You can safely clean UGG boots at home, but they need gentle, all-over cleaning and slow drying so the suede and sheepskin do not get stiff or patchy.

Before you start

  • Check the label or UGG’s care page to confirm the material (classic sheepskin/suede vs leather vs fabric), because care products differ slightly.
  • Never put UGG boots in the washing machine or dryer, as this can shrink, harden, or warp the sheepskin.
  • If possible, use an official UGG care kit or a suede-specific cleaner and brush for the most predictable results.

Step‑by‑step basic cleaning

  1. Dry brush the boots
    • Let any mud fully dry first, then use a soft suede brush or clean toothbrush to gently brush off loose dirt in one direction.
 * Brushing one way helps keep the suede nap looking more **even** instead of patchy or scratched.
  1. Lightly dampen the surface
    • Use a clean sponge or cloth dampened with cold water and lightly moisten the entire outer surface, not just the stained spot.
 * Wetting only the stain can leave tide marks and rings once the boot dries.
  1. Clean with suede/sheepskin cleaner
    • Apply a small amount of UGG Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner (or another suede-safe cleaner) to a damp sponge, not directly to the boot.
 * Gently rub the solution over the whole boot in small circles, avoiding over‑soaking; sheepskin is delicate and can be damaged by aggressive scrubbing.
  1. Rinse and shape
    • Wipe the boots with a clean cloth dampened with cold water to remove leftover cleaner, again keeping the moisture even across the surface.
 * Lightly stuff the boots with paper towels or plain paper (not newspaper ink) to help them keep their **shape**.
  1. Air dry only
    • Let the boots dry naturally for at least 24 hours, away from direct heat, radiators, fireplaces, or strong sun.
 * Direct heat can cause shrinking, hardening, and color changes in the suede and lining.
  1. Brush to restore nap
    • Once fully dry, use a soft suede brush to lightly brush the boots in one direction to lift the nap and make them look fresh again.
 * Gentle brushing also helps blend any faint remaining marks into a more uniform finish.

Handling specific stains and smells

  • Water or rain marks
    • Re‑wet the entire boot lightly, then follow the full cleaning and drying steps so the water line blends out.
  • Salt stains (winter streets)
    • Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dab onto salt lines with a cloth, then wipe with plain water and blot dry before letting the boots air dry.
  • Grease and oil spots
    • Sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch over the stain and let it sit several hours or up to a couple of days, then gently brush or vacuum it off.
* For fresh splashes, blot first with a paper towel, then use baking soda overnight before brushing away the powder.
  • Odor inside the boots
    • Sprinkle baking soda inside, leave overnight, then shake or vacuum it out to reduce smells.
* UGG also sells a Shoe Renew or freshening spray designed for the interior that can be used after each wear once the lining is **dry**.

Protecting and maintaining UGGs

  • Use a protector spray
    • Before wearing new or freshly cleaned boots, spray them evenly with a water and stain repellent made for suede, holding the bottle about 6 inches away.
* Let them dry naturally for at least 24 hours and then brush lightly to restore the nap.
  • Everyday habits that help
    • Avoid wearing UGGs in heavy rain or deep slush, since repeated soaking is hard on sheepskin.
* Store them upright with paper or boot shapers inside and away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and creasing.

If your boots are very old, badly stained, or already feel stiff, cleaning may improve them a lot but might not restore a true “like new” look; at that point, professional suede cleaning or an official care kit is often the safest upgrade path.

TL;DR: Brush off dirt, lightly dampen the whole boot, clean with a suede/sheepskin cleaner, stuff and air dry away from heat, then brush and protect with a suede-safe spray.