Washing and caring for lambskin: step by step

Lambskin is finer and softer than sheepskin from an adult animal. It needs a little more care, but it washes well if you keep to the right order. These instructions apply to lambskin cushions and seat pads just as much as to the fleece of a stool.

Preparation

Read the care label first. It tells you whether your fleece is machine washable. Shake out the fleece and brush out loose dirt. Check whether seams or patches of leather are damaged. Wet leather tears more easily.

The right detergent

Never use a heavy-duty detergent. It contains enzymes and bleach that attack the lanolin. Suitable are:

• Fleece detergent containing lanolin, pH-neutral and without enzymes.
• Wool detergent, provided it contains no bleach, enzymes or softeners.

Space and temperature

You need a bathtub or a large basin in which the fleece can lie flat. The water must be no warmer than 30 degrees. If in doubt, check with a thermometer. Water that is too warm is the most common cause of hard leather.

Hand washing

1. Prepare the water: fill the basin with lukewarm water.
2. Dissolve the detergent: stir in a small amount of fleece detergent.
3. Soak: place the fleece in the water and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Clean gently: work with a soft sponge in the direction of the hair. Do not rub or wring.
5. Rinse: with clear, lukewarm water until no soap residue remains.
6. Press out: gently press out the water and roll the fleece in a towel.

Washing machine

If the label allows it: wool cycle, 30 degrees, fleece detergent, lowest spin speed or no spin at all. No fabric softener. It dries out the leather and makes it brittle.

Drying

• In the air: lay the fleece flat on a towel or hang it somewhere airy. No tumble dryer, no radiator, no sun.
• Pull into shape: stretch the leather gently several times while it dries so that it stays soft.
• Brush up: once the fleece is dry, brush it with a fleece brush in the direction of the hair.

Beautiful for years

• Avoid the sun: UV light bleaches the colour.
• Store dry: damp rooms encourage mould.
• Air regularly: a few hours in the fresh air freshen up the fleece.

With this routine your lambskin stays soft for years. If you are unsure, send Susi a photo and she will be happy to advise you.

Tip: Every sheep stool comes with a care brush. If you brush the sheepskin regularly, you will rarely need to wash it. Find the right stool in all sheep stools, or see one-of-a-kind pieces available now.