There is nothing quite like slipping your feet into a favourite pair of slippers at the end of a long day. Over time, though, daily wear takes its toll — odours build up, fabric loses its freshness, and that cosy feeling starts to fade. The good news is that most slippers are far easier to clean than you might think. Whether you own leather moccasin slippers or a plush pair of full-foot styles, regular cleaning keeps them looking and smelling their best for months longer.
Below you will find step-by-step washing instructions for every common slipper type, plus tips on drying, deodorising, and knowing when it is time to replace them.
Can You Machine Wash Slippers?
Some slippers are perfectly safe in the washing machine, while others will lose their shape or lining if they go through a spin cycle. As a rule of thumb, slippers made from synthetic fabrics, cotton terry, or knitted uppers — such as many styles from Totes Toasties — generally handle a gentle machine wash at 30°C. Place them inside a mesh laundry bag, use a mild detergent, and select a delicate or wool cycle with a low spin speed.
Avoid the machine for slippers with hard rubber soles, memory-foam insoles that are not removable, genuine leather uppers, or sheepskin linings. These materials need a gentler hand-wash approach, which we cover in the sections below.
How to Hand Wash Slippers
Hand washing is the safest method for most slippers and takes only a few minutes. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent or washing-up liquid. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently work it over the upper, insole, and any visible marks. Avoid soaking the slipper completely — excess water can weaken adhesives and warp structural padding.
For stubborn stains, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, apply it to the mark, and leave it for fifteen minutes before wiping clean. Rinse the cloth in fresh water and go over the slipper once more to remove any soap residue, then blot with a dry towel.
Cleaning Moccasin and Leather Slippers
Moccasin slippers are a perennial favourite for their soft suede or leather uppers and cosy fleece linings. Because leather and suede do not react well to water, a dry-cleaning approach works best. Use a suede brush to lift surface dirt, then treat any marks with a specialist suede eraser or a very lightly dampened cloth. For smooth leather uppers, wipe with a barely damp cloth and follow up with a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.
If the fleece lining inside your moccasin slippers starts to smell, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside, leave overnight, and shake out in the morning. This neutralises odour without introducing moisture.
Caring for Sheepskin Slippers
Premium sheepskin slippers — like those from Shepherd of Sweden — require special attention. Never machine wash sheepskin; the heat and agitation can cause the hide to stiffen and crack. Instead, spot-clean with a damp cloth and a tiny drop of specialist sheepskin shampoo. Work in small circular motions on the affected area, then blot dry.
To maintain the plush interior, brush the wool lining gently with a wide-toothed comb once a month. This prevents matting and keeps the fibres fluffy, which helps with temperature regulation and comfort.
How to Wash Mule and Open-Back Slippers
Mule slippers and open-back styles — popular across both the women's mule collection and the men's mule range — tend to accumulate dirt around the footbed since the heel is exposed. Remove any loose debris with a soft brush, then wipe the footbed with a cloth dampened in soapy water. Pay extra attention to the toe area where moisture from feet gathers most.
Because mules lack a back panel, they dry much faster than enclosed slippers. Stand them upright in a well-ventilated room and they should be ready to wear again within a few hours.
Drying Your Slippers the Right Way
Proper drying is just as important as washing. Never place slippers on a radiator, in a tumble dryer, or in direct sunlight — intense heat warps soles, shrinks wool linings, and fades colours. Instead, stuff each slipper loosely with scrunched-up newspaper or kitchen towel to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape, then leave them in a cool, airy spot overnight.
If you need to speed things up, position a fan nearby or place the slippers in a well-ventilated porch. Patience here pays off: slippers that are dried slowly at room temperature last significantly longer than those exposed to heat.
Keeping Slippers Fresh Between Washes
You do not need to wash your slippers every week to keep them pleasant. A few simple habits go a long way. Wearing clean socks — or even better, fresh feet — reduces the oils and bacteria that cause odour. Alternating between two pairs gives each set time to air out naturally. A light sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda inside each slipper once a week absorbs moisture and neutralises smells, and cedar shoe inserts work well too.
Storing slippers in a breathable cotton bag rather than a sealed box also helps prevent musty odours building up, especially during warmer months when you might not wear them as often.
When to Replace Your Slippers
Even with excellent care, slippers do not last forever. If the sole has worn smooth and no longer grips, or the cushioning has flattened beyond recovery, it is time for a new pair. Persistent odour that survives a thorough clean is another sign that the materials have absorbed too much to be refreshed.
When you are ready to treat yourself, browsing the latest women's slippers or men's slippers at House of Slippers is the perfect place to start. With premium brands and styles for every preference, your next favourite pair is just a click away.