Caring for Your Uggs: Cleaning, Maintenance, and Storage Tips

UGG boots have always been effortlessly chic and cozy. But you've probably felt disheartened at how easily you can see scuff marks or liquid or dirt stains on them. Every UGG enthusiast grapples with the challenge of keeping their beloved sheepskin boots clean and looking brand new.

Since their rise to popularity, UGGs have become a staple in many wardrobes, celebrated for their comfort and style. However, with great fashion comes great responsibility. Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your UGGs, yet many wearers are left in the dark about the best practices needed to preserve their investment.

Whether you’ve just purchased your first pair or are a longtime fan of these iconic boots, understanding the right methods for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your UGGs is essential for enhancing their longevity and aesthetic appeal. In today's blog post, we will explore the key tips and tricks that will help you keep your UGGs looking fabulous and feeling just as good, ensuring they remain a cherished part of your footwear collection for years to come.

The UGG Basics

UGGs are a popular style of boots first invented in Austrialia and renowned for their comfort and warmth, often crafted from twin-faced sheepskin with fleece on the inside, a tanned outer surface, and a synthetic sole.

You might already appreciate their snug feel, but understanding the materials—primarily sheepskin and suede—can guide your care strategies.

Sheepskin is incredibly durable and insulating, yet it demands thoughtful handling to maintain its luxe texture and insulating properties.
Similarly, the suede exterior, while stylish, requires specific attention to preserve its softness and color depth.

Innovatively, these materials combine to offer you a boot that's not only fashionable but also functional, adapting to various climates and settings.

Tips on How to First Prevent Stains

If there's one constant piece of advice for suede shoes, is that you should avoid getting them stained or dirty in the first place.

Easier said than done, we know, but there are a couple of actions you can take to prevent at least minor stains or mud stains from getting out of hand.

Use Stain Repellent: Start by treating them with a water and stain repellent before their first use. This proactive measure sets a defensive layer, drastically reducing the chances that dirt, water, or spills will mar your stylish boots.
Look for Sheepskin or Suede Repellents: When selecting a repellent, opt for a formula specifically designed for sheepskin or suede to guarantee compatibility and effectiveness.
Cover Entire Boot and Shoe: Apply the solution evenly, covering every inch of the surface but without saturating the material. Let them dry completely in a cool, shaded area to avoid any moisture-related issues.

It's all about minimizing your future cleaning process!

All The Ways to Clean UGG Boots, Slippers, and other Sheepskin Shoes

Now that you know how to prevent stains on your UGGs, let's explore how you can clean them, whether they're boots, slippers, or other sheepskin shoes. We'll go over first on some of the items and materials to get started for removing moderate stains, mud, grease, dirt, and other contaminants on your shoes.

And, cover how to tackle tackle tougher stains like water marks, salt, and grease to keep your sheepskin footwear looking great.

What You'll Need to Clean UGG Sheepskin Boots and Shoes

Maintaining your UGG sheepskin boots and shoes requires a few essential tools and materials to guarantee they stay in top condition.

Suede Brush: For removing dirt and restoring the texture of the suede.
Suede Eraser or White Rubber Eraser: Useful for scuffs, shiny stains, and light marks.
Soft Sponge: For applying cleaner and water gently to the surface.
Clean, Soft Cloths: For blotting stains and wiping away cleaner or moisture.
UGG Cleaner or Suede and Sheepskin Cleaner: It's a cleaning solution formulated for UGGs, these cleaners are gentle enough for the material.
White Chalk: We won't spoil why you will need this later on, but trust us, it can come in handy.
White Vinegar: A natural solution for salt stains, water stains, and tough marks (use diluted with water).
Baking Soda: For deodorizing the interior of the boots.
Cornstarch or Baby Powder: Absorbs oil and grease stains effectively.
Paper Towels: For blotting and removing excess moisture or oil before cleaning.

You'll find these tools not only preserve the luxurious look and feel of your UGGs but also extend their life, keeping them fresh and ready for your next adventure.

