To clean UGG slippers, brush the suede outer with a suede brush, dampen it lightly with cool water, clean it with a small amount of sheepskin or suede cleaner on a sponge, and wipe it off with a damp cloth. Clean the wool lining separately, stuff the slippers with paper and let them air dry for 24 hours. Do not put them in the washing machine or dryer.
In this guide
The same method works for any slippers made from suede and sheepskin. The two rules that matter most are to use little water and no heat.
What you need
- A suede brush
- A soft sponge and two clean cloths
- Sheepskin and suede cleaner, or a mild wool detergent diluted in cool water
- Baking soda or cornflour
- Plain paper or paper towels
- Suede protector spray
How to clean the suede outer
- Brush when dry. Brush the whole slipper in one direction to lift dust and loose dirt.
- Dampen evenly. Wipe the entire outer with a sponge dipped in cool water and squeezed out. Wetting the whole surface evenly prevents tide marks.
- Apply cleaner to the sponge, not directly to the slipper, and work gently over the suede. Do not scrub.
- Wipe off the cleaner with a clean damp cloth until no foam remains.
- Stuff with paper to hold the shape and absorb moisture from inside.
- Air dry for at least 24 hours in a ventilated room, away from sunlight, radiators and hairdryers.
- Brush the nap in one direction once fully dry.
How to clean the wool lining
- Mix a few drops of wool detergent in a cup of cool water.
- Dip a cloth, wring it out well, and wipe the lining. Work the cloth into the fibres without soaking the sheepskin underneath.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in clean water.
- Let the slippers dry fully, then fluff the wool with your fingers or a clean comb.
Related: How to Uncrease Shoes: 4 Methods That Work on Leather and Sneakers
How to treat common stains
| Stain | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Water marks | Dampen the whole outer evenly, blot, dry and brush |
| Grease or oil | Cover with cornflour overnight, then brush off; repeat if needed |
| Salt lines | Dab with equal parts white vinegar and cool water, then dry |
| Dark scuffs | Rub gently with a suede eraser, then brush |
How to remove odour
Sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda into each dry slipper, shake to spread it, and leave overnight. Shake or vacuum it out the next day. Letting slippers air for a day between wears also keeps the wool fresher.
Can UGG slippers go in the washing machine?
No. Machine washing saturates the sheepskin, which can shrink, stiffen and discolour it, and tumbling can separate the sole. The brand’s own care advice is to clean by hand. A hot dryer does the most damage of all.
How to keep them clean for longer
- Spray new slippers with a suede protector and repeat after each clean.
- Keep indoor slippers indoors; pavement dirt and water are what mark suede.
- Brush them lightly every week or two.
- Store them dry and out of direct sun, which fades suede.
For other materials, such as cotton, fleece and leather, see our guide to washing slippers by material. For more on suede care, see how to clean suede shoes.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean sheepskin slippers?
A light brush every couple of weeks and a full clean once or twice a season is enough for most people.
Can I use dish soap or laundry detergent?
Regular detergents can strip the natural oils from sheepskin. Use a cleaner made for sheepskin, or a mild wool detergent well diluted.
Why did my slippers go stiff after cleaning?
They were either too wet or dried too quickly with heat. Brushing the suede and flexing it by hand restores some softness.
How do I make the lining fluffy again?
Once it is completely dry, tease the wool gently with a clean pet brush or wide-tooth comb.
