Can You Wash UGG Boots in the Washer? | A Care Guide

You bought a pair of classic sheepskin boots for the cozy comfort, not for a science experiment. So when a muddy puddle or a winter salt stain threatens your favorite pair, the instinct to toss them in the washing machine with the rest of the laundry is understandable. It’s fast, easy, and seems like a good way to get them clean.

The truth is, that impulse can ruin your boots. UGG boots are made from delicate sheepskin and suede — materials that react poorly to the mechanical action and long soak inside a washing machine. This article explains why machine washing is a bad idea, and lays out the hand-cleaning methods that actually work to keep your boots looking their best.

What Happens to Sheepskin Inside a Washer

Sheepskin is a natural material with a leather outer layer and a fleece lining. Inside a washing machine, the tumbling action forces the fibers to bend and twist in ways they were never designed to handle. This mechanical stress can permanently alter the boot’s structure.

The result is often a pair of boots that no longer fit properly. The suede exterior can feel rough or matted down, and the sheepskin interior can lose its plushness. The boot shape can warp, making them uncomfortable or unwearable.

Water exposure is another major risk. Prolonged soaking can strip the natural oils from the leather, leaving it stiff and prone to cracking after it dries. This is why the brand explicitly states their products are too delicate for machine washing.

Why the Machine-Washing Myth Persists

The appeal is obvious: it feels like a shortcut. You see other types of sneakers or canvas shoes survive the wash, and you assume your sheepskin boots will be the same. The material difference is invisible, but it makes all the difference.

• Sheepskin vs. canvas: Canvas is woven, so agitation simply shakes loose dirt. Sheepskin is a hide with a delicate nap — it bruises and frays easily.
• The suede surface: Suede is the rough underside of leather. Machine washing buffs it unevenly, creating permanent shiny patches that look worn out.
• Shape retention: The boots are structured with a specific last (foot mold). Water and tumbling can collapse that internal structure, especially in the heel and toe areas.
• Cold and hot water issues: Cold water may not remove oils and stains effectively, while hot water actively damages the sheepskin fibers and can shrink the leather.
• Residual detergent: Machine washing often leaves detergent trapped in the fleece lining, which can irritate skin and create a musty smell over time.

None of these problems happen with a gentle hand wash, which is why that’s the method the manufacturer recommends for preserving your investment.

The Official Word on Cleaning

The brand’s care resources are clear: avoid the washing machine entirely. UGG’s UGG official care guide states that their products are too delicate for machine washing and that you should never machine wash or dry clean sheepskin or leather items. The guide recommends hand cleaning as the only safe alternative.

For general cleaning, the brand suggests starting with a dry, soft-bristled brush or a suede eraser to lift loose dirt from the surface. This simple step often removes a surprising amount of grime without introducing moisture. For more stubborn marks, a clean, damp sponge is the next step — blot gently without soaking the material through. Saddle soap or a glycerin-based soap bar are also acceptable for spot cleaning, but you should avoid bleach, fabric softener, and any harsh chemicals.

Hot water is specifically discouraged, as heat can damage the sheepskin. The entire cleaning process should be gentle and controlled, which is the opposite of what happens inside a washing machine’s drum.

When you compare the methods side by side, the pattern is clear. The only time a washing machine comes into the conversation is when you want to avoid it. Hand cleaning is the slow, careful way to get the job done without wrecking the boots.

How to Hand Wash Your UGG Boots Properly

If your boots need more than a spot clean, a controlled hand wash is the right approach. Follow these steps to clean the exterior and interior without damaging the materials.

1. Brush off loose dirt: Use a suede brush or a soft toothbrush to gently loosen and remove any dry mud or dust from the suede exterior. Work in one direction to keep the nap even.
2. Prepare a gentle cleaning solution: Mix a small amount of cold water with a few drops of mild, unscented glycerin soap or a specialized UGG cleaner. Avoid dish soap or laundry detergent, which are too harsh.
3. Blot, don’t scrub: Dip a clean white cloth or sponge into the solution, wring it out until just damp, and gently blot the stained areas. Scrubbing can fray the suede fibers. Work in small sections.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth: Use a separate cloth dampened with plain cold water to blot away any soap residue. Leave no suds behind, as dried soap can leave white marks.
5. Dry with structure: Stuff the boots loosely with paper towels or clean newspaper to help them hold their shape. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from radiators, heaters, or direct sunlight. Let them air dry completely for 24 to 48 hours.

If the sheepskin interior needs cleaning, a specialized UGG cleaning kit is the safest option. Household detergents can leave a residue that feels stiff and uncomfortable against your skin. The kit includes a gentle foam cleaner designed for the fleece lining, which you can work in with your fingers and blot away with a damp cloth.

Drying, Protecting, and Storing Your Boots

Getting the boots clean is only half the battle. How you dry and store them matters just as much for longevity. The company’s shrinking and warping damage guide explains that heat is a primary cause of damage — never use a dryer, radiator, or hair dryer to speed up drying time.

Air drying at room temperature is the only method the brand supports. If the boots become completely soaked through (for example, from walking in heavy rain or snow), the same rule applies: let them dry naturally with paper stuffing inside, flipping them occasionally to allow air circulation on all sides. Direct heat will cause the leather and sheepskin to contract unevenly, leading to permanent distortion.

For ongoing protection, apply a protective spray specifically designed for suede and sheepskin before wearing the boots in wet or dirty conditions. This creates a barrier that helps repel water and stains. For salt stains, which are common in winter, a solution of equal parts cold water and white vinegar applied with a clean cloth can lift the salt without damaging the finish.

After cleaning, store the boots in a cool, dry place inside a breathable fabric bag — avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and encourage mildew growth.

Following these steps consistently will extend the life of your boots significantly. A pair of well-cared-for UGGs can last several seasons, while a machine-washed pair often doesn’t survive a single wash cycle.

The Bottom Line

Washing UGG boots in a machine is a fast way to ruin them. The agitation warps the shape, the water damages the leather, and the heat can shrink the sheepskin beyond repair. Hand cleaning with a damp sponge, mild soap, and patience is the only method the brand endorses. A protective spray before wear and careful air drying afterward will keep them looking good for years.

If your boots have a stubborn stain you can’t lift with a suede eraser or a damp cloth, a professional shoe cleaner who specializes in sheepskin and suede is your best next stop — they have tools and experience that can handle deep cleaning without risking the damage a washing machine would cause.