Ugg boots can last you a long time as long as you take care of them. Cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining your Uggs. However, since they are made of a suede upper and have a thick layer of wool, they need a specialized cleaning process. You also need to be careful when cleaning your Uggs to prevent water from getting into the interior, as it would take a long time to dry.
This article will discuss the procedure for cleaning different types of stains on Uggs, including oil and grease stains, water stains, and dirt. It will then provide a comprehensive guide on how to clean Ugg boots without the kit.
How to Clean Oil and Grease Stains
What You Need
- White chalk or corn starch
- Paintbrush
Steps
- Gently rub white chalk on the oil stain. Chalk absorbs oil or grease. If you do not have white chalk, you can apply a pinch of corn starch to the oil stain and then pat it down. Make sure you have good coverage of the oil stain to ensure that all the oil or grease is absorbed
- Let the chalk or corn starch sit overnight to allow ample time to soak up the grease or oil
- In the morning, use a paintbrush to gently remove the chalk or corn starch
- There will be slight discoloration to the oil stain, so you will need to clean the boots
How to Clean Salt Stains
The municipal council pours salt on the road to melt off some of the ice during winter and improve traction. You may also pour salt on your driveway and sidewalks. Some of this salt may get to your Uggs, causing them to stain. Here are the steps for getting rid of salt stains on Ugg boots.
What You Need
- Soft-bristle suede brush
- Water
- Cleaning sponge
- Suede stain remover
- White vinegar (optional)
Steps
- Gently brush the Uggs shaft downward to get rid of any salt particles. Then, brush the upper in a forward direction toward the tip of the toes. You must use a specialty suede brush to clean your Uggs as other brushes may be too aggressive, damaging the suede material
- Wet the salt stain with water. Dip one finger into clean, room-temperature water, and spread the water over the salt stain. The water opens up the leather to enable it to absorb the stain remover. Allow the water to fully absorb for about one to two minutes. However, do not apply too much water, especially if the salt stain is large, as it can deform the boot’s shape.
- Clean the stain with a suede stain remover. Wet a sponge with the suede stain remover and rub it over the stain in a circular motion.
Although using a suede stain remover is the most effective method of cleaning a salt stain, if you do not have it, you can white vinegar.
Mix one part water and one part vinegar. Dip a sponge into the mixture and rub the stain.
How to Remove Water Stains on Uggs
The best method of cleaning a water stain on Uggs is to clean the entire boot as you normally would.
What You Need
- Suede cleaner
- Suede brush or nylon shoe brush
- White vinegar mixture (optional)
- Paper towels or newspaper
- Protective suede conditioner
- Soft sponge
- Cotton cloth
- Cool water
Steps
1. Gently run the suede brush over the entire boot to loosen any dirt or dust particles
It also loosens up the suede material to enable easy cleaning.
2. Moisten a soft sponge with clean, cool water
Wipe the entire exterior of the boot with the moistened sponge. Avoid soaking the boots with water. The goal is to soften the suede material without causing any water stains.
3. Clean the boots with a suede cleaner
Dip the soft sponge into the suede cleaner. A suede cleaner is the most preferable, but you can also use a white vinegar solution. Gently rub the suede with the suede cleaner, section by section, until you go over the entire boot. Check your suede cleaner’s package for specific usage instructions.
4. Rinse the suede cleaner or white vinegar off the boots
Dip the cotton cloth into clean, room-temperature water and wring out any excess water. Use the cloth to wipe the boot to get rid of any residual cleaner.
5. Air dry the boots
Stuff paper towels or newspaper inside the boots. Wet leather tends to crumble and lose its shape when it dries. Stuffing the inside of the boots enables them to retain their structural integrity.
Place the boots in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or direct heat and allow them at least 24 hours to dry completely. Keep them away from artificial heat such as dryers and heaters. Never put your Uggs in a dryer.
6. Brush out the boots
Once the boots are completely dry, remove the stuffed paper towels or newspapers. Brush the boots with your suede brush to even out the suede.
7. Spray the boots with a protective suede conditioner.
Place your boots in a well-ventilated area or set them outdoors. Hold the spraying can about 6 inches away and spray the boot. Ensure the entire boot is covered with the suede conditioner without applying too much and oversaturating your boots. Let them sit for 12 hours to allow the conditioner to set. The suede conditioner provides the boots with a clean, finished look and prevents staining.
Once they are dry, brush the boots to even out the suede. A wide range of protective suede conditioning sprays is readily available in big box stores, local leather stores, and online.
8. Your Ugg boots are now ready to wear
You may notice that the boots fit more snuggly than usual. Suede material may contract after drying, but it will fit perfectly with several wears. When not wearing your Uggs, store them in a cool, dry place.
Can You Clean Uggs in a Washing Machine?
Although some websites indicate that you can clean Uggs in a washing machine, Uggs Limited recommends against washing Uggs in a washer or drying them in a dryer. Washing Uggs in a washing machine may cause the wool to become patchy, and the suede can become discolored. The soles may also separate from the upper.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Uggs
Do not wear Uggs in deep water or snow
While Uggs are designed to provide you with optimal warmth even in the height of winter, they are not suitable for walking on snow or water. Full-grain leather boots are better suited for this purpose. Uggs are not weatherproof, and long exposure to wet conditions damages the suede material. Besides, walking on icy roads may cause salt stains on the boots
Do not store Uggs in direct sunlight or heat
Excess heat damages suede and may cause it to shrink, discolor, and crack. Therefore, do not store your Uggs near a window or in front of a heater.
Apply protective suede spray with every cleaning
A protective spray can keep your Uggs looking fresh and protects them against staining. Apply the spray in a well-ventilated area as it has a strong smell. Also, keep the sprayed shoes in an open space. It is recommended that you apply the suede conditioner on new Uggs when you first get them.
Deodorize Your Uggs
Although the sheepskin interior of Uggs is moisture-wicking, they are not breathable. They may get smelly after several wears, especially if you wear them without socks or have smelly feet.
Odor in shoes is a sign of bacterial or fungus growth, which poses a risk of infection. Therefore, you need to regularly deodorize your Uggs even if they are not smelly.
Here are the steps for deodorizing your Ugg boots:
- Pour 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or baking soda or a combination of both inside the boots.
- Shake the boot to evenly distribute the deodorizing agent and leave it inside the boots overnight
- The following day, turn the boots upside down and shake them to remove excess powder
- You may use a small handheld vacuum to completely get rid of the baking soda or cornstarch
Take your shoes for a professional cleaning every so often
While you probably do a good job cleaning your Uggs, it is recommended that you take them out for a professional cleaning occasionally. This is particularly important if they have stubborn stains. Professional cleaners have the necessary tools to clean the boots thoroughly and restore their aesthetic to almost new.
Conclusion
Uggs are costly to buy, so you want to take proper care of each pair to ensure they outlive their expected lifespan and your investment is protected. Regularly cleaning your Ugg boots will keep them in tip-top condition and get rid of stains.
Handwashing and air-drying is the best method of cleaning for Ugg Boots and Ugg alternatives. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and apply a suede cleaner. Finish off the cleaning process by spraying the shoes with a layer of protective suede conditioner, and deodorize the interior to prevent your shoes from becoming smelly.
