By its very nature sheepskin has self-cleaning properties - welcome news to busy parents! But if it is needed, there are a number of ways to wash your sheepskin.
Brush and air regularly - this will help keep your sheepskin smelling fresh and will remove the majority of stains and spills once they have dried. Use a stiff, wire brush which is specifically for use with lambskin fleeces - the wires are angled to reach deep into the fibres and loosen any spills and debris.
Remove light spills with a damp cloth, this is a much better option than washing regularly. If you wish you can use a small amount of specialist shampoo and a damp sponge. Rinsing and blotting a small amount of the fleece is a much easier option than a full wash - and no-one is washing for the fun of it!
Washing your sheepskin:
1. There are a number of options that different suppliers give for washing sheepskin including a cool hand wash, gentle machine wash on a wool cycle (no higher than 30°C) or professionally dry cleaned. If you intend to wash the sheepskin yourself we always recommend a cool hand wash as best - not the easiest but definitely the most gentle option for the lambskin.
2. Always use a specialist wool shampoo containing lanolin - this will help maintain the fleece and replace the natural lanolin that is in the skin.
3. Do not spin or tumble dry - this action will pull the natural fibres together making the skin dense and stiff, not something you want from a super soft fleece!
4. Gently wring the water out of the sheepskin by hand and hang it over the side of the bath until it no longer drips water. Most of the water will drip to the bottom of the fleece and you should be able to wring more moisture out.
5. Air dry flat - do not leave the sheepskin in direct sunlight or use any form of heat. Air drying can take up to around 5 days - its a slow process but the cooler the room and the slower the drying process, the better the results. Speeding up this process will shrink the leather and this draws the fibres closer together and the fleece loses its softness.
6. While drying the skin should be stretched periodically back to shape. It is a good idea during and after drying to 'work' the leather. This will maintain its supple feel and can be done by pulling the leather back and forth across a hard surface (the corner of a worktop or table works well).
7. Remember to give your sheepskin a good brush once it is dry to loosen up the fibres - press deep into the fleece and use a wire brush.
PLEASE NOTE: The leather may harden slightly following the washing process but following use will return to its normal softness. The more it is 'worked' and used the softer it will become again.
Our Sheepskin does not need to be washed before use.
