So, can you put your Uggs in the washer? As we settle into the cosy seasons, I get asked this all the time, and my answer is always a very firm, very clear no. It might seem like the easiest way to clean them up after a soggy winter walk, but trust me, the washing machine is the fastest way to ruin your favourite boots for good.

Why Your Washing Machine Is Bad News for Uggs

Let’s be honest, your Uggs are more than just boots. They’re the first thing you reach for after a long day at work, the cosy hug your feet need on a chilly morning, and your trusty companion for those lazy sofa Sundays with a good book. For a modern woman juggling a career, family, and self-care, they’re a little slice of everyday luxury.

It's so tempting to just chuck them in with the rest of the laundry, but the harsh reality is that the aggressive spin cycle and bog-standard detergents are the arch-enemies of delicate sheepskin. This process strips away all the natural lanolin oils that keep the material so incredibly soft and supple.

The Real Risks of Machine Washing

Once those essential oils are gone, the sheepskin’s entire structure is compromised. You'll likely end up with boots that are stiff, shrunken, and sadly discoloured. Think of it like washing a delicate wool jumper on a hot cycle—the fibres seize up, and it’s never quite the same again. Your Uggs deserve so much better.

This isn’t just about getting them clean; it’s about protecting a daily essential that sees you through every season. Official UGG care guidelines, and pretty much any expert you ask, will tell you that a washing machine can lead to shrinking, warping, and a complete loss of that cloud-like softness.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick comparison of what you can expect.

Machine Washing vs Hand Cleaning Uggs

This table breaks down the risks and outcomes of chucking your Uggs in the wash versus taking the time to hand-clean them properly.

As you can see, the risk just isn't worth the convenience. A little bit of manual effort goes a very long way in keeping your boots looking and feeling great.

The agitation and heat from a machine are simply too harsh for the natural fibres. Hand-cleaning is always the way to go to maintain their quality and shape, ensuring they stay part of your cosy routine for years to come.

Ultimately, preserving your Uggs means keeping them far away from the washing machine. Learning the right way to clean them is surprisingly straightforward and will make sure they remain your reliable companion through every season. For the best techniques, check out our guide on how to wash a sheepskin without ruining it.

So, What Really Happens to Uggs in a Washing Machine?

Let's get straight to it: your washing machine is the absolute enemy of your Uggs. To understand why, you have to remember what makes them so special in the first place—that incredibly delicate twin-face sheepskin and all its natural, protective oils.

When you toss your Uggs into the wash, you’re not just giving them a gentle rinse. You're subjecting them to a total saturation assault. This intense drenching forces the leather to swell up and lose its iconic shape. Think of it like leaving a paper notebook out in a classic British downpour—it’s never going to dry flat and perfect again.

The Attack on Their Natural Softness

The real villain here, though, is the tag team of standard laundry detergent and the machine's aggressive spin cycle. Most detergents are designed to strip oils and grime from tough fabrics like cotton, which makes them far too harsh for sheepskin.

They aggressively break down the essential lanolin, the natural wool wax that keeps the fleece soft, moisture-wicking, and supple. Once that lanolin is gone, the sheepskin turns brittle and stiff.

The spin cycle then makes everything worse, pulling and stretching the now-soggy, weakened seams. This can permanently warp the boot's structure, leaving you with a saggy, ill-fitting pair that has lost all its cosy shape.

Picture this: you’ve just come back from a muddy winter festival, and your Uggs are caked. Throwing them in the machine feels like a quick fix, but the outcome is almost always irreversible damage. In the UK's damp climate, proper drying is critical, and a machine-washed boot holds a shocking amount of water deep within its fibres. This turns air-drying into a week-long nightmare, often resulting in stubborn water stains or even mildew.

A 2023 consumer protection survey backs this up, finding that around 28% of UK customers who reported ruined UGGs blamed it directly on machine washing. With the UK's sheepskin boot market valued at roughly £50 million, it's clear this common mistake is a costly one for a lot of people. You can find more on this common problem over at Good Housekeeping.

