How To Clean UGGs The Right Way

To clean UGGs, work by hand with gentle products: dampen a cloth with warm water and a few drops of baby shampoo, wipe in straight strokes along the grain of the suede, gently scrub stains with a soft brush, wipe with clean water, then air dry stuffed with bubble wrap or paper to hold their shape. For water stains, dab the whole panel with white vinegar; for grease, draw it out overnight with baking soda. Never use hot water, never machine-dry, and always air dry away from heat. You don’t need UGG’s pricey kit — here’s how with what you already own.

What are UGGs?

UGG is a footwear brand — and despite the common assumption that it’s Australian, it’s an American company, founded by an Australian surfer in 1978 and now based in Goleta, California. Their distinctive look comes from a sheepskin suede exterior, a wool interior, thick external seams, and a wide rounded toe. The brand now makes shoes, slippers, rugs, blankets, and pillows, and emphasizes responsible manufacturing with upcycled wool and recycled materials.

Why UGGs are tricky to clean

Compared to rubber or vinyl boots, UGGs need special care:

• Suede is delicate and must be cleaned gently, with the grain.
• The wool lining also needs careful handling.
• UGGs aren’t stiffly structured, so they need to be shaped while drying.

The methods below clean them without harming the suede or wool.

Supplies you’ll need

How to clean UGGs with baby shampoo

Baby shampoo is gentle and versatile — ideal for suede.

Step 1: Mix a few drops of baby shampoo into a cup of warm water.
Step 2: Apply with a microfiber cloth, spreading moisture evenly in straight strokes along the grain of the suede.
Step 3: Gently scrub dirt and stains with a soft toothbrush or brush, again with the grain.
Step 4: Wipe with a fresh cloth and clean water to lift any residue.
Step 5: Set the boots in a well-ventilated spot to dry, away from direct heat.
Step 6: Stuff them with bubble wrap or plain packing paper to hold their shape. Avoid newspaper — the ink can transfer to the wool.

How to remove water stains

Wet weather keeps your feet warm but can leave water stains on suede.

Step 1: Pour a few ounces of plain white vinegar into a bowl.
Step 2: Apply it with a soft toothbrush, cleaning the entire panel up to the seams so the finish evens out (treating just the stain can leave a visible patch). Dampen, don’t soak.
Step 3: Let the boots dry completely. If stains remain, apply another coat, drying between applications — rarely more than two.
Step 4: Once you’re happy with the look, go over the area with a firmer-bristled brush to lift the nap and remove any last marks.

The video below demonstrates using vinegar to remove water stains.

How to clean UGGs in the washing machine

It’s safe if you do it carefully — cold water and a delicate cycle are essential.

Step 1: Brush off heavy dirt from the exterior with a soft brush.
Step 2: Put the boots in a mesh laundry bag (the kind for delicates) and place it in the machine.
Step 3: Add a small amount of clear, unscented laundry detergent (homemade works too). Wash them on their own.
Step 4: Run a delicate cycle on cold — warm or hot water will damage the suede and wool.
Step 5: Remove from the bag and stuff with bubble wrap or paper to keep their shape.
Step 6: Air dry fully before wearing.

How to protect your UGGs

• After cleaning, apply a suede-specific waterproofer to prevent water stains.
• Treat spills and stains as soon as they happen — baby shampoo and water handle most.
• Clean the soles as well as the uppers with a toothbrush and soapy water.
• Always shape them with bubble wrap or paper while drying.
• Tackle shoe odor at the same time you clean them.

You can buy UGG’s official kit if you like, but baby shampoo and vinegar keep them looking great for far less.

FAQ

Conclusion

With gentle, everyday products and a little care — cleaning with the grain, treating water stains with vinegar, drying with paper inside, and never applying heat — you can keep your UGGs looking box-fresh for a fraction of the cost of a branded kit.