How to Clean Ugg Shoes

How to Clean Ugg Shoes: The Complete Guide

Ugg shoes are an investment in comfort. Sheepskin and suede are tough materials, but they need specific care to stay soft and looking good. The golden rule is simple: never use water and soap like you would on sneakers. That ruins the suede and shrinks the sheepskin. Instead, you clean Uggs with a dry brush, a specialized suede cleaner, and a lot of patience.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your supplies first. You do not want to start cleaning and realize you are missing a tool halfway through. The right tools make the job easier and safer for your boots.

Here is what you need:

• A suede brush: A two-sided brush with a rubber eraser side and a brass bristle side is ideal. The rubber lifts dirt, and the brass restores the nap.
• A suede eraser: This is a block of firm rubber. It works wonders on scuffs and stubborn marks.
• Ugg-branded cleaner: The Ugg Cleaner & Conditioner Kit is specifically formulated for their sheepskin. It is pH balanced and safe for the material.
• A soft, dry cloth: Use a white microfiber cloth to avoid color transfer.
• White vinegar: For salt stains. Do not use colored vinegar.
• Cornstarch: For grease and oil stains.

Do not use standard laundry detergent, bleach, or warm water. These will strip the natural oils from the sheepskin and cause the leather to crack.

The Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for General Dirt

This is your routine cleaning method. Do this every couple of weeks during heavy wear seasons to prevent dirt from embedding deep into the suede.

Start by knocking the shoes together outside to loosen any dry, caked-on mud. Then, let them air dry completely. Cleaning wet suede is a mistake. It just pushes the dirt deeper into the fibers.

Once dry, use the rubber side of your suede brush to gently sweep the entire surface. Work in one direction, following the natural grain of the suede. Do not scrub back and forth. This lifts surface dirt without damaging the nap.

For scuffs, use the suede eraser. Rub the mark firmly, then brush the area again with the rubber side to smooth it out. For deeper dirt, switch to the brass bristle side of the brush. Use short, light strokes to fluff the nap and release trapped dust.

How to Treat Stubborn Stains and Spots

General dirt is easy. Stains require a different approach depending on what you spilled. Here is how to handle the most common culprits.

Oil and grease stains: Act fast. Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Do not rub. Then, cover the stain completely with cornstarch. Let it sit overnight. The powder will draw the oil out of the suede. In the morning, brush away the powder with your suede brush. You may need to repeat this process for heavy oil spills.

Salt stains: This is common in winter. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and wring it out thoroughly. The cloth should be damp, not wet. Gently blot the salt-stained areas. Do not soak the sheepskin. Let the shoes air dry completely, then brush them to restore the nap. The vinegar neutralizes the salt residue.

Water spots: These are tricky. Sometimes a spot is just a patch of matted suede. Try brushing the area vigorously with the brass brush. If the spot remains, lightly spritz the entire shoe with cold water so the whole surface is uniformly damp. Let it dry naturally. This evens out the texture.

Deep Cleaning with a Suede Cleaner

For shoes that are heavily soiled, you need a liquid cleaner. The Ugg Cleaner & Conditioner kit is your best bet, but any high-quality suede cleaner will work.

Dampen a clean, soft cloth with the cleaner. Do not apply the cleaner directly to the shoe. This gives you more control and prevents soaking the sheepskin.

Using a gentle circular motion, work the cleaner into the soiled areas. Focus on the heel, the toe cap, and the collar where grime builds up. Wipe off the excess cleaner with a separate damp cloth. Then, stuff the shoes with paper towels to help them hold their shape while drying.

Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. A radiator or hairdryer will dry the sheepskin too fast and make it stiff and brittle. Let them dry for at least 24 hours. Once completely dry, brush them with the suede brush to restore the soft, fuzzy texture.

How to Clean the Sheepskin Collar and Lining

The fluffy collar gets dirty fast from skin oils and makeup. The inside lining can absorb sweat and odor. You need to treat these areas differently.

For the collar, mix a small amount of the Ugg cleaner with water in a bowl. Dip a cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Gently rub the collar in a circular motion. Wipe away the suds with a clean, damp cloth. Let it dry naturally.

For the inside, do not use liquid. It is hard to dry the lining and it can leave the shoe smelling musty. Instead, use a dedicated shoe deodorizer. A powder-based one, like baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oil, works well. Sprinkle it inside, let it sit overnight, and shake it out in the morning.

Protecting Your Uggs After Cleaning

Cleaning is only half the battle. You need to protect them so they stay clean longer. This is non-negotiable if you want your Uggs to last more than one season.

Use a waterproofing spray specifically designed for suede and sheepskin. The Ugg Protector spray is a solid choice. Hold the can about six inches away from the shoe. Spray evenly in a sweeping motion until the surface looks damp. Do not saturate the shoe.

Let the spray dry for 24 hours before wearing the shoes. Reapply the protector every few weeks, or after every cleaning. This creates a barrier that repels water and dirt, giving you time to blot spills before they become stains.

Frequently Asked Questions