No — in most cases you should not put UGG boots in the washing machine; it can ruin them.
I’ve cleaned hundreds of sheepskin and suede boots in my work and at home. I’ll walk you through why the question "can i put ugg boots in the washing machine" matters, what usually happens if you do, safe alternatives, and step-by-step methods for both emergency machine washes and best-practice hand cleaning. Read on to learn clear, practical advice that protects your boots and your wallet.
Why manufacturers and experts usually say no
UGG boots are made from natural sheepskin, suede, and adhesives. These materials do not respond well to heat, agitation, or harsh detergents. When asking "can i put ugg boots in the washing machine," remember that machine cycles can:
- Cause shrinkage and stiffening of sheepskin
- Flatten or matt the wool lining
- Fade or blotch suede and dye
- Break down glue and sole bonds
- Distort shape and fit
Manufacturers test for care instructions. Their guidance aims to keep materials intact and warranty valid. Ignoring it often leads to visible and permanent damage.
Short answer: can i put ugg boots in the washing machine?
The straight answer is usually no. Most real UGG boots should not go into a washing machine. Exceptions are rare and specific. If your boots are faux-shearling, fully synthetic, or labeled as machine-washable by the maker, a gentle machine wash may be possible. Otherwise, machine washing risks severe damage.
If you must machine wash (emergency only), follow strict steps below to reduce harm. Always check the label first.
If you must machine wash: step-by-step emergency method
Only use this method as a last resort for boots labeled safe or for synthetic replicas.
- Prepare the boots
- Remove laces and inserts. Take out removable insoles and let them air dry separately.
- Brush loose dirt away with a soft brush.
- Protect the boots
- Put each boot in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This reduces direct agitation.
- Add a few towels to balance the load and cushion the boots.
- Machine settings and detergent
- Use cold water. Cold protects dye and glue.
- Choose the gentlest cycle available. No spin or a very low spin setting is best.
- Use a small amount of mild, wool-safe liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
- Run and remove promptly
- Do not use hot cycles or dryers.
- Remove boots immediately after cycle ends to prevent misshaping.
- Drying
- Stuff boots with crumpled paper (not newspaper ink) or shoe trees to hold shape.
- Air dry in a well-ventilated room away from direct heat and sunlight.
- After dry, restore nap with a suede brush and revitalize the lining with a gentle conditioner if needed.
This method reduces risk but does not eliminate it. If you value the boots, prefer hand cleaning or professional care.
Best and safest cleaning methods for UGG boots
Hand cleaning protects materials and keeps fit. Use these trusted steps for spot and full clean.
Spot cleaning (small stains)
- Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth.
- Mix cold water and a tiny bit of mild detergent. Dab with a sponge. Do not saturate.
- Blot dry and reshape.
Full cleaning (sheepskin and suede)
- Use a suede/sheepskin cleaner or wool-safe detergent mixed in cold water.
- Lightly dampen the surface with a sponge. Work gently in circular motions.
- Rinse sponge and dab away soap residue. Avoid soaking.
- Blot excess moisture with a towel and stuff to shape. Air dry away from heat.
Stain-specific tips
- Grease or oil: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb overnight, then brush off.
- Salt stains: Wipe with a 50/50 mix of cold water and white vinegar, then dab dry.
- Odor: Sprinkle baking soda inside, leave overnight, and shake out.
These methods keep the nap soft and the fit stable. They cost little and work well.
Drying, reshaping, and restoring nap
Proper drying is essential after any cleaning.
- Never use a dryer or place boots near heaters. Heat shrinks and hardens leather.
- Stuff boots with crumpled paper, towels, or shoe trees to keep shape.
- Air dry upright in a cool, shaded spot with good airflow.
- Once dry, use a suede brush to lift the nap and bring back softness.
- For matted lining, gently shake and brush or use a fabric-safe grooming tool.
Follow these steps and your boots keep their look and feel longer.
Preventive care and maintenance
Regular care prevents most cleaning emergencies.
- Apply a suede/sheepskin protector spray before first wear and every few months.
- Brush gently after wear to remove dirt and maintain nap.
- Rotate shoes to let them dry naturally between wears.
- Store in a cool, dry place with shape support.
- Treat stains promptly before they set.
A little prevention goes a long way.
Signs your boots were damaged by machine washing
If you did put UGG boots in the washing machine, watch for these issues:
- Shrinkage and tightness around the foot
- Stiff, brittle, or hard sheepskin lining
- Flattened or matted wool nap
- Discoloration, patchy dye, or bleed marks
- Separated soles or softened glue
If you see any of these, stop using heat. Air dry and consider professional repair.
Alternatives to machine washing
If you don’t want to risk damage, try these options.
- Hand clean at home using the steps above.
- Use a professional leather and suede cleaner for deep stains.
- Send to a shoe repair shop for re-gluing or re-napping.
- Replace insoles and use deodorizing inserts to refresh wear.
Professionals have tools and cleaners that protect delicate materials better than a home washer.
My experience: mistakes and lessons learned
I once machine-washed a pair of cheap sheepskin boots to save time. The boots shrank and the lining became hard. I learned these lessons.
- Machines can permanently change fit and texture.
- Gentle hand cleaning avoided damage in most cases.
- Investing in a protector spray paid off over years.
Personal tip: test any cleaner on a hidden area first. If it changes color or texture, stop.
Frequently Asked Questions about can i put ugg boots in the washing machine
Can I put UGG boots in the washing machine if they are synthetic?
Some synthetic or faux UGGs can handle a gentle, cold machine wash. Check the label and use a mesh bag, mild detergent, and no spin cycle.
Will machine washing void my UGG warranty?
Yes. Machine washing often voids manufacturer warranties because it exposes materials to stress not covered by care instructions.
How long do UGG boots take to air dry after cleaning?
Air drying usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity and airflow. Remove excess water and stuff the boots to speed shaping and drying.
Can I use household detergent on UGG boots?
Avoid strong household detergents. Use wool-safe or suede cleaners in very small amounts to prevent drying and color loss.
What should I do if my UGGs smell after cleaning?
Sprinkle baking soda inside and leave overnight, then shake it out. For persistent odor, use a fabric-safe deodorizer or swap insoles for breathable replacements.
Is it safe to machine wash UGG slippers?
Most genuine sheepskin slippers react poorly to machine washing. For slippers with care labels that permit machine wash, follow the same emergency guidelines: cold water, gentle cycle, and air dry.
Conclusion
Machine washing is risky for most genuine UGG boots. The best approach is cautious hand cleaning, quick spot fixes, and preventive care. If you must ask "can i put ugg boots in the washing machine," remember that the safest answer is no unless the label explicitly permits it. Protect your investment with mild cleaners, air drying, and routine maintenance. Try the gentle methods here, and if you’re unsure, consult a pro or replace insoles rather than risking the boots. If this helped, share your cleaning wins or questions below and consider subscribing for more shoe-care tips.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
