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Uggs aren’t the cheapest shoes out there, so learning how to clean Ugg boots at home is a smart way to protect your investment. Luckily, it’s no more difficult than cleaning suede boots, and you can use a lot of the same tools and methods to do it!
To make it easier to clean your beloved sheepskin footwear after wearing them through snow, rain, and other elements, I’ve put together the handy Ugg cleaning guide you’ll find in this post. From tips for removing stains from Uggs to easy ways to keep odors at bay, you’ll find all the info you need to restore your favorite pair of sheepskin boots to their former glory below!
How To Clean Ugg Boots (& Other Sheepskin Footwear)
You’ll need:
- Suede brush and eraser*
- White vinegar
- Clean water
- Microfiber cloths (or other clean cloths)
*Suede brushes and scuff erasers are often sold together in kits — some suede brushes even have a scuff eraser attached to them! You might also consider Ugg’s branded care kit, which includes a brush, eraser, cleaner, protector, and deodorizer for $35.
Cleaning The Exterior
Use a suede brush to gently remove loose dirt and debris all over the surface of your shoes, then use the eraser on areas with scuff marks or ground-in dirt.
Next, wipe with outside of the shoes with a clean, damp cloth — just enough to dampen the surface without getting it wet. Combine 1/2 cup of cold water and 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar in a small dish, then dip a clean cloth in the solution and use it to gently blot any lingering stains. (“Gently” is the key here — vigorous rubbing can discolor the material.)
Finally, dampen a clean cloth with water and use it to wipe away the loosened dirt and vinegar residue. Stuff your boots with some towels or scrap paper to help keep their shape, and leave them to dry in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. (Don’t set them near a heat source, which may cause shrinkage or other damage.)
Once the sheepskin or suede exterior is clean, you may want to apply a conditioner to nourish the fabric and maintain its appearance and soft texture. There are a variety of suitable conditioners for suede, nubuck, and sheepskin available online, including an Ugg brand conditioner spray ($15). Apply the conditioner according to the instructions on the package.
Cleaning The Interior
If the interior of your boots only needs some freshening up, you can do it easily using the cornstarch and baking powder method below. If the interior is visibly dirty and could use a more thorough cleaning, I’d recommend the second method for removing tough stains and odors.
Bonus Tip: If your sheepskin insoles are in really rough shape, consider replacing them! You can get genuine sheepskin insole replacements for around $20.
Method #1: To Freshen & Deodorize
Put a couple of teaspoons of both cornstarch and baking soda in each boot or slipper you want to refresh, then use your hand to cover the top and give them a good shake. Leave the shoes alone for a few hours, then dump out and discard the powder. If desired, use a brush to fluff up the newly fresh and clean lining.
Why It Works:
Cornstarch and baking soda are both very absorbent, helping to eliminate odor-causing bacteria — the cause of stinky shoes — and the moisture it thrives on. Additionally, baking soda is alkaline enough that it helps to neutralize acidic odor sources. It’s easy, effective, and economical — my favorite combination!
Method #2: For A Deeper Clean
You’ll need:
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- Water
- Lysol disinfectant concentrate* or Lysol chlorine-free laundry sanitizer
- Baking soda
- Clean cloths
- Dish soap
*I use Lysol disinfectant concentrate in my homemade carpet cleaning solution, so I usually have it on hand, but you may have an easier time finding the laundry sanitizer.
Directions:
Start by removing the insoles (if present) and preparing your cleaning solution. (If using the Lysol concentrate, follow the directions on the bottle; if using the laundry sanitizer, just add a tablespoon or so to a couple of cups of water.) Dip a clean cloth in the prepared cleaning solution, then use the damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the shoes.
Next, stir 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap into 1 cup of water, then dip a clean cloth in the soap and water. Use it to give the sheepskin interior a gentle scrub, paying special attention to heavily soiled and stains. (If a cloth isn’t doing it for you, dip an old toothbrush in the soapy water and use it to scrub the stain.)
Dampen a clean cloth with water and use it to wipe down the sheepskin and remove any traces of soap or cleaning solution. Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb the excess water from the inside of your shoes, then let them dry naturally for 24 hours, away from sources of light or heat.
Tips For Treating Common Stains
- Greasy Stains: If you get a greasy stain on your boots, sprinkle chalk or talcum powder over the stain and let it sit overnight. Brush off the powder, and repeat if necessary.
- Water Stains: To remove water stains from sheepskin boots, try rubbing the exterior of the other boot against the stained area. As strange as it sounds, rubbing sheepskin against sheepskin can get rid of water spots!
- Ink Stains: Use hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to remove ink from your boots, then clean and brush the area to restore the nap.
BONUS: The 5 Don’ts Of Cleaning Uggs
- DON’T use Clorox, Clorox Wipes, or anything with chlorine on your sheepskin boots or slippers. It will make them brittle.
- DON’T wash your Uggs in the washing machine (and don’t put them in your dryer, either!)
- DON’T use leather conditioner on sheepskin footwear, which could ruin the nap. Conditioning products generally aren’t interchangeable.
- DON’T use your hair dryer (or any kind of heat, for that matter) to dry your UGGs — they may shrink! Instead, let them air dry away from direct sunlight.
- DON’T wear your Uggs without socks if you can help it. Socks can help keep the insides dry, which could help you avoid many of the issues caused by moisture!
Have you ever wondered how to clean UGGs?
