How to Clean and Protect Your Ugg Boots — and Every Suede & Nubuck Item in Your Home

July 17, 2026

You've just finished refreshing your upholstery, and there's plenty of product left in the bottle. Instead of tucking the kit back under the sink, take a proper look around the house — because that same suede and nubuck cleaner and protector is about to save half a dozen other things you own. Starting with the one everyone forgets until it's too late: your ugg boots.

Uggs, suede shoes, that nubuck handbag, the soft armchair in the corner — they're all made from the same delicate, napped materials. And they all get written off far too early simply because people reach for the wrong product. So let's make the most of what's in your hand.

Why uggs (and all suede) need their own kind of care

Suede and nubuck aren't smooth leather. Instead of a sealed surface, they have a soft, fuzzy nap that drinks up water, oil and dirt on contact. That's why a normal leather conditioner or an all-purpose spray is the fastest way to ruin a pair of uggs — it flattens the nap, leaves dark greasy patches, and can't be undone.

A dedicated suede and nubuck cleaner works differently: it lifts grime out of the nap without soaking or staining it, then a matching protector spray shields the fibres so the next spill beads up instead of sinking in. Get those two steps right and your uggs last years, not one soggy winter.

How to clean your ugg boots, step by step

Dry-brush first. With the boots completely dry, brush the whole surface with the suede brush to lift loose dirt and wake up the nap. Always brush in one direction.
Tackle scuffs and marks. Use the suede eraser on stubborn scuffs and dry stains, rubbing gently back and forth until they fade.
Clean with the suede & nubuck cleaner. Apply a small amount to a damp (not wet) cloth or the kit's applicator and work it lightly over the boot. Don't drench them — suede hates being soaked.
Wipe and let them breathe. Lift away the loosened dirt and let the boots air-dry naturally, away from heaters, dryers and direct sun, which crack and warp the material.
Brush again. Once dry, give them a final brush to restore that even, velvety finish.

Don't skip this bit: protect them

Cleaning is only half the job. The reason uggs get grubby so fast is that bare suede has zero defence against rain, mud and the odd flat white. A quick, even coat of suede protector spray after cleaning gives the nap a water- and stain-repellent barrier — so the next time you get caught in Auckland drizzle, the boots shrug it off. Re-apply the protector every few weeks through winter and after each deep clean, and your ugg boot protection stays one step ahead of the weather.

One kit, the whole house

Here's the fun part — that leftover product isn't just for your uggs. The exact same clean-and-protect routine works on:

Suede and nubuck sneakers — the ones you were too scared to wear in the rain.
Suede boots, heels and flats hiding at the back of the wardrobe.
Nubuck handbags and wallets that have gone dull at the corners.
Suede jackets that just need their nap lifted and freshened.
Suede furniture — armchairs, ottomans and couch cushions that see daily wear.
Sheepskin and suede car trim, if your interior has it.

Walk through the house once with the kit in hand and you'll be surprised how much you can rescue in an afternoon.

The kit that does it all

The Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit pairs a gentle, non-toxic suede and nubuck cleaner with the brush, eraser and protector you need for the full routine — uggs included. It's the same trusted Leather Honey formula used on everything from footwear to furniture, and it ships fast right across New Zealand. Browse it and the rest of the Leather Honey range to keep every piece of suede you own looking new for longer.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a suede and nubuck cleaner on ugg boots?

Yes. Ugg boots are made from suede/sheepskin, so a dedicated suede and nubuck cleaner is exactly what they need — never a smooth-leather conditioner or all-purpose spray, which flattens and stains the nap.

How do you protect ugg boots from water and stains?

After cleaning and fully drying them, apply an even coat of suede protector spray. This adds a water- and stain-repellent barrier. Re-apply every few weeks in winter and after each deep clean for ongoing ugg boot protection.

How often should I clean and re-protect my uggs?

Give them a light brush after each wear, a proper clean whenever they look dull or marked, and a fresh coat of protector roughly every few weeks through the wet season.