diff --git a/lib/Slic3r/Extruder.pm b/lib/Slic3r/Extruder.pm
index 925c44fc4..91c6314cb 100644
--- a/lib/Slic3r/Extruder.pm
+++ b/lib/Slic3r/Extruder.pm
@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ sub _build_retract_speed_mm_min {
 
 sub _build_scaled_wipe_distance {
     my $self = shift;
-    return scale $self->retract_length / $self->retract_speed * $Slic3r::Config->travel_speed;
+    # reduce feedrate a bit; travel speed is often too high to move on existing material
+    # too fast = ripping of existing material; too slow = short wipe path, thus more blob
+    return scale($self->retract_length / $self->retract_speed * $Slic3r::Config->travel_speed * 0.8);
 }
 
 sub make_flow {