Winter is here! UGG boots are so inviting because UGG’s sheepskin lining keeps feet cozy and warm at all times. It’s just too comfortable!
While these shoes may be durable, their sheepskin outer layer is still susceptible to grease, water, salt, and mud stains (the list goes on and on!).
But don’t worry. We’ve compiled the appropriate solutions for you and will show you step-by-step how to clean UGGs simply and effectively! Without further ado, let’s get started!
How to Clean Water Stains on UGGs
Stepping in a pond, spilling a drink, or getting wet while wearing UGG boots can ruin the look of your UGG boots. You might think that soaking them in water is all it takes. But this is a big no-no. So, how to clean UGGs?
What You’ll Need:
- A suede brush or a soft-bristled brush
- Clean, damp cloth or sponge
- White vinegar (optional for tougher stains)
- Paper towels or a towel for stuffing
- A clean, dry sponge (if using vinegar)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare Your UGGs.
Brush off any surface dirt or debris with a suede brush or soft-bristled brush. Ensure the boots are completely dry before trying to remove the water stains.
Step 2: Stuff the Boots.
Put paper towels or a towel inside your UGGs to help them keep their shape and soak up water from the inside out while you work on the stains.
Step 3: Even Out the Wetness.
Lightly wet the entire outer surface of the boots with a clean, damp cloth or sponge to prevent water lines. The goal is to moisten the material without saturating it.
Step 4: Tackle the Stains.
For the water stains, gently blot with the damp cloth or sponge until the stains blend with the rest of the dampened boot. If the stains persist, use a small amount of white vinegar on a clean sponge to gently dab at the stains.
Step 5: Let Them Dry.
Put your boots somewhere open and airy, away from direct sunlight and heat, to dry naturally. It might take a day or so. Never put your boots near direct heat if you want to dry them. This can damage them and make them shrink.
Step 6: Restore the Nap.
After the boots have dried completely, take the suede brush and gently brush the boots to restore the nap (the soft, fuzzy texture) and lift any matting caused by the water.
How to Clean Salt Stains on UGGs
If you’re walking in the snow, you have to worry about not only water stains but salt stains as well. White salt stains will be more noticeable if your UGGs are dark brown or black. As soon as possible is best for getting rid of these stains.
What You’ll Need:
- Mild dishwashing soap
- Clean, soft toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- White vinegar
- Clean water
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Scrub with a toothbrush.
Brush the boot with a soft toothbrush to remove any salt or dirt on the surface.
Step 2: Use soap on a cloth.
Mix a drop of soap into a few cups of cold water, then dip the cloth in it and try it on an unnoticed area of the boot to make sure it doesn’t change color.
Step 3: Get rid of the salt stains and blot.
Once you’re sure there’s no damage, rub the salt stains with the cloth. Scrubbing will damage the material, so don’t do it. Use clean water to wipe off the soap.
Step 4: Allow boots to dry.
Dry the boots in the air, then use the soft toothbrush to restore the fabric.
How to Clean Grease Stains on UGGs
With the right method, you can still get grease stains out of your UGGs, though it might be a little harder than water stains and salt stains.
What You’ll Need:
- White chalk or cornstarch
- A suede brush or a clean brush
- A clean, damp cloth
- UGG cleaner and conditioner or a gentle detergent (optional)
- Paper towels or a rolled-up towel (for stuffing)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Blot the Excess.
You should use a dry, clean cloth or paper towel to get rid of as much grease as you can from a new grease spot. Don’t rub because that can make the stain spread.
Step 2: Apply Absorbent.
Crush white chalk into a fine powder or use cornstarch and sprinkle it generously over the grease stain. The powder will help absorb the grease from the sheepskin. Let it sit on the stain for a few hours or overnight.
Step 3: Brush Off Powder.
Remove the chalk or cornstarch on the boot with a suede brush. Some of the grease should also come off this way.
Step 4: Clean the Area.
If the grease mark is still there, use a clean, wet cloth to lightly dampen the area and a small amount of UGG cleaner and conditioner or a mild detergent. Move it around in a circle as you work it into the spot.
Step 5: Rinse.
If you use soap to clean, wet another clean cloth with water and gently wipe the area to get rid of any soapy residue.
Step 6: Dry the Boots.
Place paper towels or a towel inside your boots to help them keep their shape. Let them dry in a room with good airflow, away from direct sunlight and heat. Let them dry all the way through.
Step 7: Brush and Restore
Using the suede brush, bring back the wool nap once the boots are dry.
How to Clean Dirt/Mud on UGGs
If you accidentally step into a puddle, it turns out to be muddier than expected. Don’t worry—it’s easy to get dirt/mud off your UGGs.
What You’ll Need:
- Suede brush
- Soft sponge
- Pencil eraser
- Water
- Suede cleaner
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Let the mud dry.
Make cleaning easier by letting any mud that is still wet dry out fully.
Step 2: Brush out as much as possible.
Remove any dirt that is still on the surface with the suede brush. Brush only in one way to keep the nap in good shape.
Step 3: Use pencil erasers to remove tough stains.
You can use the eraser to get rid of any sticky or shiny stains.
Step 4: Wet stained area.
You can loosen the nap by dabbing or blotting all the damaged areas with water.
Step 5: Apply suede cleaner.
Put some cleaner on your sponge, then dip it in water and rub the spot in a circle.
Step 6: Allow to air dry.
You should let your shoes air dry so they keep their look, no matter how big or small the stain is.
How To Clean Inside Your Uggs
How to clean UGGs? Now that we’ve learned how to deal with the outside, it’s time to deal with the inside of your UGGts. No matter if you usually wear socks or not, sweat can make the inside of your shoes sticky, which is a great place for bacteria to grow. So cleaning the inside of your UGG boots is very important to keep them fresh and odor-free.
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar (optional)
- A vacuum with an upholstery attachment (optional)
- A clean, damp cloth
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Deodorize with Baking Soda.
Cover each boot with a lot of baking soda. To make it smell even better, you can add some drops of tea tree or lavender oil. Let the baking soda sit overnight to soak up smells and water.
Step 2: Vacuum Out the Baking Soda.
The next day, shake off the extra baking soda and then use an upholstery tool on your vacuum to get rid of the rest of the powder inside the boots. Is there no vacuum? Flip the boots over and give them a good shake. Then, use a clean and dry cloth to wipe off any dirt.
Step 3: Spot Clean Stains.
If you can see stains or dirt inside the boots, you can use a small amount of UGG Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner to clean them as directed on the bottle. Scrub the spot gently with a clean, damp cloth after putting a small amount on it. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, being careful not to soak the inside too much.
Step 4: Air Out the Boots.
As always, letting your UGGs air dry is the best way to keep their soft feel.
Tips to Keep Your Uggs Looking Their Best
Taking good care of your UGG boots is important, so they always look their best.
- Protect Them: Apply a suede and sheepskin protector spray before first use and periodically after cleaning.
- Avoid Water: Try not to wear your UGGs in wet weather. If they get wet, let them dry naturally, away from heat.
- Store Properly: Keep your UGGs in a cool, dry place and stuff them with paper or boot shapers to maintain their shape.
- Clean Stains Quickly: Treat stains immediately with appropriate cleaning methods for the best results.
- Deodorize: Use baking soda to deodorize the inside of your boots occasionally.
- Brush Regularly: Use a suede brush to keep the nap of the sheepskin looking fresh.
- Rotate Footwear: Wear different shoes to give your UGGs a break and prevent excessive wear.
- Wear Socks: This helps to keep the inside of your boots clean.