Washing your sheepskin? Is that actually possible?

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Washing your sheepskin? Is that actually possible?

There is a lot of information out there about whether or not to wash a sheepskin. Some say, Washing sheepskin? That's fine! But the other says don't do it it can damage your sheepskin irreparably!

Maybe you recognize it, you just bought a beautiful sheepskin, gave it a nice spot on the couch or floor, you accidentally drop a glass of wine or drink on it, shit! Just put it in the washing machine and the fleece is as good as new, right? It is a bit more nuanced than that.

In this blog:

What does a sheepskin consist of?

Simply put, a sheepskin consists of wool fibers, leather and a very special natural substance called lanolin, also known as wool grease. You may already know lanolin from your ointments, creams, cosmetics and personal care products. You can even find it in vitamin D3.

To better understand the workings and power of wool, let's first take a closer look at the workings and properties of lanolin. Lanolin is a natural substance that you can find in the coat of the sheep. The sheep produces its own wool grease and the wool grease fulfills several important functions for the sheep. Although it is called wool fat, it is not a real fat, as it consists largely of waxes and can vary by sheep, habitat and what kind of diet the sheep have had. High purity lanolin consists mainly of long chain waxy esters, the other substances are lanolin alcohols, lanolin acids and lanolin hydrocarbons.

Wool fat and the sheep

The wool grease ensures that a sheep is well able to withstand bare weather conditions. It has an important function in ensuring a good connection between the wool fibers making the wool very compact. This is why sheep can stand up well to the cold and grey Dutch weather, so they never get cold in the winter. The wool grease also has a moisture and water repellent effect which keeps the sheep's skin dry. In addition, lanolin has a dirt and dust repellent effect. Another property of lanolin is that it stops fungi and bacteria and offers protection to the skin of the sheep.

The sheepskin tanneries ensure that the sheepskins are completely clean. By applying a special tanning process, the properties such as the presence of lanolin are preserved.

In the summer, the sheep are shorn otherwise it gets very hot with a thick pack of wool.

Can you put the sheepskin in the washing machine?

Suppose you have been using your sheepskin for a while, maybe for yourself or maybe for your pet, the coat can look dirty after a while. Pop the fleece in the washing machine and it's good to go, right? It is nice and easy, but we strongly advise against putting a sheepskin in the washing machine. There are risks involved and the fleece could get lost.

Why you shouldn 't put the coat in the washing machine:

You wash out the natural wool grease, which causes the coat to lose its natural dirt-repellent properties.
The leather backing will never be as soft as it was when purchased
If the leather backing becomes hard you can't get it supple
The coat may lose its beautiful shape and shine
Long-haired coats can become felted during the wash

In short we do not recommend washing your sheepskin in the washing machine.

Can the sheepskin be put in the clothes dryer?

In short no, due to the rapid drying, the leather of the sheepskin can become hard or even tear, so not recommended.

Can I let the sheepskin dry over the heater or in the sun?

The same applies here as with the clothes dryer. We do not recommend drying your sheepskin over the heater or in the sun. These heat sources also cause the sheepskin to dry too quickly, which can make the leather hard and stiff. Once leather has become hard you will never get it as supple as when you purchased your fleece.

Did your sheepskin get wet? Let the fleece dry slowly

Did your sheepskin get wet or did you try to clean it a little too enthusiastically? Then it is important to let your sheepskin dry slowly by air drying.

Hang your sheepskin over a drying rack or in a place where it is gently blowing through. Depending on how wet the coat has become, it may take a few minutes to days for the coat to dry again. The wool will be the first to dry because it has a dirt/water repellent effect. The most important thing is to allow the leather to dry gently. It may be a slightly longer process to get your sheepskin dry again but it is the best way.

What is the best way to maintain my sheepskin?

Although a sheepskin requires little to no maintenance, you may want to give the coat a refresh every now and then. You can do this by regularly patting the fleece, vacuuming and combing it with a special wool comb. On our sheepskin care page you can read all about how to keep your sheep in top condition.

Did you try to wash your sheepskin or get it too wet and did it become hard, tear or lose its beauty after washing? Then perhaps it can be used as a bed for your dog or cat. The wool remains mostly nice and soft. Would you like a new sheepskin for your home? Check out our beautiful and super soft sheepskin collection.