No matter how hard you try to take care of your favorite shoes, living in a walking city like New York is bound to take a toll on them. This is especially true in winter when the snowfall turns into a biohazard slush.
We've had a pretty cold winter so far, which is perfect Ugg weather ... but at a cost. After wearing my favorite Classic Mini Platform Uggs a few times this season, I noticed they were starting to accumulate splotches and dirty soles, most noticeably on the back. Uggs have very delicate suede, so I was terrified to use a random suede cleaner and ruin them — they're not cheap!
Thankfully, Ugg recently launched a new and improved Care Kit Set, and since it's a product actually from the brand, I felt much better about finally cleaning my beloved boots.
What is the Ugg Care Kit Set?
This cleaning set from the Ugg brand comes with three types of solutions: Cleaner and Conditioner, Shoe Renew and Protector, along with two suede brushes and an eraser. According to the brand, these products will not only remove dirt and scuffs but also deodorize the inside lining. Plus, it can be used on any Ugg boots, slippers and shoes.
How I tried the Ugg Care Kit Set
Using the system can seem a little intimidating at first, but each bottle has easy-to-follow instructions. First, I gently brushed the suede to loosen any dirt, then lightly dampened it with a normal kitchen sponge. The brand suggests spraying the Cleaner and Conditioner on the sponge, not directly on the shoe, to avoid over-saturation and residue, then gently wiping the suede in circles.
Now this is where you may panic because your boots will look scary, but trust me, it eventually dries! I then added some more shoe cleaner to the sponge and scrubbed down the outsole. This is where I saw immediate results and was impressed at how new the platform looked. It was like I didn't just spend the last month walking in the mysterious liquids of the New York City sidewalks.
The kit comes with a Shoe Renew that spruces the inner sheepskin lining to eliminate odor; I cannot attest to the smell because I wasn't about to stick my nose in my boot, but along with the brush, it did make the lining look more fluffy.
The whole cleaning process took about 10 minutes! However, the brand suggests letting your Ugg boots fully dry for 24 hours. After they were completely dry, I lightly brushed the suede again and then spritzed the Protector spray, which is meant to create a water-repellent barrier.
Why I like the Ugg Care Kit Set
Since this care kit was from the actual Ugg brand, I felt more at ease using it since the formulas are designed to work with their suede and sheepskin. Not to mention the $40 price tag is a pretty good deal considering you get three different solutions and two brushes. Plus, the brand sells the solutions separately for $20 each if you need a restock of a single product.
Also, the cleaner doesn't have a harsh smell or leave my apartment smelling like chemicals. Since cleaning my boots, I haven't worn them outside in the elements yet, but I do appreciate that the kit includes a protector and scuff brush to keep your shoes in shape between cleanings.
What to consider
When using the Ugg Care Kit, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind. One: Only use a small amount (one pump) of the Cleaning and Conditioning foam for each shoe. I think I used too much and my suede felt a little hard with a residue, but it softened once I wiped it with a damp sponge. That being said, the second is, don't be afraid to dampen them with water in the first step! Yes, it's scary seeing them darken, but as I said, they will dry.
While my outsoles look immaculate, I was hoping the suede would look a little more plush than the end result, which could've been because I used too much of the cleaner. However, my suede wasn't in bad shape to begin with, just had some mystery splotches that are now completely erased or faded. Plus, it was my first time using this, so I think the next time will provide even better results.
More Ugg essentials to shop
When your insoles get worn down, you don't have to replace your entire boots; the brand offers these sheepskin insole replacements. You can use them in other shoes or slippers aside from Uggs, too.
Maximize your comfort with this Shop TODAY Gifts We Love pick. These socks are cozy, warm and a great addition to your favorite boots or slippers.
Weather-proof your favorite Uggs with this removable cover, which is designed with rubber that encases your boot to keep them free of dirt and surprise puddle splashing.
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Shannon Garlin is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She has covered a wide variety of topics, including the latest in fashion and beauty, product reviews, sales and more.
