Uggs look amazing, but they get dirty fast. The soft suede and cozy wool lining trap dirt, stains, and bad smells over time.
The worst part? You can’t just throw them in the washing machine like regular shoes. One wrong move can ruin the suede, shrink the wool, or leave ugly stains. On top of that, finding the right way to clean Uggs without damaging them can feel confusing.
The good news? You don’t need fancy cleaners or expensive products to clean Uggs properly. This guide will show you easy and safe cleaning methods, such as:
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Vinegar
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Baking soda
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Cornstarch, and more.
Stay tuned.
Key Takeaways
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Baking soda is great for removing odors and lifting stains from Uggs.
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Vinegar and water can remove stubborn stains without damaging Uggs.
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Never soak Uggs in water—it can shrink the wool and ruin the shape.
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A suede brush keeps Uggs looking soft and fresh after cleaning.
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Cornstarch absorbs grease stains and makes them easier to remove.
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Fabric softener sheets can keep Uggs smelling fresh inside.
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If using a washing machine, always choose a gentle cycle with cold water.
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Air drying is key—never use heat, as it can ruin the suede.
How to Clean Uggs Without Suede Cleaner – The Super Easy Way
If you don’t have suede cleaner to clean Uggs, don’t panic! You can get rid of dirt and dust from your Uggs by using simple methods. Let’s have a look:
Method 1: Use a Soft Cloth and Mild Soap
If your Uggs are looking dirty, here’s what to do:
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Mix a tiny drop of mild soap (like dish soap or baby shampoo) with cold water.
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Dampen a soft cloth or sponge (but don’t soak it).
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Gently wipe your Uggs to remove dirt and stains.
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Use another clean, damp cloth to get rid of the soap.
Sounds easy, right? Now, let’s go into more detail so you get it just right.
Step 1: Mix a Tiny Bit of Mild Soap with Cold Water
First things first—you need a cleaning mix that won’t ruin your Uggs. Suede is super delicate, so we can’t use just any soap. Strong cleaners can make your boots stiff, faded, or patchy.
Here’s what to do:
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Grab a small bowl and fill it with cold water.
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Add one tiny drop of mild soap—about the size of a pea.
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Mix it up so the soap dissolves in the water.
That’s it!
And one big rule—never dunk your Uggs in water! They aren’t sneakers. If they get too wet, they can shrink, lose their shape, or dry weirdly.
Step 2: Dampen a Soft Cloth or Sponge
In this step, you’ll need a soft cloth, sponge, or microfiber towel.
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Dip the cloth in your soapy water—but only a little!
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Squeeze it out until it’s just damp, not dripping.
Now, start gently wiping your Uggs. Be super light-handed—no scrubbing! Scrubbing too hard can damage the suede, making it rough and uneven. Instead, move in small circles, slowly lifting the dirt.
If you have a stubborn stain, just go over it a few times. Don’t rush or press too hard. Suede needs a gentle touch—patience is key!
Step 3: Use Another Clean, Damp Cloth
Once your Uggs are looking cleaner, there’s one more step—getting rid of any leftover soap. If soap dries on suede, it can make your boots stiff and dull. No one wants that!
Here’s how to do it:
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Grab a new, clean cloth and dampen it with plain cold water.
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Wipe down your Uggs to remove all soap.
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Make sure no suds or soapy patches are left behind.
This part is super important! Leftover soap makes suede look weird and feel rough. Plus, it attracts dirt, so your Uggs will get dirty again even faster.
Step 4: Let Them Air Dry Naturally
Now, it’s time to let your Uggs dry. And this is where a lot of people mess up! If you dry Uggs the wrong way, they can get stiff, faded, or totally ruined.
What NOT to do:
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No hairdryers! The heat can shrink and crack the suede.
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No heaters! This dries them too fast and makes them stiff.
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No direct sunlight! It can fade the color and leave weird patches.
What TO do:
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Stuff your Uggs with paper towels (this keeps their shape).
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Leave them in a dry place with good airflow.
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Be patient! Let them air dry for at least the whole day.
Once they’re dry, the suede might feel a little stiff. That’s normal! Just take a suede brush (or an old toothbrush) and lightly brush the surface. This will bring back the soft, fuzzy texture.
Not all cozy footwear is the same. If you're looking for variety, here are some top UGG alternatives that might suit your style.
Method 02: Cornstarch for Oily Stains
Oil stains are tough because suede absorbs grease quickly. Water won’t help and might spread the stain. Instead, use cornstarch to pull the oil out from Uggs.
