How to Treat Every Type of Stain on Suede and UGG Boots

You just wanted to wear your favourite UGG boots without thinking. But now there’s a stain. Maybe it was coffee. Maybe it was rain. Maybe you don’t even know what it was, but now there’s a dark mark staring back at you, and you’re quietly freaking out.

Don’t worry, you’re not the first person to panic over a suede stain, and you won’t be the last. The truth is, suede and sheepskin are tricky materials, and they don’t forgive harsh treatment. But the good news? Most stains can be fixed if you handle them the right way from the start.

I’ve seen countless pairs of suede shoes go from stained and sad to looking fresh again — all without harsh scrubbing or DIY disasters. It’s all about knowing what to use, what to avoid, and when to take a step back and let the materials do their thing.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to treat different stains (like water, mud, oil, and more), how to avoid damaging your boots, and how to protect them for next time. Because your UGGs deserve to last more than one season.

Why Suede And Sheepskin Are So Tricky To Clean

Suede is made from the underside of leather, which gives it that velvety, textured feel. But the flip side? It soaks up liquids and oils easily. The moment something spills, the fibres absorb it, fast. That’s why water, coffee, or even light rain can leave dark, uneven patches if you're not careful.

Sheepskin Takes Things Up A Notch

UGG boots are usually made from twin-faced sheepskin, which means suede on the outside and fluffy wool lining on the inside. Cleaning them isn’t just about saving the surface; you also want to protect the shape, structure, and softness of the inside. One wrong move, and your boots can go stiff, misshapen, or worse, smelly.

Diy Cleaners Can Do More Harm Than Good

It’s tempting to grab whatever you’ve got under the sink or try a Pinterest hack, but most standard cleaners are too harsh. Anything too wet, too soapy, or too scrubby can leave stains, strip the colour, or flatten the nap (that soft texture). And once suede gets damaged, there’s no going back.

The #1 Rule: Don’t Panic, Don’t Scrub

When you see a fresh stain on your UGGs, your first instinct is probably to act fast. You might think, “If I rub it out now, maybe it won’t set in.” But unfortunately, that’s one of the worst things you can do.

Suede and sheepskin are not like regular leather or canvas, they’re far more delicate. Scrubbing, even gently, can grind the stain deeper into the fibres, leave behind shiny spots, or rough up the nap (that soft, velvety surface you want to protect). In some cases, scrubbing creates permanent bald patches that can’t be fixed.

Take a breath. Step away from the paper towel. There’s a better way.

Let It Dry First — Then Deal With It.

If you’re dealing with a wet stain, say coffee, water, or mud, the best thing you can do is let it dry completely before attempting anything. This feels counterintuitive, especially if the mark looks dark or dramatic. But acting too soon can backfire.

Drying gives you control. Once the stain is fully dry, you can brush away surface dirt, reassess the damage, and apply the right cleaning method without making things worse. It also helps prevent the stain from spreading or soaking further into the material.

Tip: While it dries, stuff your boots with paper towels to help them hold their shape. Never dry them near direct heat, let them air-dry naturally, out of the sun.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Different Stains Safely

Not all stains are created equal, and the way you treat each one matters. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for the most common culprits. The good news? With the right technique and products, most marks can be removed without damaging your boots.

Water Stains

What it looks like:

Dark patches or rings where water splashed and dried unevenly.

How to remove it:

• Lightly dampen the entire surface of the boot with a clean sponge — not soaking wet, just lightly moist.

• Use a suede brush or clean cloth to gently even out the nap and water distribution.

• Stuff the boots with paper towels (not newspaper – the ink can transfer) to hold their shape.

• Let them dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight.

• Once fully dry, brush the suede in one direction to restore texture.

Why it works:

Oddly enough, water stains are best removed by re-wetting the suede evenly — which helps prevent that obvious ring mark

Dirt and Mud

What it looks like:

Caked-on mud or dusty patches, often around the soles.

How to remove it:

• Let the mud dry completely before touching it.

• Once dry, use a suede brush to gently brush off as much dirt as possible.

• For any leftover marks, use a suede eraser or suede cleaner with a soft cloth.

Brush again to lift the nap.

Pro tip:

Brushing in short, gentle strokes works better than heavy-handed scrubbing.

