How to clean UGGs at home can be done by brushing off dry dirt lightly dampen the whole boot with cold water clean gently with a suede safe cleaner then rinse and air dry away from heat. Never put them in the washing machine or the dryer.
The key rule most people break is wetting only one spot. That leaves a water ring. You dampen the entire surface evenly instead.
Here is the full method plus fixes for salt stains and odor.
What You Will Need
Keep it simple. You likely have most of this.
- A suede brush or a clean soft toothbrush
- Cold water in a bowl
- A suede and sheepskin cleaner or a tiny bit of mild soap
- A clean sponge or soft cloth
- White paper towels for blotting
- Clean white paper to stuff the boots
- Optional white vinegar for tough stains
Avoid colored cloths and colored paper. Dye can transfer onto damp suede.
The Golden Rules
Read these before you start. They save a lot of regret.
- Never machine wash. It ruins the shape and the glue.
- Never use hot water. It stiffens the suede.
- Never dry near heat. Radiators and dryers cause shrinking and cracking.
- Never soak them. Damp is the goal not wet.
- Always dampen the whole boot to avoid water marks.
How to Clean UGGs at Home Step by Step
Follow this order for a general clean.
- Remove the insoles if they come out and let them air separately.
- Brush off dry dirt with a suede brush moving in one direction.
- Dampen the entire outside lightly with cold water and a sponge. Do not soak.
- Apply a little cleaner to the sponge not straight onto the boot.
- Clean gently in one direction across the whole surface.
- Rinse the sponge and wipe away any leftover cleaner.
- Blot with paper towels to lift moisture.
- Stuff with white paper to hold the shape.
- Air dry at room temperature away from sun and heat for 24 to 48 hours.
- Brush the nap once fully dry to restore the soft texture.
That final brushing step matters. It is what brings back the fuzzy look.
Fixing Specific Problems
Different marks need different handling.
| Problem | What to do |
| Salt stains | Wipe with a mix of equal water and white vinegar then rinse and dry |
| Oil or grease | Sprinkle cornstarch leave overnight then brush off |
| Mud | Let it dry fully then brush off before any wet cleaning |
| General odor | Sprinkle baking soda inside overnight then shake out |
| Flattened nap | Brush with a suede brush after drying |
Never rub wet mud. You push it deeper into the fibers. Let it dry first.
Dealing With Odor
Sheepskin holds smell. Baking soda is the easy fix.
Sprinkle a couple of spoonfuls inside each boot. Leave overnight. Shake it out in the morning and vacuum any residue.
For stubborn odor mix baking soda with a little cornstarch. Repeat a few nights in a row.
How to Keep Them Looking New
Prevention beats cleaning. These habits help a lot.
- Spray with a suede protector before the first wear
- Reapply the protector every few months
- Brush them weekly to lift dirt before it settles
- Avoid deep snow and heavy rain when you can
- Store them stuffed with paper in a cool dry place
- Rotate with another pair so they get time to dry out
The protector spray is the single best investment. It makes future cleaning far easier.
Mistakes That Ruin UGGs
Avoid these completely.
- Washing machine. It breaks down the glue and warps the shape.
- Tumble dryer or radiator. Causes shrinking and cracking.
- Regular detergent. Too harsh for sheepskin.
- Scrubbing hard. Damages the nap permanently.
- Direct sunlight drying. Fades and stiffens the suede.
- Wearing them while damp. They stretch out of shape.
If your boots are already stiff from heat damage the texture rarely comes back fully.
How Often to Clean Your UGGs
You do not need to deep clean them constantly. Too much washing wears the suede.
- Brush them weekly to lift dirt before it sets
- Spot clean small marks as they happen
- Deep clean only every few weeks in winter
- Refresh the inside with baking soda when needed
Regular light care beats occasional heavy scrubbing. It keeps the suede in better shape.
Drying Them the Right Way
Drying is where many UGGs get ruined. Heat is the enemy.
- Blot excess water with a towel first.
- Stuff them with white paper to hold their shape.
- Stand them upright in a cool airy spot.
- Keep them away from radiators sun and dryers.
- Wait 24 to 48 hours until fully dry.
- Brush the nap once dry to bring back the soft look.
Rushing the dry with heat causes shrinking and cracking. Patience protects the boot.
Protecting Them for Winter
A little prep at the start of the season saves a lot of cleaning later.
- Apply a suede and sheepskin protector before the first wear
- Reapply every few months through winter
- Avoid deep snow and puddles when you can
- Keep a second pair so each gets time to dry out
- Store them stuffed in a cool dry place over summer
The protector spray repels water and stains. It is the single best habit for keeping UGGs looking new.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash UGGs in the washing machine?
No. The machine ruins the shape damages the glue and can permanently stiffen the suede. Clean them by hand with cold water and a suede safe cleaner instead.
How do you clean UGG boots at home without a special cleaner?
Use cold water and a tiny amount of mild soap on a sponge. Dampen the whole boot evenly clean gently in one direction then rinse blot and air dry. A water and white vinegar mix works on salt stains.
How long do UGGs take to dry?
Usually 24 to 48 hours at room temperature. Stuff them with white paper to hold their shape and keep them away from radiators sunlight and dryers.
How do I get the smell out of UGGs?
Sprinkle baking soda inside leave it overnight then shake it out. Repeat a few nights for stubborn odor. Letting them air out fully between wears also helps.
Final Tip Before You Start
Cleaning UGGs comes down to two habits. Dampen the whole boot not one spot and dry them slowly away from any heat.
Your next step is easy. Before your next wear give them a quick brush and a coat of suede protector. Five minutes now saves a full cleaning session later.
