How to Deodorize Ugg Boots

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References Approved

Uggs boots are comfortable and cozy. Unfortunately, they can get stinky too, especially after prolonged wearing. Luckily, it is easy to deodorize them, and even easier to keep them odor-free. After you have cleaned your Ugg boots, consider taking a few minutes to deodorize them.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Deodorizing Uggs

1
Fill a small bowl with equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch. 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of each ingredient will be plenty.^{[1]
X
Research source} Both baking soda and cornstarch have odor-absorbing properties.
- If you can't find cornstarch, use cornflour instead. Don't use cornmeal, it is not the same thing.
2
Consider adding 2 to 3 drops of your favorite essential oil if you'd like a nice scent.^{[2]
X
Research source} Try something fresh-smelling, such as lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus. Tea tree oil not only smells fresh, but is antibacterial as well.

Advertisement
3
Mix the ingredients together with a fork. Be sure to break up any lumps or clumps. If you are using essential oil, make sure that it is evenly distributed throughout the baking soda and cornstarch.
4
Sprinkle the mixture into each boot. Try to use the same amount for each boot. If you washed your Uggs earlier, make sure that they are completely dry first.
5
Hold the boot by the cuff, and shake it. This will distribute the mixture through the inside of the boot. Be sure to tilt the boot back and forth so that the mixture gets into the toe area as well.
6
Leave the powder in the boots overnight.^{[3]
X
Research source} During the time, the baking soda and cornstarch will soak up any bad odors. For very stinky Uggs, leave the powder inside for up to 24 hours.
7
Shake the powder out of the boots into the trash the next day. If the shoes still stink, repeat the process. Keep in mind that some boots may be beyond salvaging.^{[4]
X
Research source}
8
Repeat this regularly. You should aim to deodorize your Ugg boots more frequently than you clean them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Other Deodorizing Techniques

1
Use some baking soda or activated charcoal. Fill a small cloth bag or nylon stocking with 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of baking soda or activated charcoal. Leave the bag inside the boot overnight, then take it out the next day.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Much like baking soda, activated charcoal absorbs odors.^{[6]
  X
  Research source} You can find it in the aquarium section of a pet store.
2
Leave 2 to 3 tea bags inside each boot overnight. You can use any type of tea you want, but consider one with a fresh scent, such as peppermint. The tea bags will absorb foul odors while leaving behind a fresh one.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Leave a dryer sheet inside each boot overnight. They help deodorize stinky boots while leaving behind a fresh scent. Use caution, however, as many dryer sheets may also cause allergic reactions. If you have asthma, you might want to skip these.^{[8]
X
Research source}
4
Stick a sneaker ball inside each boot after you take it off. Much like baking soda, sneaker balls will absorb foul odors. They will also prevent odors from building up.^{[9]
X
Research source}
5
Try some rubbing alcohol. Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the inside of your shoe. Be careful not to soak the inside of your shoe. The alcohol will kill any odor-causing bacteria.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Preventing Odors

1
Keep your Uggs dry, and don't wear them while they are wet. Wet Uggs are stinky Uggs. When water gets inside your boots, odor-causing bacteria will begin to grow and develop. If your boots get wet, let them dry completely before you wear them again.
- Consider spraying your boots down with a water protection spray. This will help keep them dry during the winter months.
2
Rotate wearing your shoes. Don't wear the same shoes every day. Instead, allow at least 24 hours before wearing the same pair again. This allows the old pair of shoes to dry and air out. If you really love wearing Uggs daily, consider buying two pairs, so that you can alternate them.
3
Air your boots out after wearing them. This will help your boots dry faster. Remember, wet Uggs are stinky Uggs. If your boots get wet while you wear them, stick a piece of newspaper inside each boot after you take them off. The newspaper will soak up the moisture and any odors.^{[11]
X
Research source}
4
Replace the inserts often, especially once they begin to smell. Consider getting inserts that are labeled as "antimicrobial" or "odor absorbing/preventing." These types of inserts are specifically designed to prevent bacterial buildup. They will help keep your boots odor-free longer.
5
Wear socks with your Uggs. The manufacturer may recommend wearing Uggs barefoot. Unfortunately, this allows sweat and bacteria to settle in the wool. Consider wearing some cotton or moisture-wicking socks with your boots. This will keep your boots dry and sweat-free inside.^{[12]
X
Research source}
6
Keep your feet odor-free. If your feet tend to get stinky, consider washing them with an antibacterial soap. This will help kill odor-causing bacteria. If your feet tend to get sweaty, dust some baby powder onto them before you slip your boots on. This will help absorb sweat.

Warnings

Fake "Uggs" are usually made from synthetic wool, which absorbs odors quicker than real wool.^{[13]
X
Research source} This is because synthetic materials don't "breathe" like natural materials, and trap odors and sweat.^{[14]
X
Research source}

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0