Keep your slippers looking like new with our tips
There are few items cozier than a pair of warm slippers, and once you’ve found the perfect pair, you want to keep them around for as long as possible. The best slippers for men can be expensive, and they can also be so comfortable that you never want to toss them. To help ensure your slippers stick around for a long time, it’s always a good idea to regularly clean them.
Curious about how to keep your slippers clean and long-lasting? Taking a few small steps along the way can help you keep your slippers intact for years to come. Whether you bought them for yourself or got them as a gift, here are some simple tips and tricks for cleaning your favorite pair of slippers.
What Leads to Worn Out Slippers?
Slippers have a tendency to wear out quickly, which is why many people find themselves buying multiple pairs a year. Unfortunately, doing this isn’t just a hassle, it’s also a strain on any budget. After all, most regular shoes can last you two or three years with moderate use. So what leads to the quick nature of slippers becoming worn out?
Slippers are usually worn without socks, which though comfortable, often causes them to smell after even only a few wears. The reason for this is that the body’s natural oils, sweat, and dirt comes off of the bare foot and collects in the slipper’s interior. The result is a slipper that doesn’t smell fresh and may even look a bit dingy — and that’s far from the kind of cozy you want when slipping into a pair of slippers after a long day out and about.
Toss Your Slippers Into the Washing Machine
For slippers that don’t have any rubber attached to them, you can use a washing machine to clean them off. First, look for a tag on the slippers that offers cleaning instructions and follow these directions. If your slippers don’t have a cleaning care tag, run them through a gentle cycle in your washing machine. It’s best to use cold water and a gentle detergent so as to keep the slippers in the best condition possible without any shrinking or soap stains.
Once you’ve finished washing your slippers, avoid using the dryer. Instead, place them in a warm, sunlit area to dry. To avoid the formation of mildew, make sure that you place the slippers in a place where they can dry quickly. Avoid humid spaces.
Create a Natural Cleaner for Your Slippers
If your slippers have rubber bottoms, you shouldn’t be throwing them into your washing machine. Fortunately, you can still clean them by making up a natural cleanser. Start by taking three to four tablespoons of baking soda and sprinkling it within the interior of your slippers. Once all the baking soda has been evenly sprinkled into each of your individual slippers, shake the pair to help distribute the baking soda across the entirety of the soles. Leave the baking soda in the slippers overnight to give it time to absorb the slippers’ odors. Once you’re ready to remove the baking soda, simply shake it out of the slippers.
If you try the baking soda method and find that your slippers still aren’t clean enough, you can make a cleaning solution by combining one part white vinegar with one part water. Once mixed, dip two dishcloths into the mixture and stuff them into the slippers. Leave the dishrags in the slippers overnight and remove them in the morning. Once removed, put the slippers in a warm area to air dry.
Once clean, to help keep your slippers fresh, fabric softener sheets can be used on a regular basis. Place one fabric softener sheet on the bottom of each slipper and one fabric softener sheet on the top of each slipper. Between the two dryer sheets, place crumpled up newspaper to help hold the sheets in place. Once each slipper has been fitted with dryer sheets and newspaper, allow the pair to sit for one to two days. During this time, the newspaper will help to absorb any unwanted odors while the dryer sheets add a fresh scent to each slipper.
Keep Your Slippers Stored in a Dry, Warm Space
As a final tip, it’s always a good idea to store your slippers in a dry, warm place in between wears. It’s best if the pair can receive eight or more hours of direct sunlight each day, as this will help kill off odor-producing bacteria and prevent the slippers from picking up a musty scent.
Resources— OurEverydayLife, Hunker
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