Reindeer Hide Care and Cleaning Guide

Reindeer Facts

A delicate, silky natural material

Made to last for decades with proper care

Lightweight with exceptional insulation

Genuine Reindeer Hide Care Guide

Handle with care - reindeer hide Is more delicate than sheepskin
Requires very little care
Air and shake outdoors
Store in a dry place
Remove stains locally as soon as possible and avoid getting the hide wet
Use a mild soap solution for spot cleaning
Avoid vigorous rubbing and excessive mechanical stress
Some natural shedding is normal due to the hollow structure of reindeer hair
We recommend reindeer hide primarily for decorative and light-use applications

Reindeer Hide Care and Use

Air Your Hide in Cool Weather

Air rather than wash. Regular airing is usually the best way to freshen a reindeer hide.
Air the hide outdoors in cool weather. Choose a shaded, sheltered place with good air circulation.
Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can affect the colour and condition of the hide.

Shake Your Hide Outdoors

Gently shake the hide outdoors from time to time. This helps loosen and remove dust and small particles from the hair.
Handle the hide gently. Reindeer hair is naturally delicate, so avoid vigorous shaking, pulling or unnecessary mechanical stress.

Vacuuming Reindeer Hide

We generally do not recommend vacuuming reindeer hide. Gentle shaking and airing are preferable ways to remove dust and loose particles.
If you do use a vacuum cleaner, use the lowest possible suction and a soft nozzle without a rotating brush. Always vacuum gently in the direction of the hair.
Avoid strong suction and mechanical agitation. These can place unnecessary stress on the delicate hair and may increase natural shedding.

Brush Reindeer Hide Gently

Brushing is not normally necessary. Reindeer hair is short and is best cared for through gentle airing and shaking.
If needed, gently brush away loose hairs after airing and shaking.
Always brush in the direction of the hair. Use a soft, wide-spaced metal comb or brush suitable for delicate natural fibres.
Avoid densely packed bristles and vigorous brushing. Excessive brushing can place unnecessary stress on the hair and may increase natural shedding.

Reindeer Hide Care Tips

Reindeer hide requires very little care. Its short, silky and naturally hollow hair structure means that regular airing and gentle shaking are usually sufficient.
The hair has naturally water- and dirt-resistant properties. Its structure helps prevent moisture and dirt from penetrating easily into the surface, although the hide should still be kept dry whenever possible.
Give your hide a little winter refresh. In suitable dry, freezing conditions, you can place the hide on clean, dry snow for a couple of hours. Choose a shaded area and avoid damp or melting snow.
Brush only when needed. If loose hairs remain after airing and shaking, gently brush the hide in the direction of the hair using a suitable wide-toothed comb or soft brush.
See the washing instructions below for guidance on cleaning your reindeer hide.

Store Your Hide in a Dry Place

Store your reindeer hide in a dry, well-ventilated place. Keep it away from prolonged exposure to moisture or damp conditions.
Avoid storing genuine hide in plastic for extended periods. Trapped moisture can affect both the hair and the hide.
Choose breathable storage when possible. A fabric bag or other breathable cover is a good option for storing or transporting your hide while allowing air to circulate.

BääBää Reindeer Hide Applications

A distinctive natural material. BääBää® reindeer hides are suited to interior styling, design projects and applications where natural materials form part of the visual language.
Best suited to light use. Due to the delicate nature of reindeer hair, we do not recommend reindeer hide for high-traffic floor areas or seating exposed to frequent friction.
A northern accent. Use on benches, beds or walls to introduce natural texture and a distinctive connection to the northern landscape.
A tactile design detail. Reindeer hide can add depth and texture to residential interiors, hospitality spaces, public environments and other considered design projects.
For Scandinavian design and craftsmanship. Its lightweight structure, silky hair and natural variation make it suitable for selected upholstery, handcrafted pieces and bespoke design applications.

What Can Damage Your Reindeer Hide

Do not use hot water. Hot water can cause the hide to shrink or harden and may damage the delicate hair structure, increasing shedding.
Do not use bleach, brightening agents or enzyme-based cleaners. These can damage both the hair fibres and the hide.
Do not tumble dry or dry on or directly next to a heat source. Excessive heat can dry out and harden the hide, potentially causing cracking and increased hair loss.
Avoid washing or soaking the hide. Getting the hide wet can cause the leather to harden as it dries and may damage or loosen the hair. Reindeer hide is particularly sensitive to moisture and is best kept dry.

