Ugg boots, made from soft and plush sheepskin, are loved for their warmth and comfort. However, their delicate material also means they require some special care and cleaning to keep them looking their best. Follow this guide to learn the proper techniques for cleaning and caring for your Ugg boots.
Understand the Sheepskin Material
The key to keeping your Uggs in great condition is to understand the properties of sheepskin. Here are some tips:
- Sheepskin is extremely porous and absorbent. This means it can easily get dirty from spills, dirt, and oils.
- The fibers are very delicate and can get damaged from harsh cleaners, abrasion, and rough handling.
- Sheepskin does not respond well to being soaked or submerged in water. This can cause shrinkage or misshaping.
- Natural sheepskin has lanolin oil in it to make it soft and supple. Cleaning can strip away these natural oils.
- Sheepskin is prone to staining from liquids like wine, coffee, dirt, salt stains, and more.
Knowing these characteristics will help inform the best cleaning practices. Handle your Uggs gently, use only approved cleaners, and avoid over-wetting the sheepskin.
Perform Regular Maintenance
The best way to keep Uggs looking their best is to perform consistent light maintenance and care:
Brush Off Dirt and Debris
- After each wear, use a suede brush or soft bristle brush to gently whisk away any dried dirt or dust on the exterior surfaces.
- Be sure to brush the sheepskin footbed inside as well to remove compacted dirt.
- For any stubborn debris, use your fingers to lightly scrape and pluck it away.
Allow Boots to Air Out
- After wearing, allow your Uggs several hours to fully air out and dry before storing.
- Stuffing boots while damp can lead to odors and mildew growth.
Use Ugg Sheepskin Cleaner and Conditioner
- Apply a small amount of Ugg brand cleaner and conditioner to the interior and exterior surfaces.
- Use only a light, sparing amount to avoid over-wetting or soaking the sheepskin.
- This will refresh the fibers and restore the supple feel and slight lanolin oils.
Store Properly
- Keep boots stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not being worn.
- Stuff with paper or Ugg brand shoe trees to retain the shape.
- Avoid storing in air-tight plastic bags which can lead to moisture buildup.
Know When to Professional Clean
If your Uggs become heavily soiled or stained beyond your ability to clean at home, do not despair. Seek out a professional Ugg cleaner for the best results.
Signs it’s time to professionally clean include:
- Salt stains, food/drink stains, or mystery stains that do not lift with home cleaning
- Pervasive foot odor that persists after airing out and home cleaning
- Visible dirt deeply embedded in the sheepskin that cannot be whisked away
- Sheepskin feels stiff, rough or crunchy indicating it needs reconditioning
- Color appears dull, dirty, or uneven compared to a brand new pair
The investment in professional cleaning is well worth it to extend the life of your Uggs and restore them to like-new condition.
Clean Spills and Stains Right Away
Don’t wait to clean spills and stains on your Uggs. Take action immediately for the best chance of removal:
Blot Liquid Spills
- Use a clean, dry absorbent cloth to gently blot and lift the stain. Avoid rubbing.
- If stain remains, lightly dab Ugg Sheepskin Cleaner on a cloth and gently blot area.
- Allow boots to fully air dry before wearing again.
Use Salt Stain Remover Spray
- For salt stains from road salt and ocean spray, use Ugg Salt Stain Remover.
- Hold 6 inches away and spray lightly onto affected area.
- Gently blot with clean cloth. Repeat if needed.
- Avoid over-saturating the area with too much spray.
Loosen Mud and Dirt
- Allow excess mud or dirt to fully dry first.
- Use a suede brush to gently whisk and loosen debris.
- Wipe away with a dry cloth.
- Spot clean with sheepskin cleaner if any residue remains.
Learn the Safest At-Home Cleaning Methods
When Uggs need a deeper clean, use these gentle cleaning techniques:
Light Soap and Water Cleaning
- In a bucket or sink, make a mild soap solution with cold water and a drop of wool wash. Avoid detergents.
- With a cloth, gently blot soapy solution only on the stained or dirty areas, not the whole boot.
- Rinse cloth and wring it out well. Blot area again to lift dirt.
- Allow to fully air dry.
Ugg Refresh Powder Cleaning
- Liberally sprinkle Ugg Refresh powder onto the interior sheepskin lining.
- Allow powder to set for 5 minutes.
- Use soft brush to gently whisk powder over lining which lifts dirt and odor.
- Vacuum up residue.
- Avoid wetting boots and do not use water.
DIY Disinfecting Spray
- If boots have foot odor, you can make a sanitizing spray.
- Combine 2 tsp. corn starch, 10 drops tea tree oil, 2 cups water. Shake well.
- Lightly spray inside lining, allow to dry fully.
- Tea tree oil provides disinfecting properties to combat odor.
Avoid Harmful Cleaning Methods
It’s important to avoid using any harsh chemicals or excess moisture when cleaning Uggs:
- No bleach, stain removers, fabric softener, or detergent
- No spot stain sticks or solvents like acetone
- No harsh scrubbing or aggressive brushing
- No throwing boots into washing machine or dryer
- No steam cleaning, power washing, or hosing down exterior
- No saturating boots fully in water or excessive wetting
These methods can all damage the sheepskin fibers, alter the texture, cause shrinkage, or otherwise rapidly deteriorate your Uggs.
Give Stained Boots a Light Whitening Treatment
If your Ugg sheepskin has become dingy or yellowed from age and wear, you can safely whiten them slightly using:
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
- Make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part hydrogen peroxide.
