UGG Care: How to Keep Your Slippers Warm, Dry, and Lasting in Ireland

When you buy a pair of UGG slippers, a popular type of sheepskin-lined footwear known for warmth and comfort. Also known as sheepskin slippers, they’re not just a luxury—they’re a necessity in Irish homes where damp floors, chilly kitchens, and endless rain make bare feet unbearable. But if you treat them like regular shoes, they’ll fall apart fast. In Ireland, where winters drag on and indoor humidity never quits, proper UGG care isn’t optional. It’s what keeps your slippers from turning into soggy, flat, smelly blobs by March.

Most people don’t realize that UGGs aren’t waterproof. The sheepskin absorbs moisture like a sponge, and once it’s soaked, the lining starts to break down. That’s why Irish users swear by brushing them weekly with a special suede brush—this lifts dirt, restores the nap, and lets the material breathe. Spraying them with a water-repellent treatment made for sheepskin (not just any spray) makes a huge difference. You don’t need to do it every week, but before the first frost, or after a muddy walk from the car, it’s worth five minutes. And never, ever put them in the washing machine. I’ve seen too many people try it. The result? Shrunken, stiff, ruined slippers. One local mum in Cork told me she just wipes hers down with a damp cloth after each use and lets them air dry near (not on) a radiator. That’s it.

Where you store them matters too. If you leave them in a damp hallway or under the sink, mold will creep in. The best spot? A dry, ventilated closet with a cedar block or two. Cedar absorbs moisture and keeps them smelling fresh without chemicals. And if they start to smell? Baking soda inside overnight does the trick. No perfume sprays, no fancy deodorizers—just plain baking soda. It’s what the Irish do.

UGG slippers aren’t the only option in Ireland—brands like Clarks, Hush Puppies, and even local makers like Slippers Ireland offer alternatives—but UGGs dominate because they’re soft, warm, and easy to slip on. But their popularity means you’ll find tons of cheap knock-offs online. Don’t fall for them. Real UGGs have a stitched sole, thick fleece lining, and a tag that says ‘Made in Australia’ or ‘Made in Vietnam’ with a barcode. The fake ones? Thin lining, glued soles, and they smell like plastic after one wash.

When you start seeing the fleece flattening, the sole cracking, or the grip wearing thin on the bottom, it’s time to replace them. That’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety. Wet Irish floors are slippery, and worn-out slippers are a fall risk. One survey from a Dublin podiatrist found that over 40% of falls in homes during winter involved worn-out indoor footwear. That’s not a statistic you want to be part of.

Below, you’ll find real advice from Irish households—how to clean them, when to replace them, what to avoid, and even where to buy the best replacements locally. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works in the rain, the cold, and the chaos of everyday Irish life.