Washing and caring for felt slippers: how they stay beautiful for years
Good felt slippers will accompany you for years. To keep it that way, it helps to know how the material behaves. The most important news first: felt slippers do not belong in the washing machine. But they also need very little care, because wool does a large part of the work itself.
Why felt largely cleans itself
Felt is made of wool, and wool naturally brings practical properties with it. The fibre is surrounded by a fine layer that makes it hard for dirt and moisture to penetrate. At the same time, wool can absorb moisture and release it again. In most cases it is therefore completely sufficient to air the slippers regularly.
A good rhythm: once a week for a few hours in an airy place, but not in direct sunlight and not on the radiator. Both dry out the wool and make it brittle over time.
Why felt slippers do not belong in the washing machine
In the washing machine, three things come together that wool felt does not forgive: heat, water and mechanical movement. This is exactly the combination used to produce felt in the first place. As a result, the material continues to felt, it shrinks and loses its shape. On models with a footbed or a glued sole, the bond between the materials can also come loose.
The dryer and a low-temperature wash cycle are no solution either. If you are unsure, dry cleaning at home is always the safe choice.
Removing surface dirt while dry
Dust and dry dirt are best removed with a soft brush or a clothes brush. Wait until the dirt is completely dry, then brush in the direction of the fibres. Damp dirt is only rubbed deeper into the material.
On heavily used areas, an eraser can help. It also lightens minor scuff marks surprisingly well.
Treating stains
For stains, the rule is: act quickly, but use as little water as possible. Dab the stain with a slightly damp cloth without rubbing. Rubbing compresses the fibres, and the spot will afterwards look different from the rest.
For greasy stains, some potato starch or cornflour can help. Put the powder on the stain, let it work for a few hours and then brush it out. We advise against stain removers and bleach, they attack the wool and can change the colour.
Odours and moisture
Unpleasant odours are almost always caused by moisture that cannot dry out. The simplest countermeasure is not to wear the slippers all day every day and to give them time to dry in between. If you use two pairs in rotation, you will rarely have problems.
If the slippers have become wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature. Do not put them on the radiator, do not use a hairdryer. If needed, sprinkle in some baking soda overnight and knock it out the next day.
Caring for the sole
On models with a felt sole, make sure the sole stays dry. For short trips outside, models with a non-slip rubber sole are the better choice. These soles can simply be wiped with a damp cloth.
A note on felt clogs with a cork footbed: natural cork is not permanently waterproof. So here too, avoid letting the footbed get soaked.
Storing them properly over summer
If the slippers take a break in the warm season, store them dry, airy and dark. A fabric bag is sensible rather than an airtight plastic bag, so that no moisture is trapped. Wool is also interesting for moths, so a lavender sachet or cedar wood in the wardrobe helps as a precaution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put felt slippers in the washing machine?
No. The combination of heat, water and movement makes wool felt continue to shrink and lose its shape. On models with a footbed or a glued sole, the bond can also come loose. Clean felt slippers dry instead.
How do I clean felt slippers correctly?
Let the dirt dry completely and then remove it with a soft brush in the direction of the fibres. An eraser helps with minor scuff marks. Dab stains with a slightly damp cloth without rubbing.
What helps against odour in house shoes?
Odour is almost always caused by moisture. Air the slippers regularly and do not wear them continuously. Baking soda sprinkled in overnight and knocked out the next day helps additionally.
How do I dry felt slippers that have become wet?
Stuff them with newspaper and let them dry at room temperature. Do not put them on the radiator and do not use a hairdryer, otherwise the wool becomes brittle.
How do I store felt slippers in summer?
Dry, airy and dark, ideally in a fabric bag rather than a plastic bag. Lavender sachets or cedar wood help against moths.