Which detergent should I use for washing my lambskin?

Lambskins are wonderful natural products and are very easy to care for due to their natural properties. Because of the lanolin present in the wool, genuine lambskins naturally repel many types of dirt without developing an unpleasant odor – quite the opposite! Over a short period, they absorb the scent of their surroundings.

Since lambskins are often purchased for cozy moments, it's inevitable that they will get stains. Furthermore, some pelts have a less pleasant odor after processing, which unfortunately doesn't disappear even with extensive airing.

When this happens, the washing machine seems like a very tempting solution. However, this should generally only be considered as a last resort, as both water and soap can damage the tanned hide. But if it is necessary, it is crucial that you use the right detergent.

Washing lambskin – which detergent should I use?

There's a suitable detergent for almost every material – but with lambskins, caution is advised. They differ significantly in texture and processing from woven fabrics and especially from synthetics like polyester. Therefore, it's important to consider the special natural properties of the hide when washing.

Both the leather side and the wool side of the hide require special care. Since lambskins are tanned with salts, washing can alter the structure of the leather side, often causing it to become hard and brittle after washing. The wool also has its peculiarities: it can felt and lose its luster if not treated correctly.

Therefore, we recommend washing your lambskin only in an absolute emergency. If you still can't avoid it, you should choose a detergent that protects both the leather and the wool. Make sure it's suitable for low washing temperatures, as these are gentler on the hide. Our wool detergent with lanolin is perfectly suited for this: It cares for and protects both the wool and the leather side, ensuring that your lambskin remains in the best hands.

Should I wash my lambskin with wool detergent?

Wool detergent is ideal for the wool side of lambskin, as it was specially developed for wool care. If you want to wash your lambskin, it's best to use the appropriate washing program or a delicate cycle.

Even better is to use a wool detergent with lanolin. When washing in the washing machine, both the tanning salts and the natural fat substance lanolin are washed out of the pelt. A detergent with lanolin helps to largely restore this fat substance, so that your lambskin remains supple even after washing. Nevertheless: Only wash your lambskin in exceptional cases and make sure that the pelt is dried correctly afterwards.

Can I wash my lambskin with a regular detergent?

Lambskins are completely different from textiles made of woven cotton or other materials, which is why you should never use the same detergent for your lambskin as you do for your clothes. Fabric softeners should also be strictly avoided, as they can damage the pelt. These damages cannot be undone afterwards. So make sure that the detergent is suitable for the right purpose to provide your lambskin with the best care.

If your lambskin has a large stain and you don't have wool detergent on hand, you don't have to despair. The important thing is to act quickly. If it's a liquid, gently blot it with a clean cloth. Then you can moisten another cloth in lukewarm water and carefully dab the stain.

If the stain has already dried, you can try to remove it with a fur brush. If that's not enough, it's better to wait with washing until you can get a wool detergent. Alternatively, you can also take the pelt to a professional cleaner specializing in fur care.

Can I wash my lambskin with baby shampoo?

Baby shampoo is particularly gentle as it is developed for the sensitive skin of babies. It might therefore seem sensible to wash a lambskin with baby shampoo. However, as with regular detergents, the same applies here: It is best to use the shampoo for its original purpose.

Our best tips for washing a lambskin

For all lambskins, we recommend washing them by hand only. This way, you protect the leather side and prevent the pelt from getting too wet. Use a cloth and mix lukewarm water with a wool detergent with lanolin in a tub. Gently massage the mixture into the pelt without soaking it, and then remove the soap with a clean cloth.

Then, let the pelt dry in a well-ventilated room, with the fur side down on a drying rack. Stretch it straight 2-3 times during drying.

Do you want to play it safe when choosing your detergent? Our lambskin care set contains a special fur brush and a re-greasing detergent tested by us, which is suitable for both machine washing and hand washing of lambskins. The brush helps you to optimally care for your pelt in everyday life.