Slippers have always been and will be a part of our home comfort. This is doubly true in the winter months, when we can often no longer walk barefoot around the apartment. During weekends, holidays or home offices, comfortable shoes become our partner. They are expected to be comfortable, to be easy to put on and take off, and of course to keep our feet warm.

If you like your comfortable slippers and do not want to give them up at the first degradation, it is only natural that you can save them by cleaning and washing them. You say, it's just slippers, I throw it in the washing machine and that´s it. Most slippers are made of textile or wool, theoretically nothing can happen. Theoretically! However, there are models - and there are most of them- that we do not recommend spinning in the washing machine.

When your favorite slippers are made of materials such as terry or cotton, they can go to the washing machine with both cold and warm water on a gentle cycle. Unless they have a thick rubber sole. After washing, it is ideal to let them dry in the sun.

However, with the vast majority of slippers, avoid the washing machine, especially due to shrinkage of the material and possible damage to the drum. Detto for the already mentioned slippers with a rubber sole, suede slippers and those with a faux fur lining.

The main goal of proper care of your home shoes is to prolong their life. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to what you clean it with and what methods you use. Although it depends on the specific material and style, it is more than likely that you already have all the necessary tools at home.

To remove dirt, stains and discoloration from your slippers, you will need:

• Plastic tray or large bowl

• Liquid detergent or dishwashing detergent

• Baking soda

• Soft clean toothbrush

• Nylon bristle brush (sometimes called suede brush)

• Fine make-up wipes or baby wipes

• A few clean cloths

• Large towel

Leather conditioner comes in handy if you work with suede, nubuck or natural leather . You can also find these products in our Robel stores and online.

HAND WASH OF FABRIC SLIPPERS

If you are going to wash the upper from terry, microfiber, cotton or chenille, follow these steps:

1. Start by wiping the sole to get rid of excess dirt. A damp cloth, makeup remover or baby wipe will work.

2. If the upper has significant stains (not to mention simple soiling or discoloration), it is best to prepare the material in advance. Sprinkle the stains with a few drops of detergent or liquid detergent, then gently wipe it back and forth with a clean damp cloth. Leave on for at least half an hour.

3. Fill a large bowl or tray with lukewarm water, add plenty of dishwashing detergent or mild detergent.

4. Dip the slippers in the soap mixture.

5. Gently shake the slippers underwater to agitate the contaminated material. Then use your fingers to massage the upper and lining to get the dirt out as much as possible.

6. Leave the slippers soaked in the soap solution for 20 to 30 minutes. The water should darken after a few minutes as the dirt washes out.

7. When the upper looks clean, remove the slippers from the water and rinse them either under the faucet or in a tub of clean water. Rinsing may take a few minutes to completely remove the foam, but do it precisely, as dried soap will affect the softness of the fabric.

8. Place clean slippers on a large towel and wrap it around them. Then gently push to expel excess water.

9. Carefully shape your home shoes while they are still slightly damp, and store them in a relatively cool, ventilated area to allow them to air dry.

If we said that most slippers do not benefit from washing, of course this also applies to the dryer. Do not put them there, as hot air can melt the glue that connects the sole to the insole and potentially deform the rubber. In addition, fabric uppers can be heat-clogged. You can help with a hair dryer, but if you have enough time, classic air drying is best.

WASHING OF VELUR SLIPPERS

Do you have slippers with a suede upper? Here, the soapy water method is excluded because fine material is prone to moisture damage. All you need to clean is a nylon brush and a little leather conditioner.

Follow these steps:

1. Start by gently running the brush all over the suede without any solution, focusing on blemishes, stains and discoloration. Dry cleansing may be enough to remove all stains, but if not, you can try leather conditioner.

2. Apply a few drops of conditioner to the leather on nylon bristles and then rub it gently into the upper. You can apply more drops as needed, but it's best to start slowly to avoid oversaturating the suede.

3. Wipe off any residue with a clean, dry cloth.

4. Allow your home shoes to dry in a cool, ventilated area.

You may also want to use a protective shoe spray or shoe oil designed to prevent future stains, discoloration, and water damage.

CLEANING OF SLIPPERS WITH ARTIFICIAL FUR AND SHEEP LEATHER HOME FOOTWEAR

Unfortunately, shaggy soft slippers, which are ideal for home in the winter, do not avoid cleaning. It's a bit tricky, but doable.

1. First of all, you want to deodorize the hairy material by sprinkling it with baking soda. This will allow the slippers to stand for up to 24 hours and then shake them thoroughly.

2. Apply a small amount of liquid detergent, mild soap or wool detergent to a clean damp cloth.

3. Gently run the cloth over the lining, focusing on heavily soiled areas. If you have more stubborn stains, apply a piece of liquid soap to a soft toothbrush and gently rub it against the stain until it starts to run.

4. When the matte material looks clean, run another clean damp cloth over the lining to get rid of any soap residue.

5. Place slippers in a cool, well-ventilated area and allow to air dry.

Shaggy slippers can be dried with a hair dryer at the lowest temperature to pick them up again. However, excessive heat can damage the faux fur, so if in doubt, keep to air drying.

Finally, one piece of advice over gold - keep your slippers in good condition for as long as possible. Home shoes are the man's most faithful friend :)