How To Clean Uggs: Restore Your Beloved Boots To Perfection

Naomi Herzog 25 Jun 2025

Ugg boots are undeniably cute, incredibly warm, and famously comfortable, making them a staple for many during colder months. However, their luxurious appeal comes from delicate materials: sheepskin suede and a plush wool lining. While these materials provide unparalleled comfort, they also demand a specific, careful approach when it comes to cleaning. Unlike regular footwear, tossing your Uggs into a washing machine or scrubbing them with harsh detergents can lead to irreversible damage, ruining their shape, texture, and overall integrity.

The good news is that keeping your Uggs looking and smelling fresh and clean isn't an impossible task. With the right tools, products, and a bit of patience, you can effectively tackle everything from everyday dirt and grime to stubborn salt and grease stains. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the proper steps on how to clean Uggs, ensuring your favorite pair remains a cozy and stylish part of your wardrobe for years to come. We'll cover everything from pre-cleaning preparation to post-cleaning protection, arming you with the expertise to maintain your investment.

Understanding Your Uggs: Why Special Care is Essential
Essential Tools and Products for Cleaning Uggs
Pre-Cleaning Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Uggs Effectively
The Crucial Drying Process for Ugg Boots
Post-Cleaning Care: Restoring and Protecting Your Uggs
Maintaining Your Uggs: Tips for Longevity
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Uggs

Understanding Your Uggs: Why Special Care is Essential

Before diving into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand *why* Uggs require such specific care. The magic of Ugg boots lies in their primary materials: sheepskin suede and natural wool. Suede, a type of leather with a napped finish, is incredibly soft and breathable but also highly susceptible to water, stains, and scuffs. Its delicate fibers can become matted or discolored if exposed to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture. The wool lining, while providing exceptional warmth, can also trap dirt, odors, and moisture, making it prone to bacteria if not cleaned properly. The combination of these materials means that traditional shoe cleaning methods, which might involve vigorous scrubbing or submersion in water, are completely unsuitable. Such actions can strip the natural oils from the sheepskin, leading to cracking, shrinking, or permanent discoloration. Moreover, the glue and stitching that hold the boot together can weaken with improper cleaning, compromising the boot's structure. Therefore, learning how to clean Uggs with the right approach is not just about aesthetics but also about preserving their structural integrity and comfort.

Essential Tools and Products for Cleaning Uggs

While the idea of cleaning delicate Uggs might seem daunting, you don't need an arsenal of complicated gadgets. A few specialized tools and common household items are all it takes. To effectively clean Uggs and ensure their longevity, gather the following:

Suede Brush: This is a non-negotiable tool. A suede brush, often with both wire bristles and rubber nubs, is designed to gently lift dirt from the suede's nap and restore its texture after cleaning.
Clean Sponges or Soft Cloths: You'll need a few of these for dampening, applying cleaner, and wiping away residue. Microfiber cloths work well as they are gentle and absorbent.
Ugg Cleaner & Conditioner: For best results, the official Ugg care guide recommends using Ugg Cleaner & Conditioner. These products are specifically formulated to be gentle on sheepskin and wool.
Distilled White Vinegar: An excellent natural solution for tackling salt stains and general grime.
Baking Soda: A fantastic odor absorber and can help with light grease stains.
Paper Towels, Rolled Towels, or Boot Trees: Essential for maintaining the boot's shape during cleaning and drying. White tissue paper is also a good option to avoid color transfer.
Clean Water: Preferably cold water for cleaning solutions.
Optional: Suede Eraser or Chalk: These can be very effective for spot-treating specific marks or grease stains.
Optional: Gentle Liquid Soap: For cleaning the rubber soles and sheepskin interior, a mild liquid soap and water solution can be used.

Having these items ready before you start will streamline the process and help you achieve the best possible results when you clean Uggs.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success

Before you introduce any liquid to your Uggs, a crucial pre-cleaning phase is required. This initial preparation helps remove loose debris and sets the stage for a more effective deep clean.

