Right, let's get into it. The big question: can you wash UGGs in the washing machine?

Look, the quick answer is a hesitant yes. But honestly, it's a gamble, and it's something we (and other official makers) would never recommend for genuine sheepskin. Think of it as the absolute last resort for boots that have been loved a little too hard, whether you're navigating unpredictable city downpours or enjoying a cosy winter getaway.

The Truth About Machine Washing Your UGGs

We get it. Life happens. One minute you’re on a crisp autumn walk, the next you’re sidestepping a muddy puddle… and failing. When a simple spot clean won't do the trick, the washing machine seems like a magical fix. But before you toss them in, it's crucial to understand what that spin cycle can do to the delicate, natural materials of your beloved boots—the perfect companions for everything from the school run to a relaxed weekend brunch.

Here at Snuggyz Australia, we are a proud, registered Australian business based in Sydney, crafting authentic Australian Made UGG boots. Each pair is made to order, ensuring the highest quality craftsmanship goes into the footwear that supports women through every aspect of their busy lives. As a licensee of the Australian Made campaign, you can see our products listed on the official Australian Made website. We pour a lot of care into making them, so we want to help you keep that cosy perfection for years to come.

Why It's a Risky Move

A washing machine can be a real bully to genuine sheepskin. The intense spinning, total water saturation, and harsh detergents are a recipe for irreversible damage.

You’re looking at a few major risks:

• Shrinkage and Warping: The boot's structure can get completely distorted, ruining that iconic shape and comfy fit forever.
• Water Stains and Discolouration: If they don't dry perfectly evenly, or if soap residue lingers, you'll be left with permanent, unsightly marks on the suede.
• Loss of Softness: The wash can strip away the natural lanolin oils in the sheepskin. Those oils are what keep it buttery soft, and once they're gone, the material can feel stiff and brittle.

The real heart of the issue is that a machine wash can fundamentally change the texture and fit of your boots. Once that natural softness is gone, there’s almost no getting it back.

Cleaning experts are all on the same page here. According to UGG care specialists, a machine wash can shrink boots by up to 30% of their original size and permanently wreck their shape. The aggressive tumbling strips away the natural oils that are vital for keeping them soft.

You can find more on the potential pitfalls by exploring these tips on washing UGG boots. We've also put together a definitive guide on whether you can put UGGs in the washing machine with even more in-depth advice.

To put it simply, machine washing is a high-stakes game. While it might seem like a quick fix, you're risking the very qualities that make your UGGs so special. Sometimes, the safer, albeit slower, method of hand-cleaning is the best way to protect your investment.

At a Glance Machine Washing vs Hand Cleaning

Here's a quick breakdown to help you weigh the options.

Ultimately, hand-cleaning gives you control. You can gently treat stains and preserve the delicate suede and wool, ensuring your boots stay cosy and beautiful for much, much longer.

Getting Your UGGs Ready For The Wash

Alright, so you’ve decided the washing machine is the only way forward. Success here really comes down to the prep work. Just tossing your boots straight into the drum is a recipe for disaster. A little bit of care beforehand makes all the difference and gives your boots a fighting chance to come out looking refreshed, not ruined.

First things first, you need to tackle any surface mess. Grab a soft suede brush and gently work over the entire boot. This gets rid of any loose dirt, dust, and whatever else they’ve picked up. Remember to always brush in one direction to avoid scuffing up the delicate nap of the sheepskin. This quick clean stops you from rubbing grime deeper into the material once the water starts flowing.

Dealing With Stubborn Marks

Now, have a closer look for any specific scuffs or spots. For these, spot-treating is an absolute must. A simple suede eraser can work wonders on minor marks, so give that a go first.

Heads Up: Never, ever use harsh chemicals or standard household cleaners on your sheepskin boots. They can cause permanent discolouration and strip away the natural oils, leaving the material stiff, brittle, and sad.

The final prep step is all about protecting your boots' iconic shape. Stuff them properly before they go anywhere near the machine. Roll up a couple of clean, light-coloured towels and place them snugly inside each boot. This helps them hold their structure during the wash cycle, preventing them from collapsing or getting warped out of shape.

