Why UGG Boots Need Special Care
UGG boots are made from twin-face sheepskin — the wool fleece lines the interior while the tanned skin forms the exterior suede surface. Suede is an unfinished leather that has not been coated or sealed, which means it absorbs water, oils, and stains instantly. Regular shoe cleaning methods that work on finished leather will ruin suede. Water leaves dark tide marks as it wicks through the fibers. Salt from sidewalk de-icing creates white crusty deposits that pull moisture out of the skin. The sheepskin interior matts down over time from foot sweat and compression. All of these problems are reversible with the right approach, but every wrong approach — machine washing, direct heat, harsh chemicals — causes permanent damage.
What You'll Need
- Suede brush — a stiff bristle brush specifically for suede nap restoration.
- Suede eraser or clean pencil eraser — for dry stain removal.
- White vinegar or rubbing alcohol — for water stain removal.
- Baking soda — for odor and grease stain treatment.
- Cold water
- Clean sponge
- Paper towels or newspaper — for stuffing during drying.
- Suede protector spray — for post-cleaning protection.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean UGG Boots
Step 1: Brush Off Dirt and Restore the Nap
Start with completely dry boots. Use a suede brush to sweep the entire exterior surface, brushing in one direction to remove loose dirt and restore the nap (the direction the suede fibers lay). For scuff marks and light surface stains, use a suede eraser — press firmly and rub back and forth over the mark. The eraser crumbles as it works, lifting the stain particles out of the suede fibers. Brush away the eraser crumbs. For matted or flattened areas where the suede has lost its texture, brush more vigorously in multiple directions to separate the compressed fibers. This dry cleaning step alone resolves most surface-level dirtiness.
Step 2: Remove Water Stains and Salt Marks
Water stains on suede are caused by minerals in the water concentrating at the edges as the moisture evaporates, creating visible tide lines. The counterintuitive fix is to use more water — evenly. Dampen the entire exterior of the boot lightly and uniformly with a wet sponge so there are no dry-to-wet boundaries. As the boot dries evenly, the tide marks disappear. For salt stains, mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and gently blot the salt deposits. The acid dissolves the mineral salts without damaging the suede. Let the boot dry naturally, then brush the nap back up.
Step 3: Treat the Interior
The sheepskin lining flattens and develops odor from foot moisture and compression. Sprinkle baking soda generously inside each boot and let it sit overnight — at least eight hours. The baking soda absorbs moisture, oils, and odor. Shake out the powder and use your fingers or a soft brush to fluff the matted fleece. For stubborn interior stains, lightly dampen a cloth with cold water and a tiny amount of mild soap, and blot the stained area. Do not saturate the interior — excess water in the sheepskin takes days to dry and can cause mildew growth between the skin layers.
Step 4: Dry and Protect
Stuff each boot with crumpled paper towels or newspaper to absorb interior moisture and maintain the boot shape. Stand them upright in a well-ventilated room away from heat and sunlight. Suede is extremely sensitive to heat — placing wet UGGs near a heater causes the skin to shrink, harden, and crack permanently. Drying takes 24 to 48 hours. Once fully dry, give the exterior a final brushing to restore the nap uniformly. Apply a suede protector spray following the product directions — hold the can 6 inches from the surface and apply in even passes. This creates an invisible barrier that repels water and stains, making future cleaning dramatically easier.
Pro Tips
- Apply protector spray before first wear. Brand-new UGGs should be sprayed with suede protector before you ever wear them outside. The factory suede has no water resistance. One rain puddle or snow patch will cause staining that would have been entirely prevented by a $10 protector spray applied beforehand.
- Use the baking soda interior treatment monthly. Even when the boots do not smell bad, monthly baking soda treatments prevent odor from building up in the first place. Once sheepskin develops deep-set odor, it is very difficult to fully remove.
- Never machine-wash or machine-dry UGGs. The agitation destroys the suede nap, the heat shrinks the sheepskin, the water watermarks the exterior, and the tumbling warps the shape. Every component of machine washing damages every material in the boot.
FAQ
Can I wear UGGs in the rain?
Pre-treated UGGs with suede protector spray can handle light rain and brief puddle contact. Untreated suede will stain immediately. If they do get soaked, follow the water stain removal process above. UGGs are not designed for heavy rain, snow, or standing water — they are a casual warm-weather or indoor-outdoor boot.
How do I fix flattened sheepskin inside my UGGs?
The interior fleece compresses from foot pressure over time. After cleaning and drying, use your fingers to gently pull and separate the matted fibers. A soft pet brush or wide-toothed comb can also work. For severely flattened fleece, lightly dampen the interior, fluff the fibers, and stuff with paper while drying. Some owners use sheepskin insole inserts to add fresh fleece on top of the compressed original lining.
What causes the dark spots on my UGGs?
Dark spots are usually oil or grease stains — from cooking splatter, skin oils transferred by touch, or lotions on your feet or hands. Sprinkle corn starch or baking soda directly on the dark spot and let it sit for several hours. The powder absorbs the oil. Brush it away and repeat if the stain persists. Oil stains that have set for weeks may not fully remove because the oil has bonded with the suede fibers.
Can I clean UGGs with regular shoe cleaner?
Most commercial shoe cleaners are formulated for finished leather or synthetic materials and contain solvents that strip suede fibers and leave permanent discoloration. Only use products specifically labeled for suede and nubuck. When in doubt, test any product on a small hidden area (inside the shaft near the top) and let it dry completely before applying to visible surfaces.