Brush Off Loose Dirt: Start by using your suede brush to gently brush away any loose dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of your Uggs. Always brush in one direction to avoid damaging the nap. This step is vital, as attempting to clean wet dirt can embed it further into the suede fibers.
Maintain Shape: To help Uggs hold their shape throughout the cleaning and drying process, stuff them full of rolled towels, white tissue paper, or boot trees. This prevents them from collapsing and ensures an even clean and dry.
Work in a Ventilated Area: Choose a well-ventilated space to work, as this will aid in the drying process later and prevent any lingering odors.

This preparation ensures that you're not just moving dirt around but actively preparing the boots for a thorough cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Uggs Effectively

Now that your Uggs are prepped, it's time for the actual cleaning. Remember, gentleness is key.

Dampening the Surface

The first critical step in how to clean Uggs is to evenly dampen the entire outer surface of the boots. This is where many go wrong, either by soaking the boots or only spot-dampening, which can lead to unsightly water rings.

Take a clean, damp sponge or cloth. It should be just enough to dampen the surface without getting it fully wet.
Wipe the entire outside of the shoes with this damp cloth, using a downward motion. The goal is to get the suede uniformly moist, which helps prevent water stains and allows the cleaner to work evenly. You don’t want it fully wet at any point, so this part was surprisingly hard, requiring careful control of moisture.

Applying the Cleaner

Once your Uggs are uniformly damp, it's time to apply the cleaning solution.

For Suede/Sheepskin: According to the official Ugg care guide, using Ugg Cleaner & Conditioner by hand is best for optimal results. Apply a small amount of the cleaner to a clean, damp sponge. Gently wipe the entire surface of the boot with the sponge, ensuring even coverage. Use a soft brush or even a toothbrush for any stubborn spots, gently working the cleaner into the fibers.
For Rubber Soles and Interior: Make sure to also clean the rubber soles and sheepskin interior with a gentle liquid soap and water solution. Use a separate sponge or cloth for this part to avoid transferring dirt from the suede.

Addressing Specific Stains

Different stains require slightly different approaches. Learning how to remove water, salt, dirt, and grease stains from your suede Uggs with simple tools and steps is crucial.

How to clean salt off Uggs: As if rain and snow weren't messy enough, the salt from streets and sidewalks can leave an unwanted white hue on suede and sheepskin shoes. To combat this, combine 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar in a small dish. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and use it to gently blot any lingering salt stains. The vinegar helps dissolve the salt residue.
Water Stains: If you have existing water stains or rings, the best approach is often to re-dampen the entire boot surface evenly, as described in the "Dampening the Surface" section. This helps to blend the edges of the original water mark.
Grease/Oil Stains: For fresh grease stains, immediately sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or chalk over the stain. Let it sit for several hours, or even overnight, to absorb the oil. Then, gently brush off the powder with your suede brush. Repeat if necessary.
General Dirt: For general dirt, a sponge dampened with clean water can be used to spot clean the stained area. Pat the surface gently with a clean towel to absorb the water and lift stains.

Rinsing and Removing Residue

After applying the cleaner and treating stains, it's essential to remove all residue to prevent stiffness or discoloration.

Wipe with a clean, damp sponge. Use a clean, damp sponge to wipe away any residue or extra cleaner from the entire surface of the boot, using a downward motion. Rinse the sponge frequently to ensure you're not just spreading dirt around. The goal is to leave the surface clean and free from any soapy film.

The Crucial Drying Process for Ugg Boots

The drying phase is just as critical as the cleaning itself. Improper drying can lead to shrinking, stiffness, or mildew.

Stuff and Dry: Let the Uggs dry stuffed with paper towels. Stuff the Uggs full of fresh paper towels (changing them as they become damp) and let them dry for at least 24 hours.
Away from Heat: It is paramount to dry your Uggs away from direct sunlight or any artificial heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, or electric dryers. Do not use an electric dryer to speed up the drying process, as intense heat can cause the sheepskin to shrink, crack, and become stiff, permanently damaging your boots.
Airy Space: Allow slippers to dry in an airy space. A well-ventilated room at room temperature is ideal.
Complete Dryness: After cleaning, be sure the Uggs are completely dry before storing them, especially in a closed container. Any residual moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, which is difficult to remove and can ruin your boots. This might take 24-48 hours, depending on humidity.

