How to Clean and Care for Sheepskin Boots and Slippers

Suede and sheepskin are natural materials. Looked after properly they stay soft and keep their colour for years; treated like ordinary trainers they mark, stiffen and lose their shape. The routine below takes a few minutes and covers most situations.

What you need

• A suede brush, and a suede eraser for scuffs
• A cleaner and conditioner made for sheepskin and suede
• A water and stain repellent spray made for suede
• A clean sponge or soft cloth, cold water and plain paper towels

Care kits sold for sheepskin footwear usually bundle these items together.

Before the first wear: protect

Spray a suede protector evenly over clean, dry boots or slippers in a well-ventilated room, then let them dry naturally before wearing them. Repeat after every clean. A protector helps water and stains bead off, but it does not make suede waterproof, so avoid heavy rain and puddles.

Everyday care: brush

Once the suede is dry, brush it lightly in one direction to lift dust and restore the nap. Use the eraser on small scuffs. A quick brush after a few wears stops dirt from settling in.

A proper clean, step by step

1. Brush off loose dirt.
2. Dampen the whole surface lightly with a sponge and cold water. Wetting it evenly helps avoid tide marks.
3. Apply a small amount of sheepskin and suede cleaner to the sponge and work it gently over the surface. Do not scrub.
4. Wipe away the cleaner with a clean, damp sponge.
5. Stuff the footwear with paper towels so it keeps its shape.
6. Leave it to dry naturally for at least 24 hours, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
7. When it is fully dry, brush the suede in one direction and reapply protector.

What to avoid

• The washing machine and the tumble dryer
• Hot water, bleach and household detergents
• Drying with a hairdryer, on a radiator or in direct sun
• Soaking one area only, which can leave a visible ring

Caught in the rain?

Blot the surface with a clean cloth, stuff the footwear with paper towels and let it dry slowly at room temperature. Brush once dry. If a water mark remains, a full clean as described above usually evens it out.

Storing between seasons

Clean and dry your boots fully before putting them away. Store them stuffed with paper in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, and never in a sealed plastic bag.

Always check the care instructions supplied with your own pair first, as materials differ between styles.

Styles this guide applies to

Women's UGG Classic Mini IIView product Women's UGG Tasman IIView product Women's UGG Classic Tall IIView product

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