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Ugg boots can be difficult to clean unless you know the proper techniques. Originally made in Australia, these boots are usually made with twinfaced or doublefaced sheepskin. Cleaning uggs may be tricky, but the steps on this page will show you how to preserve your beloved boots.
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Cleaning Tips
- Waterproofing your ugg boots will help keep them cleaner.
- Chalk can remove some grease stains.
- Do not put your boots in the washing machine.
- Use only cleansers that are approved for sheepskin.
- Keep your ugg boots away from heat.
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Introduction
Ugg boots are a popular item in the United States, Australia and around the world. Like any other garment, these boots can become dirty and stained, especially when not cared for properly. -
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What are Ugg Boots?
- "Ugg boots" are a type of soft boot that is made with sheepskin.Australian Trade Marks Offices Decisions: Deckers Outdoor Corporation v B&B McDougal They originated in Australia back in the 1930s.About.com: Ugg Boots They have also been referred to as "ugh boots" and "ug boots."Australian Trade Marks Offices Decisions: Deckers Outdoor Corporation v B&B McDougal
- In 1978, an Australian named Brian Smith brought these boots to America and eventually formed Ugg Holdings, Inc. This company was purchased by Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 1995.Deckers Outdoor Corporation: Organizational History On May 1, 1995 they applied for the term UGG as a trademark, which was granted on May 14, 1996 (registration no. 1,973,743).Australian Trade Marks Offices Decisions: Deckers Outdoor Corporation v B&B McDougal However, the trademark was listed as "canceled under section 8."Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval: U.S. Registration Number Search for "1973743" The company is now doing business under the name "UGG Australia"National Arbitration Forum: Deckers Outdoor Corporation v. Bills Distribution
- To make a long story short, the trademark registration resulted in a number of legal proceedings both in the United States and in Australia. Several Australian companies fought back since the term "ugg boots" has been used as a generic term to refer to these boots long before Smith began selling them.About.com: Ugg Boots Rather than attempt to make sense of all of it or take sides, this page will do the following:
- - Ugg boots is used as a generic term that refers to both soft sheepskin boots made in Australia and by the Decker Outdoor Coorporation.
- - UGG Australia will refer to the footwear line produced by Decker Outdoors which includes shoes, clogs, slippers and boots.
- - UGG boots (the word "ugg" in all capital letters) will refer to sheepskin boots made by Decker Outdoors and UGG Australia.
The Difference Between Sheepskin, Suede and Leather
- The terms "sheepskin," "suede" and "leather" are often used interchangeably, but they are not always the same things. To start, let's look at the definition for these terms:
- Leather can be either "animal skin dressed for use" or "something wholly or partly made of leather".Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Leather
- Sheepskin is defined as both "the skin of a sheep" and a "garment made of or lined with sheepskin".Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Sheepskin There are over 100 different types of sheepskin.Sheepskin.org.uk: Sheepskin Information
- Suede is "leather with a napped surface".Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Suede
- In other words, sheepskin and suede are both types of leather, but not all leather is sheepskin or suede. Likewise, some sheepskin can be suede, but not all sheepskin is suede or vice versa.
Waterproofing Ugg Boots
- Although sheepskin is naturally water resistant, it is not waterproof.Official UGG Australia Site: FAQs - How do I care for my UGG sheepskin product? Anyone who has ever dunked their water resistant watch into the water has learned that there is a difference. To make your ugg boots more water resistant or even waterproof, you will need to treat them with a protector.London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning
- Water repellents will keep your ugg boots cleaner by preventing dirt and oil from soaking into them and make them easier to clean.SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia
- Use a non-silicon water repellent or a spray designed for sheepskin.Nordstroms: UGG Australia - Care & Cleaning SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia
- Ugg boots should be treated before they are wornDown Under Boots: FAQ
- Retreat your boots (once they have dried) after cleaning them or after they have gotten wet.SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean?
- To apply, spray the sheepskin with the repellent evenly until the surface looks wet but is not soaked. Allow the boots dry naturally (do not use heat) for 24 hours.Official UGG Australia Site: Features and Benefits of Sheepskin - Care
- Some examples of products that can be used include:
- Official UGG® Australia Site: Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner
- Zappos.com: UGG Shoes: Ugg Care & Cleaning Products
- Amazon.com: Grangers G-Wax Sheepskin Water & Stain Repellent
- Nordstrom: UGG Australia Treatment Products
- Google Product Search: Sheepskin Water Repellent
- YouTube Video: Authentic Ugg Boots - Waterproofing (Time: 0:50)
Minor Cleaning Techniques
- If your ugg boots are only slightly dirty, there are a few techniques you can use to help spruce them up. These methods are a great way of maintaining your boots in between washings.
Removing Stains
- The soft surface of twin face sheepskin is easily stained.Care instructions for sheepskin footwear and lambskin rugs If your boots become stained, you may want to try some of the suggestions listed here or try washing your boots. Unfortunately, some stains will not be able to be removed.
