Product Care: How to Properly Maintain Your Sheepskin
Sheepskin is a delicate, natural product made from both pelt and wool. Tanning preserves the pelt, while the pelt and wool are dyed to achieve various colours. However, sheepskin’s reactive nature requires careful handling, especially when cleaning. Submerging it in water frequently is not recommended as it can cause damage. Spot cleaning is the preferred method for maintaining its longevity.
General Care and Cleaning of Sheepskins
Quick Tips (Our Preferred Cleaning Method)
Regular maintenance is key for long-lasting results and keeping your sheepskin products in great condition. Follow these steps for routine care:
- Brushing: Use a pet brush or comb to restore the wool pile, significantly if it has been flattened. Brushing will also help remove dust and debris from the fibres.
- Vacuuming: After brushing, vacuuming can further restore the wool pile and collect any remaining dust and foreign materials.
- Airing: Freshen your sheepskin by airing it out. Please place it in a breezy room, over an airing rack, or drape it across two chairs. This helps to keep your sheepskin fresh.
- Spot Cleaning: For lightly soiled areas, gently sponge the spot with clean, warm water. For more heavily soiled areas, use a diluted “Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo.” Dry the area with a towel, then brush the wool pile while damp and again when fully dry.
Essential Points to Note When Washing Sheepskin
The leather side of the sheepskin can easily be damaged if washed incorrectly. To ensure your sheepskin stays in top condition, follow these essential guidelines:
- Use Appropriate Products: Only use Woolskin Woolwash Sheepskin Shampoo, which has been designed and manufactured in Australia to clean fibres and condition the hide. Avoid products containing enzymes, phosphates, peroxide, alkali, or bleach. These ingredients can cause irreversible damage to both the fleece and leather.
- Phosphates in wool wash products can strip away tanning chemicals from the leather, leading to permanent damage.
- Water Temperature: Always wash in cold or lukewarm water (no more than 40°C/104°F).
- Stretching: After washing, gently stretch the sheepskin while it’s still damp to maintain its shape.
- Drying: Dry flat by laying the sheepskin over two chairs or an airing rack. Avoid direct sunlight or any heat source, as heat can cause severe and often irreparable damage to the leather and wool.
By following these care instructions, you can extend the life and beauty of your sheepskin products while ensuring they remain soft and comfortable.