A real sheepskin is a beautiful natural product that requires very little care. Regular shaking out and occasional brushing are usually enough to enjoy the sheepskin for several years. This is precisely why it is a popular decorative element in Scandinavian interior design. However, if the fur loses its luster, looks flat, or shows small spots, the question arises: Can I wash my sheepskin?
The short – and honest – answer is: yes and no.
Yes, real sheepskin can be washed – but only with great care and in absolute exceptional cases. This is because after washing, a sheepskin will never look exactly the same as before. In this article, we will show you what to consider if you want to clean your sheepskin. You will also find a simple care guide with the most important information on cleaning real sheepskin.
What is Lanolin and why is it so important for your sheepskin?
Before we get to the specific care tips, you should know why you shouldn't just thoughtlessly throw your real sheepskin in the washing machine.
Perhaps you have already heard of the fatty substance lanolin. Lanolin is a natural fat found in sheep's wool, which protects the animal in nature from cold, wetness, and dirt. It also ensures that water beads off the fur and it largely remains clean.
Your sheepskin also possesses these incomparable natural properties and is so easy to care for because of the lanolin. If you shake it out regularly and gently vacuum it from time to time, you can enjoy it for many years. However, please note that only smooth-haired furs should be vacuumed. But what do you do if an accident happens and liquid gets on the fur? In some cases, washing can be useful – but only with the right preparation.
To preserve the natural properties of the sheepskin, we recommend using only wool detergent with lanolin. This way, the natural fat is replenished, and the fur remains dirt-repellent, supple, and durable.
Below you will find our guide on how to wash real sheepskin by hand or in the washing machine – so that your favorite piece remains beautiful after cleaning.
Can I wash a real sheepskin in the washing machine?
On some sheepskins, you will find indications that machine washing is possible. However, we recommend doing this only with the utmost care. If it's just a few small stains, we recommend treating them locally with some soapy water instead of washing the entire fur.
Because as practical as machine washing may sound, there is a risk that both the wool and leather sides will be damaged. The salts used in tanning are washed out during washing, which can make the leather hard or brittle, while the wool fibers can felt and lose their soft structure.
If you still decide to wash your real sheepskin in the washing machine, it is best to follow the step-by-step guide provided.
How to wash your sheepskin in the washing machine
- Check size: Make sure the sheepskin is not too large for your washing machine
- Use appropriate detergent: Use a gentle wool detergent with lanolin. Wash the sheepskin on the wool program with a low spin cycle – and use as little water as possible
- After washing: Allow the sheepskin to centrifuge well, then shake it out thoroughly. Please do not wring out the fur
- Proper drying: Place the sheepskin on a drying rack in a well-ventilated room – ideally with the leather side up. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators
- Care after drying: Brush the fur (if smooth-haired) gently with a lambskin brush to make it fluffy again
A hardened leather side can often be made supple again after washing by gently rubbing it with a little baby oil.
Insider tip: Has your sheepskin become a little stiff after washing? Here's how to make the leather side soft again.
Washing real sheepskin by hand – The gentlest method
Nowadays, it's rare to wash anything by hand – it's much more convenient to put everything in the washing machine and press the start button. However, when it comes to caring for a real sheepskin, reaching for a bucket of water is worthwhile. Hand washing is the gentlest and safest method to keep the fur beautiful for a long time and to keep the leather side largely dry – thus preventing it from becoming hard or brittle after drying.
So: get a tub ready, spread the sheepskin on the dining table – and let's go.
How to wash your sheepskin by hand
- Prepare soap solution: Mix approx. ¼ deciliter of wool detergent with lanolin in one liter of boiling water. Let the mixture cool to about 30 degrees Celsius
- Clean the fur: Rub the fur with the soapy water – preferably with a soft brush, a clean cloth, or directly with your hands. Make sure the leather side remains as dry as possible
- Remove soap: Once the entire fur has been treated, carefully remove any soap residue with several clean, damp cloths.
- Proper drying: Shake out the sheepskin thoroughly and lay it with the wool side down on a drying rack in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators
- Refresh the fur: Once the sheepskin is dry, brush it with a lambskin brush – this will untangle any matting and make it soft and voluminous again. Note: only consider this step for smooth-haired sheepskins
Whether washed in the washing machine or by hand, your sheepskin should now be soft again and look almost new. Place it back on your couch for cuddling or drape the fur decoratively over a chair back as a decorative and natural element of your interior design.
3 general care tips for your sheepskin
To ensure your sheepskin remains beautiful and soft for a long time, we recommend following these three simple care routines:
- Shake out regularly: This removes dust and gently loosens the fibers
- Treat stains immediately: If something spills on the fur, remove it as quickly as possible before it sets in
- For smooth-haired sheepskins: Brush thoroughly about once a month with a special lambskin brush
With these three tips, you'll ensure that your genuine sheepskin remains a stylish and cozy companion in your home for years to come.