Oil or Grease Stains

What it looks like:

Dark, greasy-looking patches that won’t dry or fade on their own.

How to remove it:

• Blot the area immediately with a dry paper towel — do not rub.

• Sprinkle a small amount of cornflour or talcum powder on the stain.

• Let it sit overnight to absorb the oil.

• Brush it off gently in the morning.

• If needed, follow up with a suede cleaner.

Important:

Do not apply water to fresh oil stains, it can help spread the grease deeper into the suede.

Salt Stains

What it looks like:

White, chalky marks, often from walking in winter conditions.

How to remove it:

• Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water.

• Dip a clean cloth in the solution and gently dab (not rub) the salt marks.

• Let the boots dry naturally.

• Once dry, brush the suede to lift the nap.

Note:

Vinegar smells at first but it fades quickly, and it’s great at breaking down salt deposits.

Wine, Coffee, or Other Liquid Stains

What it looks like:

Dark, sometimes sticky stains that spread quickly if not treated.

How to remove it:

• Blot (don’t rub) immediately with a dry cloth to absorb excess liquid.

• Once dry, use a suede cleaner according to the product instructions.

• Gently brush the area once it’s dry to restore the suede’s texture.

Product Spotlight: What to Use (And Why It Matters)

There’s no shortage of cleaning advice out there, a quick scroll on social media will give you a dozen DIY hacks involving everything from vinegar to baby wipes. But when it comes to suede and sheepskin, using the wrong product can do more harm than good.

The safest and most effective way to clean your UGG boots or UGG slippers is to use products that are specifically designed for those materials.

Why Generic Cleaners Don’t Cut It

Regular cleaners are made for tough fabrics and surfaces, not delicate suede. They’re often too wet, too harsh, or too soapy. Even water alone, when used incorrectly, can stain or warp suede. That’s why suede and sheepskin need cleaners that are:

• Low-moisture, to avoid soaking the material

• pH-balanced, to prevent discolouration

• Gentle, so the texture stays soft and smooth

Using the wrong product can leave behind water marks, stiff patches, or even make the stain worse.

What You Should Be Using Instead

The best option? UGG cleaning and care kit, like the ones from UGG Australia Classic

• A good cleaning kit will typically include:

• Suede and Sheepskin Cleaner – Removes stains safely without soaking the material

• Suede Brush – Gently lifts dirt and restores the nap

• Suede Eraser – Great for spot-cleaning dry stains

• Water and Stain Repellent – Protects against future spills and marks

• Freshener Spray – Keeps the inside smelling good

These products are made with the right materials in mind, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your boots while trying to save them.

A Little Product Goes A Long Way

You don’t need to soak your boots or scrub like mad, in fact, less is more. Apply a small amount of cleaner to a clean sponge or cloth, dab gently, and let it do the work. Always follow with a brush once dry to bring the nap back to life.

How to Protect Your Boots From Future Stains

Once your boots are clean, a bit of prevention will go a long way. Here’s how to keep them looking fresh.

Spray On A Water And Stain Repellent

This is your best defence. Spray it evenly on clean, dry boots from about 15cm away. Let them dry for 24 hours before wearing. Reapply every few weeks during heavy-use seasons.

Tip: Spray brand-new boots before you wear them out, it’ll help stop stains before they start.

Avoid Bad Weather

Suede and sheepskin don’t do well in rain, mud, or spills. If it’s looking wet outside, wear something else and save your UGGs for dry days.

Store Them Properly

Keep them upright, or stuff them with paper to hold their shape. Store in a cool, dry place — not plastic bags or damp areas.

Your UGGs Deserve a Bit of TLC

Suede shoes and UGG boots might be high-maintenance, but that’s part of what makes them special. With the right care — and a bit of patience — most stains can be handled without stress. And once you know what to avoid (like scrubbing or over-wetting) and what to use (like proper suede cleaners and protectants), you’re well ahead of the game.

Remember:

• Let stains dry before treating them

• Use gentle tools and purpose-made products

• Spray regularly to protect against future mess

Your boots have carried you through chilly mornings, lazy Sundays, and last-minute dashes to the shops. A little love goes a long way in keeping them looking and feeling their best. Shop UGGs and UGG Cleaning kit now at UGG Australia Classic and give your feet (and your boots) the care they deserve.