How to Clean Uggs

Pair of fashionable winter ugg boots | Just dance

UGG boots are famous for their soft suede exteriors and cozy sheepskin interiors, but those materials also require a little more care than ordinary sneakers.

Mud, rain, road salt, skin oils, water spots, and everyday dirt can quickly leave light-colored UGGs looking worn. The wrong cleaning method can make things worse by creating water rings, flattening the suede, changing the color, or damaging the sheepskin.

Fortunately, cleaning UGG boots at home isn’t particularly complicated.

For classic suede and sheepskin UGGs, the safest routine is generally:

brush away dry dirt → lightly dampen the exterior → clean gently with a suede/sheepskin cleaner → reshape → air-dry naturally → brush the nap

The biggest mistakes are soaking the boots, using direct heat, putting them in a washing machine, or scrubbing delicate suede aggressively.

Here’s how to clean UGGs safely, remove common stains, freshen the inside, restore the suede texture, and protect your boots from future dirt and water.

👢 First, Check What Your UGGs Are Made Of

Not every pair of UGG shoes uses the same materials.

UGG makes footwear containing:

Suede
Sheepskin
Leather
Nubuck
Wool
Synthetic materials
Waterproof materials
Specialty finishes

The classic UGG boot is typically associated with suede and sheepskin, but newer styles can have very different construction.

Before cleaning, check:

The care label
The product description
UGG’s care instructions for that style

Leather UGGs, waterproof hiking boots, fluffy slippers, and classic suede boots may require different care.

This guide focuses primarily on traditional suede and sheepskin UGG boots.

💧 Are UGG Boots Waterproof?

Not necessarily.

UGG states that not all Classic boots are waterproof or even water-resistant.

Some styles receive a post-applied treatment that offers initial resistance to light moisture, while footwear specifically labeled Waterproof is designed for wetter conditions.

That means a classic suede UGG should not automatically be treated like a rain boot.

A protective suede treatment can help with everyday splashes and stains, but it doesn’t transform an ordinary Classic boot into waterproof footwear.

🧽 What You’ll Need

For routine UGG care, gather:

Suede brush
Suede eraser
Clean sponge
Clean microfiber cloth
Absorbent towels
Paper towels or clean white paper
UGG Cleaner & Conditioner or another cleaner specifically approved for suede/sheepskin
UGG Protector or another compatible suede protector

Keep the supplies simple.

Avoid starting with strong homemade mixtures.

🧹 Step 1: Let Mud and Dirt Dry

If your UGGs are muddy, resist the temptation to start scrubbing immediately.

Wet mud smears.

Instead:

Place the boots somewhere cool and ventilated.
Let the mud dry completely.
Gently knock away loose chunks.
Brush the remaining dry soil from the suede.

Use light strokes rather than digging into the material.

UGG specifically recommends brushing dry stains first because this alone may lift some marks from the surface.

🪥 Step 2: Brush the Suede

Before wet cleaning, brush the exterior gently with a suede brush.

This removes:

Dust
Dry soil
Surface debris
Loose dirt

and lifts the suede nap.

Brush lightly rather than pressing hard.

If you’re dealing with only light dust or a minor scuff, brushing may be all the cleaning the boots need.

✏️ Step 3: Try a Suede Eraser on Scuffs

For dry scuff marks, a suede eraser can be useful.

Gently rub the mark with the eraser.

Then brush away the loosened residue.

This works best for:

Light scuffs
Dry surface marks
Minor discoloration

Do not grind the eraser aggressively into the suede.

Repeated heavy rubbing can create a lighter or smoother patch that looks different from the surrounding boot.

🫧 Step 4: Clean With a Damp Sponge

For a more thorough cleaning, UGG’s current instructions start by lightly moistening the exterior surface with a clean damp sponge.

The goal is damp—not soaked.

This is an important distinction.

Applying moisture somewhat evenly helps reduce the chance of creating one sharply defined wet patch.

Don’t hold the boot under the faucet.

Don’t immerse it in a sink.

And don’t saturate the sheepskin.

🧴 Step 5: Apply Cleaner & Conditioner

UGG recommends applying a small amount of its Cleaner & Conditioner to the damp sponge.

Then:

Gently work the cleaner across the exterior.
Use light pressure.
Pay extra attention to stained areas.
Remove remaining cleaner residue with the damp sponge.

Avoid pouring cleaner directly onto the boot.

Applying it through the sponge gives you much more control.

🧻 Step 6: Reshape the Boots

After cleaning, stuff the boots with:

Paper towels
Clean white paper

to help them maintain their shape while drying.

Don’t pack the paper so tightly that it stretches the boot.

You simply want enough support to prevent:

Collapsed shafts
Flattened toes
Deep creases

UGG specifically recommends stuffing cleaned boots during drying.

🌬️ Step 7: Let UGGs Air-Dry Naturally

This is one of the most important parts of UGG cleaning.

Let the boots dry naturally for approximately 24 hours in a:

Cool
Ventilated
Shaded

location.

Keep them away from direct sunlight and concentrated heat.

Do not use:

Hair dryer
Radiator
Space heater
Fireplace
Clothes dryer
Oven

High heat can stiffen, shrink, distort, or otherwise damage suede and sheepskin.

Patience is much safer.

🪮 Step 8: Brush After Drying

Once the boots are completely dry, gently brush the suede again.

UGG recommends brushing lightly in a single direction after cleaning.

This helps restore the raised suede fibers, known as the nap.

Cleaning may temporarily leave suede looking:

Flat
Dark
Stiff
Uneven

Brushing after full drying often restores much of its familiar velvety appearance.

🌧️ How to Clean Water Spots From UGGs

Water marks are one of the most common UGG problems.

If only one part of the suede becomes wet, it may dry with a visible border.

Start by allowing the boot to dry completely.

Then:

Brush gently.
If the mark remains, clean the exterior using UGG’s damp-sponge and Cleaner & Conditioner method.
Work the material evenly rather than soaking only the water ring.
Reshape with paper.
Air-dry for approximately 24 hours.
Brush after drying.

Don’t immediately attack water rings with vinegar, alcohol, or aggressive scrubbing.

🌨️ How to Clean Salt Stains From UGGs

Winter sidewalks can leave pale salt marks across suede.

First:

Let the boots dry.
Brush away loose salt.
Use a suede eraser on light dry residue.

If staining remains, use a cleaner specifically designed for suede/sheepskin, such as UGG Cleaner & Conditioner.

Avoid automatically using vinegar on the boots.

Although vinegar is a popular online salt-stain remedy, suede dyes and finishes can react unpredictably.

A material-specific cleaner provides a more conservative approach.

🟤 How to Remove Mud From UGGs

For mud:

let it dry first.

Once dry:

Brush away loose dirt.
Use a suede eraser for remaining dry marks.
If necessary, dampen the exterior evenly with a sponge.
Apply suede/sheepskin cleaner.
Remove residue.
Stuff with paper.
Air-dry.
Brush.

Trying to wash fresh mud off immediately often pushes soil farther into the suede.

🫒 How to Remove Oil or Grease Stains

Oil stains are more difficult because suede readily absorbs grease.

If the spill is fresh:

Blot carefully with an absorbent clean cloth.
Don’t rub.
Let the material dry.
Use a suede-specific cleaner appropriate for oily stains.

UGG’s Cleaner & Conditioner is intended to help with buildup including oil and dirt.

If a large grease mark remains after gentle cleaning, professional suede cleaning may be safer than repeatedly applying homemade products.

☕ How to Clean Coffee or Drink Spills

For a fresh drink spill:

Blot immediately.
Don’t scrub.
Absorb as much liquid as possible.
Allow the boots to dry naturally.
Brush.
Use suede/sheepskin cleaner if discoloration remains.

Sugary drinks may leave residue even after the liquid dries, so a proper cleaning product is usually more useful than dry brushing alone.

❄️ What Should You Do If UGGs Get Soaked?

If your boots become very wet:

Blot excess water.
Stuff them gently with paper.
Place them somewhere cool with good airflow.
Let them dry naturally.
Replace damp paper if necessary.
Wait until they’re completely dry.
Brush the suede afterward.

Don’t try to speed up drying with heat.

Also remember that traditional Classic UGGs are not all waterproof.

If you routinely walk through heavy rain, slush, or deep snow, a specifically waterproof UGG model may be better suited to the conditions.

🚫 Can You Wash UGGs in the Washing Machine?

UGG says no for its delicate sheepskin and leather products.

