Washing sheepskin: Instructions for hand & machine washing and the biggest mistakes

Draped over your favorite armchair, laid across the sofa, used as a living room area rug, or as a cozy liner in a stroller: a sheepskin is hardly just a decorative piece. It gets used, touched, lived with, and accompanies your everyday routine in so many different ways. It is exactly this daily close contact that makes it so popular, but it also leaves traces sooner or later: a spilled drink here, dust and lingering odors there, or simply a dull, flattened pelt that has lost its original shine.

Our blog post walks you through step by step how to wash and gently clean your sheepskin in these scenarios, without damaging the leather or compromising the fur's natural structure. You will learn if and when a washing machine is suitable, which household remedies are practical, and how to get the fur soft again after cleaning. It includes specific figures, clear if-then recommendations, and a table that shows which fur type tolerates which treatment.

Washing furs: Differences between sheepskin vs. lambskin

Doesn't it matter how I go about washing a fur item? It is not quite that straightforward, as the distinct terms sheepskin and lambskin are very frequently used interchangeably, even though they describe entirely different products. Sheepskin, for instance, comes from fully grown animals and typically has coarser, more hard-wearing fibers, which makes it ideal for high-use areas such as rugs or seat cushions. Lambskin on the other hand has a finer, softer, denser pile, and is popularly used for baby mats, stroller liners, or as a cozy throw blanket. The difference is very apparent when it comes to care: lambskin is more sensitive to heat and mechanical strain, while sheepskin is far more forgiving of rough handling.

Before you start: What type of sheepskin do you want to wash?

Not every sheepskin can be treated the same way. The type of tanning process used is by far the most important factor here.

Vegetable and medicinally tanned furs can be washed in a washing machine. Salt-tanned genuine furs, on the other hand, should only be spot-cleaned by hand.

Furs tanned with aluminum salts must never be fully wetted. Water would leach out the salts and permanently damage the pelt.

The table below shows the most common tanning types and their identifying markers:

If in doubt, refer to the care label, which is usually located on one of the short sides of the fur and often tucked into the leather side.

If you are unsure, you can ask the retailer or test a small, hidden spot with a little water. If the leather side darkens and remains stiff after drying, it is very likely a salt-tanned hide that should not be wet cleaned.

Washing a sheepskin: How often is it actually necessary?

The simple answer: Rarer than you think. What ultimately unites both sheepskin and lambskin is an exceptional property: their high lanolin content, the natural wool fat produced by sheep, which makes up as much as 25% of the raw wool's weight. This natural protective layer supports the fleece's self-cleaning ability, with the benefit that you only need to wash a sheepskin very rarely overall.

Instances where you should ideally always wash your sheepskin immediately:

• As soon as fresh liquid stains appear
  • Acting quickly prevents unsightly, dried-on Stains
• After intensive use over several weeks

Cleaning sheepskin without Laundry: These 5 methods are usually sufficient

Not every stain immediately requires a thorough wash. And not every instance of heavy everyday wear means you need to jump straight to wet cleaning. For most everyday situations, the methods outlined below are fully sufficient to clean your sheepskin without needing to wash it:

Tip 1) Shake out & air out
To do this, take the fur outside, gently tap it out, then hang it in fresh air — ideally in a shaded, well-ventilated location. The fresh air activates the self-cleaning properties of the lanolin layer, and even light to moderate odors will often disappear completely on their own after just a few hours.

Tip 2) Brush furs
In fact, many dried-on Stains can often be brushed out directly using a suede or special lambskin brush. Always work gently and evenly in the direction of the fibers. Regular brushing, ideally once a month, prevents matting and tangling in the fur. If you do not have a suitable brush on hand, you can alternatively use a lint roller for surface cleaning.

Tip 3) Baking soda for odors
Baking soda is hands-down the ultimate all-purpose household helper, and it is also highly effective for odor control when caring for sheepskin. For this use, generously sprinkle it onto the wool side, leave it to sit overnight — ideally for 12–24 hours — before brushing it out thoroughly. During this time, baking soda effectively traps musty odors without damaging the fibers or the leather side.

Tip 4) Vinegar water for light Stains
You might not believe it, but vinegar water is a simple yet highly effective home remedy for cleaning your sheepskin without needing to wash it. To use this method, simply mix a solution of one part vinegar and three parts lukewarm water onto a clean cloth, then gently dab the light stain — always work carefully and never rub the material. Afterwards, lightly wipe the treated spot with clear water and leave the sheepskin to air dry.

Tip 5) Targeted spot treatment
For individual fresh Stains, it is often enough to dab them immediately with a clean, damp cloth, but please do not rub while doing so. You should first try to gently loosen already dried-on Stains with a dry suede brush. Treat stubborn Stains on the wool side with a damp cloth and a little mild wool detergent, keeping the leather side as dry as possible.

Can you wash a sheepskin in the washing machine?

When it comes to sheepskin and washing machines, an entirely justified question very often comes up: can you wash a sheepskin in the washing machine, or is it better to hand wash it? Our clear, honest answer: Yes, but only under certain conditions.

Here comes another Take a look at our table of tanning types comes into play here, as only medically or vegetable-tanned hides can withstand machine washing. Salt-tanned hides are destroyed by machine washing: the tanning salts get washed out, and the leather hardens permanently.

