How to Get Stains Out of Uggs in 6 Easy Steps

March 17 2025, by Edward Stone, 4 min reading time

Remove stains from your Uggs with ease using these 6 simple steps. Discover the secrets to restoring your favorite boots today!

Boots are made for walking, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when you accidentally stain your favorite pair of brand-new ultra-soft UGGs. We’ve all been there—whether it’s a coffee stain on a white blouse, a salsa spill on your jeans, or mud on a pair of fresh sneakers.

And since UGGs are so easy to slip on—and so cozy in the chillier months— stains from water, snow, or salt are almost inevitable.

Luckily, with the proper care, UGG stains can usually be treated successfully, allowing their iconic sheepskin, suede, and wool to remain intact for years to come. With the following tips and tricks, you’ll know exactly how to get stains out of UGGs.

Step 1: Assess the Stains on Your Uggs

Not all stains are created equal. The first step should always be to assess what type of stain you have—watermarks, salt stains, oil, dirt?

Read the care label for your UGGs thoroughly; they might have material-specific cleaning instructions regarding how to deal with specific stains. The sooner you treat stains, the better, so follow these instructions as soon as you notice a blemish on your pristine pair of UGGs.

Step 2: Gather Cleaning Materials

Once you know what type of stain you’re dealing with and have a game plan for how to clean it, assemble your supplies.

A good UGG-cleaning kit should include:

UGG-approved cleaners, such as UGG Sheepskin Cleaner and Conditioner
Suede brush
Microfiber cloth
Cold water

If you don’t feel like purchasing a cleaner, there are some DIY alternatives you can experiment with, such as distilled white vinegar.

Whatever You Do …

Keep in mind that some cleaning products can do more harm than good to your UGGs. Avoid the following:

Ammonia¹
Bleach
Peroxides

Additionally, refrain from dry-cleaning your UGGs or putting them in the washing machine.

Step 3: Prepare Your UGGs for Cleaning

Before applying water or any other product, make sure your UGGs are free of dirt or debris. Use your suede brush to prevent any damage to the fabric.

Next, you’ll want to stuff your UGGs with paper towels—enough to fill out the shoe’s interior. This ensures your shoes will maintain their shape and that any water or liquid cleaning product will be fully absorbed.

Step 4: Spot Treat the Stains

Using a small amount of water, dampen the fabric of the entire shoe. Then, using a cloth or sponge, apply the white vinegar or UGG cleaner in gentle circular motions. Sheepskin can be damaged easily, so make sure not to scrub too aggressively.

Chalk is another option for spot-treating your UGGs. Simply apply it to the stained areas and let it sit overnight. In the morning, brush off the remaining chalk with your suede brush, and voilá—clean UGGs.

Step 5: Make Sure to Clean the Entire Shoe

While cleaning your UGGs, it’s important to remember that the entire shoe needs to be cleaned—not just the affected areas. While this may not seem intuitive, cleaning only one part can result in uneven coloration. Since cleaning may slightly alter the color, it’s best to ensure both boots are treated equally to maintain a consistent appearance.

So, whatever you do, treat the whole boot—and its mate—equally.

Step 6: Dry Them Properly

Let your UGGs dry for 24-48 hours in a cool and well-ventilated area, ideally outside. Avoid any direct sunlight or heat sources—and definitely avoid throwing them in the dryer. Keep them stuffed with paper towels or butcher paper to maintain the shape’s integrity.

After cleaning and drying your UGGs, use the suede brush once more to brush the sheepskin in one direction for a clean, uniform look.

Going the Extra Mile

Knowing how to clean UGG stains is valuable information, but wouldn’t it be great if you could prevent them from happening in the first place?

Lucky for you, UGG has a product for that.

To prevent damage from water, salt, and other potential fabric stainers,² treat your boots with UGG’s Water and Stain Repellent immediately after purchase. Make sure to spray them evenly and in a well-ventilated area and allow them to dry for at least 24 hours.

Your UGGs Are Here for a Good Time and a Long Time

With the proper care, your UGGs can last 10 years or more. That’s a decade of chic, cozy comfort! Cleaning them regularly can also extend their life span, so be sure to schedule some routine maintenance—brushing and deep cleaning—every once in a while to keep them looking their best.

Now that you know how to protect your shoes—and how to treat the inevitable stain—it’s time for the fun part: picking out your favorite UGG shoes at Boot World. Find the designs that fit your style and gear up for a long and happy life with the comfiest footwear on the market.

Sources:

Stone and Clark. How to Remove Mold From Shoes - Easy to Follow Guide. https://www.stoneandclark.com/blogs/news/how-to-remove-mold-from-shoes
Bustle. The 3 Best Waterproofing Sprays for Uggs. https://www.bustle.com/style/best-waterproofing-spray-for-uggs