Can UGG Boots Be Professionally Cleaned? A Cobbler Explains

UGG boots are made to be worn.

Unfortunately, that means they're eventually going to get dirty.

Water marks, road salt, mud, everyday grime and winter weather can all take their toll—and because of the materials used in many UGG boots, cleaning them isn't always as straightforward as cleaning an ordinary pair of shoes.

At Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair, we're seeing more customers bring their UGG boots into the shop for professional cleaning, particularly as fall arrives and people start pulling their favorite boots out for another season.

And one of the questions we're increasingly asked is:

Can UGG boots actually be professionally cleaned?

The answer is yes, in many cases they can.

But there's an important catch.

UGG boots need to be cleaned with care, and not every stain—or every pair of boots—will respond in exactly the same way.

Here's what you need to know.

Why Are UGG Boots Difficult to Clean?

Many classic UGG boots use suede and sheepskin, materials that look and feel very different from conventional smooth leather.

That's part of their appeal.

It's also what makes cleaning them tricky.

Suede has a soft, textured surface known as the nap. Aggressive scrubbing, excessive moisture or inappropriate cleaning products can alter that texture or affect the color.

Sheepskin also requires appropriate care.

That means the usual instinct—

"I'll just scrub it until the stain comes out"

—can sometimes create a bigger problem than the original stain.

What Can Professional UGG Cleaning Help With?

The answer depends on the condition of the boots, the material and what's caused the staining.

But professional cleaning may help with several common problems.

Dirt and Everyday Grime

This is probably the most straightforward reason to have UGGs cleaned.

After months of wear, lighter-colored boots in particular can begin to look dull and dirty.

A proper cleaning can remove accumulated surface dirt and significantly improve their overall appearance.

Water Marks

UGGs and wet winter weather aren't always the happiest combination.

Water can leave visible marks on suede, particularly if only one section of the boot becomes wet.

One of the challenges is that simply attacking the visible mark can sometimes leave an even more noticeable difference between the cleaned area and the surrounding material.

Professional cleaning takes the whole appearance of the boot into consideration rather than simply attacking one spot.

If you're preparing other good footwear for the colder months too, our guide How to Protect Expensive Shoes and Boots Before Winter explains some of the preventive steps worth considering before the weather deteriorates.

Salt Stains

This is particularly relevant here in Pittsburgh.

Snow and ice are one problem.

Road salt is another.

Walking through salty slush can leave white marks around the lower portions of boots, and repeated exposure isn't something you want to ignore.

Salt contamination is better dealt with sooner rather than being allowed to build up throughout the winter.

This is one reason we recommend inspecting and cleaning winter footwear periodically instead of putting it away dirty at the end of the season.

Mud

Mud looks terrible on suede, but don't panic.

The important thing is not to start aggressively rubbing wet mud deeper into the material.

Depending on the situation, allowing mud to dry before appropriate cleaning may be preferable to scrubbing at it while wet.

If you're unsure, particularly with an expensive pair of boots, it's worth getting advice before experimenting.

General Discoloration

Sometimes there isn't one obvious stain.

The boots simply don't look like they used to.

Perhaps one boot is slightly darker than the other.

Maybe the toes have become grubby.

Perhaps years of wear have gradually changed the appearance of the suede.

Professional cleaning may improve this considerably, although it's important to have realistic expectations.

Cleaning isn't the same as manufacturing a brand-new boot.

Some wear, fading and permanent staining may remain.

A good professional should tell you that before promising an unrealistic result.

Can Professional Cleaning Make UGG Boots Look New Again?

Sometimes the improvement can be dramatic.

But we wouldn't promise that every pair will look brand new.

It depends on:

·       Age

·       Previous wear

·       Type of staining

·       How long stains have been present

·       Previous cleaning attempts

·       Material condition

·       Color fading

·       Physical damage

The objective is to achieve the best reasonable result without damaging the boots in the process.

That's an important distinction.

Can You Clean UGG Boots at Home?

There are UGG-compatible cleaning products available for home use, and relatively minor maintenance can certainly be done yourself.

The important thing is to use products and methods appropriate for the material and to follow their directions carefully.

Where people get into trouble is improvising.

Internet cleaning "hacks" aren't necessarily designed with suede and sheepskin in mind.

Before using any product on expensive footwear, make sure it's suitable for the material and test it cautiously in an inconspicuous area where appropriate.

We carry a range of footwear cleaning and protection products in the store, which you can find on our Shoe Care Products & Accessories page.

Be Careful With Household Cleaning Products

This deserves its own section.

Something being an excellent household cleaner doesn't make it an excellent shoe cleaner.

Strong detergents, stain removers and other household products can potentially affect:

·       Color

·       Texture

·       Finish

·       Softness

·       Appearance of the suede

And once the material has been altered, fixing the damage may be considerably more difficult than removing the original dirt.

When in doubt, don't experiment on expensive boots.

Don't Soak Your UGG Boots

More water isn't necessarily better.

Completely saturating footwear can create its own problems, particularly if the boots are then dried incorrectly.

Likewise, avoid trying to speed things up by placing wet boots directly against a radiator or other intense heat source.

Excessive heat can be hard on natural materials.

Gentle, controlled cleaning and drying is a much better approach.

What About the Inside of UGG Boots?

The inside matters too.

One reason people love UGG boots is the warm sheepskin lining.

