How to Clean Animal Print Slippers | Without Ruining the Fur

Clean animal print slippers by brushing off dry dirt, spot-cleaning with mild soap and water, and air-drying them away from heat.

Animal print slippers look great until the white faux fur turns gray and the plush lining flattens. The good news is these are among the easiest slippers to clean if you avoid the two big mistakes: harsh scrubbing and machine drying. Whether you’re dealing with a coffee spill or just weekly grime, the process below restores the pile without melting those synthetic fibers.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather a soft-bristled brush (a clean toothbrush works), mild liquid detergent or dish soap, a couple of clean cloths, and baking soda for deodorizing. Check the care tag first — some animal print slippers are hand-wash only, while others are machine washable only if the label explicitly says so. Slippers with decorative add-ons, memory foam, or sensitive materials usually need hand cleaning regardless of what the tag suggests.

The quickest path to a fresh pair is almost always hand cleaning with minimal water. Wetting the whole slipper is rarely necessary and makes drying take far longer.

Step-By-Step Hand Cleaning

Start dry. Brush the upper with a soft brush to lift loose dirt and dust from the animal print surface. This one step prevents you from grinding grit into the fibers when you add water.

1. Wipe the soles with a damp cloth or baby wipes to remove floor grime.
2. Mix a few drops of mild detergent into a bowl of cool water. Dip a cloth in the solution and wring it out well — damp, not dripping.
3. Spot-clean the dirty areas with gentle dabbing motions. Never scrub or rub faux fur aggressively; this mats and damages the pile.
4. For stubborn spots, dip a soft toothbrush in the soapy water and work the stain gently in small circles.
5. Rinse by wiping the area with a cloth dipped in plain cool water, then press out excess moisture with a dry towel.

When the slipper looks clean, the job is only half done. Drying technique determines whether the faux fur stays soft and fluffy.

Drying and Deodorizing Without Damage

Never put faux-fur slippers in the dryer. Heat can warp or melt synthetic fibers, leaving the pile stiff and permanently flattened. Air-dry instead: stuff the slippers loosely with paper towels to hold their shape, then set them in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight and radiators. Let them dry completely before wearing — damp fur traps odor and can irritate skin.

For odor, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda inside each slipper, leave it overnight for 8–12 hours, and shake it out the next morning. Follow with a wipe of the lining using a cloth dampened with mild soap or wool detergent, then air-dry again.

Once fully dry, brush the fur gently with a soft brush to restore its loft. This revives the fluffy texture and makes the animal print pattern pop again.

When Machine Washing Is Acceptable

Machine washing is only recommended if the care tag specifically says “washable.” If it does, use the delicate cycle with cold water and low spin, place the slippers in a laundry bag, and use liquid detergent rather than powder. Do not wring or twist them afterward — press out water with a towel instead, then air-dry flat.

This guidance applies to animal print slippers made with faux fur, plush, fleece, or other washable textile uppers. It does not automatically apply to leather, shearling, or memory-foam styles, which need gentler handling and usually professional care.

If your slippers are beyond saving or you want a fresh pair, our roundup of the best animal print slippers covers tested options that hold up to regular cleaning.