Here are the details:
Step 1: Sprinkle Cornstarch and Let It Sit
If you spill something greasy on your Uggs, don’t rub it in. Grab cornstarch and sprinkle a thick layer over the stain. It needs to cover the whole area to soak up the oil. If you don’t have cornstarch, talcum powder will also work.
Now, leave it alone. Let the cornstarch sit for at least a few hours. If the stain is deep, leave it overnight. Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the better it absorbs the oil.
Step 2: Brush Off the Cornstarch
Once the cornstarch has done its job, take a suede brush or soft toothbrush and gently brush the area.
If the stain is still there, repeat the process. Some stains need two or three rounds of cornstarch to fully disappear. Be patient. This method works without using water or harsh chemicals that could ruin the suede.
Method 03: Use an Eraser for Small Stains
If your Uggs have scuff marks, a white rubber eraser can help. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Use the Right Eraser and Start Gently Rubbing
A plain white eraser is best for cleaning Uggs. Note that colored erasers may leave marks behind. If you have a suede eraser from a shoe care kit, that works too.
Make sure your Uggs are dry before you start. Take the eraser and rub the stain lightly in circles. Apply gentle pressure at first. If the stain is stubborn, you can rub a little harder, but don’t press too much. Suede is delicate and too much pressure can make it rough.
Step 2: Brush the Area to Restore Texture
After using the eraser, the suede might look slightly different from the rest of the boot. That’s normal. Take a suede brush or soft toothbrush and brush the area in one direction. This blends the cleaned spot with the rest of the boot.
If the stain is still visible, we suggest repeating the process.
Method 04: Deodorize with Fabric Softener Sheets
Uggs can start to smell after a while, especially if you wear them without socks. The easiest way to freshen them up is with fabric softener sheets. Just place one sheet inside each boot and let it sit overnight. It absorbs odors and leaves your boots smelling fresh.
If you own multiple shoe types, this full leather shoe restoration guide will come in handy for deep cleaning and maintenance.
How to Clean Uggs Inside
The inside of your Uggs can get dirty, sweaty, and smelly over time. If you don’t clean it, your Uggs will start to feel rough and smell bad. The good news is you can clean the inside without damaging the soft wool. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Make a Gentle Cleaning Solution
The wool inside Uggs is delicate, so you need to be careful with what you use. A strong cleaner can make the wool stiff, rough, and uncomfortable. The best option is a mild soap that won’t strip the natural softness of the wool.
Mix cold water with a small drop of baby shampoo. The water should be soapy but not too bubbly. Never use hot water because it can damage the wool and cause it to shrink.
Step 2: Wipe the Wool Lining Gently
Grab a soft cloth or sponge and dip it into the soapy water. Make sure it’s just damp, not dripping wet. Too much water can soak into the sheepskin and cause more problems, like making your Uggs smell worse.
Gently wipe the inside of the boots, working in small circular motions.
Step 3: Remove Soap and Absorb Moisture
Once you’ve wiped down the inside of Uggs, you need to remove any soap left behind. Take a clean, damp cloth with plain water and go over the wool lining. This removes any leftover soap that could leave a residue.
After that, use a dry towel and press it against the wool to soak up extra moisture. The goal is to get as much water out as possible without rubbing or twisting the fabric. If the lining still feels damp, let the towel sit inside for a few minutes to absorb more moisture.
After this, let them dry for at least 24 hours.
How to Clean Uggs in the Washing Machine
Most Uggs are not meant to go in the washing machine, but if yours are dirty and you’re willing to take the risk, it can be done. The key is using cold water, a gentle detergent, and a delicate cycle.
Let’s have a look:
Step 1: Check the Label and Understand the Risk
Before you even think about putting your Uggs in the washing machine, check the label inside the boot. Some Uggs can handle it, but most classic suede Uggs should never be machine washed. If yours are made of knit fabric or have a water-resistant coating, they might be fine.
Step 2: Use Cold Water and a Gentle Detergent
If you’ve decided to go ahead, make sure you use cold water only. Hot water will ruin the suede and cause the wool inside to clump together. Also, pick a mild detergent, like baby shampoo or wool-safe soap. Harsh detergents can strip the natural softness of the suede.
Set your washer to the gentlest cycle possible. Some machines have a setting for wool or delicate fabrics—use that if available.
Step 3: Protect Your Uggs in a Laundry Bag
To stop your Uggs from getting beat up inside the machine, put them in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. This keeps them from rubbing directly against the drum, which could wear down the suede.
It also helps to throw in some towels to balance the load. If your Uggs are the only thing in the washer, they’ll slam against the sides, which isn’t good for them or your machine..
