Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
UGGs – those soft, warm, cozy sheepskin boots that make you go “ahh” whenever you slip them on. Who would have thought that style could feel so good? If you’re wearing UGGs, all is well in the world until the day you look down and notice dark spots mottling their plush exterior.
Water Woes
UGGs and weather just don’t mix. Snow, rain, sleet and slush are all mortal enemies to UGGs, and to prove it, they all leave their mark in the form of dark spotting. In fact, all it takes is one day out in the elements for your UGGs to look well beyond their years. Removing the dark spotting requires the use of products specifically designed to lift the stains without permanently marring the sheepskin.
UGG Cleaner
Whatever you do, don’t run and grab a household cleaner in hopes of scrubbing out the stains. Stick with the UGG cleaner and you can’t go wrong. Simply wet the stained area with cold water and apply a drop of UGG cleaner to a sponge. Wipe gently, lifting the stain with each pass of the sponge. Once the staining is no longer an issue, a final cold-water rinse removes the cleaner, at which point you can stuff the boots with some newspaper and allow them to air dry. A quick brushing with a suede brush after drying should have your UGGS looking good as new.
Fancy Schmancy
If you happen to have a pair of the fancier UGGs that don metallic embellishments, embroidery or sweater knit accents, cleaning the dark spotting is a little trickier. On these UGGs, rubbing and the use of UGG cleaner is not recommended. Instead, UGG protector is the product of choice. Simply spray the boots with the UGG protector until wet – not soaked. Allow the boots to dry for 24 hours before removing the stains. Gently brush the UGGs with a suede brush to remove dark spotting after the 24-hour waiting period. Voila.
A Little Protection
The best way to avoid the trauma of seeing dark spots on your beloved UGG boots is to protect them before heading outdoors. Applying the UGG protector immediately after purchase reduces staining. The protector coats the UGG boots with a repellent that keeps water at bay and your UGGs looking like you just stepped out of the store. Just spray it on, gently brush with a suede brush after drying and your UGGs are good to go.

