Home Cleaning How to Clean Uggs That Are Looking a Little Too Worn-In A little TLC will keep your coziest shoes in better shape. By Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on September 18, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Frequency Before You Get Started How to Clean Ugg Boots Removing Stains and Water Spots More Tips Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Asos Project Overview Working Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 day, 15 minutes Ugg boots and slippers are some of the coziest winter shoes out there. They cradle your feet in the comfort of suede sheepskin with a wool fleece lining. While similar-looking boots and slippers made from synthetic materials can be tossed in the washer, it's those natural materials that give Uggs their breathable qualities and require a bit of extra care when cleaning. Learn how to clean Ugg boots and slippers to keep them looking their best. How to Stop Shoes From Smelling—7 Different Ways How Often to Clean Uggs Ugg boots worn outside should be brushed to remove loose dust and dirt after every wearing to prevent soil from accumulating. The ideal frequency of a deeper clean, targeting the inside of the boots, depends on how often you wear them and whether or not you wear socks. If you often wear your boots without socks, you'll want to clean them more frequently, since sweat and odors can accumulate more easily. Indoor Ugg slippers should also be cleaned often to freshen the shearling lining. Considerations Before You Start Cleaning Never toss Ugg boots or slippers in the washing machine or expose them to the high heat of the dryer. Both choices can cause the adhesives used in construction to loosen.After cleaning, be sure the Uggs are completely dry before storing them, especially in a closed container. Allow them to air-dry for at least 24 hours so all moisture will evaporate.To help Uggs hold their shape, use rolled towels, white tissue paper, or boot trees in the shoes while you are cleaning. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Suede or soft-bristled nylon brush Sponge Microfiber towels Soft-bristled toothbrush Materials Distilled white vinegar Suede cleaner Liquid wool wash or gentle soap Disinfecting spray Anti-fungal spray (optional) Talcum powder or cornstarch Instructions How to Clean Ugg Boots Brush Away Loose Soil After every wear, use a brush made for suede or a soft-bristled nylon brush to remove dust and loose soil.Start at the top and brush down the Ugg in the direction of the sheepskin nap. If the Uggs are wet, allow them to air-dry completely before brushing. Deep Clean the Exterior Suede Follow the label directions on a commercial suede cleaner or mix a solution of 50 percent water and 50 percent distilled white vinegar.If using the vinegar solution, dip a sponge in the solution and wring until it is not dripping.Start at the top of the boot or slipper and gently sponge the shoes in a circular motion.Rinse the sponge often to remove soil before dipping it back into the vinegar solution.Do not oversaturate the Uggs.Stuff the shoes with white tissue paper or microfiber towels to help them hold their shape and allow them to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight for 24 hours. Clean the Fleece Lining Mix a solution of one cup of warm water and a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid wool wash (like Woolite) or a gentle liquid soap.Dip a sponge in the solution and wring until just damp.Gently scrub the interior fleece. Rinse the sponge often in plain water to remove the transferred soil before dipping again into the wool wash solution.After cleaning, spray the interior with a disinfecting spray (like Lysol) to kill odor-causing bacteria. Do not spray the exterior of the Uggs with the spray.If there is a problem with athlete's foot, use an anti-fungal spray on the fleece.Allow the Uggs to air-dry for 24 hours before wearing. How to Remove Stains and Water Spots from Uggs Remove Oily Stains Cover the oily stain with a thick layer of talcum powder or cornstarch.Set the Ugg aside for 24 to 48 hours to allow the powder to absorb the oil.Brush away the powder with a soft toothbrush.Repeat until the oily stain is gone. Tackle Water Spots and Streaks Dampen a sponge with cool water (wring well) and evenly wet the entire surface of the Uggs.Stuff the Uggs with towels or tissue to help them hold their shape and allow them to dry away from direct heat or sun.Once dry, brush the exterior with a suede brush to lift the nap. Remove Mud Stains Do not attempt to remove wet mud. Allow it to dry and then use a soft-bristled brush to brush it away.If the Uggs are stained, clean with the vinegar and water solution used above. Treat Salt Stains Mix 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar in a small bowl.Dip a sponge in the solution and wring until just damp.Gently wipe the salt-stained area with the vinegar solution. The acetic acid in the vinegar will dissolve the salt.Rinse the sponge in cold water, wring, and evenly wet all of the outside surface of the Uggs. Allow them to air-dry. Tips to Keep Your Uggs Looking Their Best Use a suede protectant spray on new Uggs to help repel water and stains. Apply again after each deep cleaning. Most sprays last about three months.Freshen the interior of Uggs by sprinkling the shearling liberally with baking soda. Allow them to sit for 24 hours and then shake out the baking soda or vacuum away with a handheld vac.Always wear socks or tights with Uggs to lessen interior stains and odors.Allow Uggs to air out and dry between each wearing.Use boot trees or foam pool noodles to help them hold their shape.