How to Clean Smelly Sheepskin Slippers

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by Martina McKeough

If like me you have invested in a pair of expensive sheepskin slippers you obviously want them to stay looking good for as long as possible. But what do you do when they start smelling? Here’s how to clean smelly sheepskin slippers and remove odors so you can keep them smelling fresh and clean.

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Can I Put Sheepskin Slippers in the Washing Machine?

Cleaning sheepskin slippers isn’t hard but whatever you do resist the temptation to take the easy route. Washing sheepskin slippers in the washing machine is a bad idea for removing smells and could end up being a very expensive mistake.

Whilst some synthetic materials that mimic sheepskin slippers might be able to be machine-washed the more expensive versions are another story.

Premium brands of sheepskin slippers such as UGGS are very clear in their cleaning advice and strongly advise you that if you place them in the washing machine you are likely to ruin them. They don’t even suggest dry cleaning. So when that avenue is closed to you what do you do?

How to Clean Smelly Slippers

If you want to stop slippers smelling then you need to use less drastic measures to get them clean. Here are some steps that I have used in the past to clean mine.

Just be aware that this is a recommendation for sheepskin slippers. If you have slippers that are made with suede and sheepskin pay attention to the instructions as suede can stain if you use water on it, particularly the lighter colors.

How to Wash Sheepskin Slippers

Can you wash sheepskin slippers? Well, it depends. I always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before I decide what to do so that I don’t ruin them.

Not all sheepskin footwear is made of the same quality so you need to pay attention to what can or can’t be done before trying to use water on them.

Generally whilst most sheepskin slippers cannot be machine washed you should be able to hand wash them in cool or warm water. Here’s how to clean shearling slippers without damaging them.

I use a suede brush to brush any dirt or debris from the outer surface and the inside.
Get a clean damp cloth and rinse it in cold water and wring it dry.
Put a mild detergent which is wool-safe or specialist sheepskin cleaning solution onto the damp cloth and work it into the inside and exterior of the slipper. If the outside of your slippers is suede only use the damp cloth on the inside.
Get another damp cloth and start to wipe away any of the detergent until there is none left.
Leave the slippers to air dry away from direct heat.
When they are dry use the suede brush to fluff up the inside of the slippers so the shearling looks revived.

For a quick spot clean or to clean the suede section of the slippers I have a number of products in my arsenal that I use regularly. These include:

White Vinegar – I use a mixture of half and half water to vinegar to spot clean. I dip a cloth into the liquid and dap the stain gently to remove it and then wipe away the mixture with cold water when I have finished.
Cornstarch – This is good for grease stains. I just let it sit on the surface of the slippers so it absorbs the stain and then I brush it out.
Rubbing Alcohol – If I have a really tough stain I use a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth and then rinse afterwards with cold water.

Remember if you are worried about any of these methods test a small inconspicuous area of your slippers first.

Sheepskin Freshener

If you are wearing a premium brand of sheepskin slippers then you could go direct to the manufacturer and buy one of their care kits. I own UGG slippers and to take proper care of them I’ve invested in the brand’s products to keep them looking good.

UGG boots have a specialist cleaning kit that you can use to take care of your slippers and boots. Sadly this is sold out in the US at the moment but you can buy it in the UK alternatively this cleaning kit is a good compromise. Obviously, these kits can come with a hefty price tag so although this is what the main manufacturers might want to recommend there are cheaper alternatives if you are strapped for cash and want clean sheepskin slippers.

Remove Smells From Slippers With Baking Soda

I have to say that I don’t wash sheepskin slippers regularly as intensive cleaning does take its toll on them. Instead, I prefer to keep smells at bay.

If you want to know how to stop slippers from smelling then one of the cheapest methods I use is Baking soda.

When I use this method with smelly shoes I just sprinkle some inside, leave it for 24 hours, and then shake it out the next day. Whilst this is fine for shoes I’ve adapted my method for shearling slippers because some of the product would get left inside the slipper.

Instead, I make a simple baking soda sachet or pouch and place that inside the slippers instead. Small drawstring bags can work or alternatively, you can use a sock and part fill it with baking soda, and place it inside the slipper. Just make sure you tie the end of the sock so that none of the baking soda falls inside the slipper.

For extra freshness, you can also add some essential oils to the baking soda for an even better-smelling pair of slippers. Tea tree or lavender oil are good if you want a really nice smell.

Replacement Linings For Sheepskin Slippers

Even though replacing your expensive sheepskin slippers is costly there are other cheaper ways to get rid of a bad smell from the footwear.

Many sheepskin slipper brands have removable linings which means that if you can’t be bothered using some of our other methods for removing the odor you could replace the smelly insole linings.

Sheepskin insoles are relatively cheap and easily placed inside the slippers after the old lining is removed making our feet smell fresh and clean again with minimal hassle.

Use A Shoe Deodorizer For Freshness

Another way to get rid of the bad smell from sheepskin slippers is to use a shoe deodorizer spray to help. These are great products to use in products that aren’t easily washable. I use this in my shoes and slippers, particularly in the summer.

Just spray the product into your sheepskin slippers or on your feet to neutralize odors. The product smells of peppermint which I always find a clean fresh smell.

Shoe Deodorizer Balls

Another alternative to sprays is to pop Shoe Deodorizer Balls into your slippers at the end of the day to keep them smelling nice. These come in a pack of six and all you need to do is twist the ball to unlock it and place it in the offending slippers or footwear.

The great thing about these balls is that they don’t cost the earth and last for a couple of months. These have been specially designed to get rid of even the very worst stinky smelly odors so dealing with a pair of slippers should be a doddle.

Use Dryer Sheets For Footwear Smells

Whilst tumble dryer sheets are not something you would associate with slippers they are actually a simple solution for mild-smelling footwear. Just grab a couple from your laundry room place one in each of the slippers and let them work their magic.

Use Rubbing Alcohol For Smells

Rubbing alcohol is another relatively simple solution for deodorizing sheepskin slippers. If you want to know how to clean smelly sheepskin slippers all you need to do is place some on a cotton ball or cloth and make sure you wring out the excess. Then rub the inside of your slippers with the product. The alcohol should dissipate relatively quickly just make sure you do not saturate the inside of the footwear. Try and air dry the slippers to help the process.

Tea Bags To Get Rid of Foot Odor

Lastly, if you like to drink tea then you are in luck because just about any variety of tea bags can help to eradicate odor in your slippers. Just pop one of the tea bags in each sheepskin slipper and allow them to work for 24 hours.

How to Stop Slippers Smelling in the First Place

Instead of just learning how to clean sheepskin slippers I think prevention is always a better solution. One of the best ways to prevent sweat smells in your slippers is to always wear a pair of fresh clean socks when you are wearing them. This can help to prevent odor and bad smells before they start.

In the summertime, it makes sense to wash and clean your feet when you get home from work and change into a pair of fresh clean socks before you put your slippers on. Clean feet and clean socks mean that you are never allowing sweat and moisture to take hold in the first place. It’s a simple solution but highly effective and easy to do.