by Kessie Carroll

Created on: July 12, 2009

Ugg boots are made of sheepskin, with wool inside. This makes them warm, comfortable, and tricky to clean. But they are cleanable.

Take care of your uggs. Don't get them wet, or walk through mud. They were designed primarily as indoor footwear, so they are not as resilient to dirt as sneakers or leather boots.

When you first buy your uggs, think about buying a waterproofing spray, and a stain-repellent spray. These are typically available at shoe stores, and a sales associate will be able to provide you with some. These sprays will keep your uggs cleaner for a longer amount of time, prolonging their life.

After spraying, let the boots dry for 24 hours. Ugg Australia recommends reapplying the waterproofing frequently during the winter.

Washing:

Just as with other leather products, do not wash ugg boots in a washing machine or get them soaking wet. Hand wash only!

Use lukewarm water, a sponge, and a mixture of half water half vinegar. Gently rub this all over the dirty portions of the boot. Never submerge an ugg boot in water, because this can deform it.

You can also use leather cleaners, or mild wool detergent. Make sure that whichever cleaner you use, you dilute it with water to keep it from harming the sheepskin.

If you have stains, it is recommended that you sprinkle white chalk on the stain and rub it in until the stain is covered. It is also possible to use sandpaper to remove a stain, but you must be very gentle, or you can rub off the dye.

If you have spots on the leather where it has come into contact with water, simply rub the leather against itself. This will rub out the spot.

Drying:

Stuff your uggs with paper towels so they retain their shape. Allow the boots to air-dry.

Never dry ugg boots in direct sunlight or in a dryer, because heat will shrink them, as with any other wool product. It is recommended to put them outside in the shade, because cool moving air is good for the sheepskin.

After they are dry, use a lint brush or a soft cloth to brush the nap back into the leather. Then reapply stain repellent and water proofing to prevent any further stains.

Odor:

As with any other shoe, ugg boots can absorb bad foot odor. To remove this, mix two teaspoons of baking soda with two teaspoons of corn flour. Sprinkle this into your boots and let them stand overnight, then shake the mixture out.

Uggs are comfortable, eye-pleasing boots that have enjoyed popularity for several years. With a little maintenance, you can keep your uggs looking brand new for years to come.

References:
http://www.ehow.com/how_155890_clean-ugg-boots.html
http://www.australian-uggs.com/clean-ugg-boots.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Ugg-Boots

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