Alright, so someone asked me about drying UGGs. Figured I’d just share what I usually do when mine get damp, because it happens, right? Especially if you’re like me and sometimes forget to check the weather before heading out.
My UGGs Got Wet – Now What?
Okay, so picture this: I was out, and it started drizzling. Not a downpour, but enough to get the toes of my UGGs a bit soggy. My first thought usually is, “Ugh, not again.” I really don’t like it when they get wet because I’ve heard all sorts of things about them getting ruined.
So, the minute I get home, the first thing I do is take them off. I don’t let them sit wet on my feet for ages. I grab some old towels – clean ones, mind you, I don’t want to make them dirtier. Sometimes I use paper towels if I don’t have a spare clean towel handy, or even plain newspaper, but make sure it’s not the super inky kind.
The Stuffing Process
Then, I start stuffing them. I gently blot the outside with a towel first, just to get any surface water off. I don’t rub them hard, just a gentle pat. Then I take wads of paper towel or scrunched-up newspaper and stuff it inside each boot. I try to fill them up pretty well, so they keep their shape and the paper can start soaking up the moisture from the inside. This is key, I think, to help them dry evenly.
- I make sure to get the stuffing right down into the toe area.
- I don’t pack it so tight that it stretches the UGGs, just firm enough to hold the shape.
Finding the Right Drying Spot
Once they’re stuffed, I need to find a good spot for them to dry. This is super important. I never, ever, put them near direct heat. That means no radiators, no fireplaces, no direct sunlight, and definitely no tumble dryer. I learned that the hard way a long time ago with a different pair of suede shoes – direct heat can make them shrink, get all stiff, and sometimes even crack. Not a good look.
Instead, I look for a spot that’s:
- At room temperature.
- Well-ventilated. A bit of air circulation really helps. Sometimes I’ll put them in a room with a ceiling fan on low, or just a room where the air doesn’t feel stagnant.
- Away from direct sunlight, as I said, because that can fade the color too.
I usually just leave them on the floor, standing upright, in a corner of a room that fits the bill.
Patience is a Virtue (and Changing the Stuffing)
Now, this isn’t a quick process. UGGs, especially the sheepskin lining, can hold a lot of moisture. Depending on how wet they got, it can take a day, sometimes two, for them to dry completely.
For the first few hours, if they were particularly wet, I’ll check the stuffing. If the paper inside feels damp, I’ll pull it out and replace it with fresh, dry stuffing. I might do this a couple of times until the paper I pull out feels mostly dry. This just speeds things up a bit and gets more moisture out.
After that, I just leave them be. I try not to mess with them too much. Just let the air do its thing. I’ll check them maybe once a day by feeling the inside and outside. You’ll know when they’re dry. They won’t feel cold or damp to the touch anymore.
The Aftermath – All Good?
Usually, if I follow these steps, they dry out just fine. They might feel a tiny bit stiff at first, but they usually soften up again after a wear or two. Sometimes, after they’re completely dry, I’ll give the outside a very gentle brush with a soft suede brush, just to liven up the suede a bit if it looks a little flat. I always brush in one direction.
So yeah, that’s my little routine for when my UGGs decide to take an unexpected bath. It’s not rocket science, mostly just common sense and a bit of patience. The main things are to get that moisture out from the inside and avoid any kind of harsh heat. Works for me every time!
