Keep Your Trendy UGGs In Perfect Condition With These Cleaning Tips

Wintertime brings cold weather dressing, which means one thing: it's UGG season. People either love or love to hate UGGs. Some think they're very 2000s, tacky, or ugly, while others have an undying devotion to them. Regardless, the UGG boot is a staple in pop culture and in many people's wardrobes. But if you like them and wear them, you want to make sure they're in the best condition they can be. So how do you clean and take care of expensive suede boots with a wool lining?

According to the official UGG site, their Classic UGG boots are made to be water-resistant. Typically water is a no-no with suede. But UGG makes their boots with "natural moisture-wicking properties and an ultra-breathable natural lining." Their suede is pretreated so water won't affect it like it would untreated or regular suede. However, don't go wild; the site says that the boots can withstand "the occasional rain and snow." So they'll be fine when it's drizzling or in a few inches of packed snow here and there. But don't think that you can go puddle-jumping or trekking through feet of snow for hours. If that's what your heart desires, there are other UGG boots that are specifically made for really wet and snowy situations.

But if you accidentally walked through salt-infested snow or didn't know your front walkway would be muddy and your UGGs need some TLC, here are some tips you can follow to give them new life.

UGGs are for lounging and achieving an effortlessly cool look (depending on your opinion of the shoe, of course). And just like they suggest, most people don't wear these boots in extreme weather. But if you do notice stains on your UGGs, it's not the end of the world. The official UGG site says that dry stains can be brushed off the suede of the boot. They suggest a suede brush for any of their suede products to help lift off the stain. For anything left over after a good brushing, the UGG Cleaning Kit should come in handy, taking care of oil marks and debris.

Interestingly, WikiHow reports that even plain ol' water can be enough to remove stains. Marc Sigal, a shoe care specialist for the site, suggests blotting the UGG's suede with a damp cloth or sponge "until the surface is evenly wet," but never getting it soaked and then air-drying them. You can also rub two of the UGGs together after a water stain forms to get it out.

It's no secret that UGG shoes have a whole system of cleaning kits at their disposal. Owners of UGG boots and slippers — or any of their suede products — can purchase the UGG Care Kit. This includes their Protector spray, Cleaner & Conditioner, and Shoe Renew spray. Even though UGGs are pretreated, a lot of owners will use the Protector spray to add peace of mind. But it's more than just a water-repellant spray; it's also meant to repel stains. The Cleaner & Conditioner is pretty self-explanatory and will be a lifesaver if you have leftover residue after brushing the boot as stated above. And the Shoe Renew is good for freshening up the inside smell of your boot (more on that later).

The official Care Kit comes with other tools like a brush, scuff eraser, and instructions. But you also don't have to purchase the $35 kit to get these results. Regular suede cleaning kits are available at local retailers and accomplish the same things. The Jason Markk Suede Cleaning Kit is only $15 at the time of this report and has over 1,700 reviews and nearly five stars on Amazon. It includes an "eraser" and a brush, which is good to have as you will likely be using it often as an owner of suede boots.

If you have even tougher stains, Marc Sigal told WikiHow that you can use chalk to remove them. Cooking oil, makeup, or other grimy products are made with oils, which leave a darker, more stubborn stain. If you notice this type of stain, rub plain white chalk over the entire stained area. Leave the powder of the chalk to soak up the residue overnight and brush it off when done. You can also use cornstarch if you don't have chalk on hand. Repeat this technique as desired until the stain is gone. If it still remains, though, Sigal suggested you use baby powder.

One of the most common stains on UGG boots is from the salt used on icy patches of streets and sidewalks. Unfortunately, this type of salt can leave really bad stains that are highly visible and not easy to clean. In fact, for these stains, a piece of chalk won't cut it. Instead, use a damp cloth preventively to wipe your suede boots after each wear. But, if salt stains do appear, this is the job for a dry cleaner because at-home fixes will discolor and stain your boots further.

According to the official UGG site, the natural materials used to make your beloved UGG boots and slippers already help reduce odor and don't trap the smells like other shoes. If you get your boots really wet, though, and don't take care of them properly, you can end up with some less-than-fresh odors. For tough smells, UGG recommends its Shoe Renew spray. The company also suggests putting newspaper inside the shoes while you air dry them. The newspaper will not only help the boot keep its shape, but it will naturally keep odors out.

When it comes to drying, WikiHow reports that owners should never use a hair dryer, never put their UGGs next to a heating source like a radiator or in the dryer, and never put them in sunlight. All of these things can shrink your boot and cause it to crack. Just use the air dry method: put the UGGs in a well-ventilated, room-temperature area without direct sunlight on the shoes. These recommendations all apply to when you're drying your shoes after washing them off, too (more on that next).

Of course, the UGG site also recommends the good ol' airing out of your boots every now and then, even if they're not wet. Giving your UGGs time to breathe should help any stinky feet problems you might have.

You never want to soak or completely submerge your boots. Insider reports you can use a wet paper towel to remove mud from the outside soles. But for the exterior body of the shoe, it's best to use a suede cleaning solution to get off surface dirt. But remember, less is more. You can always add more solution as you go. 

Mix the solution with water (or whatever the instructions recommend), and never put it directly onto the shoe. Instead, take a sponge or microfiber cloth, dip it into the cleaning solution, and wring it out to make sure most of the warm water is removed. Make sure to use gentle circular motions when wiping to avoid streaks.

To rinse the boots off, take a non-soapy sponge, wring it out, and dab away the cleaner. While you usually will want to make sure all the suds of dirt are gone, WikiHow says suede cleaner conditions the material too, so it doesn't need to be completely wiped away. You can blot the boots dry and stuff paper towels, smaller towels, or newspapers in them to help them retain their shape as they dry in a ventilated area.