London is brilliant for many things, but it is not kind to sheepskin. Drizzly walks across Clapham Common, salted pavements in January, muddy shortcuts through Battersea Park and packed Tube platforms all leave their mark on a favourite pair of boots. If you have ever looked down at a tide-marked, scuffed or matted pair and wondered how to clean UGGs without ruining them, this guide is for you.
Below, you will find a practical explanation of how to clean UGGs at home, from a simple brush-down to lifting stubborn marks, plus honest advice on what to avoid. We cover how to clean UGG boots, how to clean UGG slippers, whether the washing machine is ever an option and when it is wiser to ask a professional. It comes from the team at Elegance Dry Cleaners on Northcote Road, Clapham, who have spent over 35 years caring for delicate fabrics and footwear across South London.
Why London Weather Is So Tough on Sheepskin
Sheepskin is a natural material. The outside is suede, and the inside is soft wool fleece. That combination is why these boots are so warm and comfortable, but it also explains why they mark so easily. Suede is porous, so it absorbs water, oil and dirt, while fleece holds on to moisture and odours if it stays damp.
London adds its own set of challenges:
- Rain and damp. A wet autumn commute can soak suede in minutes, and because water dries unevenly, it often leaves tide marks.
- Road salt and grit. Winter gritting leaves white salt deposits that stiffen and discolour the surface.
- Hard water. London’s tap water is hard, so rinsing boots under the tap can leave limescale marks behind.
- Central heating. Radiators tempt us to dry wet boots quickly, but direct heat shrinks and hardens sheepskin.
Once you understand these risks, it is easy to see why gentle, low-moisture methods always win. Every technique in this guide is built around that idea.
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How to Clean UGGs: What You Need Before You Start
Most cleaning disasters happen because someone grabbed a household spray or a soaking wet cloth in a hurry. A few minutes of preparation protects your boots and saves you from a much bigger problem later.
The Essential Cleaning Kit
You do not need anything expensive. Gather the following before you begin:
- A suede brush, with soft bristles on one side and rubber on the other
- A suede eraser, or a clean white rubber
- A sheepskin cleaner or gentle wool-safe wash, such as a dedicated UGG cleaning kit
- Clean white microfibre cloths
- A soft nylon brush or an old, soft toothbrush for small marks
- White vinegar and cool water for salt and water marks
- White paper or acid-free tissue for stuffing the boots
- Bicarbonate of soda for odours
- A protector spray made for suede and sheepskin
Know Your Material: How to Clean Sheepskin Boots Safely
Whether you own genuine UGGs, a high street alternative or another shearling boot, the golden rules for how to clean sheepskin boots are the same. Use as little water as possible, never use bleach or strong detergent, and never apply direct heat. Check the care label first, and test any product on a hidden spot, such as the inside of the heel, before treating a visible area. Some boots have treated or water-resistant finishes that react differently, so a patch test is always worth the extra minute.
How to Clean UGGs at Home: A Step-by-Step Method
This routine suits light to moderate dirt, and it is the foundation of how to clean UGG boots of any colour. Work in good light, on a table covered with an old towel, and take your time. Rushing is the single biggest cause of patchy results.
Step 1: Dry Them Out and Brush Off Loose Dirt
If your boots are damp, stuff them with white paper and leave them at room temperature, away from radiators, hairdryers and sunny windowsills. Once they are fully dry, brush the suede gently in one direction to lift dust and dried mud. Always brush before you apply any liquid, because wet dirt is far harder to remove than dry dirt.
Step 2: Rub Away Scuffs with a Suede Eraser
Rub the eraser lightly over shiny patches, scuffs and dark spots, then brush away the residue. Avoid pressing too hard, as you can thin the nap and leave a bald patch. Work slowly and check the result in daylight.
Step 3: Clean the Surface with a Damp Cloth and Cleaner
Mix your sheepskin cleaner with cool water as directed on the bottle. Dampen a microfibre cloth, not the boot itself, and work the suede in small, light circles from the top of the boot down towards the sole. Blot with a dry cloth to lift moisture rather than rubbing it in. Keep the cloth only slightly damp throughout.
