How to Clean Ugg Slippers at Home? | Safe Sheepskin Wash

Cleaning UGG slippers at home requires hand washing with cold water and a specialized sheepskin cleaner to avoid shrinkage and stiffness.

One wrong wash sends a pair of UGG slippers from soft and cozy to stiff and shrunken. The fix is a simple six-step hand-wash routine that protects the sheepskin and keeps the fit true. The process takes about half an hour of active work, followed by a day of air drying, and it works for every sheepskin and suede UGG slipper style the brand makes.

What You Need To Clean UGG Slippers Properly

UGG’s official care instructions specify a short list of tools and products that are safe for sheepskin. Substituting the wrong tool — especially a stiff brush or a harsh detergent — is what causes the damage most people blame on washing.

• UGG® Cleaner & Conditioner — formulated to clean and moisturize sheepskin without drying agents like acetone or alcohol
• UGG® Protector — a water-and-stain repellent applied after drying
• Soft suede brush with non-metal bristles
• Suede eraser for stubborn spots
• Clean wet sponge and a soft absorbent towel
• Paper towels for stuffing the shape during drying

UGG sells a Care Kit that bundles the cleaner, protector, brush, and eraser together — that is the standard entry point for US buyers and the easiest way to get the right products in one box. If you need a new pair while yours are drying, our tested roundup of the best at-home slippers covers fleece, fleece-lined, and washable options that skip the sheepskin care steps entirely.

The Official 6-Step Hand Wash For UGG Slippers

UGG’s documentation is clear and consistent across US, UK, and Australian markets: these slippers are hand-wash only.

1. Dry Brush To Remove Surface Dirt

Brush the entire surface with a soft suede brush in one direction. This lifts loose dirt and restores the nap before any moisture touches the sheepskin. Never use a metal-bristle brush — it tears the suede.

2. Dampen With Cold Water

Wet the whole slipper surface with clean cold water. Hot water is the fastest way to shrink sheepskin; the official guides state it explicitly as a common cause of permanent damage.

3. Apply Cleaner To The Sponge, Not The Slipper

Squeeze a small amount of UGG Cleaner & Conditioner onto a clean wet sponge — never directly onto the slipper. Scrub the entire area in gentle circular motions. Aggressive scrubbing flattens the nap and weakens the fibers.

4. Rinse Thoroughly With Cold Water

Rinse until no soap residue remains. Leftover cleaner traps dirt and can stiffen the sheepskin as it dries.

5. Blot And Stuff For Shape

Blot excess moisture with a dry towel — do not rub, because rubbing flattens the wool lining. Stuff the slippers loosely with paper towels to hold their shape during drying.

6. Air Dry Away From Heat And Sun

Place the stuffed slippers in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or heat vents. Drying takes 24 to 48 hours. Never use a clothes dryer, hair dryer, or any direct heat source — all three shrink and stiffen the sheepskin permanently.

UGG Slipper Care Summary

Cleaning The Interior Lining

The wool lining inside UGG slippers needs a gentler touch than the outer suede. Start with a damp cloth and plain water — that alone removes most sweat and dust without stripping the lanolin that keeps the wool soft. If the lining is still dirty, use a mild colorless odorless soap or a wool detergent like Woolite on a damp cloth. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and blot excess moisture. The drying instructions are the same as for the outer shell: stuff with paper towels and air dry away from heat.

How To Remove Water Stains And Odors

Water stains on suede are common and treatable. Rub a plain white chalk stick over the stain and leave it overnight — the chalk absorbs the moisture and the stain lifts. For odors, a thin layer of baking soda mixed with a splash of water and a drop of white vinegar can be worked into the lining with a damp cloth, then blotted and dried the same way as a full wash. This is a spot treatment, not a substitute for the full hand-wash cycle when the slippers are truly dirty.

Can You Machine Wash UGG Slippers?

UGG’s official documentation says no. The sheepskin shrinks and stiffens in machine agitation, and the tumbling flattens the nap permanently. Some owners report success on a delicate cold cycle with a pillowcase or laundry bag, but it is a gamble: the machine can still twist the sheepskin enough to change the fit. Hand washing is the only method the manufacturer stands behind, and it adds maybe ten minutes of active work to the process.

Restoring The Nap After Drying

Once the slippers are completely dry, brush the surface lightly in one direction with the soft side of the suede brush. This re-fluffs the nap and brings back the suede texture. Then spray UGG Protector evenly from about six inches away until the surface is damp but not soaked. Let it dry naturally for another 24 hours. The protector adds a stain-resistant layer that makes the next cleaning much easier — it is worth the extra day of waiting.

Finish With The Right Care Routine

The whole cleaning process comes down to three principles: cold water only, no machine agitation, and no heat during drying. Brush before washing, use the brand’s own cleaner and protector, and give the slippers a full 24 to 48 hours to dry naturally. That routine keeps sheepskin soft, preserves the original fit, and adds years to a pair that would otherwise stiffen after one bad wash.