Washing a faux sheepskin coat in a washing machine

Winter wardrobes are especially difficult to care for, especially when it comes to heavy and expensive sheepskin coats. Putting them in the washing machine is daunting, and hand-washing them is too labor-intensive and time-consuming. But is a washing machine really that dangerous for a fur coat, and how do professionals recommend cleaning it? Let's explore all the nuances and potential risks.

Is it acceptable to use a machine?

Trying to machine wash a faux sheepskin coat can have disastrous consequences. The manufacturer warns against this by placing a special warning on the label prohibiting machine cleaning. There are two compelling reasons for this.

• The heavy weight of a sheepskin coat. Tanned sheepskin is very heavy when dry, but when wet, its weight increases several times. Machine washing in this case will be dangerous for both the equipment and the product. Firstly, a drum loaded beyond its maximum capacity will hit the tank walls during acceleration, breaking the bearing assembly. Secondly, the lining itself will collapse under its own weight, become lumpy, and eventually tear.
• A capricious material. Sheepskin, like fur and leather, is washed rarely and only on a delicate cycle. Unpredictable machine cleaning with prolonged soaking and spinning is detrimental to it—the flesh side will harden, crack, and become misshapen. High temperatures also have a negative effect on sheepskin: in water above 30 degrees Celsius, it will fade, tear, and fall apart. This is especially true if the coat being cleaned is of poor quality.

It is not recommended to wash a sheepskin coat in a washing machine; only dry or wet cleaning is recommended.

Much depends on the quality of the sheepskin coat. A well-made, high-quality garment will likely survive the cycle, but the consequences will be immediate. It's better not to risk expensive sheepskin and the washing machine, but rather follow the manufacturer's recommendations. This will ensure the garment lasts longer and continues to delight you with its warmth and softness.

With a sheepskin coat, it's best to avoid a full wash, opting for regular cleaning and careful wearing. Any stains should be removed immediately, either dry or wet. The key is to follow certain guidelines.

Cleaning without water

Dry cleaning a sheepskin coat is safer and easier. This way, you don't have to exert much effort, and the risk of damage is minimal. However, there are some rules and nuances to consider. The outer and inner surfaces are cleaned differently, and the cleaning solution can be salt, semolina, a brush, or a vacuum cleaner.

• Semolina. Effective for removing fresh stains. Simply sprinkle the semolina on the stained area and let it absorb the dirt from the fibers. Then shake off the darkened semolina and add more, repeating the process until the stain is gone.

It is better to clean a sheepskin coat dry using a rubber brush or a vacuum cleaner.

• Salt. Table salt is also excellent at absorbing dirt, but if rubbed too vigorously into the material, it can damage the fibers and leave unsightly stains. Be careful with it: use quickly, apply gently, and do not rub too much.
• Brush. Ideally, a special bamboo or rubber bristle brush, made specifically for cleaning tanned sheepskin, is used. It can be used to scrub away stains, and any remaining debris can be discarded.
• Vacuum cleaner. A special attachment will remove dust and dried dirt from the product.

The inside, fur part is cleaned differently. There is no particular contamination here, so it is enough to vacuum and comb the fur. A good comb will restore fluffiness to the fur and remove pilling and bed sores.

Cleanse with light moisturizing

Dry cleaning has a significant drawback: it's insufficient for removing stubborn and ingrained stains. In this case, water and detergent are essential. The procedure is riskier, but with the right approach and following the instructions, the risk of damaging the sheepskin coat is very low.

To remove stains from sheepskin, you'll need cleaning products: either professional foams and sprays, or homemade solutions. In the former case, carefully read the instructions before use; in the latter, strictly follow the proportions.

Gasoline, kerosene, ammonia, and a mixture of milk and soda are excellent for removing old stains from sheepskin coats.

But there's no need to spend money on special products, as you can clean a sheepskin coat with home remedies. Kerosene, ammonia, and milk and baking soda have proven effective.

1. Gasoline or kerosene. Despite their distinctive odor, these liquids effectively and safely remove even stubborn and greasy stains. The key is to steam the affected area first, then wet a swab and use circular motions to remove the dirt. This treatment is only suitable for dark sheepskin coats; gasoline will damage light-colored items.
2. Ammonia. Mix alcohol with water in a 1:4 ratio, soak a cloth in the resulting solution, and apply it to the stained area using circular motions.
3. Baking soda and milk. A mixture of milk and baking soda is effective for removing stains. Add a tablespoon of powder to a cup of liquid, then stir. Dip a sponge in the mixture and, working from the edges to the center, wipe away the stain.

After cleansing, it's recommended to apply diluted vinegar to the leather at a rate of one tablespoon per 500 ml. This will restore, strengthen, and add shine to the material.

Advice from the pros

To ensure your sheepskin coat lasts a long time and continues to delight you with its warmth and beauty, it needs to be properly cared for. Experiments won't help; it's better to learn from other people's experiences and follow the advice of professionals. It is especially important to remember the following nuances:

• It is strictly not recommended to wash natural sheepskin coats in the washing machine;
• You can load artificial suede items into the washing machine if you compare the weight of the wet sheepskin coat with the capacity of the machine;
• the most delicate mode is selected - “Hand”, “Wool”, “Silk”;
• It is forbidden to add soap or regular powder to the washing machine - the granules will not dissolve and will damage the material;
• the water temperature during cleaning should not exceed 30 degrees;
• the spin speed must be reduced to 300 rpm;

The sheepskin coat is dried naturally in an upright position away from heating devices and direct sunlight.

   

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