Let's be honest: UGGs aren't the cheapest shoes in your closet. That's precisely why the first splash of mud, rain stain, or white salt rim feels like a small tragedy, and you get quite annoyed when your favorite pair suddenly looks dull and stained. Good news: you can clean UGGs without damaging them, and you can remove most stains yourself if you know how.
The short version: brush off dry dirt, clean with a foam cleaner and a brush instead of a lot of water, blot dry, and let air dry for 24 hours. Never put your UGGs in the washing machine or dryer. Below, you'll find a step-by-step guide on how to clean UGGs, remove stains and salt rims, and then protect them, so that the next stain is much less likely to stick.
Why you should handle your UGGs with care
UGGs are made of suede with a sheepskin lining. Suede has an open grain that absorbs moisture and dirt, and too much water leaves rings or hardens the fibers. Therefore, a few rules of thumb apply:
- No washing machine and no dryer. The drum and heat will damage the fibers and shape.
- Do not soak. Work with a lightly damp brush or cloth, not under the tap.
- Always clean the entire surface, not just the stain, to avoid color differences.
- Always test a cleaner on an inconspicuous area first and then let UGGs dry completely.
Cleaning UGGs in 4 steps
For a thorough and safe cleaning, this routine works best. The UGG Deep Clean Kit contains everything you need: cleaner, brush, and microfiber cloth.
- Remove dry dirt. Brush off loose mud and dust with a dry brush before you begin. For caked-on mud, let it dry first and then knock it off.
- Apply the cleaner. Dampen the Premium Brush with lukewarm water, spray the Deep Clean Solution onto the surface, and gently scrub until foam appears. This foam cleaner is suitable for suede, sheepskin, and nubuck.
- Wipe and treat the entire surface. Blot away the foam and dirt with a damp microfiber cloth. Treat the entire shoe to avoid light and dark spots.
- Let dry for 24 hours. Let your UGGs dry at room temperature, away from the heater or sun. If necessary, stuff them with newspaper to help maintain their shape.
Are your UGGs only slightly dirty on the outside? Then dry brushing plus a local refresh often suffices. For visible stains, you'll want to do a full cleaning.
Removing stains and salt rims
In winter, white salt rims are the most common complaint. The approach for each case:
- Salt rims: wipe with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and repeat in thin layers instead of soaking the shoe all at once. Treat the entire area, let dry, and then brush up the nap.
- Water stains and rings: lightly and evenly dampen the entire panel so that the edge of the ring fades. Let dry slowly.
- Grease and oil stains: blot, do not rub, and then treat the surface with the Deep Clean Solution.
Refreshing dull or flattened UGGs
Suede can flatten and look dull over time. Brush the dry, clean suede with the Premium Brush: first in one direction to remove dust, for stubborn dirt short back and forth strokes, and then smooth again in one direction. This restores the soft nap. If your UGGs are heavily discolored or faded? Cleaning and brushing will bring back a lot, but true color restoration (redyeing) should be left to a leather specialist.
Protecting UGGs after cleaning
After cleaning, the old protective layer is gone, so this is the perfect time to protect your UGGs again. Treat the clean, dry UGGs with a protector suitable for suede and sheepskin, such as the spray from the UGG Protect Kit. This product is water-based, breathable, and dries transparently, preserving the color and softness. Think of it as a small insurance policy for an expensive shoe: a few minutes of work now will save you frustration after the next rain shower.
In short: spray a light, even layer from 10 to 15 cm, let it soak in for about 10 minutes, repeat, and then let dry for 24 hours. Lightly brush the suede afterwards. With normal use, repeat this approximately every three months, and always after a thorough cleaning. A detailed step-by-step guide can be found in our guide on making UGGs waterproof.
Frequently asked questions
Can UGGs be put in the washing machine?
Preferably not. Suede and sheepskin are delicate; the drum and excessive water will damage the fibers and shape. Clean UGGs with a foam cleaner and a brush and let them air dry.
How do you remove salt rims from UGGs?
Wipe the rim with a cloth dampened with lukewarm water and work in thin layers instead of soaking the shoe. Treat the entire area, let dry for 24 hours, and then brush up the nap.
How often should you protect UGGs?
With normal use, approximately every three months, and always again after cleaning. After cleaning, the protective layer has been removed.
Do UGGs get darker from protective spray?
The protector is water-based and dries transparently, preserving color and softness. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.
In short
First, brush off dry dirt, clean with the Deep Clean Solution and a brush instead of a lot of water, treat the entire surface, and let dry for 24 hours. Gently treat stains and salt rims in thin layers. Then re-protect your UGGs, because cleaning and protecting go hand in hand. Everything in one package can be found in the UGG Deep Clean Kit and the UGG Protect Kit.
