How to clean sheepskin UGG boots without damaging them (the boutique guide)

Come pulire gli UGG in montone senza rovinarli (la guida della boutique)

UGG have a flaw and a strength in one and the same thing: the soft sheepskin that makes them so comfortable is also delicate. All it takes is an unexpected shower or a coffee stain, and it seems like they're ruined. The good news is that, with a little care, they look like new again — and last for seasons. As UGG retailers, we've seen them come back clean for years using the same two or three steps: we'll explain them here, in order, without any miracle products.

But first, the rule that makes all the difference: sheepskin and suede should never be machine-washed or dried on a radiator. These are the two mistakes that really ruin a pair of UGG. Everything else can be fixed.

What NOT to do (three mistakes to avoid)

  • Washing machine and dryer: hot water and the spin cycle stiffen the sheepskin, loosen the sole, and distort the fit. Never.
  • Direct heat sources: radiators, hair dryers, direct sunlight. Heat dries out and stiffens suede leather, which can then crack.
  • Soaking: don't immerse them in water. The suede should be dampened only on the surface, never soaked.

Basic cleaning in 4 steps

For everyday dirt — dust, light marks, dry mud — a few minutes is all it takes.

  1. Dry brushing. With a horsehair brush or a soft suede brush, remove dry dirt by brushing in the same direction as the nap. This alone will revive the color.
  2. Suede eraser. For marks and more stubborn scuffs, use a suede eraser (a clean white pencil eraser works too), rubbing gently. It lifts the stain without getting the boot wet.
  3. Just slightly damp. If a mark remains, dampen a clean cloth or sponge with cold water and a little detergent made specifically for sheepskin/suede (there are UGG Care kits, but a very diluted mild soap works too). Gently wipe the entire surface, not just the stain, to avoid leaving marks.
  4. Reshape and let it dry. Stuff the boot with absorbent white paper (not newspaper, which can stain) to maintain its shape, and let it dry in the air, at room temperature, away from sunlight and radiators. It takes 24 hours or more: patience matters here.

Once dry, give them a quick brush to fluff up the pile and they're ready.

Tough stains

  • Water marks. These are the most common. The trick is to dampen the entire surface evenly (not just where the mark is) with a barely damp sponge. As it dries evenly, the mark disappears.
  • Winter salt. The familiar white marks from snow and salt can be removed with a cloth dampened with cold water and a drop of diluted white vinegar. Dab, don’t rub, then leave to dry.
  • Grease stains (oil, food). Immediately sprinkle the stain with cornstarch or talcum powder and leave it for a few hours to absorb the grease, then brush it off.

Unpleasant odors: the simplest solution

Sheepskin keeps your feet warm, but wearing the boots without socks can make the lining retain odors. The solution costs nothing: pour a couple of spoonfuls of baking soda into each boot, leave it overnight, then empty and brush it out in the morning. Repeat as needed.

Protect them first, so they get less dirty

The best maintenance is the kind you do before problems arise. On a new pair — or one that has just been cleaned and is thoroughly dry — spray a water-repellent protector for suede (the UGG Protector is designed for this) from a distance of about 15 cm, in a well-ventilated area. It creates an invisible barrier against water and stains and significantly extends the life of your UGG. Repeat every few weeks during the season.

One last thing we always say in the boutique: sheepskin UGG boots aren’t made for heavy rain or slushy snow. With spray protection, they’ll handle damp weather and the occasional bad day very well, but if you know heavy rain is coming, save them for another day — they’ll last much longer.

What about platform styles or pony hair?

The same rules apply. On UGG Tazz platform slippers, clean the upper just as you would suede; for the EVA sole, a damp cloth is all you need. On animal-print pony hair styles, such as the Classic Ultra Mini animal print boots, always brush in the direction of the hair and avoid using an abrasive eraser, which could fade the print. Use only a soft brush and a barely damp cloth.

With this care, a pair of UGG boots will last you for years. Find all the original styles in our UGG collection and in women’s shoes at Vittorio Citro, an authorized retailer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you machine-wash UGG boots? No. L’hot water and the spin cycle stiffen the sheepskin, distort the fit and may cause the sole to come unstuck. Clean UGG boots by hand, using a brush and just a little cold water on the surface.

How do you remove water marks from UGG boots? Dampen the entire surface evenly with a sponge lightly moistened with cold water, stuff the boot with white paper and leave it to air-dry away from heat sources. Drying evenly will make the mark disappear.

How do you dry UGG boots after cleaning? Always air-dry them at room temperature, away from sunlight, radiators and hair dryers. Stuff them with white paper towels to help them keep their shape and leave them for 24 hours or longer.

How do you get bad odors out of UGG boots? Pour two tablespoons of baking soda into each boot, leave it overnight, then empty them in the morning. It absorbs moisture and neutralizes odors.

How to protect new UGG boots? Before wearing them, spray them with a suede water-repellent spray from a distance of 15 cm in a well-ventilated area. It creates a barrier against water and stains; reapply every few weeks throughout the season. Looking for ideas? Read how to style UGG boots, with outfits for every style and occasion.

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