What You’re Doing Wrong With Your UGGs

Most people don’t realise just how delicate UGG boots are until it’s too late.

As someone who's seen the aftermath of well-intentioned UGG-cleaning disasters (think warped shapes, stiff suede, odd blotches), I know how easy it is to make the wrong move. And we also know how frustrating it is to ruin something you spent good money on, especially something as cosy and beloved as your UGGs.

So in this article, you’ll learn the five most common mistakes people make when cleaning UGG boots, why they cause so much damage, and most importantly, what to do instead.

Let’s help you save your UGGs before it’s too late.

Mistake #1: Using Too Much Water

It’s natural to reach for water when something needs cleaning, but when it comes to UGGs, water is more of an enemy than a solution.

UGG boots are made from sheepskin and suede, which don’t respond well to excess moisture. Drenching them or even using a soaked cloth can cause water stains, uneven dark patches, and a change in texture. The boots might stiffen, shrink, or lose their original shape completely.

What To Do Instead:

Use a lightly dampened cloth, not wet and always blot gently, never rub. Better yet, use a suede-safe cleaner or a dedicated UGG care product. These are designed to lift dirt without soaking the material.

Pro tip: After cleaning, stuff your boots with paper towels to help them keep their shape as they dry naturally. No shortcuts with heaters or direct sun (we’ll get to that later).

Mistake #2: Putting Them in the Washing Machine

It might seem like the easiest option — chucking your UGGs in the washing machine and letting it do the work. But doing this is pretty much a death sentence for your boots.

UGG boots aren’t designed to handle aggressive spin cycles, water saturation, or high temperatures. The suede can become stiff and brittle, the sheepskin lining can clump or mat, and worst of all, the boots can lose their shape entirely. They’ll come out clean, sure, but they won’t look or feel the same ever again.

Why People Do It:

It’s tempting when you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed. You see dirt, you think “machine wash = clean,” and in they go. But unlike cotton or synthetic shoes, UGGs are delicate and need gentle care.

What To Do Instead:

Spot clean with proper suede or sheepskin cleaners. Take your time, and clean in small sections. If they’re heavily soiled, look into professional UGG cleaning services or follow a step-by-step guide using the right tools.

Mistake #3: Using Harsh Cleaners or Household Products

You might think a bit of dish soap, laundry detergent, or vinegar will do the trick — but when it comes to UGGs, these household staples are anything but helpful.

Harsh cleaners can strip the natural oils from suede and sheepskin, leaving your boots dry, discoloured, or even cracked. Bleach-based products? That’s a fast track to permanent damage. Even “all-natural” cleaners can be too strong if they’re not made specifically for delicate materials.

Why People Do It:

You’re in a rush, and you use what’s already under the sink. Or maybe you Googled a DIY fix. Either way, it feels harmless until your UGGs end up patchy or stiff.

What To Do Instead:

Use a cleaner designed for suede or UGG boots specifically. These products are made to lift stains and dirt without damaging the material. If you’re not sure what’s safe, stick to cool water, a soft sponge, and a small amount of white vinegar diluted with water — but test it on a hidden area first.

Mistake #4: Drying Them in Direct Sunlight or Near Heat

You’ve cleaned your UGGs, and now you just want them to dry quickly. So, you pop them outside in the sun, near a heater, or worse, blast them with a hairdryer.

Big mistake.

Direct heat can dry out the suede and sheepskin too fast, causing them to warp, shrink, or become brittle. The soft texture you love? Gone. The shape? Twisted or collapsed. Heat literally bakes the boots, and there’s no easy way to reverse that.

Why People Do It:

It feels logical, wet boots need to dry, and heat speeds that up. But UGGs don’t work like a soggy t-shirt or towel. They need time and gentle drying conditions.

What To Do Instead:

Always let your UGGs dry at room temperature, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Stuff them with paper towels to absorb moisture and help them keep their shape. If they’re really wet, change the stuffing once or twice while they dry.

