How to Clean Sheepskin Slippers in 5 Simple Steps
, by Ed Stone, 5 min reading time
While sheepskin is a winter boot staple, the cleaning process in comparison to rain boots vs. snow boots, or any other winter boot, is much different.
If you own a pair of sheepskin or even suede slippers, you’ve probably seen firsthand that exposure to sunlight, rain, and dirt can quickly turn these shoes from sophisticated to worn down. Luckily, there are 5 tried-and-true methods for helping your favorite sheepskin or suede slippers keep their shape, stay clean, and look fresh as ever.
#1 Beat The Dirt Out After Every Wear
Ever owned or seen a pair of well-loved classic UGG boots? Then you probably know how easily dust and dirt can collect, settle, and stain onto their uppers. The same is true for suede slippers—over time, residue can build up and create a splotchy, uneven surface.
If you want to learn how to clean smelly sheepskin slippers inside (and suede, too), you may want to start with an old-fashioned method: beating the dust out of the slipper.
Right after you slip out of your suede or sheepskin shoes, get a good handhold and try swatting them against a wall or slapping at them with your hand. We recommend doing this anytime you wear your boots outside the house. Not only will it help your slippers maintain a cleaner appearance over time, but it can also be a stellar way to get some aggression out (if you need an emotional outlet!).
#2 Throw Them In The Dryer
For a mechanical alternative to trick #1, try tossing your sheepskin or suede slippers in the dryer and let them tumble their way to cleanliness. There’s just one rule for this technique: make sure you do not use direct heat during this process.
Applying heat to sheepskin or suede slippers in the machine wash may:1
- Break down the suede shoe’s delicate outer material
- Dry out the leather and cause separation or damage to the soles
- Result in shrinkage, causing pinched or unwearable footwear
We can’t stress this point more. The same goes for sunlight, which can also break down sheepskin and suede.2 So, if you don’t have a cool tumbling option on your home dryer, we recommend the manual dust-busting technique instead.
#3 Grab A Gentle Brush To Scrub Dirt Away
Any pair of sheepskin slippers can benefit from a good brushing. Just be sure to use a gentle suede brush—stiff bristles can wear down the natural material, leaving a bald and rough surface behind.3
Run the brush over the outside of the shoes, focusing on areas that have accumulated dirt. This washing technique will help remove excess debris, but might not be effective for cleaning up dried liquids or stains. For that, you’ll need a proper detergent or cleaner.
#4 Use A Leather Cleaner To Wash And Rub Stains Away
If you do find a stain, a spill, or water damage on your sheepskin or suede slippers, don’t panic! Most of these can be pulled out of the sheepskin hide with the right cleaning solution and technique.
Many brands that make sheepskin shoes also create their own cleaners and conditioners. You can also easily source a detergent made for leather at your local shoe store. Once you’ve gotten your hands on a detergent for suede or sheepskin, follow these steps to hand wash:
After brushing your slippers, moisten the entire surface with clean, cold water. Make sure not to soak them, as this could lead to water stains.
Next, apply a small amount of the detergent to a sponge or soft cloth and gently work it into the shoes, scrubbing in a small circular motion. Don’t scour the shoes too hard, though, as this will scrub the outer surface away. It is important to wash both slippers at the same time, making sure to scrub all areas of the sheepskin so that they look the same once dry. If you only scrub one area of the slipper, this can lead to an apparent difference in the look of the sheepskin hide once dried.
Rinse in cold, clean water and set the shoes out to air dry. Stuff rolled-up wash clothes or towels into the cavities of the shoes. This will also help them hold their shape as they dry.
#5 Use A Blow Dryer To Speed Up The Process
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a handheld blow dryer or fan to get those slippers moisture-free faster. Just make sure to use the cool setting—again, you should never blast suede or sheepskin with any heat.
To finish, brush the shoes out again, moving in one direction. This will give your slippers that smooth, suave look, leaving them nearly as beautiful as the day you bought them.
Keep Your Sheepskin Or Suede Slippers Looking Clean With Help From Boot World
For more tips on how to wash suede slippers, keep sheepskin pristine, and extend the shelf life of all your favorite shoes, Boot World experts are here to field all of your footwear questions.
Our seasoned associates know how important it is to keep your footwear fresh, durable, and four seasons-ready for years of comfort and performance. To us, shoes are more than just a commodity—they’re the foundation of your life, whether you’re on the job or padding around the living room.
From cleaning and upkeep to finding the perfect model in occupational footwear, we want to help you find the boot that fits. We’re also here to answer any of your footwear questions, like “should winter boots be a size bigger” to “can I wear leather boots in snow.” Visit one of our locations to bend an expert’s ear and start exploring our collection today.
Sources:
- Ultimate Sheepskin. Sheepskin Care. https://ultimatesheepskin.com/customer-service/care/
- Apartment Therapy. How to Keep Your Fuzzy Sheepskin Looking Like New. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/cleaning-a-sheepskin-real-or-faux-heres-what-you-need-to-know-250512
- Insider. How to clean Ugg boots and remove stains and odors from shearling. https://www.insider.com/guides/style/how-to-clean-ugg-shearling-boots