How to care for slippers.

There may come a day where you weren't wearing comfy shoes and the first thing you want to do is exactly what you've been wanting to do this whole time: put your feet in a pair of slippers. It's important that you take the right steps to keep your slippers in their finest lounge-about shape so they're ready for such a day. Here's what you should know about taking care of your slippers:

Can slippers be washed?

As a general rule, slippers should be spot cleaned and are not to be trusted with the washing machine. Even cotton slippers require the gentle care that you would give to your dress shoes. Below is a quick how-to guide to determine what type of cleaning you should do:

For leather, use a leather cleaner. You can get leather wipes from most convenience stores and they're a trusty investment in case of emergency.
For cotton slippers, submerge in cold water, and use dish soap or a gentle detergent to wash the exterior and interior. Empty the sink or tub and refill with cold water to submerge and clean off the detergent. Be sure not to ring them out as that may cause them to misshapen. You can press out any excess water out or use a dry cloth. Let them air dry overnight.

When should you replace slippers?

You should replace slippers when they have been torn to shreds by the family dog. Or when the soles start to wear down. Or if they're too dirty. Really it's about time to replace slippers when you can't seem to reverse the wear and tear. Most people like to get slippers around the holidays. But if you're getting Lands' End slippers for yourself, you can expect them to last much longer if you give them a good clean every so often.

Can slippers go in the washing machine?

Like crayons, slippers can go in the washing machine, but shouldn't. If for any reason you need to clean your slippers you should do a proper spot cleaning. It will take less than 15 minutes to do a great job and you won't have to wait by the washing machine hoping that your treasured slippers haven't been damaged in there.

Can slippers go in the dryer?

Slippers should not go in the dryer. It's best to let them air dry after you've spot cleaned them. If the ground feels like ice and you can't get around without some warmth, you can speed up the drying process with a blow dryer. Even then we would recommend substituting cozy womens slipper socks during the drying time just to guarantee that you're not shrinking anything.

What if my slippers smell?

If (and when) your slippers start to smell, it's best to give them a break and do one of three things to keep them fresh.

You can sprinkle some foot powder or baking soda in the slippers to neutralize the smell. Make sure to vacuum afterward or you'll leave some white footprints on the floor.
The dryer sheet trick. Pack a couple dryer sheets in the slippers and in a few hours you'll get that fresh clean scent.
For a deeper clean, dampen the inside of the slippers with a wet cloth and mild detergent. Do your best to get to the hard to reach areas too. Then use another damp cloth with just water to swab out any of the excess detergent. Use a paper towel or dry cloth to absorb the remaining wetness. Once you're done, stuff the shoe with paper towels to help dry them out fully. Leave them overnight.

Should you wear socks with slippers?

Unlike socks and sandals, it can be a good idea to wear socks with slippers. One reason to do so is to keep the slippers from getting stinky. We get it. You might have smelly feet, so why not take some extra precaution to keep those slippers from getting replaced too soon.

You might be the person who goes for days wearing only slippers around the house. You might also be the type who slips them on for those transitional moments in the morning and night. Slippers may not need a babysitter when you go out for dinner but they do in fact need to be cared for.