For a full rundown of safer cleaning methods, it’s worth checking out our easy step-by-step guide to cleaning UGG boots at home. This prep work might feel a bit tedious, but trust me, it’s your best defence against the risks of a machine wash.

A Careful Guide to the Washing Machine Process

Right, this is the moment where precision is everything. If you've decided to risk the washing machine, the settings and detergents you use are non-negotiable. Think of this less like a standard laundry load and more like a delicate, tactical operation to save your boots.

Dialing in the Right Settings

Your first line of defence is choosing the right settings on your machine. You need to go for a cold, delicate, or wool cycle. These programmes use minimal agitation and cold water, which is absolutely vital to stop the sheepskin from shrinking or turning stiff as a board.

Just as important is the spin speed. Set it to the lowest possible option, or even better, turn it off completely if your machine allows. A high-speed spin is just asking for trouble.

Selecting the Right Cleaner

The detergent you pick is just as critical. Your standard laundry soap is far too harsh for natural sheepskin. It's packed with enzymes and chemicals designed to obliterate stains, but they'll also strip the sheepskin of its natural lanolin oils. The result? Brittle, less water-resistant boots.

You absolutely must use a pH-neutral detergent made specifically for wool or sheepskin. These cleaners are gentle enough to lift the dirt without causing any damage, preserving the integrity of the fibres. It’s a small detail, I know, but it makes a massive difference to the final outcome.

Remember, the goal is to clean, not to strip. A gentle, specialised cleaner works with the natural material of your boots, while a standard detergent works against it.

This quick visual guide sums up the key points for getting it right.

As you can see, it all comes down to careful prep, the right cycle, and a gentle detergent. Get those three things right, and you’re giving your UGGs the best possible chance.

Adding Extra Protection in the Drum

Never just chuck your boots directly into the drum by themselves. For an extra layer of protection, pop them inside a large mesh laundry bag or even a clean pillowcase tied shut. This simple barrier cuts down on friction and stops laces or any little embellishments from getting snagged.

For even more cushioning, I always add one or two old, light-coloured towels to the wash. This helps to balance the load and stops your boots from banging aggressively against the sides of the drum. It’s a tiny step that can seriously reduce the physical stress on your footwear.

It's interesting, really. UK lifestyle surveys show that over 50% of UGG owners clean their boots multiple times during our damp autumn and spring months. But less than 10% reported using a washing machine. That shows you just how many people heed the warnings and stick to safer hand-washing methods. You can read more about these UK UGG cleaning habits and a step-by-step guide if you're curious, but it really highlights how risky this whole process is considered.

The Crucial Steps for Drying and Restoring Your Boots

Alright, what you do after the wash cycle finishes is just as important as the wash itself. Let's be crystal clear on this: never, ever put your UGGs in a tumble dryer. Placing them near a direct heat source like a radiator or a fireplace is also a definite no-go. Honestly, it’s the fastest way to shrink, warp, and completely ruin that delicate sheepskin.

Instead, the key to bringing your boots back to life is all about patience and gentle air-drying. You simply can’t rush this part if you want to keep that cosy shape and feel we all love.

The Art of Air-Drying

As soon as you take them out of the machine, gently reshape your damp boots with your hands. Then, stuff them with absorbent paper towels or even a couple of clean, dry cloths to help them hold their structure. This little trick also works wonders for soaking up excess moisture from the inside out.

Top Tip: Steer clear of using newspaper for stuffing. The ink can easily transfer onto the damp inner lining, leaving you with a whole new mess to deal with.

The drying process can take a few days, so find a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight and just let them be. Your patience here will be rewarded with boots that look and feel fantastic.

Bringing Back That Velvety Texture

Once your boots are 100% dry to the touch, it’s time for the final flourish. Grab a soft suede brush and give them a quick once-over. Brushing gently in one direction helps to restore the nap and bring that signature velvety texture back to life. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Interestingly, it seems we’re not the only ones with a few tricks up our sleeves. About 40% of UK users pop a bit of baking soda inside their boots after cleaning to deodorise and absorb moisture – a pretty clever idea for the UK's damp climate. You can discover more insights on UK cleaning habits on cho.co.uk.