- Using an old toothbrush, gently brush paste directly onto stained or yellowed areas of wool.
- Allow paste to sit for 2-3 hours.
- Wipe away with clean cloth.
- Repeat if needed until color is improved.
Lemon Juice and Sunlight
- Cut a lemon in half and rub directly onto stained/yellowed wool fibers.
- Allow boots to sit in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours.
- The acidity in the lemon juice and the sunlight will naturally whiten the wool.
- Wipe away lemon residue with a clean damp cloth.
Be very careful not to over-apply whitening mixtures as this can damage the wool fibers. Test first in an inconspicuous area.
Repair Minor Scuffs and Wear
Don’t throw out your Uggs at the first sign of wear! You can repair minor damage yourself:
Touch Up Scuffs
- Use an Ugg repair kit or a matching sheepskin color crayon.
- Lightly buff cracked or scraped spots with sandpaper.
- Gently color over affected area, blend with fingertips.
- Seal with lanolin cream for added conditioning.
Re-apply Tread
- If tread wears thin, use cobbler’s cement to re-adhere replacement rubber soles.
- Allow 24 hours to fully cure before wearing.
Replace Pull Tabs
- If pull tabs rip, carefully use needle and thread to stitch back on.
- Or take boots to a cobbler to have new pull tabs professionally replaced.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some Ugg damage requires sending boots back to the manufacturer or seeking a professional cobbler:
- Sheepskin is ripped or torn exposing inner lining
- Leather or rubber soles are fully detached
- Structural issues like separated seams or cracked heels
- Visible moisture damage like dark water stains or mildew
- Pervasive odor issues not resolved by home cleaning
- For men’s styles, replace cork footbeds when worn
While home care is suitable for routine upkeep, professionals have the expertise to handle more advanced repairs and restore beloved boots.
Storing Uggs for Extended Time
If you need to pack away Uggs for an extended time, follow these steps:
Clean Boots Thoroughly
- Give them a complete cleaning so they are fresh for storage.
- Allow a full 24 hours to completely dry.
Disinfect Interior
- Spritz a DIY tea tree spray into the lining to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Stuff with Paper
- Insert acid free tissue paper into boots to hold shape.
- Avoid plastic bags or wrappings which trap moisture.
Store in Cool, Dry Place
- Find a storage spot away from heat, humidity, and direct light.
- Storing in closet is ideal.
When ready to wear again, air boots out fully before putting them on to avoid moisture buildup issues.
Tips for Keeping Uggs Looking New Longer
Here are some final tips for extending the life of your Uggs:
- Alternate between different pairs to give sheepskin time to rebound between wears.
- Consider protective sprays like Scotchgard for the exterior to repel light moisture. Avoid silicone sprays.
- Insert custom orthotic insoles for support if you’ll be on your feet all day in Uggs.
- Bring spare socks to switch into if boots get damp from rain or snow during wear.
- Avoid wearing in heavy rain or snow. Water can damage sheepskin.
- Blot spills immediately with clean, dry cloth.
- Have boots professionally cleaned once a year to revitalize.
Treat your Uggs with care and they will become your most trusted footwear companion for years of cozy warmth to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caring for Ugg Boots
Caring for Ugg boots often raises many questions for first-time owners. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Can I put my Uggs in the washing machine?
No, you should never put Uggs in the washing machine or dryer. The water and agitation can damage the sheepskin. Handwash only with very minimal water instead.
How do I get rid of stains on my Uggs?
First blot any fresh stains immediately with a clean, dry towel to absorb liquid. Do not rub. For set in stains, use a small amount of Ugg Sheepskin Cleaner on a damp cloth and gently dab area. Avoid scrubbing.
What’s the best way to dry Uggs after wearing in rain/snow?
Stuff boots with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Allow Uggs to air dry naturally for 24-48 hours. Using heat can cause boots to shrink. Keep away from direct heat sources.
My Uggs have a bad foot odor – how do I remove it?
Sprinkle Ugg Refresh powder liberally in the interior lining and let sit for 5 minutes before brushing and vacuuming away. You can also spray lightly with a DIY disinfectant spray (tea tree oil, water, cornstarch).
Can I use laundry detergent or bleach to clean my Uggs?
No, you should never use household laundry detergents, bleach, or other harsh chemicals on Uggs. These can strip the natural oils in the sheepskin. Use only specially formulated Ugg products.
How can I soften up my Uggs if the sheepskin feels stiff?
Apply Ugg Sheepskin Conditioner or a lanolin-based cream. Gently brush with a soft bristle brush to revive fibers. Have them professionally cleaned to restore softness.
My Uggs got soaked in the rain. Are they ruined?
Do not panic if your Uggs get temporarily soaked. Allow them 2-3 days to fully air dry away from direct heat. The sheepskin may stiffen but can likely rebound if dried slowly. Avoid wearing again until fully dry.
How often should I clean my Uggs?
For light maintenance, brush boots after each wear and apply conditioner once a month. For deeper cleaning, spot clean stains immediately as needed. Have Uggs professionally cleaned every 1-2 years or as needed depending on wear.
Conclusion
Ugg boots require some special care and cleaning practices to keep them looking their best season after season. Now that you know how to properly clean and care for your Uggs at home, the key is to be consistent with light maintenance like brushing after each use. Seek professional help for set-in stains or when it’s time for periodic deep cleaning. Avoid harmful methods like machine washing or harsh chemicals. With the right techniques, you can keep your Uggs looking fabulous for years to come!