Housekeeping Laundry & Linens Laundry Tips & Checklists How to Clean UGGs Learn how to clean delicate suede and sheepskin to keep UGGs looking their best. By Jolie Kerr Jolie Kerr Jolie Kerr is a cleaning expert and the author of the New York Times bestselling book, My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag ... And Other Things You Can't Ask Martha. Her work has appeared in GQ, Cosmopolitan, The New York Times and Town & Country. A graduate of Barnard College, Jolie lives in a tiny Manhattan apartment with her five vacuum cleaners. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Published on February 15, 2024 Close Photo: Getty Images Project Overview Total Time: 15 minutes Skill Level: Beginner UGG boots, slippers, and slides are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with fresh styles and colorways welcoming a new generation of UGG devotees. However, UGGs require special handling to keep them looking—and smelling—their best. Known for both their comfort and the temperamental nature of their construction, UGGs are prone to stains, dinginess, and odors. The materials UGGs are made of, from the suede exterior to the sheepskin lining, require special handling and routine maintenance. Cleaning and maintaining UGGs is not overly complicated and can be done at home. This guide explains everything you need to know about cleaning UGGs, including preventing and eliminating odors and the right products to use for the job. How to Clean Shoes, Including Canvas, Leather, Suede, and More Before Getting Started UGGs owe their popularity to style trends and the fact that they are so warm and comfortable. However, water damage, odors, and creasing or wrinkling of the toe box are common problems you're likely to encounter, and they can leave your UGGs looking old and worn. The best thing you can do to keep UGGs looking their best and ensure they last a long time is to use a protective spray before wearing the shoes for the first time to prevent water damage and other types of staining. Aim to reapply a protective treatment every six weeks, after wearing your UGGs in wet weather, or after deep cleaning them. UGGs should be clean and dry before applying the waterproofing spray. How to Clean Converse Shoes What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Shoe brush White lint-free cloth Suede eraser Slicker brush Materials Suede and nubuck cleaner and conditioner Distilled white vinegar Shoe deodorizing spray Suede protector spray Instructions Brush the Shoe Start by brushing the shoe with a suede brush to dislodge and remove dirt, grime, and other soil. Brushing also helps restore the nap of the suede when it becomes matted and gives the shoe a dingy appearance. Treat the Stains Treat stains using suede cleaner, distilled white vinegar, or a suede eraser. To use suede cleaner for stain removal, dab it onto stains using a white or light-colored lint-free cloth, taking care not to saturate the shoe with the cleaner. A suede eraser can also be used to lift stains from UGGs, either as part of overall cleaning or as stains happen. To use a suede eraser, rub it over the stains using gentle but firm pressure.If there are stains from road salt or white water rings, use distilled white vinegar to remove them. Apply just enough white vinegar to dampen a white or light-colored lint-free cloth; it should not be sodden or dripping wet to avoid saturating the suede with liquid. Gently dab at the stains with the cloth, repeating as needed until they are gone. Clean and Condition the Shoe Clean the entire exterior using suede cleaner. Apply the suede cleaner to a white or light-colored lint-free cloth so that it is damp but not soaking, as UGGs should not be saturated with liquid. Use the cloth to go over the entire shoe using vigorous strokes to work the cleaner into the shoe and dislodge soils, but take care not to grind or scrub at the delicate material. After cleaning, allow the shoes to air dry in a cool, shaded space away from direct sunlight or heat. Address Odors and Interior Matting The sheepskin and fleece interior lining of UGGs is prone to developing odors and will become matted over time. To address these problems, use a slicker brush to gently brush the fleece. It will restore the fluffiness and dislodge dead skin and other odor-causing buildup. Then, use a deodorizing spray to eliminate the bacteria that cause smells in the shoe. Reapply Protector After the UGGs are clean, wait for them to dry completely before reapplying a protective spray. Follow the instructions provided on the bottle of shoe protector. If instructions are not provided, use these steps: Shake the bottle well.With the nozzle 6 inches away from the material, apply an even coating of the protective spray to the shoe. Use enough protector that the shoe is wet but not soaked through.If the shoe has creases or whiskering, insert a crease protector or stuff the toe box with newspaper to reshape the material while it dries. After allowing the boots to dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap of the suede by brushing the shoe in the same direction. How to Keep UGGs Looking Good Between Cleanings In addition to being diligent in your use of protective coating sprays, you can do other things to maintain the good looks of your UGGs. Take these additional steps between full cleanings to keep your shoes in the best condition and reduce the frequency of cleanings. Brush the Shoes: Brush the exterior of the shoe with a suede brush to restore the nap and remove dirt, dust, road salt, and other environmental soils that can build up, leaving UGGs looking dingy and dirty. Use a suede and nubuck eraser to remove stains from road salt or spills as they happen so that they don’t become deeply set in. Use Crease Protectors: To prevent creasing and whiskering damage, use shoe trees ($8, Walmart) or other crease protectors when not wearing the shoes. Stuffing UGGs with newspaper is another way to maintain their shape between wearings; newspaper also serves as a natural odor absorber. Stuff the toe box with newspaper after cleaning to reshape the shoe while it dries. Control Odors: If you've ever owned a pair of UGGs, you know that they tend to get smelly, fast. Plenty of commercial products—shoe deodorizer sachets or balls, and deodorizing sprays—can prevent and eliminate odors in UGGs. DIY methods like stuffing dryer sheets or newspaper into UGGs to absorb and eliminate odors are another option for controlling smells.