Mistake #5: Not Brushing or Prepping the Suede First

Here’s something most people skip completely — and it’s why their UGGs still look dirty or patchy even after a good clean.

Suede has a nap (that fuzzy, velvety texture), and if you don’t prep it before cleaning, you end up rubbing dirt further in or creating uneven patches. Dirt and debris sitting on the surface act like sandpaper when you apply moisture — they grind into the suede, making stains harder to remove and damaging the finish.

Why People Do It:

You’re in a rush, or you just don’t know better. It seems like an extra, unnecessary step — but it’s actually key to keeping your UGGs looking fresh.

What To Do Instead:

Before you clean, gently brush the surface with a suede brush to lift dirt and restore the nap. Always brush in one direction and be gentle — you’re not scrubbing. After cleaning and drying, brushing again helps bring back that soft texture.

Quick Fixes If You’ve Already Made a Mistake

If you’ve already made one (or more) of these mistakes, don’t panic — you might still be able to save your UGGs.

Water Stains or Patches?

Try evening them out. Lightly dampen the entire surface of the boot using a clean sponge, not soaking, just slightly damp. Then blot with a dry cloth and let them dry naturally, stuffed with paper towels. This can help minimise uneven marks.

Boots Gone Stiff?

Once fully dry, gently rub the suede with a suede brush or soft toothbrush to restore the nap. This won’t bring back softness completely, but it can help make them wearable again.

Used the Wrong Cleaner?

If you used something harsh and noticed discolouration, your best bet is to stop and avoid applying more. Let the boots fully dry, then brush them out. In some cases, a professional UGG cleaning service might be able to rescue the material, especially if they’re expensive or sentimental.

Lost Their Shape?

Stuff them with socks or rolled towels and leave them like that for a couple of days. It won’t be perfect, but it can help your UGGs look more like themselves again.

Why the UGG Boot Clean and Care Kit Is Worth It

If you want to keep your UGGs looking good for more than just one winter, using the right products makes all the difference, and that’s where the UGG Boot Clean and Care Kit comes in.

This isn’t just some gimmicky add-on. It’s a kit designed specifically for the materials UGGs are made from, sheepskin, suede, and wool. That means no guessing, no risk of using something too harsh, and no worrying about ruining your boots.

Here’s what makes it so useful:

• The Cleaner actually works on UGG-specific materials without soaking or staining them.

• The Conditioner helps maintain softness and keeps the suede from drying out or cracking.

• The Water and Stain Repellent adds a protective layer so spills and wet patches don’t soak in and leave marks.

• The Suede Brush and Eraser remove surface dirt and bring the nap back to life, especially after cleaning.

If you’re serious about protecting your investment, this kit makes cleaning easier, safer, and way more effective than any DIY approach. It’s the kind of thing you’ll be glad you bought the moment you spot a scuff, water stain, or bit of mud.

Pro tip: Grab the kit now and store it with your boots, so you’re ready when something inevitably happens. Cleaning them right before the damage sets in makes all the difference.

Wrap-Up: Treat Your UGGs Like the Investment They Are

UGG boots aren’t cheap, and they’re not just another pair of shoes. They’re a comfort staple, a winter essential, and something you probably reach for again and again. That’s exactly why it’s worth learning how to clean and care for them properly.

Avoiding these five common mistakes, too much water, the washing machine, harsh cleaners, heat drying, and skipping the prep, will go a long way in keeping your UGGs looking good for longer. Most of the damage people do isn’t out of carelessness, it’s just a lack of information. So if you’ve made one of these mistakes before, don’t beat yourself up. The good news is: now you know better.

The truth is, a little patience, the right tools, and a gentler approach are all it takes. You don’t need fancy products or expert-level skills, just a bit of know-how and a softer touch.

Bottom line? With the right care, your UGGs can stay soft, shapely, and cosy for years, not just one season. 

Buy the UGG Care and Clean Kit from UGG Originals. You can also check out your collection of UGGs, perfect for winter.