How do I get my sheepskin bright white again?

Real sheepskins come in a variety of different shapes and colors, but white sheepskins are particularly popular. This is mainly because they are timeless and can be integrated into any interior. However, white sheepskins, like many white items, are more susceptible to discoloration and dirt, which is why some people are hesitant to buy a white sheepskin.

But don't worry! Below, we have put together everything you need to know about caring for a white sheepskin – especially how to keep it beautifully white and gently remove impurities.

How to get lambskin white again?

Many white sheepskins are not truly snow-white. Their color depends not only on genetic aspects but also on the origin of the hide. A sheep whose wool is often soaked by rain will have a rather cream-colored fleece.

Even with hides whose individual hairs are white, the overall impression of the hide may not appear perfectly white. The density of the sheepskin causes various shades to appear in the fur, which can sometimes make the hide look slightly yellowish. In such cases, it is unavoidable for the hide to acquire a slightly yellowish or cream-colored tone.

Tips for caring for and cleaning a white sheepskin

If your white sheepskin has lost its radiant white color due to dirt or prolonged use, the following tips can help.

How do I remove stains?

Every sheepskin – white or not – should be regularly shaken out to remove dust and loose dirt. If your white sheepskin gets stains, you should treat them immediately with a damp cloth. Mix some lukewarm water with a wool detergent with lanolin and gently dab the stain. Then, remove soap residues with a clean cloth and let the sheepskin dry in a well-ventilated room.

For dried stains, you can use a fur brush to gently brush them out. In general, it is good to regularly groom a lambskin with smooth hair with a fur brush to prevent matting.

What to do if white sheepskin discolors?

If the entire hide looks unsightly due to dirt or prolonged use, more drastic measures than a damp cloth are required. Some hides can be machine washed, but some cannot. This depends on the tanning of the hide. Hides with vegetable or salt tanning are environmentally friendly, but cannot be machine washed, as the salts would be rinsed out, which can make the sheepskin flat and hard.

Furthermore, dyed sheepskins should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Although the sheepskins are dyed with natural colors, they can develop a greenish tint if left in the sun for extended periods. For gardens or terraces, we therefore recommend using natural, undyed hides.

Hand washing is recommended

Instead of washing your sheepskin in the washing machine, you should carefully clean it by hand. Use a clean cloth, a gentle wool detergent with lanolin, and lukewarm water. Wash the hide gently, without getting the leather side wet. It is important not to completely soak the hide to keep the leather side dry and prevent damage.

Make sure to thoroughly remove the wool detergent with a clean, damp cloth until no soap residue remains. Shake the hide vigorously and lay it on a drying rack with the leather side up in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct heat sources like heaters or hairdryers to prevent damaging the hide.

Before washing your hide, always read the manufacturer's care instructions or contact the seller directly.

Can I machine wash my white sheepskin?

Sheepskins with medical and vegetable tanning can be machine washed. However, be sure to carefully check the hide's care instructions before washing it. If in doubt, contact the seller.

However, we recommend washing a real sheepskin in the washing machine only in case of extreme necessity. The washing cycle can felt the hairs of the sheepskin, and although a brush can reshape the hair, the hide will never return to its original state. Furthermore, machine washing rinses out the salts from the tanning, which can make the leather hard and brittle.

If you choose to machine wash your sheepskin, you should set the machine to a spin cycle. Never tumble dry the hide or dry it on a heater. Instead, it should dry on a drying rack with the leather side up in a well-ventilated place. Gently pull it into shape several times to minimize stress on the leather.

Every hide is unique

Not every hide is the same, and each requires individual care. We are happy to help you care for your hide in the best possible way – regardless of whether you bought it from us or elsewhere. Do not hesitate to contact us so that you can continue to enjoy your hide for a long time.

Simply send us a photo of your hide and a brief description of the problem to hello@sheepskinhouse.ch, and we will find a solution for you. We look forward to hearing from you!