Last winter I slipped my foot into my favorite UGGs and almost gagged. The inside smelled like old gym socks met wet dog. I almost threw them away, but then I learned a few simple tricks that made them smell fresh and feel cozy again in one afternoon. Ready to save your boots (and your nose)? Let's go.
Key Takeaways: Grab a soft brush, baking soda, cornstarch or baby powder, white vinegar, water, a spray bottle, and a clean towel. Knock off loose dirt, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda + cornstarch inside, let it sit overnight, dump and brush it out, spot-clean stains with diluted vinegar, lightly mist with vinegar-water mix for smell, air dry away from heat, then fluff the sheepskin with a brush. Done – fresh boots tomorrow.
Why the Inside of UGG Boots Gets So Gross Fast
UGGs are made with real sheepskin, which is warm and amazing but also soaks up sweat like a sponge. Your feet make about half a teaspoon of sweat every day, and when that mixes with dead skin and bacteria inside a dark, warm boot, you get that lovely funky smell. The fluff traps everything, so even if the outside looks fine, the inside can turn nasty quick.
Most people only clean the outside and wonder why the smell keeps coming back. The secret is treating the sheepskin lining like a tiny wool blanket that lives on your foot. Once you know it loves gentle care and hates water and heat, everything gets easier.
I used to stuff mine next to the heater to dry faster – big mistake. Heat shrinks sheepskin and makes it hard. Now I give them time and fresh air, and they stay soft for years.
- Sheepskin soaks up sweat and odor daily
- Heat and too much water ruin the fluff forever
- Bacteria + trapped moisture = the real smell villain
- Gentle care keeps boots soft and fresh longer
What You Actually Need (Cheap & Already in Your House)
You don't need fancy kits. Grab baking soda (best smell eater), cornstarch or unscented baby powder (sucks up oil), white vinegar (kills bacteria), a soft brush (toothbrush works), a spray bottle, and an old towel. That's it.
I once spent $30 on a "sheepskin cleaner" that did nothing. Baking soda and vinegar from the kitchen beat it every time and cost pennies.
Keep everything gentle – no harsh chemicals, no washing machine, no bleach. Your boots will thank you by staying soft and fluffy instead of turning into cardboard.
- Baking soda + cornstarch = odor and moisture dream team
- White vinegar in water (1:3 ratio) kills smell safely
- Soft brush only – never stiff or wire
- Everything costs under $5 total
Knock Out Loose Dirt and Dead Fluff First
Before anything touches the inside, turn your boots upside down and gently tap the soles together outside or over a trash can. Tons of dirt and old sheepskin bits fall right out.
Then take a dry soft brush and lightly sweep the inside in circles. You'll be shocked how much gray dust comes out. Do this every couple weeks and you'll never get to "disaster smell" level again.
Brushing also fluffs the sheepskin so the powder you add next can reach every spot. Skip this and half your hard work gets wasted.
- Tap soles together – instant dirt shower
- Brush lightly in circles, not hard scrubbing
- Do this quick clean every 2–3 wears
- Fluffed lining holds powder better
The Magic Overnight Powder Trick
Mix equal parts baking soda and cornstarch (or just use baby powder). Pour a thick layer inside each boot – like you're burying the lining. Rub it in gently with your hand so every bit of sheepskin gets coated.
Put the boots in a big plastic bag or just leave them upright overnight – 8 hours minimum, 24 is even better. The powder pulls out moisture and traps the smell like a sponge.
Next morning, dump the powder into the trash outside (trust me, cloud alert) and brush the rest out. Smell your boot. Mind blown, right?
- Thick layer, not a light sprinkle
- 8–24 hours is the sweet spot
- Dump outside or prepare for a white explosion
- One night = fresh-boot smell for weeks
Spot-Clean Tough Stains Without Ruining Sheepskin
See a dark mark? Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts cold water in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth, squeeze until almost dry, then dab – never rub hard. Work from outside the stain toward the center so it doesn't spread.
