How to Clean Sheepskin Leather

Clean minor stains when they appear to avoid having to wash your sheepskin leather frequently.

Sheepskin is quite a delicate animal skin to wash. It can easily lose its shape by stretching and shrinking during the washing and drying process. Although some sheepskin products can be dried in normal machines, washing by hand and air drying is the best way to ensure that your sheepskin leather is not damaged by the cleaning process.

Things You'll Need

• Clean rag
• Sheepskin detergent
• Towel
• Paper towel
• Clothesline
• Socks

Instructions

1. Rub the skin side with a damp rag to remove minor stains.

2. Hand wash the leather in cold to lukewarm water with a detergent specifically designed for sheepskin. Normal detergents often have bleaching agents and enzymes which can damage the skin. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water.

3. Squeeze the sheepskin to remove as much of the water as possible. Then, blot it with towels or paper towels to remove some of the water.

4. Hang the sheepskin leather to dry over several lines strung parallel to prevent it from stretching out of shape.

5. Stretch the leather into its shape while it is still slightly damp if possible. For example, stuff leather shoes with socks or paper towel to stretch them out.

References

• Kiwi Sheepskins: Care Instructions
• Sheepskin Factory: Sheepskin Cleaning and Care Instructions