Step 4: Restore the Suede and Wool
Once your Uggs are completely dry, they’ll probably feel a little stiff. If they look a little dry, you can also use a suede conditioner to bring back some moisture. Just apply a tiny amount and let it absorb naturally.
How to Clean Uggs with Vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for Uggs. It removes stains, deodorizes, and won’t damage the suede if used correctly. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water, dab it onto stains, and let your boots dry. This method works especially well for water stains and salt marks.
Step 1: Mix a Vinegar and Water Solution
Vinegar works because it breaks down dirt and removes bacteria that cause bad smells. But straight vinegar is too strong for suede, so it needs to be diluted. Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a small bowl.
Cold water is important because hot water can shrink the suede and ruin the wool inside. If you’re worried about the vinegar smell, don’t be—it fades completely once the boots dry.
Step 2: Dab the Solution on Stains with a Cloth
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the vinegar solution and squeeze out any excess liquid. The cloth should be damp, not soaking wet. If you use too much moisture, the suede can dry with water stains.
Dab the stained areas gently. Don’t rub—rubbing can spread the stain or roughen the suede. If the stain is really deep, let the vinegar sit for five to ten minutes, then dab again. Work in small sections to avoid over-wetting the suede.
Step 3: Let the Uggs Air Dry Completely
After you’ve treated the stains, let your Uggs air dry naturally. Stuff them with paper towels or a dry cloth to help them keep their shape. Drying might take a full day, so don’t rush it.
Never use a hairdryer, heater, or leave them in direct sunlight. Heat will stiffen the suede and could make your boots shrink. The best place to dry them is somewhere cool with good airflow.
Step 4: Brush and Restore the Suede
Once your Uggs are completely dry, they might look a little dull or rough. Take a suede brush and gently brush in one direction to bring back the soft, velvety feel. This also helps blend in any areas where the suede looks slightly different after cleaning.
If the wool inside your Uggs still smells a little like vinegar, sprinkle a bit of baking soda inside, let it sit overnight, then shake it out in the morning. That will absorb any leftover odor.
Vinegar is one of the safest and most effective ways to clean Uggs without using harsh chemicals. If you do this every few months, your boots will stay clean, soft, and fresh for years.
How to Clean Uggs with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a quick and easy way to clean Uggs. It absorbs bad smells, removes dirt, and lifts stains without damaging the suede. To freshen them up, sprinkle baking soda inside overnight. For stains, make a simple paste and apply it carefully.
Step 1: Sprinkle Baking Soda Inside to Remove Odors
If your Uggs smell bad, baking soda is the easiest fix. Sweat and moisture get trapped inside, especially if you wear them without socks.
Grab two tablespoons of baking soda and sprinkle it inside each boot. Make sure it covers the wool lining. Let it sit overnight or for at least 12 hours so it can soak up the odor.
In the morning, shake your Uggs upside down over a trash can to get rid of the powder. If there’s still some left, use a small vacuum or a dry cloth to wipe it out.
Step 2: Use Baking Soda to Remove Stains from the Suede
Baking soda also works on stains, especially grease and dirt. If you spilled something on your Uggs, don’t rub it—it’ll only spread the stain.
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste. Use a soft cloth or an old toothbrush to gently apply it to the stained area. Let it sit for a few hours so it can absorb the grease. Once it dries, brush it off with a suede brush or a clean cloth.
Step 3: Brush the Suede to Restore Softness
After using baking soda, your Uggs might feel a little rough. Suede is delicate, and even though baking soda cleans well, it can leave the texture looking dull.
Take a suede brush (or a soft toothbrush) and brush the suede in one direction. This will lift the nap and make them look fresh again. Don’t brush too hard—just enough to smooth things out.
Step 4: Keep Uggs Smelling Fresh
Now that your Uggs are clean, you want them to stay that way. To prevent odors, sprinkle a little baking soda inside once a week and shake it out in the morning.
If you store them away for the season, put a dryer sheet inside each boot to keep them smelling fresh. Keeping them dry and away from moisture will help prevent odors from building up again.
Baking soda is one of the easiest ways to clean Uggs without ruining them. It works fast, costs almost nothing, and keeps them looking and smelling great without any harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
Keeping your Uggs clean doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember:
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Use baking soda for odors and light stains.
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Vinegar and water work wonders on tough stains.
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Never soak or scrub too hard—be gentle with suede.
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Always let Uggs air dry to keep them in perfect shape.
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Regular maintenance keeps them looking fresh longer.
That’s all.
