How to properly care for genuine sheepskin: Our tips

Genuine sheepskin is a luxurious accessory that adds warmth and style to your home. At the same time, it is a delicate natural product that requires special care. Its soft, fluffy texture and unique properties make it a popular choice for furniture, rugs, and decor. To ensure your sheepskin retains its beauty for years to come, proper cleaning is essential. In this article, we show you step-by-step how to wash your sheepskin without damaging it – also ideal for the maintenance of our high-quality handcrafted sheepskin animal stools from Austria.

Washing sheepskin: Preparations for gentle cleaning

Before cleaning your lambskin or sheepskin, thorough preparation is essential. This helps you achieve the best results and protects the product from damage. Before starting the cleaning process, you should read the care label. It contains valuable information from the manufacturer tailored to the individual requirements of the skin.

Pay close attention to recommendations regarding cleaning methods and temperatures. The label will also indicate whether your natural sheepskin can be machine washed. If it can, you will find the appropriate cleaning information later in this blog post.

Choosing a detergent

To ensure your skins retain their fluffy properties, you should under no circumstances use a standard heavy-duty detergent. These contain chemicals and bleaching agents that strip the oils from the hide (lanolin). Additionally, the leather may lose its softness.

We recommend using a mild, pH-neutral detergent specifically designed for delicate textiles. Which detergent is suitable? In stores, you will find special detergents for lambskin and sheepskin that are pH-neutral and enzyme-free. Alternatively, you can use a wool detergent, provided it does not contain bleaching agents, enzymes, or fabric softeners. Leather care detergent can also be an option for cleaning, as long as it is specifically suitable for lambskins or sheepskins.

Space requirements and temperatures

Ensure you have a suitable area for washing. A large, flat surface is ideal, allowing you to treat the natural sheepskin evenly. Before cleaning, pay close attention to the water temperature: wash your sheepskin at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures can cause the leather to become hard and rigid.

By following these preparatory steps, the skin will retain its quality and shape. This way, you will enjoy your handcrafted unique piece for a long time – whether as a home accessory or part of your chalet interior.

Gently cleaning your sheepskin by hand

The right washing method is crucial to maintaining the beauty and quality of your product. While machine washing is often not recommended, hand washing is a gentle alternative. Follow our washing instructions to achieve optimal results.

1. Water preparation:
   Fill a basin or bathtub with water that does not exceed 30 degrees. It is best to check the water temperature with a thermometer.
2. Preparing the cleaning solution:
   Mix a mild, pH-neutral detergent with the water. Ensure it has completely dissolved.
3. Gentle soaking:
   Carefully place the natural sheepskin into the liquid. Avoid vigorous rubbing or wringing. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes to allow dirt to loosen.
4. Gentle cleaning:
   Use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the surface. Work in small sections, always following the direction of the fur to prevent matting.
5. Thorough rinsing:
   Rinse the sheepskin thoroughly with clear, lukewarm water until all soap residue is removed.
6. Gently pressing out water:
   Carefully press the water out without wringing it. Roll the sheepskin in a towel to absorb excess moisture. This speeds up drying and reduces the risk of deformation.

Can I machine wash sheepskin?

A sheepskin can be washed in the washing machine under certain conditions, provided the care instructions allow it. Always use a gentle or wool cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. After the wash cycle, avoid spinning or use only a very low spin speed.

Note – never use fabric softener: Fabric softeners can dry out the leather and make it brittle, causing your high-quality stool to lose its flexibility and durability.

Properly drying sheepskin

After washing, proper drying is crucial for the quality of the sheepskin.

• Air drying: Hang the sheepskin in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can dry out the skin and damage the leather structure.
• Flat drying (optional): Alternatively, you can lay the natural sheepskin flat on a clean towel. Change the towel if necessary.

Please refrain from using a tumble dryer to avoid damaging the leather.

Care tips against matting

Once the sheepskin is completely dry, use a soft brush to restore its natural, fluffy structure. Always brush in the direction of the hair. By regularly and carefully airing it out in the fresh air, you will preserve the freshness and softness of your handcrafted unique piece.

How to prevent long-term damage

To ensure your sheepskin retains its beauty, you should avoid the following mistakes:

• UV radiation: Protect your product from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
• Humidity and extreme temperatures: Make sure to store the sheepskin in a dry room to prevent mold growth.
• Inadequate care: Do not neglect regular airing to keep your piece of furniture looking like new for a long time.

Careful cleaning for the longevity of your exclusive home accessories

Caring for genuine sheepskin requires attention so that you can enjoy your handcrafted unique piece for a long time. By following the tips described, your stool will remain in top condition – whether as an eye-catcher in the living room or a cozy addition to your alpine interior style.