Ugg boots are a winter staple for good reason. They feel warm, breathe well, and soften into your feet over time. The flip side is that natural sheepskin needs more thoughtful care than synthetic footwear. Hot water, strong friction, or fast drying can change the look and feel of the suede and wool lining.
This guide explains practical, low-effort ways to clean ugg boots inside and outside, manage common stains, and dry them properly. The advice stays intentionally generic so it suits most genuine sheepskin boots and slippers.
A helpful rule of thumb is to treat sheepskin like you would a quality suede jacket: do a little maintenance often, rather than one big scrub when things look rough. Start by brushing off dry dirt and dust so it doesn’t grind into the nap, then spot-clean only what needs attention instead of soaking the whole boot. If your boots smell a bit “lived in”, a light refresh inside (think gentle deodorising and airflow) usually works better than washing the lining. And when it comes to drying, slow and steady wins every time—let them air dry away from heaters and direct sun, then reshape them so they hold their structure as they dry. This simple routine helps keep the suede looking even, the inside feeling soft, and the boots wearing comfortably season after season.
Quick Guide: What to Do (and What to Avoid)
- Start with dry cleaning methods before using water
- Clean both boots evenly to avoid colour patches
- Dry slowly in shade with airflow
- Avoid heaters, radiators, dryers, and direct sunlight
- Use minimal moisture on the wool lining
Why Sheepskin Ugg Boots Need Special Care
Most ugg boots are made from twin-face sheepskin, with suede on the outside and wool on the inside. Suede is porous and absorbs moisture quickly, while the wool lining holds warmth and breathes naturally. These same qualities make sheepskin sensitive to heat, harsh detergents, and aggressive movement.
When sheepskin dries too fast or is overworked, fibres can stiffen or flatten. That’s why a slower, gentler approach protects comfort, shape, and appearance.
Another factor many people don’t realise is that sheepskin relies on its natural loft and texture to feel cosy and supportive. The wool fibres inside act like cushioning that springs back with wear, while the suede surface gets its signature look from a fine nap that can be rubbed smooth if it’s scrubbed hard. Add water to the mix and the materials behave even more dramatically: moisture can darken the suede, shift oils through the hide, and leave water marks if it dries unevenly. A gentle routine keeps the suede looking consistent, helps the lining stay plush rather than matted, and reduces the chance of boots feeling “looser” after heavy cleaning.
Can You Put Ugg Boots in the Washing Machine?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. In general, washing genuine sheepskin ugg boots in a washing machine is not recommended. The movement, water volume, and temperature changes can leave suede looking patchy and can cause the wool lining to clump, matt, or lose its soft feel.
Even on a “cold” and “gentle” setting, a machine wash can still be rough on sheepskin because it combines three things sheepskin doesn’t love: saturation, repeated agitation, and uneven drying afterwards. Suede can also develop water marks when it gets wet all over, and once those marks set in, they can be hard to blend back to an even finish. There’s also the risk of colour transfer (especially with darker boots), and the boot can lose its shape if it dries while slumped or twisted.
Some people choose to machine wash anyway, usually using cold water, a delicate cycle, and a mild cleaner. If someone takes that route, it’s at their discretion, and the outcome can’t be predicted—two similar pairs can come out looking and feeling very different. If you do choose to try it, avoid hot water, fast spin settings, and heated drying, and be prepared for the possibility of stiffness, shrinkage, or changes to the nap and texture.
Hand cleaning tends to be the safer, more controlled option for most owners because you can spot-clean only the areas that need it, use minimal moisture, and manage drying more evenly. That usually leads to a more consistent look, helps the lining stay comfortable, and lowers the chance of your boots ending up misshapen or rough to the touch.
Pre-Clean Preparation: A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
Before introducing any moisture, remove surface dirt. This prevents dust and grit from turning into muddy streaks.
Prepare the Boots
- Allow mud to dry fully, then brush it off
- Use a suede brush to lift the nap in one direction
- For scuffs, gently rub with a suede or clean gum eraser
- Shake out loose debris from inside the boots
Many marks lift at this stage, meaning you may not need to wet the boots at all.
How to Clean the Outside of Ugg Boots
If boots appear dull, stained, or evenly dirty, a whole-boot clean helps prevent uneven colour changes.
Step-by-Step Gentle Clean
- Lightly dampen both boots with cold water
- Apply a small amount of sheepskin-safe cleanser to a sponge
- Clean using light circular motions across the entire surface
- Rinse the sponge and wipe again to remove residue
- Blot gently with a towel to absorb excess moisture
Avoid soaking. Excess water can affect the natural structure of sheepskin and shorten its lifespan.
How to Dry Ugg Boots Safely
Drying plays a major role in how ugg boots feel once clean. Rapid heat can harden suede and cause shrinkage.
Drying Tips
- Stuff boots with clean paper or tea towels to hold shape
- Replace stuffing if it becomes damp
- Dry in shade with good airflow
- Allow at least 24–48 hours
If boots feel slightly snug once dry, wear often relaxes the fibres again.
How to Clean the Inside of Ugg Boots
The wool lining absorbs moisture from feet and can hold odours if boots are worn often. Regular airing reduces this naturally.
Routine Freshening
- Leave boots open in a ventilated area after wear
- Fold the opening down to expose the lining to air
- Brush lightly once dry to lift the wool fibres
Light Internal Cleaning
- Use a barely damp cloth with cold water
- Wipe gently inside the boot
- Apply a tiny amount of wool-safe cleanser if needed
- Air dry fully before wearing again
How to Remove Water Stains from Ugg Boots
Water marks usually appear as darker rings once the suede dries.
Chalk Method
- Rub plain white chalk over the stain
- Leave overnight
- Brush off gently the next day
Even-Dampening Method
- Lightly dampen the entire boot surface
- Blot and air dry evenly
- Brush once fully dry
Removing Grease and Food Stains
Oil-based stains sink into suede quickly, so absorption is more effective than scrubbing.
- Cover the stain with cornflour or white chalk
- Leave overnight
- Brush away gently
- Repeat if necessary
Dealing with Mud and Dirt
Mud should always dry before cleaning.
- Let mud dry completely
- Brush off flakes gently
- Use minimal moisture only if needed
Questions Readers Often Look Up Next
- Do ugg boots stretch again after cleaning?
- How can I freshen ugg boots without washing them?
- What should I do if my ugg boots feel stiff after drying?
Ongoing Care Habits That Help
Weekly Maintenance
- Brush lightly to remove dust
- Air boots after each wear
- Spot clean marks quickly
After Cleaning
- Brush suede in one direction once dry
- Use a light suede protector if desired
- Reapply protection after deep cleaning
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water
- Drying near heat sources
- Scrubbing aggressively
- Using harsh household chemicals
- Storing boots while damp
Storing Ugg Boots Between Seasons
Before storage, clean lightly, dry fully, and restore the suede nap. Stuffing the boots helps them keep their shape.
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Use breathable storage rather than plastic
- Keep away from direct light
With gentle cleaning, slow drying, and regular maintenance, ugg boots can remain comfortable and presentable across many winters. Understanding how sheepskin behaves makes it easier to care for them confidently.
Final Takeaway: Keep It Simple and Gentle
If you remember one thing, let it be this: sheepskin doesn’t need heavy cleaning to look good again. A quick brush, a careful spot clean, and slow air drying will handle most everyday mess without changing how your boots feel. When you do need a deeper clean, treat both boots the same way so the colour stays even, and give them time to dry properly before you wear them again. Do that, and your ugg boots will stay soft, comfortable, and presentable for winters to come.