How To Wash Wool Slippers (& Keep Them Soft And Fluffy)

Looking to learn how to wash wool slippers but have no idea where to start?

Be honest. How often do you wash your slippers? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “not very often.” And that’s understandable.

Slippers are often seen as low-maintenance footwear, something you can just slip on and wear without giving much thought to.

But actually, taking a little time to clean and care for your slippers can make a big difference in their lifespan – not to mention, it’ll keep them looking and feeling softer and fluffier.

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Table Of Contents

What you'll need to clean wool slippers
How to clean wool slippers
How to dry wool slippers
How do you wash wool slippers FAQs

What you’ll need to clean wool slippers

Wool-safe soap or gentle detergent
A clean, white towel
A bucket or sink
A toothbrush (unused of course)
A fan or hairdryer (optional)

How to clean wool slippers

Wool is a natural fiber that is both durable and breathable, making it a great material for slippers. But because wool is also absorbent, it can start to smell if it’s not washed regularly.

Don’t forget, we put our bare feet in our slippers after a long day’s work and often wear them without socks, so they can start to harbor bacteria and get a bit tatty if we’re not careful.

The good news is that washing wool slippers is easy – and you don’t even need to put them in the washing machine.

The best way to clean your slippers is to hand wash them.

Simply follow these steps:

How to wash wool slippers: Woman lying on couch wearing slippers

Step 1: Remove insole

If your slippers have removable insoles, take them out before you start washing. Let them sit outside for a few hours to air out while you work on the slippers.

Step 2: Brush away dirt and debris

Use an unused toothbrush to brush away any dirt or debris from the surface of your slippers. Pay special attention to the areas around the toes and heels, as these are the places where dirt and debris tend to accumulate the most.

Step 3: Fill a bucket or sink

Fill a bucket or sink with warm water and add a small amount of wool-safe soap or mild detergent. Stir until the soap or laundry detergent is fully dissolved.

Step 4: Soak your slippers in the soapy water

Place your slippers in the bucket or sink and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen any excess dirt or debris that is embedded in the fabric.

Step 5: Gently scrub

After the slippers have soaked, use a damp cloth to gently scrub them with the soapy water to get rid of any stains lurking about.

Step 6: Rinse and pat

Once you’ve scrubbed the slippers, rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove all traces of soap or detergent and gently squeeze the slippers to remove any excess water. Use a clean, white towel to pat the slippers dry. Why white? Because colored towels can bleed dye onto your slippers when they’re wet, which you definitely don’t want.

How to wash wool slippers: A pair of slippers and a laptop on the carpet

How to dry wool slippers

If your slippers are damp, you’ll need to let them air dry before wearing them again. The best way to do this is to place them on a towel in a well-ventilated area, such as near an open window or fan.

You can also speed up the drying process by using a hairdryer on the cool setting. Hold the hairdryer about 12 inches away from the slippers and move it around as you dry to prevent heat damage.

Once your slippers are completely dry, pop the insoles back in and enjoy the feeling of soft, fluffy slippers on your feet once again!

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How do you wash wool slippers FAQs

Can slippers be washed in a washing machine?

Hand washing is the preferable method of cleaning wool slippers, however, if you must machine wash them, put them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a delicate cycle with cold water.

How often can you wash wool slippers?

It’s best to wash your wool slippers once a month to keep them smelling fresh. If you live in a humid climate or tend to have sweaty feet, you may need to wash them more often.

What is the best detergent for washing wool slippers?

A mild laundry detergent is the best choice for washing wool slippers. Avoid using heavy-duty detergents that are harsh or contain bleach, as these can damage the fibers of your slippers.