How To Clean and Wash Slipper
How To Clean and Wash Slippers
Slippers offer ultimate at-home comfort: warm, soft, and ideal for relaxing after a long day. With regular use, they collect dust, spills, and occasional stains. The good news: with the right care, you can keep them fresh, cosy and looking great for seasons.
This guide explains how to clean slippers based on their material, from fluffy fleece-lined styles to soft suede, and gives you easy steps to help them last longer.
Before you reach for the sponge or washing machine, a little preparation will protect your slippers from damage.
- Check the care label first - it’s your slipper’s instruction manual.
- Know your material - leather, suede, sheepskin, and fabric each have different needs.
- Remove insoles or liners if detachable - it helps both them and the slippers dry quickly. You’ll find more advice for FitFlop slippers in our full cleaning guide.
Can You Wash Slippers in the Washing Machine?:
Some slippers can go in the washing machine, but not all. Fabric and some fleece-lined slippers usually handle a gentle wash, while leather, suede, and sheepskin should be cleaned by hand.
If your slippers are machine-friendly:
- Place them in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from friction.
- Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
- Do not use a tumble dryer. Always air dry your slippers to keep their shape and softness.
For FitFlop slippers, check the label. Many fleece-lined styles are machine-washable, but leather, suede, and sheepskin should be kept out of the drum.
How to Hand-Wash Slippers:
If you cannot machine wash your slippers, hand washing is the safest choice.
- Mix a mild detergent with lukewarm water.
- Spot clean stains with a microfiber cloth or sponge avoid soaking unless the label says it’s safe.
Blot instead of scrubbing to protect the fibres. - Stuff with paper towels to help retain shape as they dry.
- Air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
How to Clean Different Types of Slippers:
Fluffy or Fleece-Lined Slippers
Hand wash or use a gentle machine wash if the care label allows it. Place slippers in a mesh bag and let them air dry to keep the fibres fluffy.
Leather Slippers
Wipe with a damp cloth and a small amount of saddle soap, then follow with leather conditioner to keep the finish supple.
Suede Slippers
Brush with a suede brush to lift dirt. For stains, use a suede eraser or sprinkle with talcum powder overnight. Brush again to restore the nap.
Felt Slippers
Try to keep felt as dry as you can because water may shrink or warp it. Gently brush away dirt and only use a slightly damp cloth to spot clean when needed.
Sheepskin Slippers
Use a specialist cleaner and spot clean only. Allow to dry naturally to preserve the softness of the fleece.
How to Remove Odours from Slippers :
Fresh-smelling slippers start with regular care:
- Sprinkle
baking soda inside and leave overnight before shaking out. - Dab problem spots with a mix of white vinegar and water.
- Let slippers air out between wears.
- Wearing breathable cotton socks can help prevent odours in the first place.
Storing Your Slippers Properly:
When you are not wearing your slippers, treat them with the same care you give your favourite shoes.
- Store in a dry, breathable place.
- Use paper to help retain their shape.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top.
Looking for a New Pair of Easy-to-Clean Slippers?
From cloud-soft, fleece-lined mules to luxurious suede and sheepskin designs, our slippers are crafted with biomechanical comfort that you can feel from the very first step.
About FitFlop
We were born different. Unlike other brands in our category, we’re a smart engineering company that happens to make footwear. Through biomechanical engineering an ergonomic design, we help people achieve more and feel better with contemporary every-day footwear that helps maximise your energy as you move.
Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, we’ve been set apart from the pack from the get-go. Harnessing our unique scientific approach (fusing world-class biomechanics and advanced technology with bold, directional design) led to our first product – the WalkStar 1 sandal – quickly becoming a global phenomenon.
And it’s this unique, smart ethos – blending science and shoe-making smarts – that has created the fastpaced, celebrated brand we are today, with more than 65 million pairs sold across the globe.
You can find us in 73 countries with a total of over 5,000 stores and stocked by more than 2,000 retailers and 31 distributors. Our 145 FitFlop concept stores are located in the UK, US, Europe, the Middle East, India, and the APAC region. As well as our growing head office in the UK, we have new showrooms in London and New York.
Our community of wearers spans motivations and generations, women and men who live intentionally – always looking for ways to help optimise their every-day.