What’s not to love about shearling slippers? The epitome of cozy comfort, they envelop your feet in plush warmth, offering your toes a cushioning hug.
These luxurious house shoes for women and men’s slippers, crafted with ultra soft, fluffy fabrics, are a treat for your feet—but they also require special care to maintain their classic softness and shape.
Over time, even the most cherished slippers can accumulate dirt, odors, and stains from daily wear, so what’s a shearling lover to do?
If you’re wondering how to clean and wash shearling slippers (both well-loved and lightly worn pairs), you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover how to prepare your slippers for cleaning, how to remove stains effectively, and the correct way to maintain their quality and comfort.
Preparing Your Shearling Slippers for Cleaning
Before diving into the cleaning process, let’s zoom in on proper preparation—it’s key to ensuring your shearling slippers receive the best possible care. Follow these essential steps to set the stage for a successful cleaning session.
Step 1: Inspect Your Slippers
First, carefully examine your shearling slippers for any signs of:
- Damage (like fabric tears, stubborn stains, or sole damage)
- Loose stitching
- Areas that may need special attention
This initial assessment will help you address any issues before washing and prevent further damage during the cleaning process. When it comes to learning how to wash slippers in general, it’s important to use mild detergent and gentle products to prevent any further damage from occurring. However, shearling slippers should not be submerged in water or washed in a machine, as this can cause significant damage to the material. Always adhere to dry cleaning methods, wiping away dirt and dust with a dry cotton cloth.
Step 2: Remove Loose Debris
Gently brush the exterior of your slippers with a soft-bristled brush or a clean, dry cloth. This step helps remove loose dirt, dust, and debris that have accumulated on the surface.
Pay extra attention to the seams and crevices where particles and loose dirt tend to gather.
To really get rid of lingering dirt, take your slippers outside and smack their soles together to shake off any persistent grit.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains
You’re preparing to clean your shearling slippers when you notice it: a stain on the top of the slipper. What now?
- Address stains like these before the full clean; they might need additional attention
- Use a clean, cotton cloth to wipe away any dirt and dust
When it comes to spot cleaning, avoid using water or any wet solutions; this can push the stain deeper into the fibers or damage the delicate shearling fabric.
Step 4: Prepare a Suitable Cleaning Area
Choose a well-ventilated space for cleaning your slippers. Lay out towels on a flat surface where you can work comfortably and allow the slippers to dry afterward.
Step 5: Gather Your Supplies
When you’re ready to give your slippers some TLC, make sure to collect all necessary cleaning materials before you begin. You’ll need:
- A soft brush or dry cloth
If your shearling slippers have removable insoles, make sure to take them out before. These can often be cleaned separately or replaced if necessary.
Drying Your Shearling Slippers Correctly
Proper drying techniques are crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of your shearling slippers, (like Vionic’s Gemma II design). Incorrect drying methods can lead to misshaping or damage to the delicate material.
Here’s a look at how to dry your slippers correctly and retain their comfort and shape:
Air Drying: The Gold Standard
Air drying is the safest and most recommended method for drying shearling slippers. This gentle approach allows the moisture to evaporate naturally without subjecting the material to harsh conditions.
Reshape the slippers while they’re damp to maintain their original form; stuff the slippers with white paper towels or clean cloth to absorb moisture and help retain shape. Place the slippers in a well-ventilated area at room temperature, and allow 24-48 hours for complete drying, depending on humidity levels.
Avoiding Common Drying Mistakes
To protect your shearling slippers, steer clear of these drying methods:
- Never use a conventional clothes dryer – The heat and tumbling action can cause shrinkage and damage the shearling fibers.
- Avoid direct heat sources – Hair dryers, space heaters, and radiators can dry out natural fibers and textiles (like wool and leather) and cause the shearling to become brittle.
- Don’t place them in direct sunlight – UV rays can fade the color and dry out the material, leading to cracking.
Post-Drying Care
Once your slippers are completely dry, gently brush the shearling with a soft-bristled brush to restore its fluffy texture.
For an extra touch, apply a small amount of lanolin-based conditioner (which is safe to use since lanolin is extracted from wool) to the outer suede or leather to prevent drying and cracking.
Maintaining the Shape and Texture of Shearling
Preserving the plush texture and original shape of your shearling suede or leather slippers is key to their longevity and comfort. Regular brushing can help ensure they stay soft and flexible. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently comb the shearling fibers; brush in one direction to maintain the nap and remove any loose dirt or debris. For best results, try to brush your slippers once a week.
You may also want to spot clean stains as soon as possible with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure to blot gently and avoid rubbing, which can mat the fibers. Remember never to stack heavy items on top of your shearling footwear to avoid compression and help the slippers maintain their shape.
Long-Term Care Tips for Shearling Footwear
Whether you pick up a traditional pair of shearlings or opt for a variation on the theme (like Vionic’s Relax II open-toed slippers), proper care techniques are essential. Check out these long-term care tips to help ensure your shearling slippers remain in excellent condition for years to come:
- Moisture management – Protecting your shearlings from excess moisture is crucial. Consider applying a water-repellent spray designed for suede and shearling before the first wear and reapply seasonally. Never wear shearling footwear in heavy rain or snow without proper protection.
- Storage solutions – Proper storage is key to maintaining the shape and quality of your shearling slippers. Store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, and keep them in a breathable cloth bag rather than plastic during warmer seasons to prevent mold growth.
- Rotation and rest – To extend the life of your shearling footwear, rotate between multiple pairs if possible, allowing each pair to rest for at least 24 hours between wears. This rest period allows the natural fibers to recover and helps prevent odor buildup.
- Odor prevention – Sprinkle baking soda inside the footwear and let it sit overnight to absorb odors, then vacuum it out. Use cedar inserts or lavender sachets when storing to keep your shearlings smelling fresh.
- Seasonal care – Adapt your care routine to the seasons. For example, before storing for summer, clean and condition your shearling footwear thoroughly. At the start of the cold season, inspect for any needed repairs and learn how to waterproof your shoes with water repellent.
By incorporating these long-term care practices into your routine, you’ll significantly extend the life of your shearling footwear. Remember, the key to maintaining the luxurious comfort and appearance of shearling lies in consistent, gentle care and proactive maintenance.
Vionic: Cozy Slippers, Redefined
Now that you know how to clean shearling slippers, you’re prepared to maintain the appearance and longevity of these comfortable slippers. While the process requires care and attention, it’s a worthwhile investment in preserving your favorite footwear.
If you’re still in search of the perfect shearling-style slipper for cozy days at home, check out Vionic’s collection of luxe, plush slipper options. We’re the leading name in comfort, support, and durability in the footwear world, and our shearling-inspired pairs are no exception. Made from sturdy synthetic outsoles and enhanced with our Vio Motion Technology footbeds (complete with built-in arch support), our slippers are the key to comfort at home. Shop our entire collection and experience the Vionic difference.
Sources:
The Spruce. How to Wash and Care for Slippers. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-slippers-4779944
VeryWell. What Is Lanolin? https://www.verywellhealth.com/lanolin-5081303
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