How to Clean Deer Skin Leather

Leather can be made from cowhide or deerskin.

Deerskin leather is softer, more breathable and lighter in weight then cowhide leather. Deerskin leather is a popular choice for shoes, wall hangings, handbags and various other garments and items. Deerskin leather---while durable---can be damaged if not cared for properly. Fortunately, deerskin leather is easy to clean and can withstand repeated wettings and dryings without causing harm to the item. Deerskin leather will bring a lifetime of use if maintained and cared for properly.

Things You'll Need

• Sink
• Woolite
• Washing machine
• Dryer
• Old, clean sneakers

Instructions

Hand Washing Deerskin Leather

1. Fill a sink with cool water.

2. Add Woolite or mild dish soap to the water. Swish the contents with your hand to mix thoroughly.

3. Submerge the deerskin leather in the cool water. Gently agitate---mimicking the movements of a washer---the leather and water together.

4. Drain the water from the sink. Squeeze---do not twist---the water from the deerskin leather.

5. Allow the deerskin leather to air dry.

Washing Deerskin in a Washing Machine

1. Set the washer on the gentle cycle and allow it to begin to fill with cool water.

2. Add Woolite to the water.

3. Place the deerskin leather inside the washing machine. Do not add garments with the deerskin that has colors that could bleed.

4. Allow the washing machine to run through a complete cycle.

5. Place the deerskin leather inside the dryer with a pair of clean, old sneakers. Set the dryer on the air cycle and allow to complete a full cycle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use bleach with deerskin leather.

References

• Footwear By Footskins: All About Deerskin and Our New Cowhide Leather And Our Handmade Moccasins
• Rose Leather Works: Interesting Facts