How to Clean Felt Shoes

Jun 20, 2021

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    Remove the laces and insoles from your felt shoes. Slide the insole out from the interior of each shoe. Undo the laces and put them off to the side so they can be cleaned separately from the actual shoe itself.[8]

    Warning: Always check the care label to make sure it’s safe to put your shoes in the washing machine. If your felt shoes are made with rayon, they will most likely need to be hand washed. Shoes made from wool or acrylic are usually safe to put in the washing machine.[9]

    • Some shoes don’t have removable insoles.

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    Use a soft brush to wipe off any visible dirt from the outside of the shoes. Before putting the shoes into the washing machine, take a moment to brush away any dirt or grime that is stuck to the shoes. This will help them get cleaner and won’t potentially clog your washing machine.[10]
    • Wipe away from the shoe so you don’t grind the dirt further into the felt.

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    Keep the shoes from warping by washing them with a load of towels. The buffer of towels will keep the shoes from getting misshapen from hitting the sides of the machine repeatedly, and it’ll also keep the noise level down. If you’re worried about the towels getting roughed up by the shoes, place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag beforehand.[11]
    • If you don’t have a load of towels to wash, throw in a blanket for the same effect.

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    Wash the shoes on a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. If you don’t have Woolite, use a dye- and fragrance-free laundry detergent to clean your shoes. Set the washing machine to use cold water and run the shoes through a delicate cycle to clean them without exposing them to too much agitation.[12]
    • Avoid using hot water, as heat can shrink and warp felt.

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    Clean your insoles and laces by hand in cool water with a mild detergent. Fill a bowl or basin with cool water and about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of mild laundry detergent. Soak the insoles and laces in the water, then use a soft brush to gently scrub them. Rinse them with cool, clean water, and squeeze out the excess liquid before setting them to the side to dry.[13]
    • If your shoes are hand-wash only, follow this same process to clean them.

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    Air-dry your shoes, insoles, and laces rather than putting them into the dryer. High heat could damage your shoes, so avoid putting them in the dryer or in front of other heat sources, like a radiator or space heater. Instead, lay them out on a clean, dry towel and let them air-dry for about 24 hours, or until they’re dry to the touch.[14]
    • If you live in a high-humidity area, it may take longer for your shoes to dry.

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    Replace the insoles and the laces and enjoy your freshly-cleaned shoes. Once everything is dry, slip the insoles back in place, and re-lace your shoes. Hopefully, any stains will be gone and your shoes will smell good for the next couple of weeks.[15]
    • You can clean your shoes anytime they get dirty or smelly. Just make sure there is enough time for them to dry before you need to wear them again.