Sheepskin Care Guide

How to Clean and Care for Genuine Sheepskin Slippers, Coats, Gloves, Mittens, Hats and Accessories

Understanding Genuine Sheepskin

Genuine sheepskin is a natural double faced material where the wool remains attached to the hide. The suede forms the outer surface, while the fleece lines the inside. This structure gives genuine sheepskin its warmth, breathability and durability.

Because sheepskin contains natural oils, including lanolin, it behaves very differently from synthetic linings or bonded suede. Care methods written for fashion leather or faux shearling often do not apply.

With correct, minimal care, sheepskin improves with use rather than deteriorating.

Important Care Principle

Genuine sheepskin should never be machine washed.

Washing machines strip natural oils from the leather, damage the wool fibres and cause shrinkage and stiffness. This damage is permanent and cannot be reversed.

All Nursey Sheepskin products should be cleaned using gentle, dry or spot cleaning methods only.

Caring for Sheepskin Slippers

Sheepskin slippers are designed for warmth, comfort and indoor use. Gentle care helps them retain their shape and softness.

How to clean sheepskin slippers

• Do not machine wash
• Spot clean only using a specialist suede or sheepskin cleaner
• Lightly clean the whole slipper rather than one small area to avoid patching
• Use a soft cloth, sponge or suede brush
• Avoid soaking
• Allow to air dry naturally, away from heat and direct sunlight

General care tips

• Brush lightly to restore the wool and suede texture
• Air slippers regularly to release moisture and odours
• Slippers are not designed for outdoor wear

Caring for Sheepskin Coats and Jackets

Sheepskin coats and jackets require careful handling to preserve their finish and insulation.

How to clean sheepskin coats

• Never machine wash
• Spot clean small marks with a specialist sheepskin or suede cleaner
• Apply sparingly and clean across the full panel to maintain even colour
• Allow to dry naturally
• Brush gently once fully dry

Professional cleaning

For heavy soiling or overall cleaning, professional specialist cleaning is recommended. Most dry cleaners use dedicated shearling specialists for these garments.

Specialist cleaning helps maintain softness, flexibility and the natural structure of the hide.

Caring for Sheepskin Gloves, Mittens and Hats

Sheepskin accessories sit close to the body and benefit from regular airing rather than frequent cleaning.

How to clean sheepskin gloves, mittens and hats

• Spot clean only using a suede or sheepskin cleaner
• Clean lightly across the whole item, not just one area
• Use a soft cloth or sponge
• Allow to air dry naturally

For sheepskin gloves and sheepskin hats, gently stuff with tissue paper while drying to help maintain shape.

General care tips

• Brush gently to restore the suede nap
• Air regularly to maintain freshness
• Avoid heavy rain or saturation

Some gloves are supplied with a water resistant coating. This offers protection against light moisture but does not make the item waterproof.

Caring for the Wool Interior

The wool lining of sheepskin items requires very little intervention.

• Air items after use to release moisture
• Brush occasionally with a soft wool brush
• Avoid soaking or immersing the wool

Perspiration inside gloves or slippers does not mean washing is required. Regular airing is usually sufficient.

Storing Sheepskin Correctly

Correct storage protects both the leather and wool.

• Store in a cool, dry, dark place
• Use breathable cotton garment or dust bags
• Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers
• Keep away from heat sources
• Ensure items are completely dry before storage

Natural fibres can attract moths and rodents, so uncovered storage should be avoided.

General Do’s and Don’ts

Do

• Spot clean with specialist products
• Air dry naturally
• Brush gently to restore texture
• Clean across whole panels to avoid patching
• Use specialist cleaners for large garments

Do not

• Machine wash or tumble dry
• Use strong detergents or bleach
• Soak sheepskin
• Dry near radiators, fires or direct sunlight
• Store in plastic

Need Help or Advice?

If you are unsure how to care for a specific item, please contact us. With over a century of experience working with genuine sheepskin, we are happy to offer practical guidance to help your products remain soft, flexible and comfortable for years to come.