We know that, for some of you, the biggest danger in Ugg is, well, ugliness. But we’ve always kind of been of the so-ugly-they’re-cute camp, so we’d like to keep our Uggs (or Ugg-alikes) as clean and fresh as possible. Some tips to keep your boots er, ugh-free:

Clean It Up. Clean your boots regularly to keep them both fresh and looking good (nothing less attractive than footwear that’s tore up). Uggs offers a cleaning set suitable for real sheepskin, for only $20, plus shipping, including cleaner, protector, a brush and a scuff eraser. If you don’t want to go that far (or yours aren’t real sheepskin) just be sure to treat with a water-proof spray (like Rain & Stain Guard, available at Payless stores), and to clean, lightly dampen and gently sponge with a mix of one part leather cleaner with one part water. Stuff your boots with newspaper to ensure they maintain their shape as they dry. Sprinkle that old stand-by, baking soda, lightly inside to fight odor.

Foot Care. Okay, we’re all being honest here — how many times have you slipped on your Uggs with no socks, on the way out the door, thinking that it won’t hurt this one time, because you’re just running to (insert errand here). The only problem is that, well, foot sweat takes its toll. Yuk. So wearing acrylic socks (not cotton, because you’ll need something that wicks moisture from the feet) is de riguer — and you also might consider covering your feet with antiperspirant to keep your feet from sweating (totally done this in pumps — it helps).

Give Em A Break. It’s never a good idea to wear any pair of shoes two days in a row. Shoes need about 24 hours to dry out, especially boots like Uggs that enclose your entire foot and get very little (okay, no) airflow.