UGG boots are loved for their soft, cozy warmth and stylish look. However, their premium sheepskin and suede exterior can show dirt easily without proper care. Learning how to clean UGG boots properly will extend their life so you get more wear out of your investment.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn a step-by-step process for cleaning both the exterior and interior of your UGG boots. We’ll go over the supplies you need, cleaning methods for different levels of dirtiness, as well as tips to prevent future stains. With the right techniques, you can keep your UGGs looking like new for many seasons.
Supplies Needed For Cleaning UGG Boots
Before getting started, gather the following supplies:
- UGG Cleaner Kit or a gentle brush and cleaning solution designed for sheepskin or suede. Avoid using household cleaners.
- UGG Sheepskin Cleaner
- UGG Nubuck & Suede Cleaner
- Paper towels
- Small towel
- Spoon or dull knife
- External heat source like a blow dryer
- Conair 1875 Watt Hair Dryer
- Newspapers or paper bags
- Leather conditioner
- UGG Sheepskin Protector
Assessing The Dirt Level Of Your UGGs
Not all UGG boot stains are created equal. Before scrubbing away, inspect the exterior and interior dirt level so you can use an appropriate cleaning method:
Lightly Soiled Boots
Boots that are still in overall good condition with some surface dust or dirt fall into this category. Light cleaning is needed.
Signs:
- Minor dust or debris accumulation
- Few small surface stains
Moderately Soiled Boots
If you notice darker dirt marks, salt stains from sweat or the elements, or soil deep in the shearling lining, your boots are moderately soiled. More intensive cleaning methods are required.
Signs:
- Noticeable stains around feet, heels or toes
- Salt residue stains from sweat
- Visible dirt embedded deep in shearling
Heavily Soiled Boots
Very noticeable built-up dirt and grime that affects the material integrity means your boots need heavy-duty cleaning. This may take more time and effort.
Signs:
- Years of built up dirt or grime
- Shearling mats down from dirt
- Stains affect leather color
Technique Basics For UGG Boot Care
No matter what level of cleaning your UGGs need, follow these basic care instructions:
- Always handle the shearling fur lining gently using your hands instead of brushes whenever possible. This prevents damaging the delicate fibers.
- Let boots fully air dry at room temperature away from direct heat to prevent cracking. Place shoe trees inside while drying to retain the shape.
- Cedar UGG Boot Tree
- Use leather conditioner after cleaning to restore moisture.
Now let’s get into the step-by-step process!
How To Clean The Exterior Of UGG Boots
Here are two methods to clean the suede, leather or sheepskin outer surface of your boots, depending on the amount of dirt:
For Light Soiling
Step 1) Remove loose debris with your hands, brush or paper towel. Make sure to get into seams and embellishments where dirt collects.
Step 2) In a small bowl, make a gentle leather cleaner solution of lukewarm water and soap-free cleaner or baby shampoo.
Step 3) Dip cloth into solution. Wring out excess mixture so it’s damp but not dripping.
Step 4) Gently blot stained areas on boots’ exterior to lift dirt. Avoid vigorous circular scrubbing motions.
Step 5) With clean damp cloth, wipe exterior removing suds and stains.
Step 6) Stuff boots with paper to retain shape. Allow to fully air dry.
For Moderate or Heavy Soiling
Step 1) Carefully brush off all dried clumps of dirt with a suede/leather brush. Pay extra attention to stitched areas.
Step 2) Prepare your leather cleaning solution as described above. You may need more than one bowl.
Step 3) Working in sections, use a clean sponge or cloth to apply solution over entire boot exterior.
Step 4) Let soak for 5-10 minutes so cleaner can lift deep stains.
Step 5) Use brush or cloth to gently remove wet dirt residue. Repeated light vertical strokes work best.
Step 6) Rotate sections until entire exterior is clean. Thoroughly remove soap with a damp cloth.
Step 7) Fill boots with paper and let air dry completely for 24-48 hours.
Extra Tips:
- For tough oil stains, try scrubbing gently with baking soda or cornstarch before soaking boot exterior
- Use an old toothbrush to get debris out of boot seams and stitching
- Repeat the soak, wash and dry process for extremely dirty boots
How To Clean UGG Shearling Boot Linings
Here’s how to get the fluffy shearling lining of your UGGs clean using either cold or warm water methods:
Cold Water Shearling Cleaning
Best for: Lightly soiled UGGs
Step 1) Ensure boot exterior and seams are dry. You don’t want exterior getting soaked.
Step 2) Remove shoelaces. Turn one boot upside down and wear it like a glove hand.
Step 3) Fill a sink, bucket or basin with cool water and wool-safe detergent.
Step 4) Submerge shearling portion in sudsy solution.
Step 5) Continuously dip and squeeze the shearling to release embedded dirt and stains. Hand wash gently using fingers instead of brushes whenever possible to prevent snags.
Step 6) Once water becomes darkened from released grime, empty basin and refill with clean solution to rinse away all traces of soap.
Step 7) Without wringing or twisting, wrap damp shearling lining in an absorbent towel and gently squeeze to soak up moisture. Change towels as needed.
Warm Water Shearling Cleaning
Best for: Moderately to heavily soiled UGGs
Step 1) Follow exterior cleaning steps first and allow boots to thoroughly dry for at least 24 hours.
Step 2) Mix wool-safe detergent with warm (not hot!) water in a large basin.
Step 3) With a spoon or dull knife, carefully work soap solution into heavily stained or greasy areas of the shearling lining, especially around edges that contact your feet.
Step 4) Turn boot upside down and gently massage lining allowing gravity to release ingrained dirt into the water.
Step 5) Once fully soaked and cleaned, press lining dry with towels. Avoid wringing or twisting shearling.
Step 6) Speed drying by using balled-up newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture. Change frequently.
Step 7) Once damp-dry, finish by blow drying on a cool setting while rotating boots to evenly dry the dense shearling fibers. Avoid direct heat which can singe fur.
Step 8) Use UGG leather conditioner to restore suppleness especially if shearling feels stiff or crunchy after washing.
Extra Tips:
- For super dirty shearling, repeat the wash cycle 2-3 times
- Use an old toothbrush to gently work soap into stained areas
- Stuff boots with newspaper after washing to help absorb excess moisture faster
UGG Boot Stain Removal Tips
No matter how careful you are, stains still happen! Here are handy tips for dealing with common UGG boot mishaps:
Grease Stains – Immediately clean with corn starch before stains set then wash with degreaser soap.
Dye Transfer Stains – Rub gently with alcohol wipes to lift other fabric dyes tracked onto UGG surface.
Mud or Soil Stains – Let soil dry fully then brush clean with a stiff shoe brush. Avoid adding water which makes mud harder to remove.
Salt Stains – Mix equal parts water and vinegar and gently wipe crusty salt stains. Wash remainder.
Discoloration or Fading – Buff gently with saddle soap and apply leather conditioner to even out aging spots and stains.
Scorch Marks – Lightly buff with emery board then hide with matching UGG suede refresher spray.
Wine or Berry Stains – Lightly dab with hydrogen peroxide followed by a soap solution scrub. Rinse and let dry fully.
Odor Issues – Deodorize stinky boots by sprinkling baking soda or cornstarch overnight. Tap out excess before wearing again.
Hopefully learning the proper technique for how to clean both the exterior and interiors of your UGG boots will help add years to their wear! With some routine care after each use, you can keep them looking stylish and feeling oh so comfy for seasons to come.
