Are you an UGGs enthusiast? A lot of people adore these sheepskin boots and shoes. They might not be the prettiest footwear in the store, but they never seem to really fade from popularity.

UGGs sells its own cleaning kit, but it’s on the pricey side and it may not be affordable for everybody. We’ve got some welcome news for you, though. Professional cleaners, DIYers, and UGG lovers can get their favorite pair (or pairs) clean using products they probably already have in the house. 

What Are UGGs?

UGGs is a popular brand of shoes and boots. There’s a widespread misconception that UGG is an Australian company but that’s actually not the case. This American brand was founded by an Aussie surfer back in 1978 and is now headquartered in Goleta, California.

UGGs rose to a high level of attention when the American team wore them at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. Here are a few things that give UGGs their distinctive look.

• Sheepskin suede exterior
• Wool interior
• Thick external seams
• Wide, rounded toe

We want to note here that UGGs is a company that is dedicated to responsible manufacturing practices. They use upcycled wool and wherever possible, they incorporate recycled or recyclable materials into their products.

While the company first gained attention for its boots, today it also manufactures shoes, slippers, rugs, blankets, and even pillows.

What Are the Challenges of Cleaning UGGs?

If we compare UGGs to boots made of rubber or vinyl, the cleaning challenges are immediately noticeable.

• Suede is a specialty material that must be cleaned carefully and with the right cleaning products.
• Likewise, the wool that lines UGGs needs special attention.
• UGGs aren’t as structured as some other boots, so it’s important to take steps to maintain their shape while they’re drying after you’ve cleaned them.

We’ll provide details on how to clean your UGGs without damaging the suede or wool, including which cleaning products to implement and more.

Cleaning Products and Supplies to Clean UGGs

Here are some of the cleaning products and supplies you’ll need to clean your UGGs. 

How to Clean UGGs with Baby Shampoo

Ordinary baby shampoo is an incredibly versatile cleaning product that can do a lot more than just cleaning your kid’s hair after a playdate. Here are the simple steps to follow to clean your UGGs with baby shampoo.

Step 1: Mix a few drops of baby shampoo into a cup of warm water.

Step 2: Use a clean microfiber cloth to apply the mixture to your UGGs. Make sure to distribute moisture as evenly as possible, applying it in a straight motion with the grain of the suede.

Step 3: Use a clean toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub at any dirt or stains. Again, brush with the grain of the suede to avoid damaging it.

Step 4: Once the boots are clean, use a new cloth to apply clean water and lift any remaining stains from the exterior of your UGGs.

Step 5: Place your cleaned UGGs in a well-ventilated area to let them dry.

Step 6: Stuff your UGGs with bubble wrap or plain packing paper to make sure they retain their shape while drying. You could use newspaper, but be mindful that the ink may come off on the wool interior.

How to Clean Water Stains on UGGs

Wearing your UGGs out in wet weather will absolutely keep your feet warm. The issue here is that if you don’t dry them and treat them properly, you may end up with water stains. Here’s a quick process to get rid of those stains.

Step 1: Pour plain white vinegar into a bowl. You won’t need much, just a few ounces.

Step 2: Use a soft toothbrush to apply the vinegar to the stained areas and scrub at the stains. We suggest cleaning the entire area up to the surrounding seams to make sure that the overall appearance evens out. If you don’t do this, you might end up with a slight difference between the area you cleaned and the rest of the section. Make sure not to soak the boot, you’re just dampening it.

Step 3: Allow your UGGs to dry completely. If you still see stains, put on one or more additional coats, letting them dry between applications. (You probably won’t need more than two coats unless your boats have been stained for a long time.)

Step 4: Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of your UGGs, take a brush with firmer bristles and go over it again to remove any final stains.

Watch the video below to see a demonstration of how to use vinegar to remove unsightly water stains from your favorite UGGs.

How to Clean UGGs in Washing Machine

You may be wary of throwing your UGGS in the washing machine, but if you follow these steps, they’ll be just fine.

Step 1: Use a soft brush to remove any heavy dirt from the exterior of your UGG boots or slippers.

Step 2: Place your UGGs into a mesh laundry bag, the kind you would use for cleaning lingerie and other delicates. Place the bag into your washing machine.

Step 3: Put a small amount of clear, odorless laundry detergent in the internal dispenser of your washing machine. Homemade laundry detergent would also work. We recommend washing your UGGs by themselves.

Step 4: Set your machine to the delicate cycle and the temperature to cold. Start the machine and let it run through the entire cycle.

Step 5: Remove your UGGs from the machine and from the mesh bag. Stuff them with bubble wrap or paper to make sure they keep their shape.

Step 6: Allow theUGGs to air dry completely before wearing them again.

The most important thing to remember is to use the delicate cycle and cold water to avoid damaging the suede or wool.

How to Protect UGGs

Here are a few essential tips from our Pros to help you protect your UGGs between washings and keep them looking like they did when you first purchased them.

• After cleaning your UGGs, apply a waterproofer that’s intended for use on suede. This will prevent the formation of water stains.
• Treat any spills or stains as soon as they appear. We suggest using baby shampoo and water for most stains.
• Use a toothbrush and soapy water to clean the soles as well as the uppers.
• Always stuff your UGGs with bubble wrap or paper to keep them shaped properly when they dry.
• When you clean your UGGs, take the opportunity to remove shoe odor at the same time.

While you can certainly spend money on the UGG cleaning kit if you want to, using things like baby shampoo and vinegar can keep your UGGs looking great for a lot less money.

FAQ About Cleaning UGGs

Conclusion

If you’ve got one or more pairs of UGGs, following the instructions that we’ve spelled out here can help you get them looking like they just came out of the box. Whether you’re just an UGG lover or a cleaning pro, using simple cleaning products is the solution.