How To Clean and Care for Sheepskin Boots, Slippers and other Sheepskin items.

My sheepskin products have been tanned using the most advanced technology known to man. As a result, simple care is all that is needed to maintain their beauty and comfort.

Though wool is a springy fiber, after long use it may tend to mat down a bit. To restore the pile to its original state, brush it up with a coarse brush. The coarser the brush the better. Wire brushes work best and do not harm the fleece.
Wool fleece is a natural fiber and resists soiling, thus simplifying cleaning. In most cases spot cleaning in place with warm water and a mild Sheepskin Detergent is all that is needed. If you feel your Sheepskin item needs a deeper cleaning, follow the instructions below.

For the outer suede leather only:

Clean the leather with a damp, soft cloth. When dry, buff lightly with a clean brass or nylon bristle brush or nubuck brush to restore the nap of the leather fibers. Scuff marks and dirt may be gently removed with a suede-cleaning eraser or suede stone.  I suggest spraying the outer suede surface with a good water based weather protector. Dirt will have a less chance of sticking to treated suede.

When your sheepskin boots or slippers get dirty:

Use only non-enzyme soaps specifically formulated for washing leather, like my Sheepskin Detergent. This will give them a deep cleaning and help keep them looking like new.
I do not recommend Woolite or laundry detergents. I recommend hand washing for best results.

HAND WASHING

Test an area first for colorfastness by diluting a small amount of Sheepskin Detergent with water and hand washing a small section of the item
Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add an appropriate amount (see label on the Sheepskin Detergent) of the Sheepskin Detergent to the water. Do not pour Detergent directly onto the sheepskin item. Scrub slippers or boots gently using hands, a soft cloth, or a very soft-bristled brush.
Rinse thoroughly.
After washing, wrap the boots or slippers in a towel to absorb the excess water.
Let your sheepskin item dry naturally, away from heat, wind and sunlight. DO NOT dry sheepskin items in the dryer or expose them to excessive heat or direct sunlight. This is a sure way to ruin them.
When dry, brush the wool out with a wire brush if desired.

Care for Washable Sheepskin Rugs

Cleaning your sheepskin rug is a lot like washing your own hair, and then brushing it into shape.

Brush up the wool pile with a sheepskin wire brush and shake out the skin as needed or vacuum with attachment only.
Use approved non-enzyme cleaner such as my Sheepskin Detergent. For stubborn dirt, presoak item in Sheepskin Detergent for 20 minutes. I do not recommend Woolite or laundry detergents.
Wash on a gentle cycle with lukewarm water (do not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rinse thoroughly and spin dry.
Dry naturally away from heat. Flex skin while drying to soften leather side, then brush to restore wool pile. Note that skin shrinkage of 8% to 10% may occur and is normal. The leather side may become stiff after washing so massage the leather side to soften the skin again.
Sheepskin is Dry-cleanable with either white spirits or perchlorethylene.

Care for Non-Washable Design Rugs and Pillows

Periodically, brush wool pile with a wire brush and shake skin as needed or vacuum with attachment only.
They may be spot cleaned.
Sheepskin is Dry-cleanable with either white spirits or perchlorethylene.

Care for Sheepskin & Synthetic Toys

Sheepskin toys require special, but simple care.
Surface clean with a mixture of Sheepskin Detergent and water.
Use a sponge or clean cloth to apply suds.
Rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Roll the toy in a towel to absorb the excess water.
Dry naturally away from heat.
Brush up wool pile with a wire brush. Do not put toys in a washing machine or immerse completely in water. Remember that they are stuffed with polyester fiber that they may not dry out properly if immersed in water.

Why maintain your sheepskin items? Proper cleaning will significantly prolong the life of your Sheepskin investment.