Machine washing can cause damage that may not be reversible.

The combination of:

Water saturation
Detergent
Tumbling
Agitation

is much harsher than controlled hand cleaning.

Even a gentle or delicate cycle isn’t the recommended method.

🚫 Can You Put UGGs in the Dryer?

No.

Avoid the clothes dryer.

Heat and tumbling can damage:

Suede
Sheepskin
Shape
Adhesives
Structure

Air-dry naturally instead.

🧼 Can You Use Dish Soap?

I wouldn’t use dish soap as the default exterior cleaner for classic suede UGGs.

Dish soap is formulated for dishes, not suede.

It can create:

Uneven wetting
Residue
Color changes
Texture changes

UGG provides a dedicated Cleaner & Conditioner designed for sheepskin and suede, so there is little reason to substitute a household degreaser on valuable boots.

🍶 Can You Clean UGGs With Vinegar?

Vinegar is frequently recommended online for water or salt stains.

I would not make it the standard UGG-cleaning method.

UGG’s current primary care instructions don’t require vinegar for ordinary suede cleaning.

Since vinegar is acidic and suede color can change when exposed to liquids, a suede/sheepskin-specific cleaner is the safer default.

🥄 Can You Clean the Outside With Baking Soda?

Baking soda is not necessary for cleaning the suede exterior.

The fine powder can become embedded in the nap and may leave a dusty appearance.

Don’t make a baking-soda paste and scrub it into your UGGs.

For exterior care, stick with:

Suede brush
Suede eraser
Damp sponge
Suede/sheepskin cleaner

🌿 Should You Use Essential Oils?

No.

Essential oils can leave oily spots on suede.

That is exactly the type of stain you’re trying to avoid.

Don’t apply:

Tea tree oil
Lavender oil
Lemon oil
Peppermint oil

to UGG suede.

For odor, freshen the inside with a footwear product made for that purpose rather than applying fragrance to the exterior.

👃 How to Clean the Inside of UGGs

The soft interior can develop odor when it remains damp from:

Sweat
Wet socks
Snow
Rain

Start with prevention.

Allow the boots to air between wears.

Don’t put them away damp.

If the interior needs freshening, UGG offers Shoe Renew specifically for the inside of its Classic boots.

UGG’s directions are to:

Spray the insole.
Wipe away excess residue.
Allow it to dry before wearing.

You can also simply air the boots thoroughly when odor is mild.

🧦 Wear UGGs With or Without Socks?

Classic UGG sheepskin boots are often designed to be comfortable against bare feet, but personal preference varies.

Regardless of whether you wear socks, keeping feet clean and allowing the boots to dry between wears will help reduce odor.

If the interior becomes damp, give the boots time to air fully before wearing them again.

🌬️ How to Freshen Smelly UGGs

If your boots smell stale:

Let them air in a cool, dry location.
Make sure the interior is completely dry.
Use UGG Shoe Renew if desired.
Avoid storing damp boots in a closed box or plastic bag.

A persistent musty smell can indicate trapped moisture.

Masking it with perfume or essential oil doesn’t solve that problem.

Drying does.

🧴 Can You Spray Perfume Inside UGGs?

I wouldn’t.

Perfume may contain:

Alcohol
Oils
Fragrance compounds

that can interact with the materials.

A footwear freshener designed for sheepskin or wool is a better choice.

🛡️ How to Protect UGGs From Future Stains

Prevention can dramatically reduce how often the boots need deep cleaning.

UGG recommends its Protector for compatible suede and sheepskin footwear.

The protector is intended to improve resistance to:

Light moisture
Dirt
Stains

but remember—it does not necessarily make ordinary Classic UGGs fully waterproof.

🌧️ How to Apply UGG Protector

UGG’s current instructions are straightforward.

Step 1

Make sure the boots are clean and dry.

Work in a well-ventilated area.

Shake the protector.

Hold the bottle approximately 6 inches away.

Spray evenly until the suede is wet but not soaked.

Step 2

Let the boots dry naturally for about 24 hours.

Keep them away from direct heat and sunlight.

Step 3

Once completely dry, gently brush the suede in one direction.

This restores the nap after treatment.

📅 How Often Should You Protect UGGs?

