Sheepskin slippers can last for years with a little care, but use the wrong method and you can shrink the wool, stiffen the leather, or cause the lining to fall flat. The key is gentle handling, cool water, and keeping heat well away from them.
This guide covers everything you need: spot cleaning for small marks, hand washing when a full clean is needed, the right way to dry them, and how to keep them fresh between washes.
In this article
- How to spot clean sheepskin slippers for minor marks
- How to hand wash sheepskin slippers for a full clean
- Drying and reshaping your sheepskin slippers correctly
- Conclusion
How to spot clean sheepskin slippers for minor marks
For small marks, scuffs, or light soiling, spot cleaning is the right first step. It is quicker than a full wash and puts far less stress on the sheepskin.
What you need for spot cleaning
- A soft, clean cloth or sponge
- Cool water (never warm or hot)
- A small amount of wool-safe detergent, something like Woolite or a gentle wool wash works well
- A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush is fine) for textured areas
Dampen the cloth with cool water and add a small drop of detergent. Gently dab the stained area using light pressure, do not scrub. Work from the outside of the mark inward to stop it spreading. Once the mark lifts, wipe the area with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then leave the slipper to air dry at room temperature.
For grease-based marks (cooking oil, butter), try sprinkling a little bicarb soda or cornflour over the stain first. Leave it for a few hours to absorb the oil, then brush it away gently before spot cleaning as above.
How to clean smelly sheepskin slippers between washes
Sheepskin naturally manages moisture and odour well, but daily wear means a little maintenance goes a long way. Between washes, try these simple steps:
- Sprinkle bicarb soda (bicarbonate of soda) inside each slipper, leave overnight, then tip it out the next morning. This is the most effective and affordable deodoriser available at any Australian supermarket.
- Air the slippers out after each wear. Leave them in a well-ventilated room rather than putting them straight back in a cupboard.
- Avoid wearing them for extended periods without a break. Rotating between two pairs helps both last longer.
How to hand wash sheepskin slippers for a full clean
If spot cleaning is not enough, a careful hand wash will refresh your sheepskin slippers without damaging them. This should be done only when genuinely needed, not after every wear.
Step-by-step hand washing method
- Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water (not warm, not cold from the tap in winter). Lukewarm is fine; hot is not.
- Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Eucalan, Woolite, or a wool wash from the supermarket (such as Cold Power Wool & Delicates) all work well.
- Submerge one slipper at a time and gently squeeze the water through it. Do not wring, twist, or scrub.
- Pay extra attention to the inside lining. Use your fingers or a soft cloth to work the soapy water through the wool.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean cool water until all the soap is gone. Again, gentle squeezing only.
- Press the slipper between two clean dry towels to remove excess water. Do not wring.
What to avoid: no hot water, no machine wash, no tumble dryer
These are the most common ways sheepskin slippers are damaged. Avoid all of them:
| What to avoid | Why it causes damage | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water | Shrinks and felts the wool fibres; can harden the leather backing | Use cool to lukewarm water only |
| Machine washing | Agitation damages the wool pile and distorts the shape | Hand wash in a basin |
| Tumble dryer | Heat causes rapid shrinkage and can destroy the lining | Air dry flat at room temperature |
| Direct sunlight or a heater to dry | UV and heat make the leather stiff and can fade colour | Dry in a shaded, ventilated room |
| Wringing or twisting | Distorts the shape permanently and weakens the seams | Press gently between towels to remove water |
Drying and reshaping your sheepskin slippers correctly
How you dry sheepskin slippers matters as much as how you wash them. The right method keeps the shape, softness, and lining intact.
How to dry sheepskin slippers without heat damage
After pressing out the excess water with a towel, reshape each slipper by hand while it is still damp. Gently mould the toe box back to its natural shape and smooth any wrinkles in the wool lining.
Place them flat on a dry towel or a clean surface in a well-ventilated room. Keep them away from:
- Direct sunlight (fades colour, dries out leather)
- Radiators or panel heaters
- The clothes dryer
- A sunny windowsill
Drying naturally at room temperature takes anywhere from a few hours to overnight depending on how wet the slippers got. Do not wear them until they are completely dry inside and out.
How to make sheepskin slippers fluffy again after washing
Sheepskin wool can flatten during washing and drying. Once the slippers are fully dry, use a soft-bristled brush (a clean clothes brush or a dedicated suede brush) to gently fluff the wool back up. Brush in short strokes, following the natural direction of the fibres.
If the lining still looks a little flat, this is normal. Regular gentle brushing between washes keeps the wool pile open and comfortable over time.
Quick-reference: dos and don'ts
- Do use cool water and a wool-safe detergent
- Do hand wash gently, squeeze rather than wring
- Do reshape while damp and dry flat in a shaded, ventilated room
- Do use bicarb soda to deodorise between washes
- Do brush the wool pile once dry to restore fluffiness
- Do not machine wash
- Do not use hot water
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not dry near direct heat or in direct sunlight
Conclusion
Cleaning sheepskin slippers is straightforward once you know the rules: cool water, gentle detergent, hand washing only, and air drying well away from heat. Follow these steps and a good pair of sheepskin slippers can stay soft, comfortable, and fresh for years.
If you are looking for a quality pair made to last, our sheepskin slippers collection includes options designed for everyday comfort and easy care. If you have any questions about caring for your pair, we are happy to help, give us a call and we will talk it through.