Use a pet brush (see above photo) to occasionally fluff your hide back up. Use a wide gentle tooth to keep the fiber in tact. Metal fine teeth will disrupt the fiber structure and change the hide’s appearance. After brushing, shake it out to bring back some of its natural structure. For more information check out our blog post

Take your hide outside and shake it out. You can let it air out for a little bit in the sun, but don’t leave it in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

If you need to store your hide, do not keep it in an airtight container. This will cause it to collect moisture and damage it. Store it in a place with air flow.

Do NOT put alum tawned sheepksin in the washing machine or the tumble dryer. Getting your alum tawned sheepskin wet can change the nature of the leather. If you need to spot clean some of the fiber with a damp cloth, you should avoid getting the leather wet.

If you do get the leather wet, you will need to gently stretch the hide to its original shape as it dries.

To spot clean, you can use a spray bottle with 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 water and lightly spray the stain or spot treat with a damp cloth. When wetting the wool, be sure to spot clean in one direction.

Do not rub the cloth back and forth or felting will occur!

It is best to air dry on a line and gently stretch the sheepskin as it dries.

Bark tanned sheepskin can be put in the washing machine on gentle cycle with cold water and a wool friendly detergent. Please note that all wool can felt in the washing machine.

Certain types of wool such as that from long wool or fine wool breeds will almost always felt in the washing machine. It is best to handwash those bark tanned sheepskin in a tub. When wetting the wool, be sure to brush or rub the fiber in one direction.

Do not rub back and forth or felting will occur!

Never put a sheepskin in the tumble dryer. It is best to air dry on a line and gently stretch the sheepskin as it dries.