Here’s a simple, UGG‑safe way to clean salt off your boots and keep them looking good all winter.

Quick Scoop

Salt stains are those crusty white lines or patches that show up after you’ve walked through slush or salted sidewalks. The goal is to dissolve the salt gently, even out the water marks, and let the suede or sheepskin dry slowly so it doesn’t get stiff or patchy.

Before You Start

  • Check that your boots are real UGGs (suede or sheepskin) and not smooth leather; this method is for suede‑type finishes.
  • Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush or clean dry cloth so you’re not grinding grime into the fabric.
  • Work in good light so you can see where the salt actually is.

Step‑by‑Step: Classic Vinegar Method

This is the most commonly recommended home method for salt on suede and UGG‑style boots.

  1. Mix your solution
    • Combine equal parts white vinegar and water (for example, 1:1 in a small bowl or cup).
  1. Test a hidden spot
    • Lightly dab the mix on a small area inside the shaft or heel to make sure there’s no weird discoloration.
  1. Dab the salt stains
    • Use a clean white cloth (so no dye transfers) and dip it in the vinegar mix.
 * Gently dab or lightly rub only over the salt lines and spots to dissolve them. Don’t soak the boots.
  1. Even out the moisture
    • Lightly dampen a sponge or cloth with plain water and go over the rest of the boot so the whole surface is evenly slightly damp, not just where the stain was.
 * This helps prevent tide marks and new water rings.
  1. Blot and shape
    • Blot away extra moisture with a dry towel.
 * Stuff your UGGs with tissue, paper towels, or clean paper to help them keep their shape while drying.
  1. Air dry only
    • Let them dry at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters, or direct sun (heat can make suede stiff or cause cracking).
  1. Restore the nap
    • Once dry, gently brush the suede with a suede brush or a soft clean brush to bring back that velvety texture.

If You’re Worried About Vinegar

Some guides caution that vinegar can slightly change color on very delicate or dyed suede. If you’re nervous even after a patch test:

  • Mix a few drops of mild liquid dish soap into a small bowl of lukewarm water instead of vinegar.
  • Lightly dampen a clean cloth, gently wipe the salty area, then follow the same blot‑and‑air‑dry steps as above.

You might need to repeat a light cleaning more than once rather than doing one intense scrub.

Extra Care: Smell, Protection, and Storage

  • To reduce odor, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the boots, leave overnight, then dump or vacuum it out the next day.
  • After they’re clean and dry, use a suede or UGG‑specific protector spray to help repel future salt and water stains.
  • Never store UGGs while they’re even slightly damp; let them dry a full day and keep them stuffed so they don’t slump or crease.

Forum‑Style Tip Roundup

“Mix 50/50 white vinegar and water, dab the salt lines, then blot and let them air dry—my UGGs looked new again.”

“If you’re nervous about vinegar on suede, a drop of dish soap in water and a gentle wipe can still clear salt haze.”

People also share that newer protector sprays and official cleaning kits from UGG or shoe stores make it easier to prevent stains in the first place, especially during heavy salt season.

TL;DR: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dab the salt stains with a white cloth, gently even out the dampness, blot, stuff, and air‑dry away from heat, then brush the nap back once dry.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.