How do I clean my ballet slippers?

I get this question from time to time…

I am an old school dance teacher who sees dirty shoes as wonderful evidence of hard work.

Usually the more you dance, the more your shoes will show dirt and wear and tear!

I don’t see a reason for wanting slippers to look clean unless there is a photo shoot or performance requirement.
For those who do want to clean the ballet slippers, some of my students machine wash the slippers and then air dry them.

I have tried it myself and they didn’t come out significantly cleaner and I’m not a fan of having to reshape slippers to my feet after washing.

Washing machines differ…and dirt differs too…for example: studios that use rosin on wood floors will create spots that won’t come out.

And please remember to only wear ballet slippers on a studio or stage floor - never outdoors.

Work hard, Have fun, Get dirty!

Cynthia King