How to Clean Mud, Dirt, and Dust

Dealing with mud, dirt, and dust on your UGG boots, slippers, and other sheepskin shoes doesn't have to be an intimidating task.

First, let the mud dry completely—resist the urge to clean it off while it's still wet. Once dry, use a suede brush to gently brush away the dirt and dust. This pre-cleaning step guarantees you're not rubbing these particles deeper into the sheepskin during the wet cleaning process.

For a deeper clean, make a mild solution using water and a specialized sheepskin cleaner.

Apply this solution with a clean, damp sponge, gently working it into the sheepskin. Avoid soaking the boots to prevent potential water stains or soap stains. Rinse lightly with a damp sponge, and then let them air dry.

There are plenty of premade suede cleaners our there made specifically for fuzzy suede boots that can work with mud and other stains, but we recommend sticking to the offiical UGG suede cleaners or doing the above solutions at home.

Getting Water Stains Off

If you've noticed water stains marwring your beloved UGG boots or slippers, don't worry—there are several effective methods to remove them.

Cold Splash: Start by lightly dampening the entire surface of your sheepskin shoes with cold water. This uniform wetness helps avoid further spotting.
Suck Excess Water Out: Gently blot out the excess water with a soft, clean cloth, ensuring you don't soak the material.
Air Dry Only: Let them air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight. Once dry, use a suede brush to softly restore the nap.

If stains persist, there are two creative ways to make sure those stains go out.

White chalk: That's right, plain old white chalk can get water stains out. Leave it on the boots overnight and let the chalk soak up most, if not all the water. Then use your suede brush to clean them.
Vinegar and Water: Consider applying a mixture of water and vinegar to the stained area, repeating the blot and dry process. This innovative approach helps maintain the integrity and appearance of your UGGs.

Cleaning Salt from Shoes

The issue of salt stains might be confined to only places where it snows, but it's still something thousands of UGG wearers struggle with. When winter roads leave salt stains on your UGG boots, slippers, or other sheepskin shoes, it's essential to act quickly to prevent permanent damage.

Scrub Away: Start by gently brushing off as much dry salt as possible using a soft suede brush. This preserves the delicate sheepskin lining and exterior while giving a good fight against those stubborn stains.
Put Cleaning Solution on Salt Stains: Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, which acts as a natural cleaning agent for your pair. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with the mixture and lightly dab the stained areas. Avoid soaking the material; just a light touch will do.
Stuff Boots: After cleaning, stuff your boots or slippers with paper to maintain their shape and allow them to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Cleaning Grease Stains

Although grease stains can be particularly stubborn, don't worry; there are effective methods to clean your UGG boots, slippers, and other sheepskin shoes.

Dab Lightly: Start by lightly dabbing the grease spot with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much oil as possible. Avoid rubbing as this can spread the stain.
Powder Them: Next, sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch, baking soda, or baby powder over the affected area and let it sit overnight. This absorbs the grease right out of the sheepskin.
Brush it Off: The next day, gently brush off the powder with a suede brush, focusing on lifting the grease residue without damaging the material.

For any remaining spot, apply a specialized suede cleaner using a soft sponge, using circular motions to lift the grease.

Other Stains, Like Coffee and Drinks

Many UGG owners find themselves tackling tough stains like coffee or other drinks at some point.

When you're faced with these stubborn spots, don't toss your beloved boots into the washing machine; it's too harsh. Instead, follow this innovative step guide.

Dab Again: First, lightly dab the stain with a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Mix: Mix a solution of cold water and specialized UGG cleaner.
Apply Directly to the Stain: Apply gently using a sponge, working in a circular motion to lift the stain without saturating the sheepskin.
Pat it Dry: Once treated, pat the area with a dry cloth and let air dry away from direct heat.

This method guarantees your UGGs remain pristine, enhancing their longevity and appearance.

How to Best Dry Wet UGGs

If your UGGs are just wet or humid from water or after cleaning, here's how to dry them.

