Image of a pair of slippers next to a notepad and a mug of coffee.

Slippers Dirty? Here’s How to Clean Wool, Leather, Fleece & More

Last Updated: April 7, 2022

Slide into this article for Grove’s tips and tricks on how to get your slippers clean and back on your feet!

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What happens when the fur lining of your Uggs begins to smell like [insert dog's name]'s mouth? Or when a glob of oatmeal has mysteriously landed on your favorite suede moccasins?


Cleaning your slippers—be they cloth, synthetic, suede, fur-lined, leather, or a mixture—can be just as easy as putting them on. And, most of what you'll need can likely be found at your house already. Slide on down for our tips and tricks on how to get your slippers clean and back on your feet!

How to clean wool slippers

Cleaning steps


  1. Brush off any stuck debris with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.
  2. Create a mixture of 2 cups of warm water and 2 drops of dish soap. Dampen a washcloth and spot clean as needed.
  3. Allow to air dry.

Grove Tip

Clean wool sparingly.


Due to its natural, odor-repellent properties, wool needs cleaning much less frequently than other materials. To learn more about washing wool, including sweaters, blankets, and jackets, check out or guide: How to wash wool without ruining it.

Mrs. Meyers cleaning products and Grove Co. cleaning caddy

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How to clean synthetic, cloth, or cotton slippers

Cleaning steps


  1. Brush/wipe off any encrusted dirt, grit, mystery bits, etc. from the soles.
  2. Pre-treat stains with a dab of mild, liquid laundry detergent. Use either a finger or a soft-bristled brush to massage detergent into stains and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Unless your slipper's washing instructions say otherwise, wash them in the washing machine—cold, gentle cycle.
  4. Air dry slippers when finished. Feel free to fill them with paper towels (switching them out for fresh ones) until slippers are completely dry.

Grove Tip

Skip the dryer!

High heat can potentially shrink your slippers, warp their shape, and melt any glue used to attach the soles.

How to clean suede slippers

Cleaning steps

  1. Brush the exterior with a suede brush or soft cloth to remove any caked on matter.
  2. Cover fresh stains generously in cornstarch to absorb oils. Wipe away and repeat until all absorbable oil has been soaked up.
  3. Use suede cleaner if necessary for more heavy-duty stains.

For more tips on how to wash suede, dive in to our guide here: How to clean suede naturally.

How to clean slippers with fleece lining?

For fur or fleece-lined interiors, sprinkle the inside of the slippers with baking soda and allow it to sit for several hours. Use the handheld extension of a vacuum to clean it up afterwards.


If you’re looking for how to clean Ugg slippers or other fur-lined or fleece interiors that have stains, make a mixture of 2 cups of warm water and 1 teaspoon of gentle detergent. Dab the stains with a damp cloth and allow the slippers to air dry when finished.

Grove Tip

Try a hair dryer

You can also dry fur-lined interiors with a hairdryer set on the lowest setting or you can fill the insides with reusable paper towels, swapping out for fresh ones until the interior is dry.

How to clean leather slippers

Cleaning steps


  1. Take a shoe brush or cloth and clear any debris clinging to the leather.
  2. Use a mixture of warm water and castile soap to clean leather with either a washcloth or a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush. Allow to air dry or place in front of a fan.
  3. Massage small amounts of leather conditioner to moisturize and protect the leather; wipe away any excess conditioner and allow it to fully absorb for a few hours.
  4. Use a horsehair shoe brush or cloth to buff slippers.

Grove Tip

Why do you need leather conditioner?

Most likely the conditioner will darken the color of your leather. By applying it, however, you're ensuring the leather doesn't dry out and crack.


To learn more about how to clean and condition leather furniture, have a look at this quick guide.

Some more quick tips for cleaning slippers

Can you put slippers in the washing machine?

Always follow any specific cleaning instructions outlined on your slippers' tag. Otherwise, yes, if they are made of cloth or synthetic materials. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle and air dry.


If they are leather, suede, or wool, skip the washing machine and follow the individual cleaning instructions as outlined above.


Whatever you do, skip the dryer and allow them to air dry or fill them with reusable paper towels, switching out for fresh ones as needed.

How do you clean smelly slippers?

Baking soda is your best friend! The odor you're smelling is the result of trapped moisture and the buildup of bacteria.


Fill the interior with a generous amount of baking soda and let it sit for several hours to neutralize foul smells. Vacuum clean.


After, dampen a washcloth with a solution of 2 cups of warm water and a mild detergent to further sanitize and clean any stains. Allow to air dry when finished.

How do you clean slippers with rubber soles?

Remove encrusted debris from the rubber exterior with a stiff-bristled brush. Create a solution of 2 cups of warm water and a gentle dish soap.


Wipe down rubber with a dampened washcloth while doing your best to avoid getting suede/leather wet. Follow specific guides above to clean the other parts of your slippers.

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