How to Get Rid of Smell Inside of Uggs

UGG slippers and boots owe much of their popularity to their soft, comfortable and cozy fleece lining, a natural part of the sheepskin from which they are crafted. With a lot of wear, especially wear without socks, that fuzzy fleece can start to smell. If you don't properly tackle the odor problem, it can ruin your enjoyment of wearing those favorite fuzzy boots or UGG slippers. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to stop UGGs from smelling, and unlike those tricky suede exteriors, it doesn't require any special products.

The most straightforward way to stop UGGs from smelling is to sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch inside them, let it sit overnight and then shake it all out. Make sure the boots or slippers are completely dry inside and out before using this method. The mixture should be approximately equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch. The ideal amount to use depends on the size of the slippers or boots but start with at least 1 to 2 tablespoons in each one.

Spoon the mixture into the UGGs and gently shake and rotate them so that the entire interior gets a light coating. Leave the footwear undisturbed overnight or longer and then shake out the mixture. Expect to get some remnants of the powder on your feet or socks with the next few wears. Alternatively, spoon the baking soda and cornstarch mixture into a pair of old socks, tie up the ankles and place the socks inside the UGGs. An advantage with this method is that you can reuse the deodorizing socks by placing them back inside the boots or slippers whenever you're not wearing them.

There are several other methods that may successfully deodorize UGG insoles:

• Place a new fabric softener sheet inside each UGG slipper or shoe overnight or whenever you're not wearing them.
  
  
• Use deodorizing balls, which are available in stores. You simply place them inside the boots or slippers between wears.
  
  
• Charcoal deodorizing bags are similar to deodorizing balls but require an activation step. Follow the instructions on the packaging.
  
  
• Seal the slippers or boots inside a plastic bag and place them in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature can kill the bacteria that cause odors.

For a more thorough way to stop UGGs from smelling, clean the UGG insoles and linings with a damp cloth and a touch of liquid soap. Dampen but don't soak a soft cloth with warm water and add a small drop of liquid soap, preferably colorless and odor-free soap. Scrub the inside of the boots or slippers, refreshing the warm water and soap if needed. Rinse all the soap out of the cloth, squeeze it out so it's damp with only water and wipe away the soap from the inside of the boots or slippers. Let them air dry out of the sun and away from any heat source for 24 to 48 hours or until completely dry.

It might come as a surprise that the UGG company in Australia states that washing UGG boots or slippers in the washing machine is a good way to clean them. You should only do so when absolutely necessary, so try all the other gentler methods first.

Only wash UGGs in the washing machine on a delicate, cold-wash, no-spin cycle with a small amount of detergent. The UGG company recommends placing the footwear inside a mesh washing bag as well. Never put sheepskin footwear in the dryer. Instead, let them air dry away from any heat source and out of the sun for at least 24 hours before wearing them again.

For really stinky UGGs that are otherwise wearable, consider replacing the insoles. You can purchase official UGG insoles or find an alternative brand that offers insoles designed to fit your particular pair of UGGs.