If you're Australian, or if you've been anywhere in the world where people wear things on their feet to keep them warm, then you've probably heard of uggs. And, if you happen to own a pair of these fuzzy wonders, you may even be wondering how to get them clean. So they won't be so ugg-ly. Check it out.
Which means they're really warm, too. And don't go around thinking that Uggs are the domain of annoying, little-dog toting hotel heiresses, either. These boots were originally popular with World War II aviators and hardcore surfers, specifically because they're so cozy and toasty on your feeties.
Some people say you can even use a diluted mild shampoo, just be very careful here - you don't want to eliminate all the natural oil that's part of your sheepskin boots. Oil in your hair: bad, oil on your Uggs: good.
Next, use a cloth soaked in cold water to dampen the outside surface of your boots, being careful not to thoroughly soak through the entire sheepskin. Apply a small amount of your cleaner to a sponge, and gently scrub the entire area in small circles. For tough stains or hard to reach nooks, try using a toothbrush - just be careful not to damage the material. Rinse off all the cleaner with your cold, wet cloth, stopping to rinse and ring it out as you go.
What Are Ugg Boots?
"Ugg boots" is an Australian term for sheepskin foot ware that has been around since the cultivation of sheep, though it wasn't until the 1950s or so when the Aussie name stuck. Due to their soft outer shell and their all natural fleecy lining, Uggs are both extremely comfortable, and thermostatically beneficial to your feet.Which means they're really warm, too. And don't go around thinking that Uggs are the domain of annoying, little-dog toting hotel heiresses, either. These boots were originally popular with World War II aviators and hardcore surfers, specifically because they're so cozy and toasty on your feeties.
Clean the Uggs
To clean your Uggs, you'll need a mild sheepskin cleaner like Woolite or the UGG Autralia Sheepskin Cleaner, or you can also try using an all-natural cleaner that's safe for wool and other delicates. Be sure to dilute your cleaner in cold water according to the instructions - for Woolite use 2 tablespoons for every two cups of water, for UGG Australia cleaner mix at a one to one ratio, and for an all natural cleaner like Ecover Delicate Wash, mix only a third of a capful with about 2 1/2 liters of cold water.Some people say you can even use a diluted mild shampoo, just be very careful here - you don't want to eliminate all the natural oil that's part of your sheepskin boots. Oil in your hair: bad, oil on your Uggs: good.
Next, use a cloth soaked in cold water to dampen the outside surface of your boots, being careful not to thoroughly soak through the entire sheepskin. Apply a small amount of your cleaner to a sponge, and gently scrub the entire area in small circles. For tough stains or hard to reach nooks, try using a toothbrush - just be careful not to damage the material. Rinse off all the cleaner with your cold, wet cloth, stopping to rinse and ring it out as you go.
Dry the Ugg Boots
Stuff your boots with recycled paper towels to allow your Uggs to keep their shape, and leave them to dry in a clean, warm place.How Not to Dry Sheepskin Boots
Avoid direct heat sources like a fireplace, radiator, or blazing sun here, which can cause the sheepskin to pucker or crack.How to Deodorize Uggs
Now, what if you got a bad case of the ol' smelly dogs? Well, there's hope here, too. Once your boots are dry, sprinkling a couple tablespoons of baking soda inside then giving them a shake and letting them sit, should kill any funky odors overnight. Be sure to gently brush the outsides of your Uggs with a suede brush to restore the pile, and you're good to go. So just stay on top of 'em from here on out, and these boots can last you nearly a lifetime.
