Say Goodbye to Smelly UGGs: Natural Odour Removal Hacks

Ever slipped your feet into your UGGs only to be greeted by a funky smell? You’re not alone. As comfy and warm as they are, UGG boots have a habit of trapping sweat and moisture, which can lead to some pretty unpleasant odours over time.

But before you even think about tossing them or using harsh chemicals, take a breath—there’s a better way. With a few natural, safe, and effective tricks, you can eliminate odours and keep your UGGs smelling fresh without damaging their delicate materials.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy home remedies using ingredients like baking soda, cornstarch, and essential oils. And if you want to go the extra mile, I’ll also highlight some specialty UGG boot-cleaning products that can help maintain your boots for the long haul.

Let’s get started

Why Do UGG Boots Smell?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s talk about the real culprit behind smelly UGGs. It’s not just about wearing them too much—odours build-up due to a mix of sweat, moisture, and bacteria.

Here’s why:

Trapped Moisture

UGGs are designed to keep your feet warm, but that also means they trap heat. If your feet sweat (which they naturally do), that moisture gets absorbed into the sheepskin lining, creating a damp environment.

Bacteria & Fungi Growth

Moisture + warmth = a breeding ground for bacteria. Over time, these microbes break down sweat and oils from your skin, producing that stale, musty odour.

Lack of Ventilation

Unlike other types of footwear, UGGs don’t have much airflow, meaning odours get trapped inside and don’t have a chance to escape.

Sock or No Sock?

Some people wear UGGs barefoot, thinking the soft wool will keep things fresh. But without socks to absorb sweat, moisture goes straight into the boot, making odours worse.

Should You Be Worried About Smelly UGGs?

While it’s mostly just an annoying problem, leaving odours untreated can actually shorten the lifespan of your UGGs. Bacteria and moisture can break down the materials over time, leading to stiff, brittle sheepskin or even mould growth. 

The good news? You don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of the smell. Up next, we’ll go through natural, easy ways to freshen up your UGGs—using ingredients you probably already have at home.

How to Remove Odours from UGG Boots Naturally

Now that you know why your UGGs smell, let’s get to the good part—getting rid of that odour naturally without ruining the suede or sheepskin.

Here are some safe, chemical-free methods to freshen up your UGGs using household ingredients.

Baking Soda – The Ultimate Odour Absorber

Why it works: Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that absorbs moisture and neutralises odours.

How to use it:

• Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda inside each UGG boot.

• Tilt the boots around so the powder evenly coats the lining.

• Let it sit overnight to absorb moisture and odours.

• Shake out the excess baking soda in the morning. Use a vacuum (with a brush attachment) to remove any residue.

Pro Tip: For extra freshness, mix a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil into the baking soda before sprinkling it in.

Cornstarch & Essential Oils – Double Action Freshness

Why it works: Cornstarch absorbs excess moisture, while essential oils add a pleasant scent and have natural antibacterial properties.

How to use it:

• Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few drops of essential oil (like eucalyptus or peppermint).

• Sprinkle the mixture inside each boot and leave it for a few hours or overnight.

• Shake or vacuum out the residue.

Pro Tip: Store-bought UGG boot repellent sprays (like the ones from UGG Australia Classic) work great alongside this method for long-lasting freshness.

Tea Bags – A Quick Fix for Light Odours

Why it works: Tea bags absorb moisture and odours while releasing a mild, fresh scent.

How to use it:

• Place two dry black tea bags (or peppermint tea for a fresher scent) inside each boot.

• Leave them in for at least 24 hours.

• Remove the tea bags and give your boots a shake to remove any loose tea particles.

Pro Tip: This is a great option for mild odours or in-between deep cleanings.

Vinegar & Water Solution – For Stubborn Smells

Why it works: Vinegar kills bacteria and neutralises odours without damaging the sheepskin lining.

How to use it:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

• Lightly mist the inside of your UGGs—don’t soak them!

• Let them air dry in a well-ventilated area (avoid direct sunlight).