Post-Cleaning Care: Restoring and Protecting Your Uggs

Once your Uggs are thoroughly dry, a few final steps will help restore their original look and provide future protection.

Brush with a Suede Brush: After the Uggs are completely dry, use your suede brush to gently brush the nap of the suede. This helps to restore the soft, velvety texture that might have flattened during the cleaning process. Brush in one direction for a uniform look.
Apply Ugg Protector: To protect your favorite Ugg products and keep them looking new, consider applying Ugg Protector. This product creates a barrier against water and stains. For best results, clean your Ugg boots, shoes, and slippers with Ugg Cleaner & Conditioner prior to application. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Proper Storage: Store your clean, dry Uggs in an airy space. Avoid storing them in plastic bags or airtight containers if there's any chance of residual moisture, as this can trap humidity and encourage mildew. Boot trees or rolled towels can help them maintain their shape during storage.

Maintaining Your Uggs: Tips for Longevity

Cleaning your Uggs is an important part of their care, but ongoing maintenance can significantly extend their life and keep them looking pristine.

Regular Brushing: Make it a habit to lightly brush your Uggs with a suede brush after each wear, or at least weekly. This helps remove surface dust and prevents dirt from embedding deep into the fibers.
Immediate Spot Cleaning: Address spills and stains as soon as they happen. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. For minor marks, a suede eraser or even a pencil eraser can often do the trick.
Reapply Protector Periodically: The protective spray wears off over time, especially with exposure to elements. Reapply Ugg Protector every few months, or before the wet season, to maintain water and stain resistance.
Avoid Extreme Weather: While Uggs are warm, they are not designed for heavy rain, slush, or deep snow unless specifically waterproofed. Try to avoid wearing them in severe wet conditions to minimize the need for frequent deep cleaning.
Rotate Your Footwear: Give your Uggs a break! Wearing them every day can lead to faster wear and tear. Rotating them with other shoes allows them to air out and recover.

Making sure you properly clean each part of your Ugg boots or slippers is best for improving the appearance and extending their lifespan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Uggs

Knowing what *not* to do is just as important as knowing what to do when it comes to how to clean Uggs. Avoiding these common pitfalls will save your boots from irreversible damage.

Soaking Your Uggs: Never submerge your Uggs in water or run them under a tap. Excessive water can damage the sheepskin, dissolve the adhesive, and lead to shrinking and stiffness. Remember, "damp, not wet."
Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using laundry detergents, bleach, abrasive cleaners, or any products not specifically designed for suede and sheepskin. These can strip natural oils, cause discoloration, and weaken the material.
Machine Washing: While tempting, machine washing is a definite no-go. The agitation and harsh detergents of a washing machine will almost certainly ruin your Uggs, causing them to lose their shape and softness.
Drying with Direct Heat: As emphasized, direct heat from dryers, radiators, or sunlight will cause the sheepskin to crack, shrink, and become brittle. Always air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Ignoring Stains: Letting stains sit for too long makes them much harder, if not impossible, to remove. Address spills and marks as quickly as possible.
Vigorous Scrubbing: Suede is delicate. Scrubbing too hard can damage the nap, leaving permanent bald spots or scuffs. Use gentle, even motions.
Storing While Damp: Storing Uggs before they are completely dry is a recipe for mold and mildew, which can create unpleasant odors and permanently stain the sheepskin.

Conclusion

Cleaning your Uggs might seem like a delicate operation, but with the right knowledge and a gentle approach, it's a perfectly manageable task. By following these detailed steps on how to clean Uggs – from pre-cleaning preparation and targeted stain removal to the crucial drying process and post-cleaning protection – you can ensure your beloved boots remain soft, fresh, and beautiful for many seasons to come. Remember, consistency in care and avoiding common mistakes are key to preserving the comfort and style that makes Uggs so special. Don't let dirt and stains diminish the joy your Uggs bring. Take the time to care for them properly, and they will continue to be your go-to footwear for warmth and comfort. Have you tried any of these methods? Share your own Ugg cleaning tips in the comments below, or explore our other footwear care guides for more expert advice!

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