Washing sheepskin: how to care for your sheepskin properly

Genuine sheepskin is easy to care for, as long as you know a few rules. Here you will find out when washing is actually necessary, how to clean your sheepskin gently and how to make it fluffy again afterwards. The tips apply to sheepskin rugs, cushions and the fleece of your sheep stool.

What makes genuine sheepskin so special?

Sheepskin regulates temperature: it keeps you warm in winter and feels pleasantly cool in summer. The wool contains lanolin, a natural wool grease. It keeps the leather supple, repels dirt and makes life difficult for house dust mites. That is why you need to wash your sheepskin much less often than you might think.

Before washing: is it actually necessary?

Usually it is enough to shake out the fleece, air it briefly outdoors and brush it up with a fleece brush. Dab small stains straight away with a damp cloth. Only wash the sheepskin if it is heavily soiled over a large area or smells.

Important: do not use ordinary detergent. It strips the lanolin from the fleece and the leather becomes hard. Use a re-fatting wool and fleece detergent containing lanolin.

Washing sheepskin by hand

1. Fill a basin or the bathtub with lukewarm water, no more than 30 degrees.
2. Add a small amount of fleece detergent and dissolve it.
3. Place the sheepskin in the water and press it through gently. Do not rub or wring.
4. Leave it to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Rinse with clear, lukewarm water until no more foam appears.
6. Gently press out the water and roll the sheepskin in a towel.

Can sheepskin go in the washing machine?

Many fleeces tolerate the wool cycle at 30 degrees. Use only fleece detergent, spin only at a low speed and avoid fabric softener. Check the care label beforehand. For a stool or cushion, wash only the removed fleece, never the whole piece.

Drying properly

Lay the sheepskin flat on a towel or hang it in an airy, shaded spot. No radiator, no direct sunlight, no tumble dryer. Heat makes the leather brittle. Pull the fleece back into shape from time to time while it dries. Once dry, brush it with the fleece brush against the grain. This will make it fluffy again.

Summary

Little water, no hot water, no ordinary detergent and no heat when drying. With these four rules your sheepskin will stay beautiful for many years. With every stool you receive a fleece brush from us. If you have any questions about care, Susi will be happy to help.