• Once dry, sprinkle a little baking soda inside and shake it out after a few hours.

Warning: Do not use this method on the outside of your UGGs, as vinegar can damage suede. For a safer alternative, use a UGG Boot Clean and Care Kit from UGG Australia Classic.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning UGGs

UGGs are made from delicate materials like suede and sheepskin, which means cleaning them the wrong way can ruin their texture, shape, or even make odours worse. Before you go scrubbing away, here are the most common mistakes to avoid when freshening up your boots.

Don’t Put UGGs in the Washing Machine

It might seem like the easiest way to clean them, but machine washing can damage the suede, shrink the sheepskin lining, and weaken the structure of your UGGs. Even on a gentle cycle, they’re not designed for that kind of soaking.

What to do instead: Use dry cleaning methods like baking soda or a specialised UGG cleaner for deep cleaning.

Don’t Soak Them in Water

Water and suede don’t mix well. If you soak your UGGs, they can become stiff, misshapen, or even develop water stains that are hard to remove.

What to do instead: If you need to spot clean, dab (don’t rub) a small amount of vinegar and water solution onto the affected area and let them air dry naturally.

Avoid Direct Heat or Sunlight

Drying UGGs near a heater, radiator, or in direct sunlight can cause the suede to become brittle and crack, and it may even shrink the sheepskin lining.

What to do instead: Let your UGGs air dry at room temperature in a shaded, well-ventilated area. To help them keep their shape, stuff them with clean towels or paper towels while drying.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Bleach, regular shoe cleaners, and strong detergents can strip away the natural oils in sheepskin and suede, making your UGGs feel rough and discoloured.

What to do instead: Stick to natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar, or use a UGG-approved cleaning product from UGG Australia Classic.

Don’t Rub or Scrub Too Hard

When trying to remove stains or odours, scrubbing aggressively can damage the soft suede surface, leaving it looking rough and patchy.

What to do instead: Use a soft suede brush or a microfibre cloth to gently clean any stains or dirt without damaging the material.

By avoiding these common mistakes, your UGGs will stay soft, fresh, and in great condition for years to come.

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness

By now, you’ve learned how to eliminate odours naturally, prevent smells from returning, and avoid common cleaning mistakes. To keep your UGGs in top shape for the long haul, here are a few final tips:

Store Your UGGs Properly

The way you store your UGGs can make a huge difference in keeping them fresh.

Best practice:

• Store them in a cool, dry place with good airflow.

• Avoid keeping them in plastic bags or airtight containers, as this can trap moisture.

• Use shoe trees or stuff them with tissue paper to maintain their shape.

Give Them a Break

Wearing the same pair of UGGs every day doesn’t allow them to fully dry out between uses, which can cause odours to build up faster.

Best practice: Rotate between shoes and give your UGGs at least a day to air out after heavy use.

Refresh Regularly with Baking Soda

Even if your UGGs don’t smell yet, regular deodorising can prevent odours before they start.

Best practice: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your UGGs once a week and let it sit overnight. Shake it out the next day for continuous freshness.

Invest in a UGG Boot Cleaning Kit

For long-term care, using a UGG-approved cleaning kit can help maintain your boots without risking damage. A good kit should include:

• A suede brush to remove dirt

• A UGG-safe cleaner for deeper cleaning

• A deodorising spray for freshness

Recommended: Check out UGG Australia Classic’s cleaning products for high-quality cleaners designed specifically for UGG boots.

Keep Your UGGs Fresh for the Long Run

Your UGGs deserve the best care, and with the right natural cleaning methods and preventative habits, you can keep them smelling fresh and looking brand new—without using harsh chemicals. A little maintenance goes a long way in making sure your favourite boots stay cosy and odour-free for years to come.

For the best results, pair these natural cleaning hacks with high-quality UGG cleaning products. 

Check out the UGG Australia Classic specially designed cleaners, fresheners, and brushes to protect your UGGs and keep them in top condition.