A Complete Guide On How To Clean UGGs
UGG boots use double-faced sheepskin, with suede on the outside and dense wool on the inside. That combination feels soft and warm, yet it also reacts badly to soaking, harsh cleaners, and rapid heat. Canadian winters add road salt and freezing conditions that make the material even more sensitive. A rushed cleanup can leave the leather stiff and the lining matted, so it helps to know how to clean UGGs with a method that respects the fibres and suits local weather.
Why UGG Boots Need Special Care
Sheepskin has two very different surfaces working together. The suede nap absorbs water, oils, and salt quickly, while the wool inside holds moisture vapour without feeling drenched. When both layers trap sweat and snow, bacteria start to grow, and the fibres begin to break down. Harsh chemical speed that process. Health Canada offers guidance on household chemical safety, which can help you avoid using products that may weaken leather or strip its natural oils.
Treating UGG boots maintenance as a regular routine keeps the material more stable.
Everyday UGG Boots Care in Canadian Weather
Here are some tips on taking care of your beloved boots during harsh weather in Canada:
- Give your boots a full day to air out between wears so the lining can dry.
- Brush the suede when dry to lift dust and early salt before it settles.
- Use a breathable water repellent every few weeks during slush season.
- Rotate pairs when possible, especially during long stretches of snow and ice.
How To Clean UGG Boots: Step By Step Process
The safest approach for cleaning UGG boots works slowly. Suede responds better to lightly applied moisture than to a full soak.
- Let boots dry completely, then brush away loose dirt and salt crusts.
- Mix cold water with white vinegar in equal parts for salt stains.
- Dampen a sponge and dab the stain instead of rubbing. Start at the edge to avoid creating rings.
- Follow with a second sponge dipped in clean water to lift the diluted salt and vinegar.
- For overall soiling, switch to a sheepskin cleaner that uses gentle surfactants.
- Apply the cleaner with a damp sponge so the surface appears evenly damp, not soaked.
- Blot with a towel to remove excess moisture and shape the suede while it is still flexible.
This method limits how deeply water enters the leather core and helps the surface dry without becoming rigid.
Quick Reference For Cleaning UGG Boots
| Question | Why It Matters | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Can I use vinegar on salt stains | Salt crystals can rupture fibres if they stay in the suede nap. | Use a 50/50 white vinegar and cold water mix, dab, then rinse with clean water. |
| Can I waterproof UGGs | Slush carries chemical de-icers that settle deep into suede. | Choose a breathable fluoropolymer spray instead of silicone-based sealants. |
| Can I put UGGs in the washer | Agitation felts the wool and immersion saturates leather all the way. | Hand clean only with a sponge and sheepskin-specific cleaner. |
Drying And Reshaping Your UGGs
Drying is one of the most delicate stages. Wet leather becomes soft and sets into whatever shape it holds while the moisture leaves. Place the boots upright in a cool, ventilated room away from heaters. Fill them with plain paper towels or unprinted paper so the lining dries evenly and the foot shape stays supported. Hanging wet boots pulls the leather downward and stretches it.
Drying takes a full day. Once dry, brush the suede in different directions to restore the nap. A clean grooming brush or wire slicker brush can lift the wool inside to bring back softness and loft.
Odour Control And UGG Shoes Maintenance
Odour develops when the wool lining stays damp for long periods. Bacteria and fungi thrive in that environment. A few habits support better UGG shoes maintenance.
- Let boots rest between wears so the wool can dry fully.
- Dust a light layer of baking soda inside overnight, then vacuum it out.
- Some people sweat more in winter boots, so habits that help prevent sweaty feet also reduce odour and moisture inside sheepskin.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety notes in its guidance on footwear care that salt and moisture can accelerate deterioration, which is why drying matters just as much as cleaning.
FAQs About How To Clean UGGs
How do you clean UGG boots without ruining them?
Hand clean with cold water, diluted vinegar for salt, and a sheepskin safe cleaner for dirt. Keep the material slightly damp instead of wet. Dry the boots at room temperature and reshape them with paper.
How do you clean UGGs with deep salt stains?
Salt lifts best when treated in stages. Brush off dried crystals first. Move to the water and vinegar mix, dab gently, rinse with clean water, and blot dry. Working in small sections keeps rings from forming.
Can I machine wash my UGGs?
No. Washing machines felt the wool, shrink the leather, and distort the boot structure. If salt or water has soaked through to the core, a professional cleaning service is safer. For other footwear types, knowing how to wash shoes in the washing machine may be a good first step.
When To Call A Professional Cleaner
Home cleaning works well for mild stains. Some boots need more help. A pair that has been soaked through, dried near a heater, or left with heavy salt buildup for several seasons may not respond to household methods. Professional cleaners use controlled wet cleaning systems, gentle detergents, and re-oiling steps that restore softness to dried leather.
If your UGGs look collapsed, feel stiff, or still smell unpleasant after a DIY cleanup, professional UGG boot cleaning is a practical option. Love Your Shoes offers deep cleaning and restoration for sheepskin and suede.
