Ugg boots are cute, warm and comfortable, but because they're made from suede sheepskin and lined with wool, they need to be cleaned carefully. You will need special tools and special products, such as a brush and a suede cleaner, but you can find everything you need by purchasing a handy kit. If you tools properly, cleaning your Uggs will be a breeze!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Surface Dirt
Step 1. Remove dirt and dust with a chamois brush
Before washing your boots, use a soft suede brush to remove dirt, mud, dust and other debris from the surface. In addition, this tool will help you lift and revive the chamois hair, making it easier to clean.
You can buy a special kit at the supermarket, in shoe and leather goods stores. Typically, it comes with a special brush, rubber and suede cleaner. It can also contain a sponge. The Ugg company also produces a kit for cleaning and treating its products
Step 2. Dampen the boots with a sponge soaked in cold water
Wet the sponge, then squeeze it well to remove excess water. Then dab it until the surface is completely moistened.
- Do not soak it with water, otherwise the suede part risks detaching from the wool.
- If you don't have a sponge, use a soft, clean cloth.
Step 3. Apply the suede cleaner to the sponge and rub it gently on the shoes
Pour or mist a small amount of detergent on the sponge, then lightly rub the boots in circular motions. Take a little at a time as you apply it all over the surface.
- Remember that it is preferable to add the product as needed rather than using too much at one time.
- Do not apply the cleaner directly to the boots.
- Some people prefer to make the cleaning solution at home by combining equal parts water and vinegar. However, keep in mind that it can discolour Uggs.
Step 4. Rinse the sponge and soak up the soapy water
After cleaning your shoes, rinse the sponge and squeeze it again, then soak up the detergent in circular motions. Continue until all residual foam and dirt are removed.
The suede cleaner also has a softening effect, so you don't need to get rid of it completely
Step 5. Blot the shoes with a soft white cloth to dry them
Get a soft, clean cloth, such as a microfiber one, to absorb as much water as possible. You should choose a white one so as not to risk staining the Uggs.
If you notice that the cloth gets too dirty, you probably need to wipe it again
Step 6. Fill the boots with paper towels so they hold their shape
Sheepskin can easily warp when wet, even if it just feels damp. In order not to spoil the look of your Uggs, fill them with blotting paper or crumpled newspaper sheets. Make sure you get to the tip, but also consider the upper.
If you prefer, you can also use food paper or clean towels
Step 7. Let the shoes air dry for 24 hours in a cool, ventilated area
The best way to dry Uggs is to leave them in a cool place with good air circulation, such as the corner of a room. Do not put them in direct contact with heat sources, such as a dryer, hairdryer or radiator. Also, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
- Sunlight and heat can wrinkle sheepskin, cracking it, as well as fading it.
- If you have a shoe dryer, you can use it to speed up drying times. In fact, this system uses air at room temperature, so it is more delicate than appliances that produce heat.
Step 8. Brush the boots in one direction to lift and revive the coat
Once dry, the surface can look a bit flattened. Next, take the suede brush and, starting at the top, brush down to make your way towards the tip. Continue moving the brush in the same direction until the entire shoe is complete.
With chamois hair we mean the irregular suede layer with which shoes of this kind are made
Method 2 of 3: Treat Some Stains and Deodorize
Step 1. Pass the plaster if there is an oil stain
If cooking oil, a little makeup, or another fatty substance falls on the Uggs, remove the stain with a simple white chalk. Leave it on overnight, then brush it off in the morning with the chamois brush. If necessary, repeat the treatment until the stain disappears, then wash the shoes as needed.
You can also apply talcum powder or cornstarch. Leave it on overnight, then remove it with the chamois brush. If there is still a film of oil, repeat the process. Continue until the stain disappears
Step 2. Remove scratches and dirt with a special suede rubber
If the kit you bought contains a chamois eraser, rub it on any stains or scratch marks. It will help you remove minor stains and make it easier to clean when washing your boots.
If there is no eraser, you can use a normal white eraser. However, avoid if it is colored as it may stain the boots
Step 3. Take the Uggs to the cobbler for a professional cleaning if they have salt stains
By wiping them with a damp cloth after wearing them, you can prevent salt stains, but you may want to take them to the cobbler if you notice whitish marks. Most home remedies for removing this type of stain, such as using vinegar, can discolour or damage suede.
Step 4. Moisten the boots and let them dry in case of water stains
Splashes of water can leave obvious traces. To make them disappear, dab the surface with a wet sponge until the surface is evenly moistened, avoiding soaking it. Let it air dry.
If it's mud, you need to wash the boots with a suitable suede cleaner
Step 5. Pour baking soda or cornstarch into the Uggs to deodorize them
If you have been wearing them for some time, they may start to develop an unpleasant odor, especially if you wear them without socks. To get rid of the bad smell, pour a few tablespoons of baking soda or cornstarch on the footbed. Shake the boot to distribute the powder evenly and let it sit overnight.
- If you prefer, you can also combine baking soda and cornstarch.
- Wipe off excess dust before putting your boots back on.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Stains and Damage
Step 1. Treat your shoes with a suede protective spray when you first use them
The best way to keep Uggs in good condition is to protect them from stains. Take them outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, then put the spray about 15 cm away from the shoe and spray the product evenly. Wet the surface thoroughly, without impregnating it, then leave the boots in a cool and ventilated place for at least 24 hours.
- Once dry, pass a chamois brush to revive the fur.
- You can buy the protective spray at the supermarket, in a shoe store or at authorized Ugg retailers.
Step 2. Do not expose them to heat sources or the sun
Sunlight and heat can damage suede, causing it to fade, harden and crack. Don't put Uggs in front of a radiator or near a sunny window.
For example, if your air conditioner directs hot air to a certain corner of the room, don't put your boots on there
Step 3. Avoid rain and snow
Although Uggs are very warm and suitable for winter, they are not made to withstand the elements. If you wear them when it rains or snows, try not to walk in puddles or deep snow. If this happens, wipe them with a damp cloth immediately and let them air dry.
Salt is often spread on icy roads. Since this substance leaves hard-to-remove stains that risk staining Uggs, you should get rid of it as soon as possible from your boots if you have stepped on it
Step 4. Remove dirt and mud encrustations immediately
As with any other material, even on suede it is more difficult to remove old stains. If your boots get dirty or muddy, let them dry thoroughly and brush the suede right away. If necessary, clean them with a suitable detergent and a damp sponge to remove any residues.
Let them air dry once they have been treated
Advice
- Pour baking soda or cornstarch into your shoes if you want to deodorize them.
- Don't put Uggs in the washer or dryer. They can get damaged.
