How to Clean UGG Boots — The Complete Guide
Before You Start
UGG boots are made from twin-face sheepskin — the hide is tanned with the fleece still attached. This makes them exceptionally warm but also sensitive to water, heat and chemical cleaners. The golden rule: never put UGG boots in a washing machine. Never use a tumble dryer. Never expose them to direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers.
What You Will Need
- Cold water only (never hot or warm)
- UGG sheepskin cleaner or mild, dye-free detergent
- Soft suede brush or clean sponge
- Clean, white cloth (no dyes)
- Newspaper or boot shapers for drying
- UGG protector spray (for aftercare)
Critical Warning
Never submerge UGG boots in water. The tanning process is water-sensitive — full immersion can shrink the sheepskin, harden the suede and permanently damage the shape. Spot cleaning and surface treatment is the only safe approach.
General Cleaning Method
This works for routine dirt, light marks and general freshening up. Do this every few weeks during heavy wear to keep the suede looking new.
- Brush off dry dirt. Use a suede brush in one direction only — following the natural grain of the suede. Do not scrub back and forth. This removes surface dust and loose soil before introducing any moisture.
- Dampen the surface. Use a clean sponge dipped in cold water. Wring it out thoroughly — the sponge should be damp, not wet. Lightly moisten the entire outer surface of the boot. Even dampening prevents water lines forming.
- Apply cleaner. Use a small amount of UGG-specific cleaner or a tiny drop of dye-free detergent on the damp sponge. Work gently across the surface in circular motions. Do not concentrate on one area.
- Rinse the sponge. Wipe away the cleaner residue with a clean, damp sponge. Repeat until no soap remains.
- Reshape and dry. Stuff the boots with scrunched newspaper or paper towels to hold their shape. Stand them upright in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight and heat. Allow 24–48 hours to dry fully.
- Brush the nap. Once bone dry, brush the suede with a soft brush in one direction to restore the texture.
Stain Removal Guide
Oil and Grease Stains
Blot immediately with a clean cloth — do not rub, as this pushes the oil deeper into the suede. Apply a light dusting of cornstarch or talcum powder to the stain. Leave for 6–8 hours (overnight is ideal). The powder absorbs the oil from the fibres. Brush away with a suede brush. For stubborn oil stains, repeat the process twice.
Mud and Dirt
Let the mud dry completely. Attempting to clean wet mud will grind it into the suede. Once dry, use a stiff suede brush to flake off the dried mud. Follow with the general cleaning method above for any residual marks.
Ink and Dye Transfer
Dye transfer from dark jeans is the most common UGG stain we see in-store. Apply a small amount of sheepskin cleaner directly to the stain using a cotton bud. Work gently — do not spread the dye. Blot with a clean white cloth. This may require multiple applications over several days. For severe dye transfer, professional suede cleaning is recommended.
Salt Stains
Road salt leaves white tide marks on sheepskin. Mix one part white vinegar with one part cold water. Dip a clean cloth and dab gently at the salt lines. The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits without damaging the suede. Follow with the general cleaning method to even out the colour.
Removing Water Marks
Water marks are the most common issue with UGG boots. Rain, puddles and snow leave dark tide lines on the suede. The fix is counterintuitive: you need to dampen the entire boot evenly.
- Use a clean, damp sponge to moisten the entire outer surface of the boot — not just the stained area.
- Apply even, light moisture so the suede is uniformly damp.
- Stuff with newspaper and allow to dry naturally for 24–48 hours.
- The even dampening eliminates the tide line as the boot dries uniformly.
- Once dry, brush with a suede brush to restore the nap.
Prevention is better than cure. Applying UGG protector spray before first wear creates an invisible barrier that repels water and reduces staining.
Drying & Reshaping
Improper drying ruins more UGG boots than dirt ever will. Sheepskin shrinks and stiffens when exposed to heat. Follow these rules every time your boots get wet:
- Never use a radiator, hair dryer or tumble dryer. Direct heat hardens the sheepskin permanently.
- Stuff generously with newspaper. Change the newspaper every 4–6 hours as it absorbs moisture.
- Stand upright. Laying boots on their side creates creases in the damp suede that set as the boot dries.
- Air dry only. A well-ventilated room at ambient temperature. Open a window if possible.
- Allow 24–48 hours. Do not rush the process. Wearing damp sheepskin stretches it permanently.
Seasonal Storage
UGG boots spend six months of the year in storage. How you store them determines their condition when autumn arrives.
- Clean before storing. Never store dirty sheepskin — stains set deeper over time.
- Apply protector spray. A fresh coat before storage preserves the suede through the off-season.
- Use boot shapers or stuffing. Maintain the upright shape. Crushed sheepskin creases permanently.
- Store in a breathable bag. Cotton dust bags are ideal. Never use plastic — it traps moisture and encourages mould.
- Keep in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics (too hot in summer), garages (too damp) and areas with direct sunlight (fades the suede).
Prevention & Protection
The single best thing you can do for your UGG boots: spray them with UGG protector or a quality suede protector before the first wear. Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the season. This creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels water, resists stains and makes cleaning dramatically easier.
Before First Wear
Apply two coats of protector spray, 20 minutes apart. Allow to dry fully (2 hours) before wearing.
Ongoing Protection
Reapply one coat every 4–6 weeks. After heavy rain exposure, clean, dry, then reapply.
Avoid Puddles
Sheepskin absorbs water. Choose alternative footwear for genuinely wet days. UGGs are cold-weather boots, not waterproof boots.
Rotate Your Boots
Wearing the same pair daily compresses the fleece lining. Rotating gives the wool time to recover its loft.
Our UGG Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put UGG boots in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing will shrink the sheepskin, damage the suede finish and potentially ruin the glue that bonds the sole. UGG boots must be cleaned by hand using cold water and a gentle cleaner. The method described in this guide is the safest approach.
How do I remove the smell from UGG boots?
Sprinkle baking soda inside the boots and leave overnight. The baking soda absorbs odour without damaging the sheepskin lining. Shake out in the morning. For persistent odour, repeat for 2–3 nights. Placing boots in fresh air (not direct sunlight) also helps dissipate smell naturally.
Can I wear UGG boots in the rain?
Light rain is manageable if you have applied protector spray. Heavy rain or standing water will soak through the sheepskin. UGG boots are designed for cold, dry conditions. For genuinely wet days, choose waterproof footwear and save the UGGs for dry cold.
How often should I clean my UGG boots?
Brush off surface dirt after each wear. Do a full clean every 4–6 weeks during regular wear, or whenever visible stains appear. Always clean before seasonal storage. Over-cleaning can strip the natural oils from the sheepskin, so less is more.
Do you sell UGG boots in-store?
Yes. We are an authorised UGG stockist at OD’s Designer Clothing, 44 Barrow Street, St Helens. We carry the Classic Mini, Classic Short, Classic Tall and seasonal styles. Our team can advise on sizing and care in person. Open Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm.