Before you start scrubbing, double-check that yours are the real deal. Our tips are specifically for genuine sheepskin. To spot a fake, pull the lining away from the outside material. If they separate, they are synthetic knock-offs. Real Uggs have the fleece and outer skin bonded together as one piece.
Key Takeaways
- Prep properly: Always brush your boots with a suede brush to loosen dirt before applying any water or cleaner.
- Don’t soak them: Sheepskin hates excess water. Use a damp cloth and specialized suede cleaner rather than submerging the boots.
- Tackle odors: Clean the interiors with a mixture of baking soda and antifungal spray to kill bacteria caused by sweat.
- Prevention is key: Apply a water and stain repellent spray immediately after cleaning to protect the suede from future damage.
Why Do Uggs Smell So Bad?
Uggs are designed to be heaters for your toes. Because they use thick sheepskin to trap heat, your feet will naturally sweat. When that sweat mixes with darkness and moisture from the elements, it creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus (1). If you don’t air them out, that bacteria lingers and leads to that dreaded funky odor.
How to Clean Ugg Boots at Home
You do not need to pay a professional to revive your boots. With the right tools and a little patience, you can get them looking fresh right in your laundry room.
How to Clean the Outside of Your Ugg Boots
What You Need
- A suede brush
- Two clean sponges or microfiber cloths
- Suede cleaner
- Cool water
Instructions
- Dry brush first: Take your suede brush and gently sweep the entire exterior. Start at the top and work down to the toe. This lifts the nap and knocks off loose dirt.
- Dampen the boots: Dip a sponge into cool water and squeeze it out until it is just damp. Wipe the entire boot to moisten the surface evenly. Do not soak the shoes.
- Apply cleaner: Dilute your suede cleaner according to the bottle’s instructions. Dip your sponge in the solution and gently scrub the boots.
- Rinse: Rinse your sponge or grab a fresh damp cloth. Wipe away the soapy residue. Keep rinsing the cloth and wiping until the soap is gone.
- Shape them: Stuff the boots tightly with paper towels or newspaper. This helps them hold their shape while drying and absorbs internal moisture.
- Air dry: Let them dry for at least 24 hours in a cool, ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or heaters, as heat will shrink and warp the sheepskin (2).
- Restore the nap: Once fully dry, use the suede brush again to fluff up the material and restore that classic soft look.
Warning
How to Clean the Inside of Your Ugg Boots
What You Need
- Disinfectant (non-bleach) like Lysol
- Clean cloths
- Antifungal spray
- Baking soda
- A vacuum with hose attachment
Instructions
- Wipe down: Dampen a cloth with your disinfectant solution (diluted if necessary) and wipe the entire interior lining to kill surface bacteria.
- Treat fungus: If the smell is particularly bad, spray a cloth with antifungal spray and rub it deep into the toe box and heel areas.
- Dry time: Let the boots air dry for 24 hours.
- Deodorize: If a smell lingers, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda inside each boot. Shake it around to coat the bottom and let it sit overnight.
- Vacuum: Dump out the loose powder and use a vacuum hose to remove the rest.
FAQs on Cleaning Uggs
Can You Clean Uggs With Baking Soda?
Yes, baking soda is fantastic for absorbing odors in boots. It can also help lift oil stains from the suede exterior.
- Blot any wet oil stains with a paper towel.
- Cover the stain with a generous amount of baking soda.
- Let it sit overnight to absorb the grease.
- Brush the powder away with your suede brush in the morning.
Does White Vinegar Clean Uggs?
Absolutely. If you don’t have suede cleaner, distilled white vinegar is the best DIY alternative. It is gentle enough for sheepskin but tough on salt and dirt.
Mix equal parts cool water and white vinegar. Use this solution exactly as you would a commercial cleaner: dampen a cloth, wipe the boots gently, rinse with a clean damp cloth, and let dry.
Can You Put Ugg Boots in the Washing Machine?
No, never. It is tempting to throw your shoes in the washing machine, but Uggs are too delicate. Submerging them completely will loosen the glue, warp the soles, and ruin the soft texture of the sheepskin. Stick to hand cleaning only.
Top Tip
How Do You Clean Mud Off Uggs?
Patience is key here. Never try to wipe away wet mud, or you will smudge it deeper into the fibers. Let the mud dry completely until it is hard. Once dry, use your suede brush to vigorously flick the dirt away. If a stain remains, use your suede cleaner or vinegar solution to spot treat the area.
How Do You Clean Salt Off Uggs?
Winter salt lines can cause permanent damage if left too long.
- Mix one cup of water with one tablespoon of distilled white vinegar.
- Dip a cotton ball or cloth into the mix.
- Dab the salt stain gently; the vinegar dissolves the minerals.
- Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the vinegar.
- Stuff the boot and let it air dry away from heat.
Can You Use Dawn Dish Soap on Uggs?
For tough grease spots, yes. Place a tiny drop of clear dish soap (like Dawn) on a soft toothbrush or wet cloth. Gently dab the stain, but do not scrub aggressively. Rinse the spot with a damp cloth immediately. Always test this on a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t discolor the suede.
How Do You Clean Water Stains Off Uggs?
It sounds counterintuitive, but to fix a water spot, you often need to wet the whole shoe.
- Take a clean sponge dampened with cool water.
- Wet the exterior of the boot evenly (do not soak it) so the color is uniform.
- Rub the stained area gently against the surrounding suede to blend the texture.
- Stuff with paper and let air dry. This prevents “tide lines” from forming.
Can I Use Shampoo to Clean Uggs?
Generally, no. Most hair shampoos contain conditioning agents and chemicals that can leave a residue on suede or alter the color. However, some people have success using a very small amount of baby shampoo mixed with water because it is pH-balanced and gentle. If you must try it, test a tiny spot on the heel first. Suede-specific cleaners are always the safer bet.
How to Protect Your Ugg Boots
The best cleaning method is actually prevention. Uggs are an investment, so treat them like one. Here is how to keep them in mint condition for years:
- Invest in a kit: Buy the Ugg care kit or a generic suede kit. It usually comes with a specialized brush, cleaner, and eraser that can save your boots from disaster.
- Repel water: Before you even wear them outside, spray them with a stain and water repellent. Reapply this every few months, or any time you deep clean them.
- Watch the weather: Uggs are not snow boots. If the forecast calls for heavy slush, rain, or deep snow, leave the Uggs at home. Water is the enemy of sheepskin structure.
- Avoid heat: Never dry your boots near a radiator, fireplace, or space heater. Intense heat dries out the leather skin, causing it to crack and shrink.
- Store them stuffed: When summer hits, clean your boots thoroughly and let them dry. Stuff them with paper or upright boot shapers to prevent creases, and store them in a cool, dark place.
- Wear socks: We know the fur feels great, but wearing socks prevents your foot sweat and oils from soaking directly into the lining. This extends the life of the interior significantly.
Don’t Let Your Uggs Get Ugly
Ugg boots are a luxury item, and they deserve a little TLC. Whether you are dealing with winter salt, spring mud, or just general wear and tear, you can handle it. Tackle stains as soon as they happen so they don’t set in, and keep that suede brush handy.
With these simple steps, your favorite boots will stay soft, cozy, and clean season after season.
