Nothing ruins cozy winter vibes faster than stained UGG boots. Whether you’ve spilled coffee on your favorite chestnut pair or tracked salt across your new gray ones, those beloved sheepskin boots need special care. The good news? You can restore them to their fluffy glory without expensive dry cleaning or professional services.
This guide walks you through the exact process to clean UGG boots at home using UGG-approved methods. You’ll learn which products actually work (and which ones to avoid), step-by-step techniques for different materials, and expert tips to prevent future stains. By the end, your boots will look refreshed and feel as soft as the day you bought them.
Essential Supplies for UGG Cleaning
Required Products Only
Before attempting to clean your UGGs, gather these specific items that won’t damage your investment. You’ll need UGG Water and Stain Repellent for pre-treatment, UGG Sheepskin Cleaner and Conditioner for deep cleaning, a clean very soft damp rag for spot cleaning, a clean wet sponge for applying cleaner, plain paper (not newspaper) for stuffing during drying, and a suede brush with soft bristles for restoring the nap.
Where to Find These Items
You can purchase these specialized products directly from UGG retailers, department stores with UGG sections, or trusted online marketplaces. While it might be tempting to use household cleaners you already own, resist the urge—generic suede cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that strip the natural oils from sheepskin. The UGG-branded products are specifically formulated for the unique tanning process used in authentic UGG boots, ensuring they maintain their softness and appearance after cleaning.
Pre-Treat New Boots Before First Wear
Apply Water and Stain Repellent
Take your brand-new UGGs to a well-ventilated area—your garage, porch, or near an open window works perfectly. Hold the repellent bottle exactly six inches from the boot surface to avoid over-saturation. Spray in steady, sweeping motions until the entire surface appears evenly dampened, but never create puddles or oversaturated areas. This protective barrier repels water and stains before they can penetrate the delicate fibers, making future cleaning much easier.
Complete Drying Protocol
Let treated boots air-dry for a full 24 hours in a cool, dry spot away from radiators, heating vents, or direct sunlight. Heat sources can permanently shrink or harden the sheepskin, ruining both comfort and appearance. After drying, use the soft side of your suede brush to restore the nap by brushing in one consistent direction—this creates that signature fluffy texture that makes UGGs so desirable. Skipping this pre-treatment step leaves your boots vulnerable to immediate staining from everyday winter elements.
Deep Cleaning Sheepskin UGG Boots
Hand Wash Only Method
Never wash UGG boots in a washing machine or submerge them completely. The agitation and heat will destroy the delicate sheepskin fibers, causing irreversible shrinkage and hardening. Instead, use this gentle hand-washing technique that professionals recommend for maintaining your boots’ integrity while effectively removing dirt and stains.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
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Wet the Surface: Moisten the entire boot exterior with clean, cold water using your hands to distribute water evenly—avoid soaking the inside where your foot goes. This pre-wetting helps lift surface dirt before applying cleaner.
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Apply Cleaner: Dab a dime-sized amount of UGG Sheepskin Cleaner onto a clean, wet sponge. Work it into a light lather before applying to the boot surface. Using too much cleaner can leave residue that’s difficult to rinse completely.
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Gentle Scrubbing: Using minimal pressure—think of washing a baby’s face—clean the entire boot surface in small circular motions. Focus on stained areas but maintain consistent pressure across the entire boot to avoid creating visible cleaning patterns.
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Rinse Thoroughly: Hold boots under running cold water until all soap residue disappears. Squeeze gently to check—water should run clear with no hint of soap. Residual cleaner left in the fibers can attract more dirt over time.
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Maintain Shape: Stuff boots loosely with plain white paper (not newspaper—the ink can transfer) to preserve their structure during drying. Avoid overstuffing, which can stretch the boots out of shape.
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Natural Drying: Place stuffed boots in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources. Allow 24-48 hours for complete drying depending on humidity levels. Resist the temptation to speed up drying with heaters or hair dryers.
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Restore Nap: Once completely dry, brush the entire surface with your suede brush using single-direction strokes. This revives the soft, fluffy texture and ensures your boots look professionally cleaned rather than water-damaged.
Clean Fancy Suede and Leather Styles
Fancy Sheepskin and Suede Care
Premium UGG styles with fancy finishes require even more delicate handling. For these specialty materials, use only a clean, very soft, damp rag to lightly blot or wipe the surface—never scrub. Work in small sections, using the cleanest part of the rag as you progress. Aggressive rubbing can permanently alter the texture or cause color transfer, creating more problems than the original stain.
Standard Leather UGG Cleaning
While UGG doesn’t manufacture specific leather cleaners, you can safely use any quality leather or nubuck cleaning product designed for fine footwear. Apply the cleaner sparingly with a soft cloth, working it into the leather with gentle circular motions. After cleaning, always follow with a leather conditioner to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. Unlike sheepskin models, leather UGGs can typically withstand slightly more robust cleaning methods, but always test products on a small inconspicuous area first.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Never Do These
Many UGG owners unknowingly destroy their boots through well-intentioned but incorrect cleaning methods. Machine washing causes irreversible shrinkage and fiber damage due to agitation and heat. Direct heat from radiators or hair dryers cracks and hardens sheepskin beyond repair. Harsh chemicals like vinegar, baking soda, or household cleaners strip natural oils and dyes. Aggressive scrubbing creates bald patches or tears in the delicate material. Air-drying without stuffing leads to misshapen boots that lose their structural integrity.
Quick Stain Response
For fresh spills, immediate action makes all the difference. Blot (never rub) immediately with a clean, dry cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading. For liquid spills, absorb as much as possible before the liquid penetrates deeply. Let the spot air-dry completely before assessing if deeper cleaning is needed—many minor stains disappear as the boot dries naturally.
When Stains Won’t Budge
Realistic Expectations
Sheepskin, like any natural material, has limitations. Some stains—especially oil-based ones like makeup or food grease—may permanently alter the boot’s appearance despite your best efforts. Prevention through regular repellent application proves far more effective than attempting to remove set-in stains. Accept that UGGs are naturally stain-prone and embrace their lived-in character as part of their charm.
Professional Help Indicators
Consider professional cleaning when boots have extensive staining across multiple areas, large grease marks that haven’t responded to home treatment, or when you’ve attempted home cleaning without success. The cost of professional service (typically $30-$50) often justifies itself by extending your boots’ lifespan significantly—especially for higher-end UGG styles.
Maintain Your Clean UGGs
Weekly Care Routine
Brush your boots weekly with the suede brush to prevent matting and maintain the fluffy appearance. This 30-second ritual after each wearing prevents the flattened, worn look that develops when fibers get pressed down repeatedly. Always brush in one direction only to maintain consistency in the nap, and never attempt to brush out fresh stains—wait until the area is completely dry.
Monthly Protection
Reapply the UGG Water and Stain Repellent monthly during winter months when you’re wearing boots most frequently. This creates a fresh protective barrier against salt, slush, and everyday spills that accumulate throughout the season. Apply repellent to completely clean, dry boots in the same manner as the initial treatment—six inches away, even coverage, full 24-hour drying time.
Off-Season Storage
Clean and thoroughly dry boots before summer storage to prevent mildew growth during months of inactivity. Stuff with acid-free paper to maintain shape, then store in a breathable cotton bag (never plastic) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Check on stored boots periodically to ensure no moisture has accumulated, as even small amounts can cause permanent damage over time.
Clean UGG boots at home successfully by treating them like the fine sheepskin garments they are. Use only UGG-approved products, embrace gentle techniques, and respect the natural drying process. Your investment in proper cleaning supplies and time pays dividends through extended boot life and maintained appearance. Remember: gentle, patient care beats aggressive scrubbing every time—your UGGs will thank you with years of cozy comfort.