Step 4: Freshen the Fleece Lining
Dab the lining with a cloth dampened with diluted wool-safe cleaner. Do not soak it, because a wet fleece takes a long time to dry and can turn musty. For odours, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside, leave it overnight and shake or vacuum it out in the morning.
Step 5: Dry Naturally and Re-Fluff the Nap
Stuff the boots with fresh white paper to hold their shape and let them dry for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature. When they are completely dry, brush the suede again to restore its soft texture. Patience at this stage is what separates a good result from a stiff, patchy one.
How to Remove Stains from UGG Boots
Speed matters, and so does restraint. The rules for how to remove stains from UGG boots are simple: blot, never rub; use minimal moisture; and let the suede dry fully before judging the result. Here is how to handle the most common marks.
Water Marks and Tide Lines
Water marks appear when one part of the suede dries faster than the rest. To fix them, lightly dampen the whole panel evenly with a barely damp cloth, from seam to seam, then blot, stuff the boot and let it dry naturally. Brush afterwards to even out the nap.
Salt Stains from London Pavements
Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water, dab it onto the white tide line with a clean cloth, blot and allow it to dry. Repeat once if needed, then brush the suede. Salt stains are the most common problem for city wearers between November and March, so it is worth wiping boots down after wet, gritted days.
Mud and Dirt
Let mud dry completely, then flake off what you can and brush gently. Treat any remaining marks with the eraser and cleaner method above. Wet mud pushes deeper into the fibres, so resist the urge to wipe it away immediately.
Oil and Grease
Cover the mark with cornflour or talcum powder, leave it for several hours to draw out the oil, then brush it away. Stubborn marks may need professional treatment, and our stain removal service is designed for exactly this kind of problem. Tell us what caused the stain, as it helps us choose the right treatment.
How to Clean Suede Boots: The Same Rules Apply
Many Londoners own both UGGs and a pair of suede ankle boots, and they often ask how to clean suede boots separately. The good news is that the method is almost identical. Brush, erase, spot clean with minimal moisture, stuff and dry naturally. In fact, if you already know how to clean sheepskin boots, you already know how to clean suede boots, because the outer surface is the same material.
There are two small differences. First, suede boots have no fleece lining to freshen, so the job is quicker. Second, dyed suede, particularly in navy, burgundy or green, can bleed colour onto a damp cloth, so always patch test first. Scuffed soles, worn heels or loose stitching are a different matter. Cleaning will not fix them, but our shoe repairs service can restore them so your boots last another season.
How to Clean UGG Slippers
Slippers get the most intimate wear of all, often barefoot, which means sweat, skin oils and odour build up quickly. Knowing how to clean UGG slippers properly keeps them fresh and extends their life considerably.
Cleaning the Outside
Use the same brush-and-eraser method as you would for boots. Pay attention to the heel and toe, which scuff first. Spot clean with a lightly dampened cloth and sheepskin cleaner, then let the slippers dry naturally.
How to Clean UGGs That Smell Musty or Sweaty
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda inside, leave it overnight and shake it out. For a deeper freshen, wipe the insole with a cloth dampened with diluted wool wash, then air dry in a well-ventilated room. If you wear slippers daily, rotate between two pairs, because fleece needs time to breathe between wears.
How to Wash UGGs in the Washing Machine: Is It Safe?
This is one of the most searched questions, and it deserves an honest answer. Most manufacturers advise against machine washing sheepskin boots, because tumbling, soaking and spinning can shrink the fleece, harden the suede, distort the shape and weaken the glue that holds the sole. If you are wondering how to wash UGG boots, hand cleaning is the safer route.
What the Care Label Really Says
Before doing anything, read the label. If it says do not machine wash, believe it. Some slippers and textile-lined styles are made to tolerate a gentle wash, but that is the exception rather than the rule.
If Your Label Allows It: A Cautious Machine Method
If, and only if, the label permits it, here is how to wash UGGs in the washing machine with the least risk:
- Remove laces and insoles, and brush off loose dirt first.
- Place the pair in a pillowcase or laundry bag.
