How to get smell out of fuzzy slippers?

Most people love their fuzzy slippers until one day they notice a smell. The odor can be strong, embarrassing, and hard to remove if left untreated.

The best way to get smell out of fuzzy slippers is by neutralizing bacteria with baking soda¹, refreshing with vinegar spray², and washing gently if the material allows. Drying them fully is key to stopping the smell from coming back.

When I first noticed my slippers starting to smell, I thought about throwing them away. Instead, I tested different home methods, and what worked surprised me. Let’s go step by step.

Can you wash fuzzy slippers in the washing machine?

At first, most people assume tossing fuzzy slippers in the machine will solve everything. But it can actually ruin the fabric or the sole if not done carefully.

You can wash fuzzy slippers in the washing machine only if the label allows it. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and a mesh bag. Air dry them, never use heat. For details, check guidelines on washing slippers in machine³.

If the slippers are made with cotton or polyester fleece, machine washing usually works. But wool or slippers with glued soles should not be machine washed. I once put a pair of wool-lined slippers in the dryer by mistake, and they shrunk two sizes. Now I always check the care tag. To make this simple, here is a quick guide:

How does baking soda remove slipper odor?

When the smell builds up, it usually comes from bacteria growing in sweat trapped inside the slippers. Baking soda¹ is a simple, natural way to stop this.

Baking soda absorbs moisture and neutralizes odor. Sprinkle it inside slippers overnight, then shake out the excess in the morning for fresh results.

I tried this the first time I noticed a sour smell in my slippers. By the next morning, the odor was almost gone. For stronger smells, I repeat it two or three nights in a row. For readers who like structure, here is a routine I follow:

1. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda inside each slipper.
2. Leave slippers in a dry spot overnight.
3. Shake or vacuum out the powder in the morning.
4. Repeat if the smell is still noticeable.

This method works especially well on wool or faux-fur slippers that cannot be machine washed.

Is vinegar safe for cleaning fuzzy slippers?

Some people avoid vinegar because they fear it will damage the fabric. But when used the right way, vinegar spray² is gentle and powerful against odors.

A diluted vinegar spray can safely refresh fuzzy slippers. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, lightly mist inside, and let them dry completely before wearing.

I like this method when I need a quick fix. Vinegar evaporates as it dries, taking much of the odor with it. The trick is not to soak the slippers. I usually spray lightly, then place them near a sunny window to dry. For people who want to compare options, here’s how vinegar stacks up against other deodorizing methods:

How do you keep slippers from smelling again?

Even after cleaning, slippers can smell again if not cared for. Preventing odor is easier than fixing it later.

To keep slippers from smelling, wear socks, air them out daily, and store them in a dry place. Wash or deodorize them weekly if worn often. For more detailed tips, check guides on prevent smelly slippers⁴.

I learned this the hard way when I wore my slippers every day without socks. Now I rotate between two pairs, which helps them dry out fully. Here are some habits that made a big difference for me:

• Wear thin cotton socks to reduce sweat.
• Avoid wearing slippers outdoors.
• Let them air out overnight instead of leaving them in a closet.
• Sprinkle baking soda once a week as a preventive step.

These small changes mean my slippers now last longer and smell fresher.

Conclusion

Fresh slippers feel better and last longer. With baking soda¹, vinegar spray², or gentle washing³, you can easily remove odors and keep them from coming back.

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