Let it air dry completely (at least 12 hours) before the next step. Vinegar smell disappears fast and takes the stink with it.
If the stain is still there after it dries, repeat once more. Two gentle rounds beat one harsh scrub every time.
- Dab, don't rub – rubbing flattens the fluff
- Almost-dry cloth prevents over-wetting
- Let dry fully between rounds
- Two light tries > one aggressive attack
Kill Lingering Smell With a Super-Light Vinegar Mist
Still a tiny whiff? Mix 1 part vinegar + 4 parts water in a spray bottle. Mist the inside super lightly – three quick spritzes max per boot. You want it barely damp, not wet.
Stuff with newspaper or a towel to hold shape and let them dry in a cool, airy spot for 24 hours. No sun, no heater, no hairdryer – heat is the enemy.
When they're dry, brush again. The sheepskin bounces back fluffy and the smell is completely gone.
- Barely damp = safe zone
- Newspaper keeps the shape perfect
- 24 hours cool air drying is non-negotiable
- Final brush brings the fluff back to life
Final Thoughts
Your UGGs cost way too much to let foot smell win. Spend 10 minutes brushing and one night with the powder trick and they'll feel brand-new every time. Do the quick tap-and-brush routine every couple weeks and you'll never cringe sliding your foot in again. Fresh, cozy boots all winter – you got this!
| Quick Guide Table | What to Do | Extra Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Loose dirt | Tap soles + dry brush inside | Do outside or over trash |
| Absorb smell & moisture | Thick baking soda + cornstarch overnight | Rub it in with your hand |
| Dump powder | Outside! Then brush leftovers | Wear a mask if you're sensitive |
| Spot stains | Dab with 1:3 vinegar-water, almost dry | Never rub hard |
| Kill leftover smell | 3 light spritzes 1:4 vinegar mist | Stuff with newspaper while drying |
| Dry properly | Cool room, 24 hours, no heat | Patience = soft boots |
| Final fluff | Brush gently in circles | Makes them feel brand new |
| Keep them fresh | Quick brush every 2 weeks | Prevents big cleanups |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I put my UGG boots in the washing machine?
No way – never put real UGGs in the washer. The glue can dissolve, the sheepskin shrinks, and they come out ruined. I've seen friends cry over shrunken boots. Hand-cleaning with the powder and vinegar method takes 5 minutes of work and keeps them perfect for years.
Is it safe to use baking soda inside UGGs?
Totally safe and actually the best thing you can use. Baking soda is gentle, natural, and eats odor like crazy. Thousands of UGG owners (including me) do it every month with zero damage. Just brush it out well after.
Do I need to buy special UGG cleaner?
Nope – save your money. The official cleaner is basically diluted vinegar and costs ten times more. Baking soda, cornstarch, and cheap white vinegar from the grocery store work better and faster.
Can I use baby powder instead of cornstarch?
Yes, unscented baby powder works great because it's mostly cornstarch anyway. Avoid anything with strong perfume – you'll smell like a baby instead of fresh boots.
Is it okay to dry UGGs with a hairdryer?
Never. Heat shrinks sheepskin and turns the fluff crunchy. Cool air for 24 hours is the only way. Stuff with newspaper to speed it up safely.
Do I have to clean the inside every week?
Only if you wear them daily without socks. Quick brush every 2 weeks + the overnight powder once a month keeps them fresh all season. Wear socks and you can go even longer.
Can I use essential oils to make them smell nice?
You can add 2–3 drops of tea tree or lavender to the baking soda mix if you want, but plain powder already removes smell completely. Oils can sometimes stain light-colored boots, so test a tiny spot first.
Is it normal for new UGGs to smell a little at first?
Yes, brand-new sheepskin has a natural wool smell for the first week or two. Air them out and wear thick socks – it fades fast. After that, any strong smell is sweat, not the boot itself.
Your UGGs deserve to stay fresh and fluffy – now you know exactly how to clean inside of UGG boots without stress. Go save those cozy boots!