How to Wash Sheepskin
Proper Care for Sheepskin and Lambskin
Do you want to wash your sheepskin or lambskin and need some practical cleaning tips? Here, you'll find essential care information and learn how to wash your sheepskin properly. This way, your sheepskin will stay soft and beautiful for years to come.
Washing Instructions for Sheepskin and Lambskin
Can You Wash Genuine Lambskin?
Whether it’s sheepskin or lambskin, natural hides require special care and attention when cleaning. The good news is that thanks to their self-cleaning properties, sheepskin products are incredibly low-maintenance. When genuine sheepskin is exposed to fresh, oxygen-rich air, its natural self-cleaning effects are activated. This means frequent washing is usually unnecessary. However, if your sheepskin becomes soiled or stained, follow this guide to washing and caring for sheepskin to keep it soft and beautiful for years.
Not All Sheepskins Should Be Washed
The following medically tanned sheepskins can be washed: baby sheepskins, bed fleece, comfort bed toppers, pram and car seat liners, hot water bottle covers, kidney belts, heel protectors, foot warmers, and wheelchair covers.
Avoid Overwashing! Sheepskin Has Self-Cleaning Properties
General rule: do not wash too often! Sheepskin and lambskin are naturally self-cleaning, dirt-repellent, and easy to maintain. In most cases, it is enough to air out your sheepskin regularly in misty or humid weather.
Can You Wash Genuine Sheepskin in a Washing Machine?
We recommend washing only medically tanned sheepskin in the washing machine. Use a mild, pH-neutral wool detergent or, for best results, our specially formulated sheepskin shampoo.
Which Washing Programme Should You Use for Sheepskin?
For machine washing sheepskin, select the wool wash cycle on your washing machine. Alternatively, use the delicate or hand wash programme. The sheepskin should be gently soaked at a low temperature, maximum 30°C, and slowly rotated in the drum. After washing, spin dry gently to remove excess water.
How to Dry Sheepskin Properly
Lay the sheepskin flat in a well-ventilated area to dry. A clothes rack or a clean, dry floor (without underfloor heating) is ideal. While still damp, reshape the sheepskin and brush it several times with a sheepskin brush to maintain its softness.
WARNING: Never dry sheepskin with direct heat from a radiator or under direct sunlight! Intense heat can cause the leather to become stiff and brittle, while sunlight may alter the colour of the sheepskin.
How to Make Sheepskin Soft and Fluffy Again
To restore the softness and fluffiness of your sheepskin, simply brush it regularly. Brushing, shaking, and airing it outdoors will help keep your sheepskin rug or product soft and plush.
Professional Cleaning
For stubborn stains, we offer a professional cleaning service (available only for customers in Germany and Austria). Please note that the detailed information on our professional sheepskin cleaning service is available in German only.
Enjoy Your Genuine Sheepskin from Fellhof!
Lanolin Makes Sheepskin Washing Low-Maintenance
Both sheepskin and lambskin require minimal maintenance. This is because natural sheepskins and lambskins contain a high amount of lanolin. Lanolin is a natural substance that forms a wax-like coating around the wool fibres. This natural wool fat acts as a protective layer, repelling everyday dirt and grime.
This self-cleaning property is just one of the many reasons why sheepskin is so popular!