- Light stains can be removed using a damp cloth.Care Instructions for Sheepskin Footwear and Lambskin Rugs
- Remove grease stains by sprinkling or rubbing them with white chalk.Uggstop.com: Information about Ugg Boots from Australia - How Do I Wash My Boots and/or Remove Stains? Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean?
- Leave the chalk on for a few minutes.
- Blow away any excess chalk.Uggstop.com: Information about Ugg Boots from Australia - How Do I Wash My Boots and/or Remove Stains?
- Using the bottom of your hand or thumb, gently rub the stain.Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean?
- Repeat a few times until the stain has almost disappeared.
- For a more stubborn stain, you can try rubbing it very gently with sandpaper.Uggstop.com: Information about Ugg Boots from Australia - How Do I Wash My Boots and/or Remove Stains? However, this can also remove some of the dye or coloring.Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean?
- YouTube Video: Authentic Ugg Boots - Stain Removal (Time: 0:32)
Deodorizing
- If you need to deodorize your ugg boots, mix together 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of cornflour. Then, sprinkle the mixture inside the boots. Shake the boots and leave them overnight. In the morning, you can remove any excess powder by shaking your boots upside down.Down Under Boots: FAQ Many ugg boot makers also sell replacement soles which may help reduce the odor. You may want to consider this if the odor remains.
Washing Ugg Boots
- If your ugg boots are extremely dirty, you will want to wash them. It is not a difficult task, but should be done correctly or you will risk ruining your boots.
Hand Washing versus Machine Washing
- Ugg boots should be washed by hand. Although you can machine wash sheepskin, you should not put sheepskin footwear in the washing machine.London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning Care Instructions for Sheepskin Footwear and Lambskin Rugs Although you may see people claiming to have done this successfully, almost every reputable resource found that refers to ugg boots advises against doing this.Ugg and Shoes: Cleaning Uggs
What to Use
- To clean your boots, you will need water, cleanser, paper towels, a sponge or soft brush, and a soft suede or nubuck brush.Nordstroms: UGG Australia - Care & Cleaning Official UGG Australia Site: Features and Benefits of Sheepskin - Care Sheepskin, like wool, should never be exposed to heat. Heat can damage it and cause it to shrink.London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean? This includes hot water, sunlight, direct heat sources (such as heaters or radiators) and dryers.
- Use a non-enzyme liquid soap designed for leather, a mild wool detergent or a shampoo designed especially for sheepskin.Australian Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care & Cleaning (July 2, 2008) Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ Care Instructions for Sheepskin Footwear and Lambskin Rugs
- Not all wool detergents are mild.Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ
- Do not use Woolite or laundry detergents.Australian Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care & Cleaning (July 2, 2008)
- Do not use biological detergents because they can damage sheepskin.London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning
- Do not use fabric conditioner.London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning
- Do not use bleach.London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning
- Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush. Do not use a wire or coarse-bristled brush.SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia
How to Shampoo Ugg Boots
- You should wash your boots separately from other items.Care Instructions for Sheepskin Footwear and Lambskin Rugs
- Using cold water, dampen the boot evenly to the seams or place them completely into a basin of water.SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean?
- Apply water and a bit of your shampoo or cleanser to a clean sponge, cloth or soft brush.
- Clean the boots throughly and evenly to prevent discoloration.SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia
- If necessary, use a soft toothbrush or nail brush gently on stubborn spots.Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean?
- Rinse thoroughly using cold water.Nordstroms: UGG Australia - Care & Cleaning Make sure all of the cleanser is removed.SheepskinShoes.com: UGG Australia
- Remove excess water using paper towels or by placing them in your washing machine on the spin cycle for a few minutes.Care Instructions for Sheepskin Footwear and Lambskin Rugs Uggstop.com: Information about Ugg Boots from Australia - How Do I Wash My Boots and/or Remove Stains?
- You can help reshape your boots by stuffing them with dry paper towels.Nordstroms: UGG Australia - Care & Cleaning
- Allow your boots to dry naturally. If possible, place your boots outside in the shade because an outdoor breeze is an excellent method for drying sheepskin.Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean? London Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care and Cleaning
- Do not use direct heat.Nordstroms: UGG Australia - Care & Cleaning
- Do not place your boots in direct sunlight.Uggstop.com: Information about Ugg Boots from Australia - How Do I Wash My Boots and/or Remove Stains?
- Do not place your boots in the dryer.Australian Sheepskin: Sheepskin Care & Cleaning (July 2, 2008)
- You can use a soft suede or nubuck brush and gently brush your boots in one direction to help restore the texture once the boots are dry.Official UGG Australia Site: Features and Benefits of Sheepskin - Care
- Your boots may have shrunk slightly once they are dry.Aussie Things: Sheepskin Footwear FAQ - How Do I Keep My Ugg Boots Clean? Don't panic. They will go back to their original state after they are worn for about an hour.Uggstop.com: Information about Ugg Boots from Australia - How Do I Wash My Boots and/or Remove Stains?
- Don't forget to waterproof your boots after washing.
- YouTube Video: Authentic Ugg Boots - Shampooing (Time: 1:51)
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