day on the windowsill (out of direct sunlight)
Alternate between two pairs to allow time for the material to breathe
Use a textile brush to remove dust regularly
Sprinkle the inside with cornstarch or baking soda once a week
📋 Summary: How to Wash Slippers by Material
| Type of slippers | Recommended washing | Natural maintenance tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric / cotton | Machine wash at 30°C (delicate) | Vinegar + bicarbonate |
| Wool / felt | Hand wash | Dry flat + dried lavender |
| Leather / Suede | Spot cleaning | Special eraser + soft cloth |
| Velvet | Hand or machine (net) | Textile brush + tea tree spray |
🧽 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🤔 Can you put any slipper in the washing machine?
No. Always check the care label. Leather, suede, raw wool, and some hand-sewn items should never be machine washed.
😷 What should I do if my slippers smell bad even after washing?
Try deodorizing with baking soda for 24 hours or insert deodorizing insoles. Sometimes it's the insoles that harbor bacteria.
😅 Are your slippers unsalvageable even after 24 hours?
Sometimes, even a good wash isn't enough... If your slippers have lived their best life, it might be time to replace them
Good news: we have exactly what you need!
👉 Discover our collections of comfortable slippers for women and men , stylish and easy to care for
🧊 Does the freezer kill bacteria in slippers?
Yes! Place your slippers in an airtight bag and freeze them overnight to kill any lingering odors caused by bacteria.
Conclusion: Happy Feet Start With Clean Slippers
Now that you know how to wash slippers without damaging them , there are no more excuses for leaving them to gather mold in a corner.
Proper care depending on the material, natural tips and a little regularity are enough to keep your slippers comfortable, fresh and durable .
