Nordic Sheep
Sheepskin Care
Sheepskin looks after itself most of the time. The lanolin in the wool resists dirt and odor, so a good shake and an airing usually keep a skin fresh. Real cleaning is rare. When you do need to clean one, take it slow and keep everything cool.
Everyday care
Give your sheepskin a firm shake outdoors now and then, and let it air. That alone lifts out dust and keeps the fleece fresh.
Once the wool is dry, brush it gently with a wide-tooth comb or a wool brush to keep the pile open and even. High-use spots flatten over time, like the seat of a favorite chair. Fluff those areas by hand or with a brush and the loft comes back.
Keep dyed skins out of direct sunlight. The dye reacts to UV and fades in harsh sun over time. Ivory is undyed and far more light-stable, so it handles bright rooms better.
Spot cleaning
Deal with a small mark or spill while it is still fresh. Dab, don't rub. Use cool water with a little wool detergent, work it into the spot, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Let it dry naturally, away from any heat source. Brush the wool once it is fully dry.
Washing a whole skin
Every so often a skin needs a full wash. Keep the water cool from start to finish.
- Fill a tub with cool water and add a little wool or sheepskin shampoo.
- Lay the skin in and work the suds through the wool gently with your hands.
- Rinse in clean, cool water until it runs clear.
- Press the water out. Do not wring or twist the skin.
- Lay it flat to dry, away from heat and out of direct sun.
- Brush the wool while it is still damp, then brush it again once it is fully dry.
What to avoid
- Hot water, which can harden the hide.
- The tumble dryer.
- Drying on a radiator or in direct sun.
- Bleach, harsh detergent, and solvents.
- Wringing or scrubbing the skin.
- Ironing the wool or the hide.
Storing your sheepskin
Putting a skin away for a season? Store it clean and dry in a space that can breathe. Don't seal it in plastic, since the hide needs some air. Give it a shake before you use it again and the fleece will settle back into shape.
A note on natural variation
Every skin is a natural product. Slight differences in shape, color, and fleece are normal and no cause for worry. A little variation is part of owning the real thing.