How frequently protection needs to be renewed depends on:

How often the boots are worn
Weather
Exposure to moisture
Exposure to dirt

UGG care guidance has suggested roughly every six months as a useful rule of thumb for regularly used footwear, although usage conditions vary.

If your boots spend an entire winter walking through damp parking lots and snowy sidewalks, they may need attention sooner.

🆕 Should You Protect New UGGs Before Wearing Them?

Check the product description first.

Some UGG styles receive a post-applied water-resistance treatment at the factory.

Others do not.

UGG Protector can be used on eligible clean, dry suede or sheepskin to provide additional protection.

If you apply protector, give the boots the full drying period before wearing them.

🌞 Don’t Dry UGGs in Direct Sun

Intense sunlight can affect dyed suede.

For both cleaning and storage, choose a shaded location.

Direct sun combined with heat may:

Fade color
Dry the material unevenly
Change texture

UGG specifically recommends cool, ventilated drying away from direct sunlight.

🗄️ How to Store UGGs

Before putting UGGs away for the season:

Clean them.
Let them dry completely.
Brush the suede.
Apply protector if appropriate.
Stuff lightly to maintain shape.
Store somewhere cool and dry.

Avoid:

Damp basements
Hot attics
Sealed plastic while damp
Direct sunlight

A breathable shoe box or storage area is preferable to trapping moisture.

📰 Should You Stuff UGGs With Newspaper?

UGG mentions newspaper as one option for wet boots because it can help absorb moisture and preserve shape.

However, dark newspaper ink can potentially transfer to very light interiors.

Clean white paper or paper towels provide a lower-risk alternative, particularly for light-colored footwear.

Replace damp paper as necessary.

🎨 Why Do My UGGs Look Darker After Cleaning?

Wet suede naturally looks darker.

Don’t judge the final color while the boots are damp.

Allow the full drying period.

Then brush the suede.

If the color remains significantly uneven after drying, the boots may require:

Another careful overall cleaning
Color restoration
Professional suede care

Applying more liquid to one isolated patch can sometimes make the appearance even less uniform.

🪮 How to Make UGGs Soft Again

If the suede exterior feels flat after cleaning:

Make sure it is completely dry.
Use a clean suede brush.
Brush lightly in one direction.

Do not aggressively scrape the material.

The goal is to lift the nap, not remove fibers.

For the sheepskin interior, natural drying and gentle care help preserve softness.

✨ How to Restore Flattened Suede

Areas around:

Ankles
Toes
Heels

may become flattened through normal wear.

A suede brush can help lift those fibers.

Use short gentle strokes.

Some wear is normal and won’t disappear entirely.

UGGs are footwear, and a well-loved pair will gradually develop signs of use.

🩹 What About Deep Scratches?

A suede eraser can improve superficial scuffs.

A deep scratch that physically removes or damages fibers is different.

Cleaning won’t replace missing suede.

For expensive or sentimental boots, a professional cobbler or suede specialist may be able to:

Blend the nap
Restore color
Minimize visible damage

Don’t keep sanding or scrubbing deeper in an attempt to make the mark disappear.

🧂 How to Prevent Winter Salt Damage

During winter:

Apply appropriate protector.
Avoid deep slush when possible.
Brush dried salt promptly.
Don’t leave salty boots dirty for weeks.
Let wet boots dry before storing them.

Salt stains become more difficult as residue accumulates.

Quick maintenance helps.

🚪 Keep UGGs Away From Radiators

It’s tempting to line wet boots beside the heater when you get home.

Avoid it.

UGG specifically advises natural drying away from direct heat.

Instead, place wet boots:

On an absorbent mat
In a ventilated room
Away from radiators

and give them time.

🧼 A Simple UGG Cleaning Routine

For classic suede/sheepskin UGGs that need a full refresh:

Let the boots dry if they’re muddy.
Brush away loose dirt.
Use a suede eraser on light scuffs.
Lightly dampen the exterior with a clean sponge.
Apply a small amount of UGG Cleaner & Conditioner to the damp sponge.
Clean gently.
Remove residue with the sponge.
Stuff the boots with clean paper.
Let them air-dry naturally for approximately 24 hours.
Brush the dry suede in one direction.
Apply UGG Protector if desired.
Let the protector dry for another 24 hours before wearing.

It’s a slow process—but very little of that time is hands-on work.

