We wear them every day, often without socks, sometimes from morning to night: slippers work much harder than we think. Well looked after, they stay clean, soft and comfortable for several winters. Washed the wrong way, they lose their shape, stiffen or lose their lining within a few weeks. Here's the right method, step by step.
In short
- Always check the label before washing.
- For most slippers with a rigid or glued sole: no washing machine, hand cleaning is enough.
- Soft brush and damp cloth for the outside, bicarbonate of soda for odours.
- Air-dry, never on a radiator.
First things first: can you put slippers in the washing machine?
Some all-fabric slippers without a rigid sole can handle a delicate wash. But as soon as there's a glued sole, a cushioned insole or a suede-like material, the machine is risky: the glue can give way, the sole can warp and the material can lose its feel. If in doubt, hand cleaning is gentler and just as effective.
That's the case for our vegan suede styles: a damp cloth and a soft brush are enough to bring back their day-one look.
Everyday cleaning, in 5 minutes
- Dust off the outside with a soft brush, always in the same direction, to lift the nap.
- Wipe with a barely damp cloth on marked areas, without soaking the material.
- Brush the faux-fur lining to restore its volume and remove any bobbles.
- Leave to dry in the open air, away from direct sunlight and any heat source.
Stains: what to do in each case
Mud or dust: let it dry completely, then brush. Rubbing mud while it's still wet pushes it into the material.
Grease stain: sprinkle a little fuller's earth or cornflour, leave it for a few hours to absorb the grease, then brush gently.
Light stain or watermark: a damp cloth with a drop of mild soap, then a second cloth with clean water. Work the whole area rather than just the spot to avoid a ring.
Bad odours: the simplest solution
Bicarbonate of soda remains the most effective ally. Sprinkle some inside in the evening, leave it overnight, then shake out and vacuum the next day. To prevent odours, let your slippers air out after each wear rather than putting them straight into a closed cupboard, and alternate with a second pair if you wear them all day.
Bringing a flattened lining back to life
Over time, the faux-fur lining gets compressed under the heel. Brushing against the grain with a soft-bristled brush once a week fluffs it up and restores some of its softness. Avoid a hair dryer that's too hot, as it can make the fibres frizz.
The mistakes that damage slippers the most
- Drying them on a radiator or in a tumble dryer: the sole warps and the material hardens.
- Soaking them completely in water.
- Using harsh products such as bleach or strong stain removers.
- Wearing them outside in the rain if they aren't designed for outdoor use.
To step outside without worry, choose a style designed for it, with a grippy sole, like our Alba outdoor slipper.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you clean your slippers?
A quick brush once a week and a more thorough clean once a month are enough for daily use.
How do you dry wet slippers?
Stuff them with newspaper or kitchen roll so they keep their shape and absorb moisture, then let them air-dry away from radiators.
When should you replace your slippers?
When the insole no longer supports your foot, when the outsole becomes smooth and slippery, or when the lining is permanently flattened.
Read also
- How to care for suede and vegan suede shoes
- Vegan suede, microsuede, suede: what's the difference?
- Cold feet at home: 10 tips that really work
Our vegan suede slippers and clogs can be cared for with just a damp cloth and a soft brush. Find them in our cold-season collection.
