Sheepskin is cleaned by brushing the fleece regularly, spot-cleaning marks with a damp cloth rather than soaking, and drying it slowly away from radiators or direct sun. Never machine wash or tumble dry genuine sheepskin, since this strips the natural oils that keep the leather side soft. The same basic routine applies whether you're looking after slippers, mittens, a rug or a coat - only the details change slightly by item.
We've been making sheepskin by hand in our Suffolk workshop since 1846, and the honest truth is that most sheepskin problems come from over-cleaning, not under-cleaning. Here's what actually works. For a broader look at what genuine sheepskin actually is, see our guide to genuine sheepskin, and for the printable version of this routine, see our Sheepskin Care Guide page.
The basics that apply to everything sheepskin
Before we get into specific items, three rules cover almost every situation:
- Never machine wash or tumble dry. Sheepskin is a natural hide with wool attached, not a synthetic fabric. Aggressive washing and heat strip the lanolin that keeps the leather flexible, causing it to shrink, stiffen or crack.
- Dry away from direct heat. Never put sheepskin on or near a radiator, in front of a fire, or in direct sun to speed up drying. Heat dries the leather too fast, and it will go stiff and brittle. Always let it air-dry naturally at room temperature.
- Brush, don't scrub. A soft wire suede brush or a dry towel used gently on the wool lifts the nap, removes dust and restores fluffiness without damaging the fibres.
How to clean sheepskin slippers
Slippers take the most daily wear of anything sheepskin, so a light routine little and often works better than an occasional deep clean. If you're wondering how long a pair should last with this kind of care, see how long genuine sheepskin slippers actually last.
- Brushing: Brush the wool upper regularly with a soft brush to keep the fleece lofted, especially in the areas that get compressed underfoot.
- Spot-cleaning: For everyday marks, use a clean, slightly damp cloth and gently dab - never rub hard - at the mark. Let the area dry fully before wearing again.
- Odour: Because wool contains natural lanolin, it resists bacteria better than synthetic linings, but slippers still need airing. Take them off and let them breathe between wears rather than leaving them shut in a cupboard while damp.
- Sole care: Keep suede soles dry and out of wet weather. These are indoor slippers, so wearing them outside will shorten their life regardless of how well you clean them.
Not sure if what you're wearing is genuine sheepskin? See our guide on telling real sheepskin slippers from faux alternatives, and if cold floors are the issue, our piece on the best slippers for cold feet on tile or stone floors is worth a read too.
How to clean sheepskin mittens and gloves
Mittens and gloves see a lot of hand contact, so light, frequent care matters more than heavy cleaning. If you're comparing options, see our guides on mittens vs gloves and choosing the right mitten size.
- Brush the wool cuff or lining gently to keep it soft and prevent matting where fingers press against the fleece.
- Spot-clean the leather or suede palm with a damp cloth for marks, then let it air dry fully before wearing again.
- If they get wet from snow or rain, let them dry naturally and slowly at room temperature. Never force-dry them on a radiator, as this is one of the fastest ways to stiffen the leather.
If cold hands or poor circulation are part of why you wear sheepskin mittens, see our guide on sheepskin mittens for cold hands and poor circulation.
How to clean a sheepskin rug
Rugs are usually the easiest sheepskin item to look after, since they mostly just need regular attention rather than deep cleaning.
- Shake and brush: Take the rug outside occasionally and give it a gentle shake, then brush the wool with a soft brush to lift the pile and remove dust or pet hair.
- Spot-clean spills quickly: Blot liquid immediately with a clean cloth rather than letting it soak in. Follow with a light dab of a damp cloth if needed, then let the area air dry fully, ideally laid flat rather than folded.
- Rotate and air: If the rug lives on the floor permanently, turn it occasionally and give it a break from foot traffic so the wool can recover its loft.
How to clean a sheepskin coat
Coats are the biggest investment and the item most worth treating carefully, particularly since a well-made sheepskin coat can realistically last for decades - long enough that many end up passed down to the next generation.
- Brush after every wear if the coat has been out in damp or dusty conditions, to stop the wool lining from matting.
- Spot-clean the leather exterior with a barely damp cloth for marks, working in small sections and letting it dry naturally before wearing again.
- Avoid soaking or heavy rain exposure where possible. If the coat does get wet, hang it on a wide, padded hanger away from direct heat and let it dry gradually - never near a radiator or in strong sun.
- For anything beyond surface marks - deep staining, heavy soiling, or a coat that's been stored for years - it's worth taking it to a specialist leather and sheepskin cleaner rather than attempting a full clean at home, since the stakes (and the leather) are bigger than with a pair of slippers.
Dealing with matting
Matting happens when the wool fibres compress and tangle, usually from moisture, pressure or lack of brushing. The fix is the same across items: brush gently and regularly with a soft brush, working through small sections rather than tugging at the whole area at once. Catching matting early, before it sets in, makes it far easier to lift the fleece back to normal. Persistent matting after a damp spell is a sign the item needs a proper airing session before it goes back into use or storage.
Dealing with odour
Wool's natural lanolin content means sheepskin resists odour better than synthetic fleece, which tends to trap perspiration and develop smells quickly. If an item does pick up a smell, the fix is almost always airing rather than washing: leave it somewhere well-ventilated, out of direct sun, for a day or two. Avoid spraying deodorisers or perfumes directly onto the wool, as these can leave their own residue.
How to store sheepskin between seasons
Storage is where a lot of otherwise well-cared-for sheepskin comes to harm, usually from being sealed away in the wrong conditions. To store sheepskin correctly:
- Make sure the item is completely dry before putting it away.
- Store it in a cool, dark, dry space with some airflow - a breathable cotton garment bag for coats, or a drawer or shelf for smaller items.
- Never use a sealed plastic bag or box. Trapped moisture encourages mould, and plastic doesn't let the wool breathe.
- Wool is a natural fibre and can attract moths, so a natural moth deterrent (such as cedar blocks or lavender) in the storage area is worth the small effort, especially for coats stored over summer.
Caring for and storing sheepskin properly is also part of what makes it a genuinely sustainable choice - see our piece on whether sheepskin is ethical and sustainable for more on that. And if you're caring for a sheepskin hat, our guide on how to wear and care for a sheepskin hat covers the details specific to that item.
FAQs
Can I machine wash sheepskin?
No. Machine washing and tumble drying strip the natural oils that keep sheepskin leather soft and pliable, which causes shrinking, stiffening and cracking. Always spot-clean by hand and air dry instead.
How often should I brush sheepskin?
For items worn or used daily, such as slippers and mittens, a quick brush every week or so keeps the wool lofted. Rugs and coats can be brushed less often, but should always be brushed after they've been exposed to damp or dusty conditions.
What's the best way to dry a wet sheepskin item?
Let it air dry slowly at room temperature, away from radiators, fires, and direct sunlight. Speeding up drying with heat is one of the most common causes of stiff, cracked sheepskin leather.
How do I get rid of a musty smell in sheepskin?
Air the item out in a well-ventilated, shaded space for a day or two rather than washing it. Wool's natural lanolin content generally keeps odour at bay if items are given room to breathe between uses.
Is it normal for the colour of sheepskin to change slightly over time?
Yes. As a natural material, genuine sheepskin can show slight variations or mellowing in shade with age and light exposure. This is a normal characteristic of natural hide, not a fault.