Explore BääBää Reindeer Hides

Reindeer Hide Washing and Stain Removal

Washing Genuine Reindeer Hide

Genuine reindeer hide rarely needs washing. Thanks to the naturally dirt-resistant properties of the hair, regular airing and gentle shaking are usually sufficient. Washing should only be considered if the hide has become heavily soiled.
For small areas, clean gently by hand. Use a clean cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water, up to 30°C.
Use a mild soap solution when needed. Apply only a small amount to the affected area and clean gently.
Do not rub vigorously. Reindeer hair is delicate and excessive rubbing can loosen or damage the hair.
Avoid wetting the leather side. Moisture can cause the hide to harden as it dries and may permanently alter its texture.
If the entire hide requires cleaning, we recommend professional cleaning. A professional cleaner can assess the condition of the hide and choose an appropriate cleaning method.

See the stain removal guide below for more specific advice on treating individual stains.

Snow Cleaning a Reindeer Hide

In winter, you can freshen your reindeer hide using clean, dry snow. Handle the hide gently and avoid unnecessary friction.
Gently rub the hair side with clean snow if needed. This can help loosen dust and small particles from the hair.
Use only clean, dry snow. Make sure the snow is fresh and free from dirt, grit and other impurities.
Choose a properly freezing, dry day. The hide should not become wet or exposed to melting snow.
Remove any excess snow gently and allow the hide to dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated place.
See the drying instructions below for further guidance.

Professional Cleaning for Reindeer Hide

If professional cleaning is necessary, we recommend taking your reindeer hide to a specialist cleaner. Reindeer hide is a delicate natural material and should be handled by a professional with suitable experience.
Choose a cleaner experienced in leather and fur products. They can assess the condition of the hide and select the most appropriate cleaning method.
Professional cleaning can help preserve the hide’s natural structure and appearance. Avoid attempting to wash or thoroughly clean the entire hide at home, as moisture and unsuitable cleaning methods can permanently affect the leather and hair.

Stain Removal from Reindeer Hide

Treat stains as soon as possible. Avoid getting the leather side wet. For local stains, use a mild soap solution and a clean, damp cloth. Gently wipe in the direction of the hair without rubbing. Remove any soap residue with a clean, lightly dampened cloth. Avoid saturating the hide.
Liquid stains, such as coffee or juice. Gently blot away excess liquid with a clean paper towel or cloth. Do not rub. Lightly dampen the stained area with a mild soap solution and gently wipe in the direction of the hair. Remove any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth. Allow the hide to dry naturally on a flat surface with the hair side facing upwards.
Dry or hardened stains, such as mud. Once dry, gently brush in the direction of the hair and shake the hide to loosen any remaining dirt. If necessary, gently wipe the affected area with a cloth lightly dampened with a mild soap solution. Remove any residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the hide to dry naturally on a flat surface with the hair side facing upwards.
More difficult stains, such as make-up or red wine. Treat the stain as soon as possible to minimise the risk of permanent discolouration. Gently wipe the affected area with a cloth lightly dampened with a mild soap solution, working in the direction of the hair. Remove any residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the hide to dry naturally. Avoid excessive moisture. If the stain cannot be removed safely at home, we recommend professional cleaning.

Suitable Cleaning Products for Reindeer Hide

Use a mild cleaning product suitable for wool and delicate natural fibres. For small stains, a mild wool detergent can be used sparingly. A mild Marseille soap may also be suitable when appropriately diluted.
Always test first. Before treating a visible stain, test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the hair to make sure it does not affect the colour or appearance.
Clean stains very gently. Apply a small amount of diluted cleaning solution to a clean, damp cloth rather than directly onto the hide. Gently dab the affected area in the direction of the hair. Do not rub, scrub or soak the hide.
Remove any residue carefully. Use a separate clean, lightly dampened cloth to remove traces of the cleaning product. Keep moisture to a minimum and avoid wetting the leather side.
Allow the hide to dry naturally. Place it flat with the hair side facing upwards in a cool, well-ventilated place. Keep it away from radiators, heaters and direct sunlight.
Avoid bleach, optical brighteners and enzyme-based detergents. These can damage the delicate hair fibres and leather and may permanently affect the appearance and feel of the hide.
When in doubt, choose professional cleaning. If a stain is large, persistent or difficult to identify, we recommend having the hide assessed and cleaned by a professional experienced with leather and fur products.

How to Dry a Reindeer Hide

Do not tumble dry. Reindeer hide should always be dried naturally.
Remove excess moisture gently. If the hide has become wet, carefully blot away excess water with a clean, absorbent towel. Do not wring or twist the hide.
Dry the hide flat. Place it on a clean, dry and well-ventilated surface with the hair side facing upwards. Do not hang the hide while it is wet, as this can affect its shape.
Keep it away from heat. Do not dry the hide on or directly next to a radiator, heater or other heat source. Avoid direct sunlight.
Let the hide dry slowly and naturally. Good air circulation is more important than warmth. Allow sufficient time for the hide to dry completely.
Gently reshape the hide while drying if needed. If the leather has become wet, carefully return the hide to its natural shape as it dries.
Turn the hide only if necessary. If the leather side remains damp, you can carefully turn the hide during drying to help air reach both sides. Handle it gently throughout the process.