If you own medically or vegetable-tanned hides and would like to use a washing machine and gentle cycles for sheepskin Cleaning, our step-by-step guide below provides all the necessary guidance. We also share an equally simple, safe guide for gentle at-home Cleaning for hand washing.

Step-by-step guide: How to clean sheepskin in the washing machine

1. Prepare the fur: Loosen dried-on Stains with a brush and remove loose material in the process.
2. Wash separately: Place the fur in the drum separately from other laundry, as other textiles can damage the fibers or bleed color onto it.
3. Correct program: Always select the wool cycle, or alternatively the delicates/gentle cycle or hand wash setting, and at maximum 30°C Wash.
4. The right laundry detergent: Whenever possible, use a mild wool detergent free of bleach, fabric softener, and fragrances. Our bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets nonscentsare phosphate-free, completely fragrance-free, and suitable for all fabrics including wool, even silk and cashmere. One Laundry Detergent Sheet per wash cycle is already sufficient.

   OUR ADDITIONAL TIP:

   Anyone who washes their sheepskin on the wool cycle at 30°C is necessarily washing at low temperatures. While low temperatures are gentle on the material, they are less effective against bacteria and germs that cause musty odors.

   Our bluu silvertrooper balances this out:
   Simply add this hygiene silver cloth to the washing machine drum, and it will release silver ions with antibacterial properties that work without putting strain on fur materials.

5. Spin: Only use a gentle spin cycle at a maximum of 400 to 600 revolutions, as overly vigorous spinning puts strain on the leather and can also cause the fibers to mat permanently.
6. Remove immediately: Remove the fur immediately after the wash cycle, and lay it flat straight away to dry in a well-ventilated location, ideally on a drying rack or a clean towel with the wool side facing down. While the fur is still damp, you can gently pull it into shape several times as needed.

Alternative step-by-step guide: Washing fur by hand

1. Prepare a tub or a large bowl of lukewarm water (approx. 30°C)
   ➤ WARNING: No hot water.
2. Dissolve approximately 25 ml of mild wool detergent (equivalent to roughly half a bluu Laundry Detergent Sheet) in one liter of boiling water and allow to cool to 30°C.
3. Lay the sheepskin out flat and immediately apply the soap solution to the wool side using a soft cloth, a brush, or your hands.
   ➤ Gently work in the product without rubbing or kneading, and keep the leather side dry.
4. Remove soap residue using several clean, damp cloths until no more foam is visible.
5. Now carefully shake out the fur (not wring out) then allow to dry in a well-ventilated location, either on a clothes drying rack or laid flat on a clean towel with the wool side facing down. Gently pull it into shape several times as it dries, as leather can no longer be reshaped once it is fully dry.

After cleaning: This is how to make your fur fluffy again

Once the sheepskin is completely dry, feel free to fluff its fibers several times with a fur brush. This will loosen any matted sections and bring back its signature fluffy softness.

If your sheepskin has become hard after gentle Laundry, you can often restore its softness with regular brushing and airing. This often happens when the leather dries too quickly, or is exposed to excessive heat during the drying process. A hardened lambskin is very rarely permanently ruined, and can often be made significantly more supple again with a little patience and the right care. Special lanolin spray can also help replace the natural oils lost through regular use or cleaning.

The important thing now is to have a little patience:

• Knead and massage the completely dry coat careful using both hands, as this will make the leather slightly more supple again.
• As a supportive care step, you can apply a thin layer of leather grease or lanolin spray to the leather side and let it soak in.
• Afterwards, the pelt should continue to dry and rest in a well-ventilated area, and be kneaded several more times in between.
• If the leather remains stiff despite multiple attempts, a specialist workshop or saddler can help by professionally conditioning the material.

Properly store sheepskin to maintain its long-lasting, cuddle-soft quality

Ultimately, proper storage of a sheepskin also plays a critical role in ensuring you get long-lasting enjoyment from it, while remaining soft and retaining its shape over time.

With the following Tips and simple habits, your sheepskin will remain permanently well cared for and protected:

• Store as flat as possible or hang them over a wide rod, as fur that is rolled up or folded too tightly will develop pressure marks on the leather side.
• Protect against insect infestation, as moths and other pests particularly infest natural fibers, especially during long-term storage. Store this fur item in a breathable bag or alongside lavender.
• Do not expose to direct sunlight both when used as a decorative piece and as a rug, since UV rays fade colors and make leather brittle.
• Do not place heavy objects on it, because frequent and intense creasing damages the leather structure.

CONCLUSION on cleaning sheepskin: Genuine sheepskin does not require elaborate care, only the right kind of proper maintenance.

As you now know, caring for and Laundry a sheepskin is generally completely straightforward, as long as you know three key details: what tanning type your hide uses, which cleaning method is appropriate, and what precautions to take during drying. Anyone who follows these rules will enjoy their fleece for many years.

For machine washing, medically or vegetable-tanned fur can be washed effectively at 30°C on the wool cycle with a mild detergent.

For all other items: always rely on gentle care, and supplement with products like those from bluu, which offer sustainable and effective support as eco-friendly laundry solutions for wool, delicates, and other specialty fabrics.

Explore more smart TIPS & LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS