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If you stepped into a muddy puddle in your UGG boots, don’t panic. With the right steps, you can remove mud safely without ruining the soft suede or the cozy sheepskin lining. This guide walks you through simple, gentle methods to clean mud, prevent stains, and keep your UGGs looking new longer. You’ll learn what tools to use, what to avoid, how to dry them properly, and how to protect them from future messes. Everything here is beginner-friendly and designed for real life, whether you’re dealing with a fresh spill or dried mud from last weekend’s hike.
Understand Your UGGs Before You Clean
The Outer Material: Suede/Sheepskin
Most classic UGGs are made from twin-faced sheepskin: suede on the outside and soft wool on the inside. Suede is delicate. It can absorb water, show dark spots easily, and get stiff if it dries the wrong way. That’s why harsh scrubbing, hot water, and strong cleaners can cause damage.
The Inside: Sheepskin Wool Lining
The lining is warm and cushiony, but it can trap sweat and odor. If it gets wet, dry it slowly and completely to prevent smells or matting. Use gentle products only—never bleach or strong disinfectants inside your boots.
Why Mud Is Tricky on UGGs
Mud is a mix of dirt, minerals, and sometimes oils. When it dries, it can bind to suede fibers and leave rings and stains. If you try to wipe mud while it’s wet, it often smears and pushes deeper into the nap (the fuzzy surface of suede). The key is patience and gentle motion.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Essentials
– Soft suede brush or clean soft toothbrush
– Clean white cloths or paper towels (avoid colored cloths that might bleed dye)
– Bowl of cold water (never hot)
– Mild suede cleaner or a few drops of gentle liquid soap (like baby shampoo) diluted in water
– Plain white vinegar (for salt/mineral stains, optional)
– Newspaper or plain paper to stuff the boots
– A dry towel to set under your work area
Nice-to-Have Extras
– Suede eraser block (for scuffs and stubborn marks)
– Cornstarch or talc (for oily residue in mud)
– Baking soda (for light deodorizing inside)
– Suede protector spray (water and stain repellent) for after cleaning
– A small spray bottle (to mist water evenly)
What to Avoid
– Hot water or soaking the boots
– Bleach, harsh detergents, fabric softener, or disinfectant sprays
– Direct heat: hair dryers, radiators, heaters, fireplaces, or direct sun
– Colored cloths or rough scrub brushes
– Washing machine or dryer
Before You Start: Prep and Patch Test
Do a Quick Patch Test
Mix your cleaner with cold water (very mild). Test it on a small, hidden area near the heel or inside the shaft. Check for color change or stiffness after it dries. If it passes, move on.
Let Mud Dry (If It’s Wet)
If the mud is still wet and thick, let it dry first. This makes it easier to flake off without smearing. Stand the boots upright in a cool, airy place. Don’t try to speed-dry them with heat.
Shape the Boots
Remove any inserts. Stuff the boots with plain paper (not glossy magazine paper) to help them keep their shape. This also helps absorb extra moisture later.
Step-by-Step: Remove Dried Mud Safely
1) Gently Loosen the Dry Mud
Hold the boot over a trash bag or sink. Use your fingers to gently crumble large chunks of dry mud. Then use a suede brush or a clean soft toothbrush to brush off remaining dirt. Brush in one direction to lift the nap. Be patient—no hard scrubbing.
2) Evenly Damp the Surface
To avoid water rings, slightly dampen the entire outer surface with cold water. Use a spray bottle to mist or wipe with a lightly wet cloth. Don’t soak the suede; just make it evenly damp. This helps blend any future cleaning marks.
3) Clean With Diluted Cleaner
Mix a small amount of suede cleaner or a few drops of baby shampoo into cold water. Dip a clean white cloth or sponge into the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the boot in small sections. Work with light pressure. Focus on muddy areas but still pass over the whole boot to keep the color even.
4) Rinse Lightly
Use another clean cloth dampened with plain cold water to remove any soap residue. Again, do not soak. Just wipe to lift leftover cleaner.
5) Blot, Don’t Rub
Press a dry white cloth or paper towels against the suede to blot out moisture. Rubbing can push dirt into the fibers and flatten the nap.
6) Dry Slowly and Naturally
Keep the boots stuffed with paper and stand them upright in a cool, ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and any heat source. Change the stuffing paper after 1–2 hours if it becomes damp. Full drying can take 24–48 hours.
7) Restore the Nap
Once fully dry, brush the suede in one direction with a suede brush to bring back its soft, even texture. If you see a few dark areas, brush more gently in short strokes to lift the fibers.
Step-by-Step: Clean Fresh or Wet Mud
1) Blot First
If the mud is wet, gently blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture and mud. Do not rub—it spreads the stain.
2) Rinse the Outsole Only
If the mud is heavy on the rubber sole, you can rinse the sole under cold running water while holding the suede upper away from direct water. Wipe the edges dry immediately.
3) Even Dampen the Suede
Use a light mist of cold water to dampen the suede evenly. Then follow the diluted cleaner step above. Work in small sections and keep everything gentle and even.
4) Blot and Air Dry
Blot excess moisture, stuff with paper, and air dry away from heat. Brush after drying to restore the nap.
Spot Treatments for Stubborn Stains
Salt or Mineral Stains (Winter Slush)
Mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water. Lightly dampen a clean white cloth with the mixture and gently dab the stained area. Follow with a wipe of plain cold water. Blot dry and let air dry. Brush the nap when fully dry.
Oily Residue in Mud
Lightly sprinkle cornstarch or talc on the stained spot and leave for several hours or overnight. Brush off with a suede brush. If needed, repeat once. Follow with a gentle cleaning pass using diluted cleaner.
