How to Clean UGG Slippers Without Ruining Them?
You wear your UGG slippers almost every day. Around the house, out for a quick errand, maybe even on a lazy weekend morning. They're comfortable, warm, and honestly kind of impossible to go without once you've broken them in. But that daily wear adds up. Pretty soon they start looking dingy, smelling a bit off, or picking up stains that you have no idea how to deal with.
Here's the good news: knowing how to clean UGG slippers properly isn't complicated. It just takes the right approach. Done right, your UGG slippers can look almost as good as new. Done wrong, and you can damage the sheepskin or suede permanently. This guide walks you through everything step by step.
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Why UGG Slippers Need Special Care?
Most UGG slippers are made with a suede upper and a sheepskin lining. Both of these materials are soft, cozy, and incredibly sensitive to moisture and harsh cleaning products. Toss them in the washing machine, and the sheepskin can mat, shrink, or completely lose its texture. Use the wrong soap and the suede surface can discolor, crack, or warp.
The good news is that you don't need expensive professional cleaning to keep them fresh. You just need to follow a gentle process and use the right products. Let's get into it.
What You'll Need?
Before starting, gather your cleaning supplies:
• UGG cleaner and conditioner kit (or a gentle sheepskin cleaner)
• Soft brush or clean cloth
• Clean cold water in a bowl
• Paper towels or a dry towel
• UGG water and stain repellent spray (for after cleaning)
• Cedar shoe inserts or newspaper for drying shape maintenance (optional)
If you don't have a UGG cleaner kit, a small amount of baby shampoo or a gentle wool-safe detergent can work in a pinch. But the dedicated UGG cleaner is worth it for the long run.
How to Clean UGG Slippers? – 7 Easy Step-by-Step
Step 1: Dampen the Suede First
This step surprises a lot of people. Before you apply any cleaner, you need to lightly dampen the entire outer surface of the slipper with cold, clean water. Use a clean cloth or sponge. The goal is even moisture across the whole suede surface, not soaking wet, just uniformly damp.
Why? Applying cleaner to dry suede creates uneven marks. Dampening it first prevents water stains from forming around the cleaned area.
Step 2: Apply the UGG Cleaner
Add a small amount of UGG cleaner to a wet sponge or soft brush. Work it gently into the suede in small circular motions. Don't scrub hard. The cleaner lifts dirt from the surface, you're guiding it, not grinding it out.
Focus on any visibly dirty or stained areas, but go over the entire upper to keep the cleaning even.
Step 3: Rinse With Cold Water
Using a clean, damp cloth, wipe away the cleaner from the surface. Don't run them under a tap or submerge them in water. Just wipe until the cleaner residue is gone. Rinse and wring out the cloth frequently as you go.
Step 4: Remove Stains
For stubborn water stains or dirt marks that didn't come out in the general cleaning, apply a slightly more concentrated amount of cleaner directly to the stain. Let it sit for 30-60 seconds, then work it in gently and wipe away. Repeat once or twice if needed.
For odor removal inside the slipper, sprinkle a little baking soda in the footbed, let it sit overnight, then shake it out before wearing. Works surprisingly well.
Step 5: Reshape and Dry
This is the most important step. Air dry your UGG slippers at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat causes the suede to harden and the sheepskin to shrink. Direct sunlight fades the color.
Stuff them loosely with paper towels or newspaper while they dry to help them hold their shape. Let them dry completely, usually 24-48 hours, depending on how damp they got.
Step 6: Brush the Suede Back Up
Once fully dry, use a soft brush or a suede brush to restore the nap of the suede. Brush in one direction using short, light strokes. This step brings the texture back and makes the surface look fresh again.
Step 7: Apply Protector Spray
Spray the entire upper with a water protection spray designed for suede or sheepskin. Let it dry completely before wearing. This step makes your next cleaning much easier by repelling water and dirt from the surface.
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How to Clean UGG Tasman Slippers Specifically?
The UGG Tasman is one of the most popular styles right now. It has a flat platform sole and a sheepskin-lined suede upper with the signature woven trim around the edge. The cleaning process is the same as described above, but pay extra attention to the decorative trim. Don't let the cleaner saturate the woven edge; just work around it carefully with a smaller brush or cloth.
For a complete guide specifically on the Tasman, check out the UGG cleaning guide on our blog.
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Putting Them in the Washing Machine
The most common mistake. UGG slippers are not machine washable. The agitation damages the sheepskin lining and the suede upper. Always hand clean.
2. Using Hot Water or a Hair Dryer
Heat is the enemy. It warps the suede, shrinks the sheepskin, and weakens the sole adhesive. Always use cold water and air dry at room temperature.
3. Scrubbing the Suede Hard
Aggressive scrubbing scuffs and roughens the suede surface permanently. Always use gentle circular motions with a soft brush or cloth.
4. Skipping the Protector Spray
A lot of people clean their UGG slippers but skip the protector spray after. That spray is what prevents the next set of stains from soaking into the suede. Don't skip it.
How Often Should You Clean UGG Slippers?
For everyday slippers:
• Light spot cleaning every 1-2 weeks as needed
• Full clean every 4-6 weeks with regular use
• Always apply protector spray after every full clean
• Deodorize with baking soda monthly or as needed
If you wear them outdoors more than indoors, clean them more frequently. The more exposure to dirt and moisture, the faster they build up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put UGG slippers in the washing machine?
No. UGG slippers should never go in the washing machine. The agitation damages the sheepskin lining and suede upper. Always hand clean using the steps above.
How do you get water stains out of UGG slippers?
Dampen the entire outer surface first, then apply UGG cleaner evenly. Working the cleaner across the whole surface prevents watermarks from forming around the treated area. Wipe clean and air dry.
How long do UGG slippers take to dry?
Plan for 24-48 hours of drying time at room temperature. Keep them away from direct heat or sunlight. Stuff them with paper towels to help them hold their shape while drying.
What's the best cleaner for UGG slippers?
The UGG cleaner and conditioner kit is the best option. It's designed specifically for sheepskin and suede and won't damage the materials. For a quick spot treatment, gentle baby shampoo diluted in cold water also works.
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