But repeated wear can introduce:

·       Moisture

·       Perspiration

·       Odor

·       Dirt

·       General buildup

If odor is becoming an issue, our article Why Your Shoes Smell and How to Fix It explains why footwear develops odors and what can be done about it.

As with the outside of the boot, however, aggressive cleaning isn't necessarily better.

The materials need to be treated appropriately.

What If My UGG Boots Are Damaged, Not Just Dirty?

This is where a cobbler becomes particularly useful.

Sometimes a customer brings in a pair of boots thinking:

"They just need cleaning."

But when we inspect them, we find something else.

Perhaps the sole is worn.

Maybe an edge is separating.

There may be damage to stitching.

Or the heel may be wearing unevenly.

Cleaning improves appearance.

Repair addresses structure and wear.

If your UGGs have more than a cosmetic problem, our Shoe Repair Services page shows some of the other types of work a professional cobbler may be able to perform.

And if you're unsure whether footwear is worth saving at all, have a look at How to Tell If Your Shoes Can Be Repaired Before You Throw Them Away before giving up on them.

Should You Waterproof UGG Boots After Cleaning?

This is worth considering.

Once boots have been properly cleaned and dried, an appropriate protective treatment may help reduce future exposure to moisture and staining.

But—and this is important—

use a product intended for the material you're treating.

A product suitable for smooth leather isn't automatically suitable for suede or sheepskin.

No treatment makes ordinary suede footwear invincible either.

Protective treatment can help, but it doesn't mean you should deliberately walk through every puddle you encounter.

Prevention Is Easier Than Cleaning

This is something we tell customers about all types of footwear.

A little preventive maintenance can save a lot of work later.

With UGGs:

·       Use appropriate protective treatment.

·       Don't allow salt stains to build up.

·       Deal with dirt before it becomes deeply embedded.

·       Allow wet boots to dry naturally.

·       Don't use aggressive household cleaners.

·       Store them clean and dry.

It's the same philosophy behind our recent article Are Sole Protectors Worth It? A Cobbler Explains When You Should — and Shouldn't — Use Them.

Protecting quality footwear before serious damage occurs is usually easier than trying to reverse that damage afterwards.

When Should You Have Your UGG Boots Professionally Cleaned?

You don't necessarily need to wait until they're filthy.

Professional cleaning is worth considering when:

·       Staining covers a significant area.

·       You have persistent salt or water marks.

·       The color has become uneven.

·       You're nervous about cleaning expensive boots yourself.

·       Previous DIY cleaning hasn't worked.

·       You want to refresh the boots before winter.

·       You want to clean them properly before storing them at the end of winter.

That last point is easily overlooked.

Putting dirty, salt-stained boots away for six months isn't ideal.

Clean them before storage, not when you rediscover them next winter.

UGG Boot Cleaning in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh weather can be particularly hard on suede and sheepskin boots.

Rain one day.

Snow the next.

Then slush, road salt and wet sidewalks.

If your UGG boots are looking worse for wear, bring them into Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair.

Mario can inspect them and tell you what can realistically be improved before any work begins.

That's particularly important with stained or older boots because no two pairs arrive in exactly the same condition.

With more than 35 years of shoe-repair experience, Mario understands that sometimes the most important part of the job is knowing what not to do.

Mario's Advice: Don't Wait Until Spring

If you're getting your UGG boots out for fall and winter and they already look dirty, this is a good time to deal with them.

Don't wait until you've added another winter's worth of salt, slush and grime.

And if they're currently clean?

Now is the time to think about protecting them.

A little maintenance at the right time can make a significant difference to how your footwear ages.

If you're preparing your wardrobe for the colder months, you may also want to read our guide to the Best Shoes for Pittsburgh Weather.

Can Your UGG Boots Be Saved?

If you have a pair sitting in the closet because they're dirty, stained or looking tired, don't assume they're finished.

Bring them into Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair and let us take a look.

We'll assess the material, staining and overall condition and explain what we think can realistically be achieved.

Sometimes a professional cleaning can make you fall in love with an old pair of boots all over again.

Clean. Protect. Wear. Repeat.

FAQ Section

Can UGG boots be professionally cleaned?

Yes. Many UGG boots can be professionally cleaned, although the results depend on the material, age, staining, previous cleaning attempts and overall condition of the boots.

Can salt stains be removed from UGG boots?

Salt staining can often be improved, particularly when it is addressed promptly. Results vary depending on the severity and age of the staining and whether it has affected the material.

Can water stains be removed from UGG boots?

Water marks can often be improved through appropriate cleaning, although severe or longstanding discoloration may not disappear completely.

Can badly stained UGG boots look new again?

Professional cleaning can sometimes produce a dramatic improvement, but it isn't possible to guarantee that used boots will return to factory-new condition. Permanent fading, wear or material damage may remain.

Can I wash UGG boots with soap and water?

Suede and sheepskin need careful treatment. Avoid using ordinary household soaps or cleaning products unless they're specifically suitable for the material. Excessive water and aggressive scrubbing can also affect the appearance of the boots.

Should UGG boots be waterproofed after cleaning?

An appropriate suede/sheepskin protective treatment may help improve resistance to moisture and staining after the boots are clean and dry. Always make sure the product is suitable for the particular material.

Where can I get UGG boots cleaned in Pittsburgh?

Squirrel Hill Shoe Repair offers professional footwear cleaning and repair in Pittsburgh. Bring your boots into the shop so Mario can inspect their condition and advise what can realistically be achieved.