How to Clean the Inside of Moccasins

Identify the lining first

How you clean the inside depends on what is in there. Look inside your moccasins and the care tag if one exists.

Shearling or sheepskin (wool on leather): soft, dense wool on a suede-like backing. Needs gentle water use and good drying.
Faux fur or fleece: synthetic pile. Often more forgiving but can mat.
Fabric or cotton lining: can usually be spot cleaned with mild soap and water.
Bare leather or suede inside: treat like leather. Avoid soaking.
Insoles or footbeds: sometimes removable, sometimes glued.

If you have special brand moccasins, check the maker’s care page. Some say hand washing is fine, others advise only spot cleaning or specialized sheepskin cleaner.

What you need

A soft brush, an old toothbrush or a slicker brush
Mild soap, baby shampoo or a cleaner made for sheepskin or suede
A small bowl of cool or lukewarm water
Clean cloths and a dry towel
Tissue paper, plain paper towels or a clean towel for stuffing
Baking soda (optional, for odors)

Step-by-step: cleaning the inside

Shake out and brush. Tip out grit and use a dry soft brush to sweep dust, lint and hair from the interior.
Mix a mild solution. A few drops of mild soap or baby shampoo in cool or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can shrink or stiffen leather.
Test first. Try a hidden spot inside to check for dye transfer or damage.
Dampen a cloth or brush. Wring it out well. You want a damp cloth, not wet.
Scrub lightly. Work in small circles on the lining. Keep the outer leather or suede as dry as you can.
Rinse by wiping. Use a clean cloth dampened with plain cool water to lift soap residue. Repeat as needed.
Blot. Press a dry towel inside to take up as much moisture as possible.
Stuff and dry. See drying below.

Shearling, wool and faux fur linings

Work in small circles and avoid heavy soaking, since wool lining and suede backing can both stay wet for a long time.
If the lining is flattened, gently fluff the fibers with your fingers or a clean slicker brush while it is still slightly damp, and again when dry.
Some brands sell dedicated sheepskin wash. Follow its directions if you use one.
Avoid heat, which can harden the leather backing and shrink the wool.

Leather or fabric linings

Wipe fabric linings with a damp cloth and mild soap, then wipe with plain water.
For leather linings, avoid dripping water. Use a cleaner made for leather if the soap solution is not working, and test first.
Condition leather after it dries if the manufacturer recommends it.

Odor control

Moccasins worn without socks often hold sweat and odor.

Air out the pair in a ventilated spot after each wear.
Baking soda: sprinkle a little inside, leave it overnight, then tap out and vacuum or brush away. Make sure it is completely removed.
Pouches or sachets: a sock or breathable pouch of baking soda tucked inside works if you don’t want powder on the lining.
Rotate pairs so each one has time to dry out fully.

If odor persists after cleaning and drying, the cushioning or insole may be holding it. Replace the insole if it is removable.

Disinfecting the inside safely

People often ask what they can use to disinfect the inside of shoes. Soft linings and leather don’t tolerate harsh chemicals well, so be conservative.

Start with cleaning. Dirt and sweat reduce how well any disinfectant works.
If you want to use a disinfectant, choose a product that lists use on soft or porous surfaces or footwear, follow the label exactly for contact time and rinsing, and test a hidden area. Some disinfecting sprays can stain or stiffen leather and suede.
A short time in fresh air and thorough drying helps limit bacteria and mold growth.
If you are dealing with a foot infection or fungus such as athlete’s foot, ask a doctor or pharmacist about treating both the feet and the footwear.

Do not mix cleaners. Never combine bleach with ammonia, vinegar or other acids. The mix can release toxic gases. Don’t use bleach on leather, suede or wool in any case. Ventilate the space, and keep products and wet footwear away from children and pets until dry, since licking or chewing damp slippers can expose them to residue.

Is Dawn dish soap okay for leather?

A very small amount of mild dish soap diluted in water is often used for light cleaning, but it can dry out leather and strip oils, and it is not the first choice. If you use it, dilute heavily, use a barely damp cloth, wipe it away with clean water, dry thoroughly and condition leather afterward. A cleaner made for leather or suede is usually gentler.

Can you machine wash moccasins?

Usually it is not recommended. Machine agitation, long soaking and drying can shrink, stiffen or warp leather and suede, and can loosen glue. A few makers allow certain styles or hides to be washed on a delicate cycle in cold water, so check the care instructions for your exact pair. If the maker does not say it is okay, clean by hand.

Drying and reshaping

Stuff the inside with tissue paper, plain paper towels or a clean towel to absorb moisture and hold the shape. Replace the stuffing when it gets damp.
Dry in a cool, ventilated room away from direct sun.
Do not use hair dryers, radiators or tumble dryers. Heat can crack and shrink leather.
Allow plenty of time, which may be a day or more for thick linings.
When dry, brush the lining to bring back softness. If the suede outside is stiff, brush it with a suede brush.

Keeping the inside fresh

Wear socks if possible to reduce sweat and oils.
Air them out between wears and don’t store them in a closed bag while damp.
Brush the interior regularly to remove dirt before it gets worked in.
Use a protective spray on the outside as the maker recommends. Avoid spraying the lining.
For other soft household items that need gentle cleaning, see our guide to cleaning plushies and stuffed animals.

FAQ

What is the best way to clean the inside of slippers?

Brush off debris, wipe with a cloth and mild soap in cool water, wipe off residue, blot, stuff and air dry away from heat.

What can I use to disinfect the inside of shoes?

Clean first, then use a product intended for soft or porous surfaces according to its label, testing a hidden spot. Avoid mixing chemicals.

Can I put my moccasin slippers in the washing machine?

Only if the maker says so. Otherwise hand clean.

How do I refluff a flat lining?

Brush gently with a clean slicker brush or your fingers when the lining is slightly damp and again when dry.