📋 UGG Cleaning Cheat Sheet

Problem	Best Starting Method
Dust	Suede brush
Dry mud	Let dry, then brush
Light scuff	Suede eraser
General dirt	UGG Cleaner & Conditioner
Water marks	Gentle overall cleaning
Salt stains	Brush, then suede/sheepskin cleaner
Oil/grease	Blot + specialty cleaner
Wet boots	Stuff + air-dry naturally
Flattened suede	Brush after drying
Interior odor	Air out + UGG Shoe Renew
Future stains	UGG Protector
Washing machine	Avoid
Clothes dryer	Avoid
Direct heater	Avoid
Essential oils	Avoid on suede

❌ Common UGG Cleaning Mistakes

Avoid:

Machine washing classic sheepskin UGGs
Putting UGGs in the dryer
Soaking the boots
Holding them beneath running water
Scrubbing wet mud
Using direct heat
Drying on a radiator
Using aggressive brushes
Applying dish soap without manufacturer guidance
Covering suede in baking soda
Using vinegar as a universal stain treatment
Applying essential oils
Spraying perfume over the sheepskin
Putting damp boots straight into storage
Wearing freshly protected boots before they’re dry

Suede responds much better to gentle treatment and time than aggressive cleaning.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean UGGs?

For classic suede UGGs, brush away dry dirt, lightly dampen the surface with a clean sponge, use a suede/sheepskin cleaner such as UGG Cleaner & Conditioner, air-dry naturally for approximately 24 hours, and brush again once dry.

Can you wash UGGs in a washing machine?

UGG says its delicate sheepskin and leather products should not be machine washed.

Can UGGs go in the dryer?

No. Let them dry naturally away from direct heat and sunlight.

How long do UGGs take to dry after cleaning?

UGG’s current care instructions call for approximately 24 hours of natural drying after using its Cleaner & Conditioner or Protector.

How do you clean water stains from UGGs?

Let the boot dry, brush it, and if needed clean the exterior gently and evenly using the UGG-approved suede/sheepskin cleaning method.

How do you clean salt stains?

Brush away dry residue first. For remaining stains, use a suede/sheepskin cleaner compatible with UGG footwear.

Can you use vinegar on UGGs?

I wouldn’t use vinegar as the default cleaning method. UGG provides dedicated cleaning instructions using its suede/sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner instead.

Can you use baking soda?

Avoid rubbing baking soda into the suede exterior. For odor inside the boots, UGG’s own Shoe Renew and regular airing are more straightforward options.

Can you use dish soap?

Dish soap isn’t part of UGG’s primary exterior care method for its classic suede boots. A suede/sheepskin cleaner is a safer choice.

How do you clean the inside?

Air boots regularly and use a footwear freshener compatible with sheepskin. UGG’s Shoe Renew is specifically designed for the interior of its Classic boots.

How do you make suede fluffy again?

Wait until the suede is completely dry, then brush lightly in one direction with a suede brush.

Are UGGs waterproof?

Not all UGGs are waterproof. Some styles have water-resistant treatments, while footwear specifically labeled Waterproof is designed for wetter conditions.

Should I spray new UGGs with protector?

A compatible protector can help reduce staining and light water exposure. Check whether your particular UGG style already has a post-applied treatment and follow UGG’s product instructions.

How often should you use protector?

Frequency depends on wear and weather. For frequently worn footwear, periodically renewing protection—roughly around every six months as a general rule of thumb—can be useful.

✨ Final Thoughts

UGG boots don’t need complicated homemade cleaning recipes.

They need gentle suede care and plenty of drying time.

For most classic UGGs, start by letting dirt or mud dry and brushing it away. Use a suede eraser for small scuffs. When deeper cleaning is needed, lightly dampen the exterior and use a cleaner designed for suede and sheepskin rather than soaking the boots in water or experimenting with strong household ingredients.

Then let them dry naturally.

No washing machine.

No clothes dryer.

No radiator.

No hair dryer.

Once the boots are completely dry, brush the suede to restore the nap.

And if you want to make future cleaning easier, apply a compatible suede protector to clean, dry footwear and allow it to cure fully before wearing the boots again.

UGGs may be more delicate than ordinary sneakers, but the care routine is simple once you know it: brush, clean gently, reshape, dry slowly, and protect.