UGGs have a drawback and a benefit in the same thing: the soft sheepskin that makes them so comfortable is also delicate. All it takes is a sudden rain shower or a coffee stain and they can seem ruined. The good news is that, with a little method, they can look like new again - and last for seasons. As UGG retailers, we have seen them come back clean for years with the same two or three steps: we explain them here, in order, without miracle products.
First, the rule that saves everything else: sheepskin and suede must not be washed in the washing machine or dried on a radiator. These are the two mistakes that can really ruin a pair of UGGs. Everything else can be fixed.
What NOT to do (the three mistakes to avoid)
- Washing machine and tumble dryer: hot water and the spin cycle harden the sheepskin, loosen the sole and deform the fit. Never.
- Direct heat sources: radiators, hairdryers, direct sunlight. Heat dries out and stiffens suede, which can then crack.
- Soaking: do not immerse them in water. Suede should only be lightly dampened on the surface, never soaked.
Basic cleaning in 4 steps
For everyday dirt - dust, light marks, dry soil - a few minutes are all it takes.
- Brush dry. Using a horsehair brush or a soft suede brush, remove dry dirt by brushing always in the same direction, following the nap. Even this alone will revive the colour.
- Suede eraser. For marks and more stubborn traces, use a suede eraser (a clean white pencil eraser also works), rubbing gently. It lifts the stain without wetting the material.
- Damp, but only slightly. If a mark remains, dampen a cloth or clean sponge with cold water and a little specific sheepskin/suede cleaner (UGG Care kits are available, but a very diluted mild soap also works). Lightly wipe the entire surface, not just the stain, to avoid marks.
- Restore the shape and let them dry. Fill the boot with absorbent white paper (not newspaper, which can stain) to maintain its shape, and leave it to dry in the air, at room temperature, away from sunlight and radiators. It takes 24 hours or more: patience matters here.
Once dry, brush the nap back up and they are ready to wear.
Difficult 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 classic white streaks caused by snow and salt can be removed with a cloth dampened with cold water and a drop of diluted white vinegar. Dab, do not rub, then leave to dry.
- Greasy stains (oil, food). Immediately cover the stain with cornflour or talcum powder, leave it to work for a few hours so it can absorb the grease, then brush it away.
Bad odours: the simplest solution
Sheepskin keeps feet warm, and with use without socks, the inside can develop an odour. The solution costs nothing: pour a couple of tablespoons of baking soda into each boot, leave it overnight, then empty and brush it out in the morning. Repeat whenever needed.
Protect them first, so they get less dirty
The best maintenance is prevention. On a new pair - or one that has just been cleaned and is completely dry - spray a water-repellent protective spray for suede (UGG Protector is designed for this) from a distance of approximately 15 cm, in a well-ventilated area. It creates an invisible barrier against water and stains and significantly extends the life of your UGGs. Repeat every few weeks during the season of use.
One last thing we always say in the boutique: sheepskin UGGs are not shoes for heavy rain or soaking wet snow. With the spray, they handle damp conditions and an unlucky day very well, but if you know heavy rain is coming, save them for another day - they will last much longer.
What about platform or pony hair models?
The same rules apply. On the UGG Tazz platform models, clean the upper exactly like suede; for the EVA sole, a damp cloth is all you need. On animal-print pony hair models, such as the animal-print Classic Ultra Mini, always brush in the direction of the hair and do not use an abrasive eraser, which would lighten the print: here, it is best to use only a soft brush and a barely damp cloth.
Looked after this way, a pair of UGGs will accompany you for years. Find all the original models in our UGG collection and in Vittorio Citro's women's shoes, from an authorised retailer.
Frequently asked questions
Can UGGs be washed in the washing machine? No. Hot water and the spin cycle harden the sheepskin, deform the fit and can loosen the sole. UGGs should be cleaned by hand, with a brush and just a little cold water on the surface.
How do you remove water marks from UGGs? Dampen the entire surface evenly with a sponge lightly moistened with cold water, fill the boot with white paper and leave it to dry in the air away from heat sources. As it dries evenly, the mark disappears.
How do you dry UGGs after cleaning? Always let them dry in the air, at room temperature, away from sunlight, radiators and hairdryers. Fill them with white absorbent paper to maintain their shape and leave them for 24 hours or more.
How do you remove bad odours from UGGs? Pour two tablespoons of baking soda into each boot, leave it overnight and empty it in the morning. It absorbs moisture and neutralises odours.
How do you protect new UGGs? Before wearing them, spray a water-repellent suede spray from a distance of 15 cm in a well-ventilated area. It creates a barrier against water and stains; repeat every few weeks during the season. Looking for ideas? Read how to style UGGs, with outfits for every model and occasion.
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