Felt is an amazingly easy-care material. Most stains can be brushed out, and fresh air often works wonders. Nevertheless, at some point the question arises: Can you wash felt slippers - and if so, how? Here you will learn step by step how to care for felt slippers in everyday life, remove stains and what you should pay attention to when washing and drying.
The most important care: ventilation
Wool can absorb and release moisture. In order for this to work well, felt slippers need a break every now and then. After wearing them, put your pair in an airy place, preferably not directly in the shoe cupboard. Once a week, the slippers can be put outside the window or on the balcony for a few hours - in the shade, not in the blazing sun.
Regular airing keeps the felt fresh and is sufficient care for many couples over a long period of time. If you wear two pairs alternately, you give each pair even more time to air out.
Brush out dust and crumbs
Felt has a slightly rough surface to which dust, animal hair and crumbs stick. A soft clothes brush or shoe brush with natural bristles gently removes the dirt. Always brush in one direction and without much pressure to avoid roughening the surface. Remove lint and small nodules, so-called Pills, carefully with a lint razor or scissors.
Removing stains
The faster you treat a stain, the easier it is to come out. Here's how to proceed:
- Carefully lift off solid residues or brush them out after drying.
- Dab the liquid immediately with an absorbent cloth, do not rub.
- Dip a clean cloth in lukewarm soapy water, wring it out well and gently move the felt from the outside in rub.
- Dab with a second cloth moistened with clear water.
- Allow the slipper to air dry lying flat.
You should avoid vigorous rubbing and hot water. Both can cause the felt to become further matted at this point and the surface to change.
Wash felt slippers - when and how?
Felt slippers generally do not need a complete wash. Wool doesn't like heat or strong friction: both of these causes felt to shrink and become stronger - exactly what you want when felting, but no longer the case with finished slippers. In addition, the suede sole does not tolerate a lot of moisture well.
Our recommendation for thorough cleaning: Dip a cloth in lukewarm, soapy water, wring it out well and rub the felt with it. This will help you remove dirt from the surface without soaking the entire slipper.
Use a mild soap or a wool detergent and avoid fabric softener. Then, while it is still slightly damp, carefully shape the slipper and let it air dry. If you are considering washing a pair completely, it is best to ask us beforehand - we will be happy to advise you.
Drying correctly
Always let felt slippers lie flat and air dry, for example on a towel. A crumpled paper towel inside helps to keep the shape and also absorbs moisture. Heating, hairdryers, dryers and direct sun are taboo: too much heat can cause the felt to shrink and make the leather on the sole hard and cracked. Drying therefore usually takes one or two days - plan for that.
If a pair becomes a little tighter after washing, it can often be shrunk again. Our guide shows what you can do if the felt has become too tight.
Care for the suede sole
The suede sole needs little attention: Brush it dry with a shoe or suede brush. If it is more dirty, you can brush it off with a little soapy water and then let it air dry. Because leather doesn't like a lot of moisture, slippers with suede soles don't belong on wet floors or outside.
Common care mistakes
- Hot water: causes felt to shrink and become firmer.
- Strong rubbing: roughens the surface and can cause stains to penetrate deeper into the Squeeze fibers.
- Drying on the heater: makes felt hard and the suede sole cracks.
- Normal detergent with enzymes: can attack wool fibers - it is better to use a wool detergent.
Store correctly
Over the summer or if you have a pair If you do not wear it for a longer period of time: ventilate it well and let it dry completely. Then it's best to store it in a sealable vacuum or zip-lock bag - this way no dust or moths can get to it. If you are worried that pests have already established themselves, put the pair in the bag in the freezer for about 24 hours. The cold usually kills moth larvae and eggs.
With this care, your felt slippers in all shapes and the hand-felted children's slippers will last for many years. And if you are unsure whether a stain or washing could harm your pair, just ask us - we are happy to offer personal advice .
Frequently asked questions about caring for felt slippers
How often should I clean felt slippers?
I'm happy to air and brush out every week, stains immediately. A complete wash is usually not necessary - it is usually sufficient to rub the felt with a cloth in soapy water.
Can I put felt slippers in the dryer?
No. The heat can shrink the felt and damage the suede sole. Always let your pair air dry lying down.
What helps against odors?
Above all, air it out, preferably regularly and in the fresh air. A bag of baking soda or lavender in the shoe overnight can also help.
How do I get animal hair out of the felt?
Use a lint roller, a moistened rubber glove or a soft brush. Always stroke in one direction.
Can I waterproof felt slippers?
This is usually not necessary for slippers as they are worn indoors. Waterproofing sprays can change the properties of the wool. If you still want to, test the product on an inconspicuous area first.
Can I prevent the color from rubbing off the felt?
Strongly colored wool can initially rub off a bit, especially when it is damp. Therefore, do not initially wear new pairs with very light-colored socks or on damp surfaces.
Looking for a new favorite pair?
If well cared for, felt slippers last a long time. If you are still looking for a new pair or a motif for the whole family, browse through our range.
To the models · To size advice · Telephone +49 176 49196411 · info@motherearth-munich.com
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