How to Clean UGG Boots Without Staining or Damaging Them, According to Experts

UGG boots of all styles are ultra-cozy and a staple piece in many a wardrobe. With all that wear, they could use a thorough clean from time to time. But, unlike your favorite running sneakers, you can’t just throw your UGGs into the washing machine (unless you want to ruin your boots permanently). 

“Suede can be difficult to take care of, but if done right, it can allow them to look better, retain their color, and increase their longevity,” says William Wong, garment and shoe care expert. That’s why we consulted with cleaning and shoe experts (plus, a UGG boot representative) to find out their preferred cleaning, deodorizing, and drying methods.

How to Clean UGGs, Step-by-Step

If your UGGs could use a refresh, there’s a way to clean them without causing damage or discoloration. Marisol Rivera, cleaning expert at Sparkly Maid Austin, shares her favorite UGG cleaning method that’s easy to DIY.

Here’s what you’ll need.

Materials Needed

• Soft suede brush
• Cold water
• Spray bottle or mister
• Suede-safe cleaner (e.g. an UGG-specific cleanser)
• Clean sponge

Instructions

1. First, grab your soft suede brush and brush off any dirt or debris from your UGG boots.
2. Fill your spray bottle or mister with cold water.
3. Lightly mist the entire outer surface of the boot. Rivera says this helps you avoid creating unsightly water rings on the boots.
4. Next, slightly dampen your clean sponge. Apply a small amount of UGG boot cleaner (or another suede-safe cleaner) to the now-damp sponge. 
5. Using the sponge, gently wipe or blot the entire boot with circular motions. Avoid aggressively rubbing to protect fabric fibers.
6. Allow to air dry completely before wearing or storing.

How to Properly Dry UGGs

If your UGG boots become wet, don’t panic—but you’ll want to act quickly, Wong says. That being said, don’t mistake acting quickly with trying to speed up the drying process. Since sheepskin is so sensitive to heat, attempting to speed up the drying process with a radiator, blow dryer, or clothes dryer can cause irreversible damage (think: shrinkage, stiffening, and warping).

Instead, Rivera recommends gently blotting away extra moisture with a clean cloth, then loosely stuffing the boots with paper towels or plain newspaper. This helps absorb moisture from the inside while supporting the boots’ shape as they dry.

Next, place the boots in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Replace the stuffing if it becomes damp, and allow the boots to dry completely. According to a representative from UGG, slow air drying is critical to preserving the structure of sheepskin fibers and preventing stiffness.

The Final Step

Once dry, gently brush the suede in a single direction with a suede brush to restore its texture and appearance. “The most important step is brushing the suede with a suede brush,” Wong says. “In contrast to smooth leather brushes, suede brushes have bristles that are more rigid so that the nap of the leather can be raised and dust can be brushed off.”

How to Deodorize UGG Boots

Since UGG boots are lined with wool, they can absorb moisture and odors over time (especially if you wear them frequently). Instead of masking smells with fragrance sprays, which can stain or stiffen sheepskin, all of our experts suggested using baking soda and cornstarch for removing odors. 

Rivera recommends sprinkling a mixture of the two inside the boots and allowing it to sit overnight. These powders work by absorbing moisture and trapping odor. In the morning, simply shake out the excess and use a handheld vacuum to remove any leftover residue. 

Dos and Don'ts for Keeping Your UGGs Like New

• DO wear thin socks with your UGGs: Since sheepskin is porous, oil from your skin can absorb into the boots, causing a matted interior. Thin socks provide a barrier between your foot and the boot without stretching out the shape.
• DON'T oversaturate the boots with product or water: “Manufacturer-approved products, such as UGG's protector or other quality suede sprays, should be used on clean, dry boots and not sprayed too heavily as to saturate the boots,” Rivera explains.
• DO allow your boots to air between each use: Rivera says allowing your boots time to breathe helps them maintain their shape and prevents mold and bacteria growth. Wong recommends giving your boots two days to breathe before rewearing them.
• DON'T apply fragrance directly into the boot's interior: Many strongly fragranced deodorizers contain alcohol and chemicals, which can cause residue buildup or staining.
• DO protect your boots' structure: “Keeping the boots filled and standing up when not in use, and storing them in a breathable fabric storage bag (instead of plastic) to allow moisture to escape and prevent the sheepskin from becoming brittle over time,” Rivera explains.
• DO use a suede eraser to remove scuffs: This is a way to remove imperfections and dirt in between full cleanings, Rivera shares.