Uggs are a must-have during the winter. Not only are they fashionable, but they are oh-so warm on your tootsies. Strangely, however, they don't like water all that much. Considering you spend a lot of winter in the snow (aka frozen water), you need to learn how to get those water and salt stains out of your Uggs. Grab your ugly Uggs and find out how to make them extraordinary again!
Quick Methods to Clean the Outside of Uggs
You pull your Uggs out to make their winter debut and notice a stain. According to the official Ugg site, a suede brush or sponge is all you need to remove most minor spots. With a simple brush, you're ready to realize all the winter outfits you've been waiting for.
But you might have more than a minor spot on your hands. You could be dealing with some major water damage or possibly a salt-pocalypse. It's time to pull out some major players in the cleaning game to get your Uggs winter ready.
| Stain | Cleaner | Method |
| Water | Cornstarch | Sprinkle cornstarch and wait. Vacuum away. |
| Salt | White vinegar | Dab with vinegar and water. |
| Mud | Suede cleaner | Dab area with suede cleaner. |
| Grease | Dawn dish soap | Scrub with dish soap. |
How to Get Water Stains Out of Uggs
Your outfit was on point, but the slush and drizzle were not. Your hair is a frizzy nightmare, and your Uggs are sporting some major water spots. Don't just put them near a heat source and call it good. This can warp your boots. Instead, you'll need to grab cornstarch.
- Paper towel off as much of the water as you can.
- Stuff paper towels inside of boots so they hold shape.
- Sprinkle the area with a generous amount of cornstarch.
- Allow to air dry out of direct sunlight and away from heat. (They might need to sit for up to 48 hours.)
- Vacuum away the cornstarch.
- Brush the suede.
Get Salt Off Uggs
Where there's snow and ice, there's salt. A fun day of holiday shopping led to salt stains all over your Uggs. It's time to grab the white vinegar.
- Mix a cup of water with 1/8 cup of white vinegar.
- Saturate a cotton ball.
- Dab the salt stains.
- Wet a cloth with plain water.
- Wipe down the entire boot.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the entire boot to prevent any spots.
- Allow to air dry.
- Vacuum off cornstarch.
Remove Mud Stains From Uggs
Mud is no problem in the Ugg world because once it dries, it comes off quite easily.
- Allow your muddy Uggs to dry completely.
- Use the suede brush to brush away any loose dirt.
- Soak a cloth in suede cleaner to spot clean any remaining stains.
- Allow it to dry, and brush again.
How to Get Grease Stains Off Uggs
If your cousin drops a grease glob on your Uggs, don't panic. The first thing you'll want to try is cornstarch. You can try Dawn if you still have a stain after cornstarch. Test with the cleaner first on a hidden area to ensure you don't get a new stain out of the ordeal. If your test looks good, then give this method a try.
- Add a pea-size drop of Dawn to a wet cloth.
- Blot the stain.
- Allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
- Wipe away with a wet cloth.
- Clean the entire Ugg with some suede cleaner and a brush.
Methods to Clean Inside and Remove Odors From Uggs
The outside of your Uggs is pristine! But the inside - don't get them too close to your nose! You need to do a deep clean when you have some major stink and bacteria causing funk.
Materials
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
- Dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Fungal spray (optional)
Instructions
- Sprinkle the inside of your Uggs with baking soda to absorb the odors.
- Allow them to sit overnight.
- Dump out all the baking soda. (You might even use the vacuum to be sure it's all gone.)
- Add a drop of Dawn and a bit of rubbing alcohol to a cloth.
- Give the inside lining a good scrub.
- Allow the inside to dry completely.
You might also give the inside a good spray with a high-quality fungal spray.
Tips to Protect Your Uggs
Once a stain happens, it might be too late for your favorite footwear. So, prevention can be key to making sure your Uggs stay fabulous.
- Purchase a protector spray to keep the outside safe from the elements.
- Don't soak your Uggs if you can avoid it.
- Wear socks to help with foot sweat.
- Brush your Uggs after wearing them.
- Use baking soda regularly to alleviate smells.
- Seek professional help for stains you can't handle at home.
When to Call a Professional or Trash Your Uggs
Your Uggs should last you at least a year. They even come with a warranty. However, like most shoes, Uggs are destined to fall to normal wear and tear. If you notice the suede always looks matted, even after brushing, or that the seams and soles are starting to wear out, it might be time for a new pair. You might also need to replace your Uggs if they sustained heavy water damage. For normal wear and tear or accidental damage, try a professional experienced in suede.
How to Clean Your Uggs Perfectly Every Time
Uggs aren't a cheap fashion accessory. So, you want to make sure you clean stains perfectly the first time to ensure your Uggs last. With a bit of cornstarch and a lot of love, you can keep your Uggs looking perfect for your next cozy winter adventure.
Have a pair of Rothy's? Here's how to clean your Rothy's shoes.
