Can You Put UGGs in the Dryer? What You Need to Know

You should not put UGGs in the dryer because heat and tumbling can shrink sheepskin, stiffen suede, weaken glue, flatten the lining, and permanently change the boot shape. UGG’s own care guidance says damp boots should dry naturally for at least 24 hours in a cool, ventilated space, away from direct heat and sunlight.

This matters because many people treat UGGs like washable winter slippers, but most classic UGG boots use delicate suede, sheepskin, wool blend lining, foam, and adhesive layers. A standard dryer can expose them to heat, friction, and drum impact all at once.

Laundry mistakes are common because households wash often. The American Cleaning Institute reported in 2026 that 43% of U.S. households do one to three laundry loads per week, while 37% do four to six loads weekly. With that much washing and drying, it is easy to toss damp footwear into the dryer without checking the material.

In this guide, you’ll learn why UGGs should not go in the dryer, how to dry them safely, what to do if they are soaked, and how to avoid shrinkage, stains, odor, and suede damage.

Why Drying UGGs Correctly Matters

Drying UGGs the wrong way can cause more damage than the water itself. Suede and sheepskin react poorly to high heat because they contain natural fibers and a delicate surface nap. Once the boot dries too fast, the outer material can harden, wrinkle, or shrink.

UGG boots also have structured soles and glued layers. Dryer heat can soften adhesives, while tumbling can bend the boot shaft and distort the shape. Even if the boots look fine at first, the inner lining may feel rough, compacted, or less warm.

Common problems readers experience include:

• Shrunken boots that feel tighter after heat exposure
• Hard suede that loses its soft texture
• Water rings caused by uneven drying
• Flattened lining that feels less plush
• Loose soles or weakened glue from heat
• Persistent odor when moisture stays trapped inside

UGG Material Comparison Table

Different UGG styles use different materials, so drying advice can vary. Classic suede UGG boots need the most caution, while some modern water-resistant styles may tolerate light moisture better. Still, air drying remains the safest method for most pairs.

UGG Material or Style	Dryer Risk Level	Best Drying Method	Care Note
Classic suede sheepskin boots	Very high	Air dry at room temperature	Avoid heat, direct sun, and tumbling
Sheepskin-lined slippers	High	Air dry with paper inside	Keep shape supported while drying
Knit UGG styles	Medium to high	Lay flat to air dry	Heat may shrink or distort knit fibers
Water-resistant UGG boots	Medium	Wipe dry, then air dry	Water-resistant does not mean dryer-safe
Leather UGG styles	Medium	Wipe and condition after drying	Avoid high heat that can crack leather
Faux-fur or textile UGG styles	Medium	Check care label first	Some textile styles may have different instructions

Care labels matter. The Federal Trade Commission says textile care instructions must state needed regular care, including washing and drying directions. If your label shows a square with a circle and an X through it, that means do not tumble dry.

Best Ways to Dry UGGs Safely

1. Air Dry Them Naturally

The safest way to dry UGGs is to let them air dry in a cool, ventilated room. UGG recommends allowing damp boots to dry naturally for 24 hours and avoiding direct heat or sunlight.

Benefits: Protects suede texture, lining softness, and boot shape.
Drawbacks: Takes longer than a dryer, especially after heavy rain or snow.

2. Stuff the Boots With Plain Paper

Place clean, white paper towels or unprinted packing paper inside the boots. This helps absorb moisture and keeps the boot shaft from collapsing.

Avoid newspaper because ink can transfer to damp lining. Replace the paper every few hours if the boots are very wet.

Benefits: Speeds up drying without heat.
Drawbacks: Requires a few paper changes for soaked boots.

3. Brush the Suede After Drying

Once the boots are fully dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap. Brush in one direction first, then gently lift flattened areas.

Do not brush wet suede. Wet brushing can spread stains and roughen the surface.

4. Use a Fan, Not Heat

A room fan can help move air around the boots. Keep the fan on a low or medium setting and place it several feet away.

Do not use a hair dryer, space heater, radiator, fireplace, or heated vent. Direct heat can stiffen suede and shrink the sheepskin.

Benefits: Improves airflow without cooking the material.
Drawbacks: Still slower than machine drying.

5. Dry the Inside First

Moisture often stays trapped in the toe box and lining. After blotting the outside, focus on the inside with paper stuffing and airflow.

If the lining stays damp, odor can develop. You can sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside only after the boots are dry, then shake it out later.

6. Clean Salt or Mud Before Full Drying

If your UGGs are wet from snow, road salt, or mud, blot the surface first. Use a damp cloth to gently even out water marks before they set.

Letting dirty water dry into suede can leave rings. Use only light moisture and avoid soaking the boot.

7. Use UGG Cleaner or Suede Cleaner When Needed

For stains, use a suede-safe cleaner or the official UGG care kit. UGG’s care page recommends wetting the boot evenly without soaking, then allowing it to dry naturally.

Benefits: Helps prevent patchy cleaning marks.
Drawbacks: Over-cleaning can fade or roughen suede.

8. Protect Them After Drying

Once your UGGs are clean and fully dry, apply a suede or sheepskin protector spray. This helps reduce future water spots and stains.

Hold the spray at the recommended distance and apply evenly. Let the boots dry again before wearing them.