And if you're still dealing with some stubborn marks from the elements after all that, our guide on how to get water stains out of Snuggyz UGGs has a few extra tips for you.

Smarter Alternatives and Long-Term UGG Care

Honestly, the best way to handle the whole "can you wash UGGs in the washing machine?" dilemma is to avoid ever having to ask. It's always smarter to lean into proactive, gentle care. This approach truly honours the beautiful craftsmanship of genuine Australian sheepskin and keeps your boots cosy for years to come. It’s a philosophy we live by at Snuggyz Australia, where every single pair of our authentic boots is made-to-order right here in Sydney, especially for you.

Think of it less like a frantic rescue mission and more like a simple, rewarding routine. And it all starts with prevention.

The Power of Proactive Protection

The single most effective thing you can do for your UGGs is to use a quality sheepskin protector spray. It creates an invisible shield against moisture and stains, which is an absolute game-changer for the UK’s notoriously unpredictable weather.

A decent protector stops dirt and water from soaking deep into the suede, making any future clean-up jobs a thousand times easier. If you want to dive deeper, we have a whole guide on the benefits of using a waterproofing spray for UGGs to protect your boots effectively.

On top of that, a gentle hand-washing routine is far kinder than even the mildest machine cycle. Grabbing a specialised sheepskin cleaner and a soft sponge lets you target dirty spots directly without completely saturating and stressing the whole boot. This method also preserves the natural lanolin oils that keep the sheepskin so incredibly soft and supple.

Proper care is really an investment in the life of your boots. It’s about maintaining that quality you fell in love with and preserving the cosy feel that makes them such an essential part of your life.

This focus on preservation is especially important given the UK's climate. Market analysis shows that UGG boot sales in the UK have climbed by an average of 5-7% annually between 2015 and 2024, even with all the worry about how to look after them. This growing demand just highlights the challenge of keeping sheepskin footwear looking its best in damp weather. You can read more on this trend and UK cleaning advice at goodhousekeeping.com.

Your Top UGG Cleaning Questions Answered

Even with a solid plan, a few questions always pop up. It’s completely normal! Let's clear up some of the most common worries we hear when it comes to keeping your favourite UGGs looking their best.

What's the Best Cleaner to Use on UGGs?

Stick with cleaners made specifically for sheepskin or wool. These are pH-neutral, which is just a fancy way of saying they’re gentle enough not to strip away the natural oils that keep the sheepskin soft and healthy.

Your everyday laundry detergent is a definite no-go – it's far too harsh and will do more harm than good.

Can I Wash UGG Slippers the Same Way?

You sure can. The same gentle machine-washing method works for slippers, too.

Just keep in mind that slippers often have a bit less structure than the boots. That means it’s even more important to stuff them properly while they dry, so they don’t lose that perfect, foot-hugging shape.

The golden rule for both boots and slippers is gentle handling from start to finish. The less stress you put on the sheepskin, the happier you'll be with the result.

Help! My UGGs Are Stiff After Washing. How Do I Fix Them?

Don't panic if your boots feel a bit rigid once they're fully dry. You can usually bring them back to life by gently bending and working the material with your hands to soften it up.

A good, vigorous brush with a suede brush also works wonders for fluffing up the fibres and restoring that lovely velvety texture. For more expert tips on tackling tricky spots, check out our guide on how to get stains out of UGGs.

How Often Should I Machine Wash My Boots?

Honestly? As little as possible. Think of the washing machine as a last resort for a major rescue mission, not part of your regular cleaning schedule.

To be safe, we’d recommend you only machine wash your boots once in their entire lifetime. This will go a long way in preventing any long-term damage and keeping them cosy for years to come.

At Snuggyz Australia, we're all about preserving the incredible quality of authentic, Australian Made sheepskin. That’s why all our boots are lovingly made to order right here in Sydney. We are a registered Australian Business committed to producing genuine Australian Made products. Take a look at our genuine Australian Made collection and find your perfect pair.