HOW TO CLEAN SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS

Warm, sleek, and oh-so-cozy, sheepskin slippers may be the gold standard of comfort at home, and depending on the style, away from home footwear. A fashion staple on the ranch and on the runway, it’s unlikely these tawny-hued sheepskin product favorites will ever go out of style—so long as the sheepskin lining is properly cared for and appreciated.

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 for years of enjoyment.

#1 BEAT THE DIRT OUT AFTER EVERY WEAR

If you’ve ever owned a well loved pair of classic UGG boots, you know how easily dust and dirt can collect on the uppers. The same goes for sheepskin and suede slippers: over time, residue naturally builds up, and if it isn’t cleaned regularly, it can lead to stains when exposed to moisture.

If you want to learn how to clean or maintain 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 house shoes, get a good handhold and try swatting them against a wall or slapping them with your hand. We recommend doing this anytime you wear your slippers or 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 HEAT during this process.

Applying heat to sheepskin or suede slippers in the dryer may:

• 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 most any material including sheepskin and suede. 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 If the upper is a ”twin face” surface, meaning it is the actual hide of a sheep, the brush needs to be VERY soft because a stiff brush will damage sheepskin suede.

Run the brush over the outside of the shoes, focusing on areas that have accumulated dirt. This brushing technique will help remove excess, loose 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 SPECIAL SUEDE LEATHER CLEANER TO WASH THE UPPER

If you do find a stain, a spill, or water damage on your sheepskin or suede slippers, don’t panic! Depending on what caused the stain, much 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, wet the entire surface with clean, slightly warm water.
• Next, apply a small amount of the detergent to a wet sponge or soft cloth and gently work it into the shoes, scrubbing in a small circular motion over the entire upper of both shoes. 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 evenly, 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.
• Feel free to wash the inside with the mild soap and plenty of water. Use your fingertips on the inside “fluff” as you would your hair on your scalp. If the insoles are removable, remove them and wash as well.
• Rinse thoroughly the upper, and inside if you cleaned the inside, with clean water and pat with an absorbent towel inside and out, set the shoes, and insoles out to air dry preferably with a fan blowing room temperature air into and over the shoes and insoles.

#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.

After drying, apply a couple of coats of a spray water and stain repellant suitable for sueded or sheepskin.

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Sheepskin

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