Stinkin' 2: Bedroom Slipper Bugaloo

November 13, 2016 8:36 PM

So I know a guy with very stinky sheepskin Sorel slippers. He loves them. I hate them, and since we live together, and my sense of smell is keener, I want to find a replacement. Assume I'm great at finding slippers. But I'm having trouble finding slippers that are well rated for washability or smell repellence. Sweethome doesn't mention this feature. Ideas? It's going to be a long, stinky winter.
posted by chesty_a_arthur to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

I wash my sheepskin uggs in mild detergent in the washing machine in regular cycle. Then stuff with newsprint and allow to air dry in a warm room. Washing is the only way to get the stink out.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 8:42 PM on November 13, 2016 [1 favorite]

Maybe not quite what you're looking for but llbean sells a wide selection of slippers that may or may not be as washable or smell resistant as you wish. If it doesn't work out, they will be fully returnable, no matter their state. I have returned slippers my husband wore for three years because the stitching was coming out. They were pretty grody but he would have worn them another three years but for the stitching issue (my attempt to fix them caused them to squeak, driving is both batty).

So tl;dr, buy your best bet at llbean and you can return them for new fresh ones if it doesn't work out.
posted by Tandem Affinity at 8:42 PM on November 13, 2016

High Plains Sheepskins in Montana makes nice slippers - my husband loves them.
posted by metaseeker at 9:04 PM on November 13, 2016

My feet are just regular stinky, not super stinky, but this powder works pretty well.
posted by Duffington at 10:41 PM on November 13, 2016

Also came in to say I've never had a problem tossing sheepskin slippers in the washing machine.
posted by kmennie at 10:42 PM on November 13, 2016

I love wearing my uggs with no socks. Yes, it's gross.

I use sheepskin inner soles. I have two pairs so I can alternate and wash those about once a week. I chuck my boots into the washing machine every now and then, on gentle with a wool wash detergent then let them air dry. My current pair of uggs are going on 7 years and still not disturbing my cohabitants.
posted by stellathon at 12:10 AM on November 14, 2016 [3 favorites]

Seconding buying a few extra pair of sheepskin inner soles. You can wash them and swap them out; I wear them in my cheap rubber rainboots and they're like sweet little clouds for my toes.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:56 AM on November 14, 2016

Response by poster: OK, this is interesting - I thought they were sheepskin, but they're actually suede with a wool inside. In any case, I will try the sheepskin insoles. Thanks, everyone!
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 6:48 AM on November 14, 2016

Haflinger slippers are boiled wool, which is a different kind of cozy from sheepskin, but very cozy indeed, and they just don't ever get stinky. At all. Also, I have washed mine, even the hard sole ones, and they're fine. They also have wonderful arch support.
posted by HotToddy at 9:03 AM on November 14, 2016

Have you tried spraying them with Febreze?
posted by w0mbat at 11:04 AM on November 14, 2016

Put them in the freezer overnight. That's supposed to kill odor-causing bacteria.
posted by vitabellosi at 11:29 AM on November 14, 2016

I have not washed sheepskin or wool shoes/slippers/insoles, but have scrubbed other smelly insoles with tea tree oil with great success.
posted by sarajane at 2:09 PM on November 14, 2016

Glerrups are great! They're comfy, have non-slip soles and are washable.
posted by cyrreb at 4:22 PM on November 14, 2016

I soak stinky things in a vinegar solution -- about a cup of vinegar to two gallons of tepid water. Ideally *then* wash them, but vinegar is a good de-stinker. And cheap!
posted by clew at 6:06 PM on November 14, 2016