Slippers are one of the best quality-of-life improvements you can make. There’s nothing better than slipping into a cosy, comfy pair at the end of a long day and taking the opportunity to relax, so look no further for women's and men's slippers.
If
you’re a slipper aficionado who’s beginning to notice suspicious smells
emanating from your favourite pair, this blog post is for you.
Here’s
what we’re going to cover:
- How often should slippers be washed
- Can slippers be washed in a washing machine
- How to hand wash slippers
- How to clean different kinds of slippers
- How to stop slippers smelling in future
As
you can see, this is quite the comprehensive resource for getting (and
keeping) your slippers nice and clean.
How often should slippers be washed
There’s
no hard and fast rule here, and the answer will depend on factors like how
often you wear the slippers, the material, how prone your feet are to sweating,
and so on.
So
rather than looking for a timeframe, just keep your nose peeled: if you start
to notice unsavoury smells, it’s time to give them a wash. For some of us this
will be at 2-3 week intervals; for others, maybe a little longer.
That
said, regularly cleaning your slippers, even if they’re not actively smelly
when you do, will keep them looking and smelling fresh while also prolonging
their lifespan. So, there’s no harm giving them an anticipatory wash before they
start to smell.
Can slippers be washed in a washing machine
Again,
this depends. This time the determining factor is the material(s) your slippers
are made from. Slippers made from fabrics like cotton and polyester will do
just fine in the washing machine. Materials like suede and leather, on the
other hand, are better washed by hand.
Our
top tip here is to check the labels in your slippers to see whether they
specifically are machine washable. Or, if you can’t find a label, try to find
manufacturer info online. This will help to prevent you from commending a
favourite pair to the washing machine, only for them to come out looking haggard
and damaged.
How to machine wash slippers
If
your slippers are safe for machine washing, there’s still a process to follow
to make sure they’re not damaged by incorrect temperatures or detergents. These
steps should help you to get the best results:
-
Check the label: we said it above, but
we’ll say it again, in case you missed it. Check the washing instructions
for your slippers wherever possible.
-
Remove any loose dirt: use a soft brush or
cloth to remove dirt and dust from the surface of the slippers.
-
Put them in a mesh laundry bag: this will protect the
slippers during the wash and prevent them from getting misshapen or
damaged.
-
Use a gentle cycle: cold water and gentle
detergent on a delicate cycle will treat your slippers with the care they
deserve. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals that will damage the material.
-
Air dry them fully after washing: letting your slippers air out in a dry, well-ventilated area is
your best bet. Using heat (a radiator, for example) is prone to shrink or
warp the material.
After a good machine wash, your slippers should come out looking good as new.
How to hand wash slippers
If
your slippers aren’t machine washable, or if you fancy trying your hand at
washing them yourself, these steps are for you:
- Prepare a cleaning solution: fill your sink with warm water and a little bit of mild detergent, then mix until there are suds in the water.
-
Clean the slippers: dip a cloth or sponge
into the soapy water and gently scrub your slippers, paying special
attention to particularly dirty areas. Avoid soaking them completely as
excess water can cause damage.
-
Rinse thoroughly: use a clean, damp cloth
to wipe away any suds and residue. Be thorough here, as leftover soap can
cause stiffness.
-
Blot the material dry: press a dry towel
against the slippers to remove moisture.
-
Air dry: as above, avoid direct heat or sunlight
when drying your slippers to reduce the risk of fading or shrinking.
Follow
these steps carefully and your slippers will look fresh and fine.
How to clean different types of slippers
Different
materials require different cleaning techniques to achieve the best results.
Here are some top tips for cleaning different types of slippers:
How to clean suede slippers
Suede
is stylish but very delicate compared to other materials. For best results, use
a suede brush to remove surface dirt and stains, then use a cloth to blot
deeper dirt with white vinegar or suede cleaner.
Avoid
using water directly on suede as it’s likely to damage the material.
How to clean leather slippers
Leather
can be daunting to clean, but use the right techniques and you’ll be just fine.
Wipe the slippers with a damp cloth and mild soap, then use leather cleaner or
conditioner to restore the natural softness and shine of the material.
Avoid
soaking leather slippers in water as it can cause damage and deform the
material.
How to clean sheepskin slippers
Sheepskin
is naturally luxurious, and requires special attention when it comes to
cleaning. Use a special sheepskin cleaner if possible, or cold water with
detergent if not. Spot clean with a damp cloth, avoid soaking, and stuff with
paper afterward to soak up moisture while retaining shape.
Avoid
excessive scrubbing as this can damage the delicate fibres!
How to stop slippers smelling in future
To
keep your lovely clean slippers free of odour, follow these simple tips:
-
Sprinkle odour absorbers like baking soda into
your slippers every once in a while, to soak up the smell. Leave it
overnight, then give them a good shake in the morning.
-
Wear socks to reduce the amount of sweat and
bacteria that comes into contact with the material.
-
Alternate pairs to give each pair a
break: this period of airing out can make a big difference to smell
build-up.
-
Clean regularly to prevent odour build-up
and keep them feeling fresh.
Slipper into something more comfortable
Slippers
are all about comfort, and keeping your pair nice and clean will maximise the
enjoyment they bring you. We hope the tips in this blog post help you to
achieve like-new cleanliness from your favourite pair.
To find your perfect pair of slippers, why not check out our extensive range of slippers for women and men's slippers. You’ll find all the styles mentioned above, plus many more. And our team is on hand to answer any questions and connect you with your perfect pair.