Buying a new pair of UGGs is an investment. Because you want to get your money’s worth, you’ll find any — and every — excuse to wear your boots or slippers, especially once the cold weather strikes. The problem: While durable and warm, UGGs are made with considerably delicate material. Just like other suede shoes that you love so much, the sheepskin exterior shows every water mark, salt stain, speck of mud, and so on.
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Applying a sheepskin protectant before the first wear is the best line of defense. But when you inevitably find yourself in a stain-filled situation, follow these tips on how to clean UGGs outlined by Carolyn Forte, director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab. Since you can’t just toss your UGGs in the washing machine (bummer, we know), these step-by-step instructions target common stains — salt, water, and mud — and prove that cleaning Uggs isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
How to Get Rid of Water Stains on UGGs
Since the sheepskin lining keeps your feet cozy and warm, UGGs are best worn on cold, dreary days. Rain or snow, however, is sheepskin’s worst nightmare, making your boots more prone to damage. If a select area of the boots get wet, use a damp cloth to evenly wet the rest of the boots to prevent water marks or lines. But if you’re too late, follow these steps:
- Blot wet areas with a dry cloth.
- Stuff boots with paper towels and let dry away from direct heat.
- Clean as recommended with a speciality suede cleaner and damp cloth, if needed.
How to Clean Salt off UGGs
As if rain and snow weren’t messy enough, the salt from streets and sidewalks can leave an unwanted white hue on suede and sheepskin shoes. Before tackling the salt, Forte recommends dealing with the water stains first to prevent marks, lines, or further damage. Then, before the boots dry completely, follow this step-by-step:
- Mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Using a cloth, dab the solution on salt stains.
- Rinse with a cloth dipped in water and blot with a dry cloth.
- Let dry.
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How to Clean Mud off UGGs
And you thought rain puddles were the biggest problem. If the dirt patch you were walking through turned out to be a muddy mess, you’re in luck: Dried-on stains are much easier to remove than water and salt stains.
- Let mud dry completely.
- Brush off as much mud as possible. If any remains, use a suede cleaner.
How to Clean Fur on UGGs
After months of wear, the once-fluffy fur on UGGs can look matted and dingy. While you can’t just toss UGGs in the washing machine for an instant refresh, there’s an easy way to restore the sherpa back to its natural state. If an unpleasant smell from sock-free wear is your biggest problem, this two-step process will deodorize them, too.
- Sprinkle baking soda inside your UGGs and let sit overnight.
- Vacuum or brush out the remaining baking soda.
How to Clean Other Tricky Stains off UGGs
Maybe you took a tumble and spilled coffee all over your sand-colored pair. Or maybe you somehow managed to drop a pen on your foot, leaving a noticeable mark on your blush-toned beauties. Whatever the situation, try this customizable approach to remove minor stains:
- Start by buffing away the stain with a suede brush, emery board, toothbrush, or dry towel.
- If the stain remains, dab with suede cleaner using a dry cloth.
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