Dry cleaning Uggs is possible but not always the best choice for your boots
Yes, you can dry clean Uggs, but most manufacturers and care experts recommend against it as a first option. Uggs are made from sheepskin with a wool lining, and the dry cleaning chemicals can strip the natural oils from the material, leaving the leather stiff and the wool matted. The heat used in the dry cleaning process can also shrink the sheepskin or cause permanent damage to the suede exterior.
If you do choose to dry clean your Uggs, use a cleaner who specializes in suede and sheepskin — not a standard dry cleaner. Standard dry cleaning solvents are too harsh for these delicate materials. Even then, you risk altering the texture and appearance of your boots. For most stains and dirt, home cleaning methods work better and cost less.
Key Takeaways
- Dry cleaning can damage Uggs by stripping natural oils, matting the wool, or shrinking the sheepskin, so it should be a last resort rather than your first choice.
- If you do dry clean Uggs, find a cleaner who specializes in suede and sheepskin, not a standard dry cleaner using regular solvents.
- Most everyday dirt and stains on Uggs can be removed at home using a soft brush, mild soap, and water without risking damage.
- Ugg boots should be air-dried flat or stuffed with newspaper after cleaning, never placed near direct heat or in a dryer.
- For stubborn stains or water damage, contact Ugg directly or visit an authorized Ugg store for professional care recommendations specific to your boot style.
What happens to Uggs in the dry cleaning process
Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents — typically perchloroethylene (perc) or hydrocarbon-based liquids — that dissolve oils and break down stains. These same solvents dissolve the natural lanolin oils in sheepskin and wool that keep the material soft and water-resistant. Once those oils are gone, the leather becomes brittle and the wool loses its loft and can mat down permanently.
The heat used to dry the boots after cleaning compounds the problem. Sheepskin shrinks when exposed to high temperatures, and the suede exterior can become stiff or discolored. Even a cleaner who is careful with temperature can cause damage because the combination of chemical exposure and any heat is too much for this material.
Standard dry cleaners are not equipped to handle sheepskin properly. They treat it like suede dress shoes or jackets, which have different fiber structures and durability. Uggs need specialized handling that most dry cleaning shops do not offer.
Home cleaning methods that work better than dry cleaning
For dirt, dust, and light stains, a soft brush and water are your first line of defense. Use a dry suede brush or soft-bristled shoe brush to gently brush away surface dirt in one direction. This removes most everyday grime without any liquid or chemicals.
For stains that need moisture, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with cool water — use just enough soap to make the water slightly cloudy. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and gently dab the stained area. Do not rub or scrub. Rinse with a clean cloth dampened in plain water, then blot dry with a towel. Stuff the boots loosely with newspaper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape as they air-dry. Replace the newspaper every few hours if it becomes wet.
For salt stains from winter roads, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. explore with a soft cloth the same way you would with the soap solution. Vinegar cuts through salt without harming the sheepskin. Let the boots air-dry completely before wearing them again.
When a specialist cleaner might be necessary
If home cleaning does not remove a stain, or if your Uggs have been damaged by water, oil, or a substance you are unsure how to treat, a specialist in suede and sheepskin is your next step — not a standard dry cleaner. Look for cleaners who advertise experience with sheepskin boots, suede jackets, or leather goods. Call ahead and describe the stain or damage. A good specialist will tell you honestly whether they can help or whether the damage is permanent.
Specialist cleaners use gentler solvents and lower temperatures than standard dry cleaning. Some use methods like steam cleaning or specialized brushing rather than chemical submersion. Even so, there is always some risk when you hand over your boots. Ask the cleaner what their process is, what may provide they offer if something goes wrong, and whether they have worked on Uggs specifically before.
Drying and storage after any cleaning
Whether you clean your Uggs at home or take them to a specialist, how you dry them matters as much as the cleaning itself. Never place them in a dryer, near a radiator, in direct sunlight, or in front of a heat source. Heat causes sheepskin to shrink and can crack the leather permanently.
Instead, stuff the boots loosely with newspaper or unscented paper towels to help them hold their shape. Place them in a cool, dry spot with good air circulation — a closet, mudroom, or bedroom corner works well. Replace the stuffing every few hours for the first day or two. The boots may take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely, depending on how wet they are and the humidity in your home.
Once dry, store Uggs in a cool place away from direct light. Do not store them in a plastic bag, which traps moisture and can cause mold or mildew. A cloth shoe bag or open shelf is better. If you live in a humid climate, place a small packet of unscented silica gel or activated charcoal in the storage area to absorb excess moisture.
Ugg's own care recommendations
Ugg publishes care instructions for each boot style on their website and on the tag inside the boot. Most Uggs are labeled "suede" or "sheepskin" with instructions to brush gently and spot-clean with mild soap and water. None of the standard Ugg care tags recommend dry cleaning. If your boots have a specific care tag, follow that first.
Ugg also sells a cleaning kit that includes a soft brush and a specialized cleaner formulated for their boots. The kit costs less than a single dry cleaning visit and is designed to be gentler on the material. If you own multiple pairs of Uggs, the kit pays for itself quickly.
If you are unsure whether a stain or damage is something you can handle at home, contact Ugg customer service through their website or visit an authorized Ugg retail store. Staff there can often assess the damage and recommend the safest next step, and they may know of local specialists they trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will dry cleaning shrink my Uggs?
Yes, it can. The combination of chemical solvents and heat used in dry cleaning can cause sheepskin to shrink. Even if the cleaner uses low heat, the chemical exposure alone can damage the material enough to cause visible shrinkage or warping, especially around the cuff or heel.
What if my Uggs get soaked in water or snow?
Remove excess water by blotting with a towel, then stuff them with newspaper and air-dry in a cool place. Replace the newspaper every few hours. Do not use heat. Once they are dry, brush gently with a soft brush to restore the nap of the suede. If water has left a stain or discoloration that does not brush out, a specialist cleaner may help, but dry cleaning is not the answer.
Can I use regular shoe cleaner on Uggs?
Most regular shoe cleaners are too harsh for sheepskin and suede. Stick to mild dish soap and water, or use a cleaner made specifically for suede and sheepskin. If you are unsure whether a product is safe, test it on a hidden area of the boot first, like the inside of the cuff.
Is there any stain that requires dry cleaning?
Very few. Oil stains, ink, and dye are the hardest to remove at home, but dry cleaning is still risky because it may damage the boot more than the stain itself. A specialist in sheepskin is a better choice if home cleaning fails. Some stains may be permanent, and that is better than ruining the entire boot.
How often should I clean my Uggs?
Brush them gently after each wear to remove surface dirt and restore the nap. Spot-clean stains as they happen with mild soap and water. A full deep clean is rarely needed if you maintain them regularly. Over-cleaning, even at home, can wear down the material faster than normal wear.