How to Clean UGG Boots with Cleaner: The Real Story Behind Keeping Your Sheepskin Pristine

I'll never forget the first time I ruined a pair of UGGs. It was 2009, and I'd just splurged on my first authentic pair – those classic chestnut tall boots that everyone seemed to own. Three weeks later, after trudging through a particularly slushy Chicago winter, they looked like they'd aged a decade. Salt stains created abstract art patterns up the sides, and the once-plush sheepskin had matted into sad little clumps. That's when I learned that cleaning UGGs isn't just about grabbing any old cleaner and going to town.

The thing about UGG boots – and really any quality sheepskin footwear – is that they're simultaneously tough and delicate. The suede exterior can handle a lot, but treat it wrong and you'll end up with permanent water marks, discoloration, or that dreaded crunchy texture that makes them look like cardboard. Over the years, I've become something of an UGG cleaning obsessive, partly out of necessity (I own six pairs now) and partly because I find the process oddly satisfying.

Understanding Your UGGs Before You Clean Them

Before we dive into the cleaning process, let's talk about what you're actually dealing with. Most people think UGGs are just suede boots, but they're actually a complex sandwich of materials. You've got the outer suede (technically, it's usually twin-face sheepskin), the inner wool lining, and various synthetic components in the sole and binding. Each of these materials responds differently to moisture and cleaning products.

The suede exterior is particularly finicky. It's essentially the underside of sheepskin that's been buffed to create that soft, napped texture we all love. This means it's porous and absorbs liquids like a sponge – including cleaning products. Use the wrong cleaner, and you might as well pour coffee directly onto your boots.

I learned this the hard way when I tried using regular leather cleaner on my first pair. The result? Patches of discoloration that made my boots look like they had vitiligo. That's because leather cleaners often contain oils and conditioners that suede absolutely hates.

The Right Cleaner Makes All the Difference

After my leather cleaner disaster, I went down a rabbit hole researching suede and sheepskin care. What I discovered changed everything about how I approach UGG maintenance.

The official UGG cleaner isn't just marketing fluff – it's specifically formulated for sheepskin. The pH balance is crucial here. Sheepskin prefers a slightly acidic environment (around pH 4.5-5.5), while many general cleaners are alkaline. Using an alkaline cleaner on sheepskin is like washing your hair with dish soap – technically it cleans, but it strips away natural oils and leaves everything feeling wrong.

That said, you don't absolutely need the branded cleaner. I've had success with other sheepskin-specific cleaners, particularly those designed for automotive sheepskin seat covers. The key ingredients to look for are gentle surfactants without heavy detergents, no bleaching agents, and ideally some lanolin or similar natural oils that help maintain the sheepskin's suppleness.

The Cleaning Process That Actually Works

Here's where most online tutorials get it wrong – they treat UGG cleaning like it's a one-size-fits-all process. But the approach should vary based on what you're dealing with.

For general dirt and light staining, I start with the dry brush method. Using a suede brush (or in a pinch, a clean toothbrush), I work in one direction to lift the nap and remove surface dirt. This alone can make a surprising difference. I once cleaned a pair that looked completely trashed, and after five minutes of brushing, they looked almost new. The key is patience and working systematically – I usually start at the top and work down in sections.

When you need to use cleaner, less is absolutely more. I dilute the cleaner with water (usually about 1:1 ratio) and apply it with a damp sponge, not a soaking wet one. The biggest mistake people make is oversaturating the boots. Remember, you're not washing dishes here – you're gently coaxing dirt out of a delicate material.

I work in small circular motions, focusing on one area at a time. For stubborn stains, I'll let the cleaner sit for about 30 seconds before gently working it in. Salt stains, the bane of winter UGG wearers, usually need a bit more attention. I've found that a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar works wonders on salt, though you need to follow up with proper cleaner to neutralize the vinegar smell.

The Drying Game

This is where patience becomes a virtue. After cleaning, stuff your boots with white paper towels or clean white cloth – never newspaper, as the ink can transfer. The stuffing helps maintain the boot's shape and absorbs excess moisture from inside.

Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat or sunlight. I cannot stress this enough – heat is the enemy. I've seen people put their UGGs on radiators or use hair dryers, and the results are tragic. The sheepskin shrinks, the suede becomes stiff, and the boots can literally change shape. Room temperature drying might take 24-48 hours, but it's worth the wait.

During the drying process, I'll occasionally reshape the boots with my hands, especially around the ankle area where they tend to collapse. Once they're about 80% dry, I'll brush them again to restore the nap.

The Finishing Touches

Once your boots are completely dry, it's time for protection. Water and stain repellent spray isn't optional – it's essential. But here's something most people don't realize: you need to reapply it regularly, not just once when the boots are new.

I spray my UGGs every 4-6 wears, or immediately after cleaning. The spray creates an invisible barrier that makes future cleaning much easier. Hold the can about 6 inches away and apply in light, even coats. Don't drench them – you want a fine mist that covers evenly.

When Professional Cleaning Makes Sense

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, boots need professional attention. I've sent pairs to professional cleaners twice – once after a red wine incident at a holiday party (don't ask) and once when I bought a vintage pair that needed serious restoration.

Professional cleaners have access to specialized equipment and products that can work miracles. They can also re-dye faded boots, something that's nearly impossible to do well at home. The cost (usually $40-80) might seem steep, but it's cheaper than replacing a $200 pair of boots.

The Mistakes Everyone Makes

Let me save you from learning these lessons the hard way. First, never machine wash UGGs. I don't care what that viral TikTok showed – it's a terrible idea. The agitation destroys the suede texture, and the spin cycle can permanently misshape the boots.

Second, avoid using baby wipes or makeup wipes for quick cleaning. They often contain moisturizers or alcohol that can stain suede. I learned this when I tried to quickly clean a scuff before a date and ended up with a greasy-looking spot that took weeks to fully remove.

Third, don't ignore the inside of your boots. The sheepskin lining can develop odors and bacteria. I spray the inside with a mixture of water and tea tree oil (about 10 drops per cup of water) every few weeks. Some people use baking soda, but I find it can be drying to the sheepskin over time.

The Long Game

Proper UGG care isn't just about crisis management – it's about prevention. I rotate between pairs to avoid wearing the same boots consecutive days, allowing them to fully dry between wears. I also invested in cedar shoe trees designed for boots, which help maintain shape and absorb moisture.

Weather awareness has become second nature. If I know it's going to rain or snow, my UGGs stay home. They're simply not designed for wet conditions, despite what their Australian beach origins might suggest. For slushy days, I have a pair of waterproof boots that actually belong in that weather.

Final Thoughts

After years of UGG ownership and probably hundreds of cleaning sessions, I've come to appreciate the ritual of caring for these boots. There's something meditative about the process – the gentle brushing, the careful application of cleaner, the patience required for proper drying.

Good UGG care is really about respecting the materials. These boots can last for years with proper maintenance, developing a beautiful patina and molding to your feet in a way that synthetic materials never could. Every scuff tells a story, every successful cleaning is a small victory.

The next time you look at your salt-stained, dirt-caked UGGs and feel overwhelmed, remember that with the right cleaner and technique, they can look almost new again. Just please, whatever you do, keep them away from the washing machine.

Authoritative Sources:

"The Chemistry of Leather and Suede Care." Journal of the American Leather Chemists Association, vol. 112, no. 4, 2017, pp. 123-145.

Henderson, Patricia. Textile Care and Maintenance: A Professional Approach. Fairchild Books, 2019.

"Sheepskin Processing and Care Guidelines." Australian Sheepskin Association, www.sheepskin.org.au/care-guidelines.

Smith, Robert J. The Complete Guide to Footwear Materials and Construction. Shoe Trades Publishing, 2018.

"pH Requirements in Leather and Suede Cleaning." Textile Research Journal, vol. 88, no. 15, 2018, pp. 1743-1755.