Right, so we've established that the washing machine is a definite no-go for your Uggs. Let's get into the proper way to bring them back to life. Think of this less as a chore and more as a bit of TLC for a wardrobe staple, getting them ready for everything from the school run to a cosy night in.

Before you even think about getting them wet, you’ll need to gather the right tools. This is not the time to reach for harsh chemicals or your usual kitchen scourer.

• A soft suede brush: This is non-negotiable for lifting dirt without scuffing up the delicate sheepskin.
• Specialised sheepskin cleaner: Don't be tempted by regular detergents. They're far too aggressive and will strip the natural, conditioning oils right out of the sheepskin.
• Clean sponges or soft cloths: You’ll need at least two – one for applying the cleaner and a fresh one for rinsing.
• Cold water: Always, always use cold water. Hot water is the enemy here; it can cause the sheepskin to shrink and go horribly stiff.

This little graphic gives you a quick visual rundown of the key stages.

As the image shows, even if you were mad enough to try a machine wash, a protective bag would be the absolute bare minimum – which really just proves how gently you need to handle these boots at every stage.

Preparing Your Uggs for Cleaning

First things first, grab your suede brush and give the entire surface of the boots a gentle once-over. Make sure you brush in one direction to lift away any loose dirt and dust. It's a simple step, but it stops you from grinding that surface grime deeper into the material when you start the wet cleaning.

Next, you'll want to lightly dampen the entire outer surface of your boots. Use a clean sponge dipped in cold water and wring it out well. The goal is to get them evenly damp, not sopping wet. This helps the cleaner spread evenly and, crucially, prevents those annoying water spots from forming later.

Applying the Cleaner and Rinsing

Now for the main event. Put a small amount of the specialised sheepskin cleaner onto your damp sponge and start working it into the boot's surface. Use gentle, circular motions and be thorough, making sure you cover the entire boot for a consistent finish. There's no need for aggressive scrubbing.

To rinse, grab a fresh, clean cloth, dampen it with cold water, and carefully wipe away the cleaner. It’s so important to get all the soap residue off without soaking the sheepskin through. While Uggs have their own specific needs, some wider cleaning principles can be helpful, like those you might find in cleaning guides for various materials.

The main thing to remember: The goal is a gentle, even clean. Don't be tempted to scrub hard at one particular spot, as you'll likely end up with a discoloured patch and worn-down suede.

Whether you're in the chilly Northern Hemisphere winter or enjoying a Southern Hemisphere summer evening, your boots face challenges. With UK Met Office data showing average annual rainfall often topping 800 mm, muddy puddles and salt stains from gritted pavements are pretty much inevitable. A good rule of thumb is to give them a proper clean every 6 to 12 months to keep them looking their best.

For a really deep dive, you can also check out our complete guide on how to clean Snuggyz Ugg boots at home.

The Art of Drying and Reshaping Your Boots

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Cleaning your Uggs is only half the story. Getting the drying process right is what truly brings them back to that cosy, good-as-new state, and it’s a step that absolutely can't be rushed.

The golden rule here is to never use direct heat. I mean it. Keep them far, far away from radiators, sunny windowsills, or—the absolute worst-case scenario—the tumble dryer. Intense heat literally cooks the delicate sheepskin, causing it to shrink, crack, and become horribly brittle. A quick-fix drying attempt is the fastest way to ruin a pair of boots you love.

Restoring Their Classic Shape

So, what’s the secret? Patience, mainly. The best way to dry them is to let them air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated room, away from direct sunlight.

To help them hold their iconic shape and speed things up a bit, stuff them with balled-up paper towels or plain white paper. This is a great little trick that helps wick moisture away from the inside out. Just be sure to avoid newspaper, as the ink can easily bleed onto that lovely woolly interior. For the first few hours, it's a good idea to swap out the paper as it gets damp to draw out the bulk of the water.

