Discomfort is the last thing anyone of us wants when they get home after a long day at work or school. This is one of the reasons why most of us kick off the painful stilettos and confining brogues and put on the heavenly slippers.
Whether you refer to them as crib kicks, slippers, house shoes or mics, this indoor footwear is certainly a must-have for everyone. They provide warmth and comfort, plus the added bonus of protecting your toes. Once you get the perfect pair, you will always want them on your feet the moment you get home.
That being said, what type of slippers are available out there, who invented them and how do you properly wash them? Well, this read will cover all these aspects.
Who Invented Slippers?
For most people, it might be hard to believe that the inventor of these cosy footwear must-haves isn’t a multimillionaire business person and the concept can neither be attributed to the same. Rather, this snug style of footwear is centuries. The investor of slippers remains unclear, but there is speculation that the concept originated from the east in the 12th century, before making its way to the west in 1478.
By the 1550s, most rich mean actually preferred to wear slippers in order to match their outfits. Usually designed from luxurious materials like leather, velvet and silk, and decorated with ribbons and jewels, this footwear began to morph in the slippers we all wear today.
Regardless of their inventor and origin, there’s no denying that it is a breeze to own a pair today. Get yourself a pair of comfortable orthotic slippers.
So, how do you properly wash your mucky slippers?
If you want to maintain the coziness and ideal leather condition of your slippers, it is imperative that you know how to clean them properly.
When it comes to washing your slippers, most people like to take the easy route- after all, why spend more time than you need to when cleaning such footwear? If your pair is made of cotton, then they can be cleaned with a washing machine. However, ensure you put them on a gentle wash with warm water to prevent them from shrinking.
Here are a few other cleaning tips that you may want to bear in mind:
Hand washing is a more gentle option for cleaning fabric slippers. Fill the sink or bucket with warm water, mix some laundry detergent and allow them to soak for a few minutes before rubbing them with a cloth in a gentle manner. Rinse out the soap and allow them to air dry.
If you don’t have the time to wait for air drying, you can use an air dryer to hasten the process. This is a particularly great solution for slippers with soft and fluffy insides. However, you should avoid wringing them when wet as this will ultimately misshape them.
For suede slippers, use a clean towel to blot away any spillages or stains. If the stain is stubborn, use a cleaning solution and suede brush in order to restore them to their initial condition. For both suede and leather slippers, do not use heat but instead, leave them to air dry and use a wad of newspaper to help them dry inside. Also, ensure you use leather-safe soap for your leather pair to remove scuffs and dirt.
Tips To Stop Slippers From Smelling
Slippers, as with every other footwear will wear over time and even develop an odor. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent them from giving out that undesirable smell. One handy solution is to put a few dry sheets (preferably scented ones) into the pair overnight, which helps prevent odor from building up.
Soda bicarbonate can ideally be a great solution when you want to refresh your slipper’s interior. Sprinkle a generous amount of the substance and leave it for a number of hours, depending on the smell. Then vacuum them out with a nozzle attachment.
As for the fleece-lined and fabric slippers, baby wipes are excellent when you do not want to take the route of washing them. Rub the inside until the wipes do not collect dirt and you are good to go.
As you can see, it is relatively easy to clean slippers and the methods for preventing odors do not call for much. Your slippers are your feet’s best friend when you’ve had a long day and so, it pays to have them in the best condition when walking around your home.