Washing sheepskin

Sheepskin is often used as a decorative item. Cleaning this fur is quite easy at home – it tolerates both machine and hand washing. For care, it's best to use specialized household chemicals. Let's look at how to care for this type of fur.

Let's put the sheepskin in the washing machine

If the item is small in size and the machine is spacious enough, you can use automatic washing. Sheepskin should be washed by hand or on a delicate cycle with minimal spinning. It is advisable to use liquid detergents – powder granules dissolve poorly in cold water and remain in the lint.

If you decide to wash sheepskin in an automatic washing machine, follow these recommendations:

• run the delicate or hand wash cycle, the “Wool” program will also work;
• make sure that the water temperature does not exceed 40°C;
• set the spin speed to no more than 600 rpm, it is best to turn off this function;
• use a detergent specifically designed for washing wool or other delicate fabrics;
• After washing, leave the skin in the drum for 15-20 minutes to allow the water to drain.

Before loading the sheepskin into the drum, it is necessary to shake it out to get rid of dust.

Once the wash is complete and the excess water has drained, lay the garment out to dry. Comb the fur periodically to maintain its appearance.

Manual skinning

Hand washing a sheepskin is also easy. Fill the bathtub with warm water, up to 40°C. Add detergent and stir thoroughly until a "soapy cap" forms. Then, immerse the fur garment in the solution and let it soak for 20-30 minutes.

Don't leave the hide in the water for too long; half an hour is enough for the stains to soften. Then, begin gently scrubbing the stained areas. A soft brush can be used for this purpose.

Once the fur is clean, you can begin rinsing. Repeat this process several times until all detergent residue is removed. There's no need to wring the skin out—just let it rest in the bathtub to allow the excess water to drain. The final step is drying the fur. Lay the fur out on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. It's important to keep the skin out of direct sunlight—the area should be shaded.

We remove difficult stains

When washing fur, stains can be difficult to remove. If you notice yellowed areas, wine stains, or grease stains on the nap, don't rush to take the item to the dry cleaner. Most stains can be removed at home using specialized products.

• Hydrogen peroxide will help remove yellow stains. Add two tablespoons of the solution to one liter of water. Apply the resulting solution to the fur. It's important to avoid getting hydrogen peroxide on the undercoat or the skin itself, so be careful when brushing.
• Talcum powder or tooth powder works well to remove greasy stains. Sprinkle the solution onto the stained areas and wait 4-5 hours. Then comb out the excess. Next, wash the sheepskin by hand or in the washing machine.
• A saturated salt solution works well on greasy stains. Soak the stained area in it, then rinse the garment and lay it out to dry.
• Juice or wine stains can be removed with glycerin. The solution should be warmed to room temperature. Apply the solution to the stained areas and leave the hide for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the solution to take effect. Then, wash and rinse the item.
• Salt will help remove greasy spots. Sprinkle some grains on the stain, leave them for 4-6 hours, then comb them out.

Table salt works well on most fresh stains. Wet the salt and apply it to the stained areas. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes to allow the solution to take effect. After the time has passed, shake out any remaining solution and wash the skin with a wool gel.

Ammonia and glycerin can help remove stubborn stains. Mix the two ingredients in a one-to-one ratio. Apply the resulting solution to the stains. After half an hour, wash the sheepskin as usual. If none of these methods remove the stains, take the fur to a dry cleaner. Using modern technology, professionals can restore the sheepskin to its original appearance without damaging the skin or undercoat.

We remove stains with special products

You can clean sheepskin at home not only with folk remedies but also with specialized household chemicals. Store shelves are stocked with a variety of professional-grade products, including gels, sprays, powders, and more. These can not only remove stubborn stains but also restore the fur's original shine, leaving it soft and smooth. Which products should you consider?

• Sommieres Powder. A powder-like product from the French manufacturer Avel. Designed to remove fresh stains from leather, textiles, and fur. Contains only natural ingredients that won't damage sheepskin. The product rinses easily from the pile without leaving streaks. It's very easy to use: sprinkle the granules on the stained area and leave for 2-3 hours. Comb out or brush away any remaining residue. A 250-gram package costs $7–$7.50.
• Ultra Finish Milk. This product makes fur silkier, improves shine, and prevents hair from sticking together. It also has protective properties, protecting fur garments from moths. Suitable for both light and dark colored sheepskin.
• Lival Licker Konz. A cleaning solution for leather and fur. This product not only removes stains but also softens the nap and refreshes the color. It can be used neat or mixed with water. It's best to check the packaging for the proportions and dosage. Apply the product to the stains with a brush, then wash the sheepskin by hand or in the washing machine.

Before using any cleaning product, be sure to read the instructions for use on the packaging.

Washing sheepskin isn't as difficult as it seems. Regular stains can be tackled with a standard cleaner, while stubborn stains can be removed with professional-grade products.

Removing moisture from the skin after washing

It is equally important to dry the sheepskin properly. If you don’t follow the drying rules, the fur will lose its appearance and the product itself will become deformed. Let's figure out what recommendations you need to follow.

Drying sheepskin is done as follows:

• Cover the horizontal surface with a terry towel. It's important that the area be away from heating devices and out of direct sunlight;
• After washing, leave the item in the bathtub or washing machine to allow excess water to drain off;
• After the skin has rested, transfer it to a previously prepared horizontal surface;
• Be sure to straighten out all folds and creases so that the item remains flat after drying;
• As it dries, change the towels under the sheepskin and stretch the product with your hands so that it does not lose its shape;
• When the fur becomes slightly damp, comb it with a brush;
• After the pile has dried completely, comb it a few more times.

It is best to dry sheepskin outdoors, in a dark place.

Do not use a hair dryer or heater to dry sheepskin, or hang the garment on radiators. High temperatures are harmful to the skin and fur. Allow the skin to dry naturally.

How not to ruin something?

To make your sheepskin last longer, remember what to avoid doing. If you handle the fur carefully, it will retain its original appearance for many years. So, don't:

• store and use sheepskin in rooms with high humidity (for example, in a bathroom);
• lay a sheepskin rug on a heated floor;
• clean the fur with a wet vacuum cleaner;
• place heavy furniture on the skin (footprints are almost impossible to remove);
• use fur products in rooms where pets run;
• store sheepskin wrapped in cellophane;
• wash sheepskin in water at a temperature higher than 40°C;
• Spin the fur item at maximum speed.

All of the mistakes described above by users lead to sheepskin losing its original appearance. Storing it in damp areas will also cause it to develop an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is crucial to follow all care recommendations for natural fur products.

   

Readers' comments