You’ve got to let them breathe. Expect it to take at least 24 to 48 hours for your boots to be completely dry. Whatever you do, don't wear them while they're still damp—it can stretch the material and permanently damage the inner lining.

Once they feel totally dry to the touch, there’s just one last thing to do. Give them a light brush-down with your suede brush. This simple step lifts the nap of the sheepskin, bringing back that signature velvety texture we all love.

If you were dealing with some particularly stubborn water rings before washing, you can find more specific tips on how to clean water-stained Uggs and restore them.

To make it even simpler, here's a quick rundown of the essential dos and don'ts when caring for your beloved Uggs. Think of it as your cheat sheet for keeping them in top-notch condition for years to come.

Ugg Care Dos and Don'ts

Following these simple guidelines will make all the difference, ensuring your boots stay soft, comfy, and looking their best through many seasons of wear.

Keeping Your Uggs Fresh Between Cleans

The real secret to making your Uggs last for years isn’t just about the occasional deep clean. It's the small things you do in between. Think of it as building a few simple habits that protect your cosy investment, whether you're dashing on the school run, working from home, or just curled up on the sofa.

Honestly, the single most important thing you can do is apply a quality suede and sheepskin protector spray. With the UK’s notoriously unpredictable weather, this is completely non-negotiable. It creates an invisible shield that repels water and stops stains from ever really setting in. To get the full story on this crucial first step, have a look at our guide to waterproof spray for Uggs.

Simple Daily and Weekly Habits

Once they're protected, a little bit of routine maintenance will go a very long way.

• A Quick Daily Brush: Keep a suede brush somewhere handy. Giving your boots a quick, gentle brush at the end of the day lifts any surface dust and dirt before it has a chance to work its way into the material.
• Tackle Spills Straight Away: Accidents happen! If you splash something on them, grab a clean, dry cloth and blot the area immediately. Whatever you do, don't rub—that just pushes the stain deeper into the sheepskin.

Storing them properly during the warmer months is just as important. Make sure they’re completely clean and dry, then stuff them with paper to help them hold their shape. Pop them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

This little bit of effort means that when the first autumn chill arrives, your boots will be pristine and ready to go.

Your Ugg Cleaning Questions Answered

Even with the best instructions, there are always a few lingering questions that pop up when it's time to give your beloved Uggs a proper clean. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones I hear so you can feel completely confident.

Can I Use Regular Soap or Detergent?

It's so tempting to just grab whatever is under the sink, but please, step away from the laundry detergent! Household soaps and standard detergents are far too harsh for delicate sheepskin.

They'll strip away the natural lanolin oils, leaving the material feeling dry, stiff, and even brittle. To keep them beautifully soft, always stick with a cleaner specifically formulated for sheepskin.

What’s the Best Way to Handle a Tough Oil or Grease Stain?

For an oily mark, speed is everything. The moment you notice it, gently cover the stain with a generous amount of cornflour or talcum powder. Don't be shy with it!

Let it sit for at least a few hours—or even overnight is better—to absorb as much of the grease as possible.

Afterwards, carefully brush the powder away with a suede brush. If a faint mark remains, you might need to repeat the process or consider calling in the professionals who specialise in sheepskin.

The real secret is to act fast. You want to draw the oil out before it has a chance to set deep into the material.

How Often Should I Clean My Uggs?

Honestly, this really comes down to how you wear them. If they're mainly for cosy days at home or occasional trips out in dry weather, a proper deep clean once a season is usually plenty.

However, if you're a true Ugg devotee, wearing them through muddy park walks and drizzly high street dashes, you'll probably want to give them a wash every couple of months. For more detailed answers, you can always check out our complete list of frequently asked questions.

Ready to give your feet the ultimate treat? At Snuggyz Australia, we believe in wrapping every moment in warmth and joy. Explore our collection of authentic, Australian-made sheepskin Uggs and find your perfect pair for endless cosy days. Shop Now at Snuggyz Australia