Scuffs and Polished Spots
Use a suede eraser block to gently rub the scuffed area. Keep strokes light and in one direction. Brush afterward to blend the nap.
Lingering Odor
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the boots and leave overnight. Shake it out the next day. For stronger odors, repeat or use a sheepskin-safe cleaner designed for interiors.
Disinfecting Without Damaging
When You Should Disinfect
Light cleaning is usually enough. If the boots got splashed with dirty street water or you’re concerned about bacteria inside, disinfect gently and carefully.
Safe Options
For the inside only: lightly mist a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts water. Do not soak the wool. Let air dry completely, then fluff by hand. Avoid spraying alcohol or disinfectants on the suede exterior as they can dry and discolor the material. If you use any sanitizer inside, test first and keep it light.
Drying the Right Way
Why Slow Drying Matters
High heat can shrink sheepskin, harden suede, and cause glue to weaken. Natural air drying keeps the shape and feel of your UGGs.
Best Drying Practices
Stuff the boots loosely with plain paper and place them in a cool, ventilated area. Replace the paper as it absorbs moisture. Keep them away from radiators, heaters, sunny windows, and hair dryers. Expect 24–48 hours for full drying after a thorough clean.
How to Speed Things Up Safely
Use a fan near (not directly blasting) the boots to improve airflow. A dehumidifier in the room can also help. Don’t place the boots on a heat vent or under a lamp.
Protect and Maintain After Cleaning
Use a Suede Protector Spray
When the boots are completely dry and brushed, apply a suede-specific water and stain repellent. Mist evenly from a short distance. Don’t soak. Let dry fully, then brush lightly to keep the nap soft. Reapply every few weeks during muddy or wet seasons.
Simple Maintenance Routine
– After each wear: let boots air out and brush off light dirt.
– Weekly during bad weather: quick brush to lift dust and check for spots.
– Monthly: freshen inside with baking soda if needed; reapply protector if water stops beading up.
– Seasonally: a gentle full clean, especially after winter.
Smart Storage
Store UGGs in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Insert boot shapers or stuff with paper to keep their shape. Avoid plastic bags that trap moisture. If you must store for months, add a small sachet of baking soda nearby to absorb odors (not directly touching the suede).
Quick Cleanups On the Go
Car or Bag Kit
Carry a small soft brush, a few white paper towels, and a travel-size spray bottle of plain water. If you step in mud, blot, let dry, brush off, then do a full clean at home. Fast action prevents deep stains.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rubbing Mud While It’s Wet
This grinds dirt deeper into the suede. Blot and wait for it to dry before brushing.
Using Too Much Water or Cleaner
Soaking the boots causes water lines, stiffness, and long dry times. Keep it light and even.
Turning to Heat for Fast Drying
Heat can warp the boots, crack the suede finish, and loosen glue. Air dry only.
Skipping the Protector Spray
A protector spray makes the next cleanup much easier and helps prevent permanent stains.
Using Colored Cloths
Some cloths bleed dye when wet and can stain suede. Always use white cloths.
Special Situations
Heavy Mud and Deep Stains
Repeat a gentle clean rather than trying to fix everything in one pass. Let the boots fully dry between attempts. Multiple light cleanings work better than one aggressive scrub.
Water Lines or Rings After Drying
Lightly mist the entire boot with cold water, then blot and let dry again. Brush to blend the nap. Cleaning the whole surface helps even out the color.
Color Transfer From Jeans
Use a suede eraser followed by a light clean. Apply protector spray after to reduce future dye transfer.
Old Stiff Suede
Gently steam from a distance using a kettle’s steam in the same room (do not hold the boot over the steam or get it wet). Lightly brush to soften the nap. Be cautious and use minimal moisture.
Eco-Friendly and Budget Tips
Use Less, Clean Smarter
Cold water, mild soap, vinegar, and baking soda handle most issues. You don’t need many products—just the right technique and patience.
Extend the Life of Your UGGs
Brush regularly, dry slowly, and store correctly. These low-cost habits prevent expensive fixes and keep your boots looking fresh for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put UGGs in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing can shrink sheepskin, damage suede, and ruin the structure.
Can I use a hair dryer or heater to dry them faster?
No. Heat can warp, crack, or shrink the materials. Air dry with good airflow only.
What if my boots still smell after cleaning?
Try baking soda inside overnight. If odor remains, lightly mist the inside with a diluted white vinegar solution, then air dry fully. Repeat if needed. Avoid heavy soaking.
Do I really need a suede-specific protector?
Yes. A proper protector helps repel water and stains. It makes mud removal easier next time and keeps the nap soft.
How often should I clean my UGGs?
Spot clean as needed. Do a light full clean at the end of muddy or winter seasons, or monthly if you wear them often in wet conditions.
Can I remove old, set-in mud stains completely?
Often, yes, with repeated gentle cleaning, vinegar for mineral spots, and careful brushing. Some deep stains may lighten but not vanish; a protector helps prevent future staining.
A Simple, Safe Cleaning Routine You Can Trust
Quick Recap
– Let mud dry, then brush off gently.
– Dampen evenly, clean with mild diluted cleaner, and rinse lightly.
– Blot, air dry slowly, then brush to restore the nap.
– Use spot treatments for salt, oil, and scuffs.
– Finish with a suede protector spray and store well.
Conclusion
Cleaning mud off UGGs is all about patience, gentle touch, and the right tools. Let the mud dry, brush carefully, use minimal water, and dry naturally. Avoid heat and harsh cleaners, and protect the suede after every clean. With these simple steps, you’ll keep your boots soft, shapely, and looking like new season after season. A few minutes of proper care each time you wear them in wet weather will save you from tough stains—and keep your favorite UGGs ready for cozy days out.