How to Care for UGG Boots: 10 Essential Rules to Clean, Protect, and Store Your Sheepskin

UGG boots may be designed for comfort, but their soft suede and sheepskin materials need the right care to stay looking their best. Water marks, dirt, improper cleaning, and direct heat can affect the color, texture, and shape of classic UGG styles, so prevention matters as much as cleaning.

From protecting new boots before their first wear to safely drying a pair that gets caught in rain or snow, a few simple habits can help extend their life. UGG also offers cleaning and restoration options through the brand’s official UGGrenew program for pairs that need more attention than routine at-home care.

UGG’s familiar rounded-toe, flat-soled boots have also proved remarkably durable as a fashion staple. Celebrities including Renée Zellweger, Tara Reid, and Sarah Jessica Parker have worn them everywhere from cold city streets to casual off-duty outings, but their longevity in a wardrobe still depends on how they’re treated between wears.

From snowy streets to music festivals, celebrities like Renée Zellweger, Tara Reid, and Sarah Jessica Parker prove Ugg boots are a versatile wardrobe staple (Credit: WENN)

Here are 10 practical ways to protect, clean, dry, and store your UGG boots so you can get more wear out of them:

1. Protect Your UGG Boots: Use Water and Stain Repellent Before Wearing

Before wearing new UGG boots, treat compatible suede or sheepskin styles with a water-and-stain repellent. In a well-ventilated area, hold the spray about six inches from the boots and apply it evenly until the surface is damp but not soaked.

Let the boots dry naturally for at least 24 hours, away from direct sunlight or heat, before wearing them.

UGG Sheepskin Water and Stain Repellent, $10.45 on Amazon

Once dry, lightly brush the suede nap in one direction with the soft side of a suede brush to restore its appearance. A protector can help reduce staining and water marks, but it cannot make every UGG style waterproof or prevent every stain.

2. Avoid Water Damage: Keep Your UGG Boots Away From Snow and Rain

Classic Ugg boots are made with sheepskin and suede, so rain, slush, or melting snow can leave water marks and affect their shape. A water-and-stain protector can add a layer of protection, but it doesn’t make untreated Uggs fully waterproof.

If your Uggs do get wet, gently blot away excess moisture with a clean, absorbent towel—don’t wring, twist, or put them in the washing machine. Stuff the boots with plain paper or a rolled towel to help maintain their shape, then leave them to air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, radiators, heaters, and other heat sources.

Snow and slush can damage your Ugg boots—protect them with waterproofing spray to avoid stains and maintain their shape through winter weather

3. Don’t Dry Uggs Under Heat: How to Prevent Fading and Brittleness

Let wet UGG boots dry naturally at room temperature rather than placing them near a radiator, heater, or other direct heat source. Heat and strong sunlight can fade the color and leave suede, leather, and sheepskin dry or brittle.

Proper care keeps your Ugg boots looking fresh—clean, treat, and store them correctly to prevent creases and maintain their iconic shape

4. Clean UGG Boots According to Their Material

Cleaning instructions depend on the material, so check your UGG style before reaching for a cleaner or brush.

For standard sheepskin footwear that is compatible with sheepskin cleaner, first moisten the entire exterior evenly with clean, cold water. Apply a small amount of cleaner and conditioner to a clean, wet sponge and work gently across the surface rather than aggressively scrubbing individual stains.

Specialty materials need different treatment. Fancy sheepskin, fancy suede, and certain leather styles should be gently wiped or blotted with a clean, very soft damp cloth rather than rubbed or brushed, and cleaning products may not be appropriate. Always follow the care instructions for the specific material.

5. Choose the Right Tools: Use a Soft-Bristled Brush for Ugg Care

Avoid stiff, coarse, or wire brushes, which can scratch suede and damage its surface. For compatible suede and sheepskin styles, use the soft side of a suede brush and, after the boots are completely dry, lightly brush the nap in one direction to restore its texture.

Keep your Ugg boots in top condition with the UGG Sheepskin Care Kit—featuring cleaner, protector, freshener, and a brush for all-around maintenance

Don’t assume every UGG material should be brushed, however. Specialty sheepskin, suede, and leather finishes may require only gentle blotting with a soft, damp cloth, so check the care instructions for your particular pair first.

What about leather UGG boots? Leather and nubuck UGG styles shouldn’t automatically be cleaned the same way as classic sheepskin boots. Use a care product designed for the leather or nubuck you’re treating, and always check the footwear’s material-specific care instructions before applying cleaner, conditioner, or protector.

6. Dry Fully Before Storing: Prevent Mold and Mildew on Uggs

Let UGG boots dry completely before storing them. After applying water-and-stain protector, allow at least 24 hours of natural drying; boots that have been washed or become thoroughly wet may take longer.

Keep them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, radiators, heaters, and other heat sources. Stuffing the boots lightly with plain paper or a rolled towel while they dry can help preserve their shape. Never store them while damp, since trapped moisture can encourage mold and mildew.

7. Preserve Your Uggs: Avoid Scratches, Scuffs, and Unnecessary Dirt

Classic sheepskin UGG boots aren’t designed as waterproof rain, snow, or hiking boots. Even with a water-and-stain protector, avoid deep snow, slush, heavy rain, mud, and activities likely to saturate, scratch, or heavily soil the suede and sheepskin.

Sarah Jessica Parker wears UGG boots on the set of I Don’t Know How She Does It, illustrating why suede and sheepskin footwear needs extra care in wet conditions

8. To Wear or Not to Wear Socks? How to Keep Your Uggs Odor-Free

Wearing socks can help limit the sweat and moisture that cause odor inside UGG boots, but if you prefer the feel of sheepskin against bare feet, give them time to air out completely between wears.

If they need a refresh, use an odor-control product suitable for sheepskin rather than fragranced oils or DIY mixtures that could affect the lining.

9. Maintain Their Shape: Use Boot Shapers or Rolled Towels

Lightly stuff UGG boots with plain paper or rolled towels to help them retain their shape while stored. Reusable boot shapers are another option, particularly for taller styles:

Boot Shapers 300, $25.95 on Amazon

Booty Shapers Shape It! JY2110 inflatable boot supports, $32.95 on Amazon

10. Professional Care: When to Take Your Ugg Boots to a Cobbler

When you’re unsure how to remove a stain or clean your Ugg boots, take them to a professional cleaner. The added stress from failed home remedy attempts is hardly ever worth it.

Here’s an in-depth video on how to further take care of Uggs courtesy of WhatSheBuys:

More Ways to Wear, Care for, and Shop UGG Boots

Proper care can help UGG boots last, but choosing the right pair and knowing how to style them matters, too. From classic UGGs with jeans and leggings to newer Ultra Mini and platform silhouettes, explore more of our guides and celebrity UGG looks below.