Clean felt shoes gently using mild soap, a soft brush, spot-treat, then air dry.
I have cleaned dozens of pairs of felt footwear in my career as a wardrobe care specialist. This guide explains how to clean felt shoes safely and effectively, with step-by-step instructions, real-life tips, and solutions for common problems. Read on to learn the right supplies, simple methods, and long-term care strategies so your felt shoes stay soft, clean, and long-lasting.
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Why cleaning felt shoes matters
Felt is soft and porous. Dirt, oils, and water can change its shape and texture. Knowing how to clean felt shoes helps keep them warm, fresh, and wearable. Clean felt shoes also last longer and look better in daily use.
What you need before you start
Prepare tools and supplies. Using the right items makes cleaning felt shoes safe and effective.
- Soft brush or old toothbrush for light scrubbing
- Mild liquid soap or wool-safe detergent
- White cloths or microfiber towels
- Bowl of lukewarm water
- Sponge or soft cloth
- Towel for blotting
- Shoe tree or crumpled paper for reshaping
- Optional: vinegar for odor removal and stain treatment
Step-by-step: how to clean felt shoes (basic care)
Follow these clear steps to clean felt shoes without damaging the material.
- Remove loose dirt
- Tap soles together outside. Use a soft brush to remove surface dust.
- Test cleaner
- Mix a little soap with water. Dab an inside corner to check for colorfastness.
- Spot-clean stains
- Dip a cloth or sponge in soapy water. Gently blot stains. Avoid rubbing hard.
- Clean the whole shoe (if needed)
- Wipe the entire felt surface lightly with a damp, soapy cloth. Keep motions even.
- Rinse carefully
- Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.
- Blot dry
- Press a towel to absorb moisture. Do not twist or wring felt shoes.
- Reshape and air dry
- Insert paper or a shoe tree. Let shoes dry in shade at room temperature.
These steps are the core of learning how to clean felt shoes. They protect the fabric and maintain shape.
How to clean felt shoes with tough stains
Stains like oil, wine, or mud need special care. Here are targeted fixes I use often.
- Grease or oil
- Sprinkle cornstarch or talc to absorb oil. Let sit overnight. Brush off, then spot-clean with mild soap.
- Mud
- Let mud dry fully. Brush away dry clumps. Follow the basic cleaning steps.
- Water stains
- Evenly wet the whole shoe lightly, then blot and dry to avoid rings. Reshape as it dries.
- Sweat and odor
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Lightly mist interior and wipe. Air dry fully.
When treating stains, work gently. Felt can compress or mat if scrubbed hard.
Drying and reshaping felt shoes correctly
Drying the right way stops shrinkage and deformation. Quick heat causes problems.
- Air dry only
- Avoid dryers, radiators, and direct sun. Heat can shrink felt fabric.
- Use internal support
- Stuff shoes with paper or insert a shoe tree to keep form.
- Patience matters
- Let shoes dry slowly. For thicker felt, drying can take 24–48 hours.
I once tried a heater to speed dry felt shoes. The pair shrank. I learned to always dry slowly after that.
Routine maintenance to extend lifespan
A little care goes a long way. Do these things weekly or monthly.
- Brush gently after each use to remove dust.
- Spot-clean as soon as spills happen.
- Use protective sprays made for wool or felt if compatible.
- Rotate shoes to let them rest and air out.
Maintenance is the easiest part of how to clean felt shoes. Small habits prevent big problems.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning felt shoes
Avoid these errors that I have seen many people make.
- Using hot water or strong detergents — they shrink or fade felt.
- Machine washing without checking label — many felt shoes are not machine-safe.
- Rubbing vigorously — this mats the fibers and ruins texture.
- Drying with direct heat — this distorts shape and weakens glue.
Following the proper method prevents these mistakes and keeps your felt reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions of how to clean felt shoes
Are felt shoes machine washable?
Some felt shoes are machine-washable, but many are not. Check the care label; if unsure, hand-clean using mild soap and cold water.
Can I use bleach on felt shoes?
No. Bleach damages felt fibers and causes color loss. Use mild detergent or vinegar solutions for tough odors.
How often should I clean felt shoes?
Clean them when visibly soiled or after exposure to mud and salt. Light brushing can be done weekly to keep felt shoes fresh.
Will water ruin felt shoes?
Water can change felt shape if applied unevenly or with heat. Use controlled damp cleaning and air dry to protect the material.
How do I remove smells from felt shoes?
Sprinkle baking soda inside and leave overnight, then brush out. A light vinegar mist can also neutralize odors without harming felt.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean felt shoes is simple when you use the right tools and gentle techniques. Clean regularly, treat stains quickly, dry slowly, and avoid heat. These steps preserve the look and fit of your felt shoes and save you money on replacements. Try one method from this guide on a small spot, then apply the full routine to your shoes. If this helped, leave a comment, share your tip, or subscribe for more practical shoe care advice.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