Stuff Them: Start by stuffing the sheepskin boots with paper towels, guaranteeing it's snug but not overly packed, which can distort the shape. This step absorbs the moisture from inside and helps speed up the drying process.
Air Dry: Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or blow dryers, as they can damage the delicate sheepskin. Instead, let your UGGs air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Put Fresh Paper: Rotating the paper every few hours will maximize absorption and help prevent any unpleasant odors or mildew from developing. This method guarantees your UGGs dry evenly and maintain their plush feel.

Cleaning the Interior Fur and Removing Odors from UGGs

With UGGs, it's not just the sheepskin exterior you should be concerned about. Cleaning the interior fur of your UGG boots, slippers, or other sheepskin shoes also requires a gentle touch to maintain their cozy feel and pristine condition.

Full with Baking Soda: Baking soda is great for getting rid of nasty odors, and the interior of your boot will also require it. Sprinkle it generously indide your boots or slippers and let them sit overnight.
Suck it Out: You can brush out the baking soda, although it's easier to just suck it out with a vaccum. Be careful, as you don't want to damage the interior either.

This method not only refreshes but also helps in maintaining the softness and durability of the interior, assuring your UGGs remain comfortable and fresh.

What if they smell on the outside? Same thing.

Start by sprinkling baking soda inside your boots and let it sit overnight. This natural deodorizer absorbs both moisture and odors, leaving your UGGs smelling fresher.

In the morning, just vacuum out the baking soda. For a deeper cleanse, mist the insides with a mixture of white vinegar and water. The vinegar's antibacterial properties will tackle those stubborn scents without harming the material.

Allow your boots to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area before wearing them again. You'll find that these simple steps can greatly refresh your UGGs, making them ready for your next outing.

Can You Clean UGGs in the Washing Machine?

You might be thinking after reading all of these techniques that it might just be easier to put them in the washing machine and be done with it.

Technically, you can indeed do that. The official UGGs website does state that you can put them in the washing machine, albeit in a very specific way:

Use a Mesh Washing Bag: Putting your UGG boots or slippers in a mesh washing bag is recommended as it offers some protection from the harshness of the washing cycle.
Use Odorless and Colorless Detergent: Use very mild washing detergent for your boots in the washing machine, making sure it's a clear detergent that will not tinge your beige suede upper or fur interior.
Set Cycle to Delicate: Be very careful with your washing machine's settings. Make sure it's on delicate and cold wash to avoid any damage to your footwear.
Air Dry Only, Not Dryer: Let them dry overnight or until they're fully dry. Don't put them in the dryer!

So, while you can clean UGGs with a washing machine, it can be a risky process unless done correctly. The other methods might be a bit more labor intensive but there's a lower chance you will damage them in any permanent way.

Best Ways to Store Your UGGs

Storing your UGGs properly is crucial to maintaining their shape and longevity.

Keep Their Shape: You'll want to avoid just tossing them in the closet where they can get squished or misshapen. Instead, invest in a pair of boot shapers. They slip right into your UGGs, keeping them upright and in perfect form. Alternatively, you can stuff them with acid-free tissue paper, which not only holds the shape but also absorbs any residual moisture.
Cool and Dry: When it comes to placement, keep your UGGs in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and leather damage.
Bag Them: Consider a fabric shoe bag for each pair to protect against dust and scratches. This approach guarantees your comfy classics are ready and looking great for your next outing.

Lucky Feet Shoes Sells UGGs and Can Tell You How to Best Take Care of Them

Now that you know how to care for your UGGs, it's up to you to keep them looking great.

Visit Lucky Feet Shoes to find a selection of UGGs and receive expert advice on how to maintain them.

Here, they don't just sell you footwear; they guarantee you're equipped with the latest methods to keep your UGGs looking fresh.

You'll discover innovative care techniques that go beyond traditional cleaning.

They'll show you how to use cutting-edge products and tools that protect your shoes from water and stains while maintaining the softness and comfort you love.

Don't just wear your UGGs; let Lucky Feet Shoes teach you how to preserve their newness with smart, sustainable practices that stand the test of time.

Step into the future of footwear care with their guidance.