Can You Put UGGs in the Dryer? Step-by-Step Guide

1. Remove the boots from heat immediately. If you already placed UGGs in the dryer, stop the cycle as soon as possible.
2. Check the material and care label. Look for drying symbols and product instructions. A crossed tumble-dry symbol means you should not use a dryer.
3. Blot moisture with a clean towel. Press gently on the outside and inside. Do not rub suede aggressively.
4. Stuff the boots with white paper. Fill the toe and shaft enough to support the shape without stretching the material.
5. Place them in a cool, ventilated area. Choose a dry room with good airflow. Keep them away from sunlight, radiators, fireplaces, and vents.
6. Let them dry for at least 24 hours. Very wet boots may need 36 to 48 hours. Do not wear them while the lining feels damp.
7. Replace damp paper as needed. If the paper feels wet after a few hours, remove it and add fresh paper.
8. Brush the suede once fully dry. Use a suede brush to lift the nap and smooth the surface.
9. Apply protector spray. Treat the boots only after they are completely dry and clean.

Pro tip: If your UGGs are soaked through, dry them slowly over two days instead of trying to force-dry them in one afternoon. Slow drying protects the suede, lining, and sole bond.

Comparison Table: Dryer vs Air Drying UGGs

Factor	Dryer Method	Air Dry Method
Heat exposure	Often high, commonly around 125°F to 175°F or 52°C to 79°C depending on dryer and setting	Room temperature, usually about 68°F to 75°F or 20°C to 24°C
Suede safety	High risk of stiffness, shrinkage, and rough texture	Safest option for suede and sheepskin
Shape retention	Tumbling can bend the shaft and toe box	Paper stuffing helps hold the shape
Lining comfort	Heat can flatten or roughen the lining	Slow drying helps preserve softness
Adhesive risk	Heat may weaken glue near soles and seams	Low risk when kept away from heat
Drying speed	Faster but risky	Slower but safer
Best for soaked UGGs	Not recommended	Recommended with towel blotting and paper stuffing
Winner analysis	Loses because speed comes with high damage risk	Winner: Air drying protects the material and follows UGG care guidance

Expert Tips and Common Mistakes

Expert Tips

• Always blot water instead of rubbing suede.
• Use white, unprinted paper inside the boots to avoid ink transfer.
• Dry both boots at the same time so they age evenly.
• Keep UGGs away from direct sunlight because it can fade suede.
• Brush only after the boots are fully dry.
• Apply protector spray before wet weather, not after damage appears.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using a dryer because the boots are only slightly damp.
Even mild dampness does not make the dryer safe. Heat and tumbling can still damage suede, lining, and adhesives.

Mistake 2: Drying UGGs beside a radiator or heater.
A heater may seem gentler than a dryer, but direct heat can still shrink and harden sheepskin. Use airflow instead of heat.

Mistake 3: Wearing UGGs before the inside is dry.
The outside may feel dry while the lining stays damp. Wearing them too soon can cause odor and compress the plush interior.

Mistake 4: Scrubbing stains after drying.
Hard scrubbing can remove suede texture. Treat stains gently with a suede brush, suede eraser, or approved cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put UGGs in the dryer on low heat?
No, you should not put UGGs in the dryer, even on low heat. Low heat can still shrink sheepskin, stiffen suede, and weaken glued areas.

What happens if you put UGGs in the dryer?
The boots may shrink, lose shape, feel tighter, or develop hard suede. The lining can also flatten, and the sole bond may weaken.

How long do UGGs take to air dry?
Most damp UGGs need at least 24 hours to air dry. Very wet boots may need 36 to 48 hours in a cool, ventilated area.

Can I use a hair dryer on UGGs?
No, a hair dryer can create concentrated heat that damages suede and sheepskin. Use a fan and paper stuffing instead.

Can wet UGGs be saved?
Yes, wet UGGs can often be saved if you blot them quickly and let them dry naturally. Avoid heat, then brush the suede after drying.

Can I put UGG slippers in the dryer?
Most UGG slippers should not go in the dryer, especially if they contain suede, sheepskin, wool, or glue. Check the care label before using any machine-drying method.

How do you dry UGGs without ruining them?
Blot the boots with a towel, stuff them with white paper, and let them air dry away from heat and sunlight. Brush the suede only after it is fully dry.

Conclusion

Can you put UGGs in the dryer? No, you should not. The safer answer is to air dry them slowly because suede, sheepskin, wool lining, and adhesives can all react badly to heat.

The best method is simple: blot the moisture, stuff the boots with white paper, place them in a cool ventilated room, and wait at least 24 hours. After drying, brush the suede and protect it with a suitable spray.

For more practical care advice, explore our other footwear care guides and home laundry comparisons. You can also explore our other fabric care guides and winter clothing comparisons to avoid common drying mistakes.

Expert Opinion

In my experience, UGG damage usually happens when people rush the drying process. The boots are comfortable because of their soft natural materials, but those same materials need gentle care. I always recommend slow air drying because it gives the suede and lining time to recover.

UGG’s official care guidance is clear about natural drying and avoiding direct heat. The American Cleaning Institute also emphasizes using fabric care symbols and laundry instructions to protect items during washing and drying. Those two ideas work together: follow the product instructions and avoid shortcuts with delicate materials.

I would only use airflow, paper stuffing, and a suede brush for wet UGGs. A dryer may save a few hours, but it can shorten the life of the boots by months or years.