- Choose a cold wool or delicates programme with a low spin speed.
- Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent, with no fabric softener or bleach.
- Stuff with white paper and air dry for up to two days. Never tumble dry.
Even then, results vary, so for expensive or sentimental pairs, hand cleaning remains our recommendation. Anyone searching how to wash UGG boots or slippers in a machine should treat it as a last resort, not a routine.
Drying, Restoring and Protecting Your Sheepskin
Dry Them Properly
Always dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper, and change the paper once if it becomes damp. Once dry, a quick brush revives flattened nap and brings back the velvety finish. If the suede feels slightly stiff, gently work it with your hands and brush again.
How to Clean UGGs Without Damaging Them: Mistakes to Avoid
The quickest way to ruin a good pair is with a well-meant shortcut. Avoid these:
- Soaking boots in a bowl, sink or bath
- Drying with hairdryers, radiators or tumble dryers
- Scrubbing with stiff brushes or abrasive sponges
- Using household sprays, bleach or baby wipes
- Walking out in the rain straight after cleaning
- Storing damp boots in a cupboard or bag
Protect Against London Weather
Once your boots are clean and fully dry, apply a protector spray designed for suede and sheepskin in a ventilated space, and repeat every few weeks during wet months. Store them somewhere cool and dry, with paper inside to hold their shape. A protector will not make them waterproof, so avoid deep puddles and winter slush where you can.
When to Bring Your Boots to a London Professional
DIY methods are fine for everyday dirt, but some problems are better left to experts: set-in stains, heavy salt damage, ink, oil that has spread, worn soles or pairs you simply cannot risk. If you have tried how to remove stains from UGG boots at home and the mark is still there, stop before you make it worse.
Elegance Dry Cleaners has been a trusted name on Northcote Road for over 35 years. We inspect every item on arrival and tell you what is possible before any work begins. Our stain removal service and shoe repairs are good starting points, and a quick call on 020 7738 2266 will confirm whether we can help with your particular pair. You can also get a quote online. If you need to know how to clean sheepskin boots on a tight deadline, the team can advise on the best option.
Sheepskin is rarely the only thing showing the effects of a London winter. Our rug cleaning, carpet cleaning, curtain cleaning and upholstery cleaning services, along with our home furnishing service, keep the whole home fresh, while our alterations and repairs team can look after the clothes that go with your boots. You can browse everything on our services page.
We offer free collection and delivery across Clapham, Wandsworth, Battersea and Fulham, and we also serve customers around Northcote Road, Battersea Park, Wandsworth Common and Tooting BEC. Wherever you are in South London, help is close by.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Clean UGGs: How Often Should You Do It?
Give your boots a quick brush after every few wears, a deeper spot clean every month or two during the wet season, and a protector spray every few weeks. Clean sooner if you notice salt, mud or oil, because fresh marks are far easier to remove.
Can I put UGGs in the washing machine?
Generally, no. Most care labels advise against it, and our section on how to wash UGGs in the washing machine explains the risks and the only cautious method we would consider, and only when the label permits.
Can UGG boots be dry cleaned?
Standard garment dry cleaning is not usually the right method for sheepskin boots with glued soles. Call us on 020 7738 2266 and we will advise on the best approach for your pair.
Why have my UGGs gone stiff after getting wet?
Suede stiffens when it dries too quickly or unevenly. Brush gently and, if needed, dampen the panel evenly and let it dry slowly at room temperature. If the stiffness persists, ask a professional to take a look.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean UGGs
Looking after sheepskin does not have to be complicated. Brush regularly, treat marks quickly, use minimal water, avoid heat and protect before the rain arrives. Whether you are learning how to clean UGGs at home for the first time, following the steps for how to clean UGG boots after a muddy weekend or refreshing a favourite pair of slippers, gentle and patient always beats fast and aggressive. Remember that how to wash UGG boots and how to clean UGG slippers share one rule: less water, no heat.
And when a stain refuses to budge, or the pair is too precious to gamble with, the team at Elegance Dry Cleaners is a short trip away on Northcote Road. Contact us today and let us help your boots look their best through the London winter.