Sheepskin Care and Washing Guide

Sheepskin Facts

Naturally durable and easy to care for

Made to last for decades with proper care

Naturally resistant to odours and dirt

Genuine Sheepskin Care Guide

Air and gently shake out your sheepskin regularly outdoors.
Store your sheepskin in a dry place and avoid getting the leather side wet.
Care for and refresh your sheepskin with lanolin.
Gently brush the wool when needed using a wide-toothed brush.
Treat stains locally and as soon as possible. Use care and cleaning products specifically formulated for wool.
Oh Sheep - Had a Little Accident? See below for solutions to common mishaps.

Sheepskin Care and Use

Air Your Sheepskin in the Shade

Air it rather than washing it whenever possible.
Air your sheepskin outdoors.
Choose a shaded, sheltered place with good airflow.
Avoid direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can affect the wool and leather.
Wool naturally resists odours and dirt, and airing is often enough to refresh a sheepskin and keep it feeling fresh between washes.

Gently Shake Your Sheepskin Outdoors

Gently shake your sheepskin regularly outdoors in fresh air.
A gentle shake helps loosen dust and loose particles from the wool.
Shaking also helps restore the wool’s natural loft and keep the fibres light and airy.

Vacuuming Your Sheepskin

Remove dust and loose particles from your sheepskin by gently vacuuming the wool.
Use a soft upholstery attachment or vacuum without an attachment, keeping the nozzle slightly above the wool.
Always vacuum in the direction of the wool.
Do not use a rotating brush or beater bar, as these can pull or damage the wool fibres.
Use low suction to remove loose particles without unnecessarily pulling at the wool.

Care for Your Sheepskin with Gentle Brushing

Tangled or matted wool can be gently brushed to help restore its natural structure.
Use a metal wide-toothed wool comb or pet brush.
Brush the wool gently and avoid pulling or tugging.
Regular brushing can help maintain the wool’s natural loft and airy structure.
Avoid brushing curly-wool sheepskins if you want to preserve their natural curls.
Explore our sheepskin care tips below.

Sheepskin Care Tips

Regularly shake out and air your sheepskin outdoors in fresh air.
Use a brush suitable for wool and gently fluff the wool with your fingers to help restore its natural loft.
Care for and protect the wool with lanolin.
For curly-wool sheepskins, lightly mist the wool with water if you want to help define the natural curls. Gently shape the curls with your fingers and allow the sheepskin to dry naturally.
Avoid brushing curly-wool sheepskins if you want to preserve their natural curls.
For detailed washing instructions, see our sheepskin washing guide below.

Lanolin - An Important Part of Wool Care

Lanolin is a natural wax obtained from sheep’s wool. It is naturally present in wool and can be recovered during the wool-washing process.
Lanolin helps maintain the softness and natural feel of wool and can support its natural resistance to moisture and dirt.
Lanolin can help keep sheepskin wool feeling soft, supple and well cared for.

Benefits of Lanolin

Conditions and protects wool: Lanolin helps maintain the softness and natural feel of wool while supporting its natural resistance to moisture.
Helps maintain natural loft: A suitable lanolin treatment can help keep wool soft, supple and naturally airy.
Supports long-term care: Regular, appropriate care helps maintain the appearance and feel of wool over time.
Naturally derived: Lanolin is a naturally occurring substance obtained from sheep’s wool.
Particularly suited to long and curly wool: Lanolin can be especially useful for maintaining the softness and natural feel of longer and curly wool.

How to Use BääBää Lanolin Spray

Spray a light, even layer of lanolin onto the surface of the wool.
Allow the treatment to absorb naturally.
If desired, gently brush the wool after applying the lanolin treatment.

BääBää Lanolin Care Spray

An easy-to-use lanolin treatment for maintaining the softness and natural feel of genuine sheepskin and wool.

Store Your Sheepskin in a Dry Place

Store your sheepskin in a clean, dry place.
Avoid storing genuine sheepskin in plastic for extended periods.
Choose a well-ventilated storage space and protect the sheepskin from moisture.
A breathable fabric bag is a good option for storing or transporting your sheepskin.

BääBää Sheepskin Applications

A versatile natural material. BääBää sheepskins are suitable for interiors as well as design and bespoke projects.
Made for everyday use. Our sheepskins can be used in a variety of interior applications where natural texture, warmth and softness are valued.
As an interior element on chairs, sofas, beds, walls or floors.
As a warm and comfortable layer on beds, sofas, chairs or floors, or as a soft resting place for pets.
As a tactile design detail that brings texture and natural character to private homes, hospitality spaces and other distinctive interiors.
As a material for nature-led design, upholstery, craft and bespoke applications.

What to Avoid with Your Sheepskin

Do not use hot water. Excessive heat can cause the leather to shrink and the wool fibres to felt, and may affect the structure of the sheepskin.
Do not use bleach, optical brighteners or enzyme-based detergents. These may damage the wool fibres and leather.
Do not tumble dry or dry the sheepskin directly on a heat source. Excessive heat can cause the leather to dry out, harden and potentially crack.
Avoid washing or soaking the leather side. Excess moisture can cause the leather to stiffen as it dries and may lead to permanent changes in its structure.

Discover BääBää Care Spray

Sheepskin Washing and Stain Removal

Washing Genuine Sheepskin

Genuine sheepskin usually does not require washing due to the natural properties of wool. Airing and regular care are often sufficient unless the sheepskin becomes heavily soiled.
If local washing is necessary, clean only the affected area by hand and handle the sheepskin gently.
Use lukewarm water at a maximum of 30 °C and a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool.
Remove detergent residue gently with clean water or a clean, damp cloth.
Avoid soaking the sheepskin or wetting the leather side. Excess moisture can cause the leather to stiffen, shrink or change shape as it dries.
If the entire sheepskin requires professional cleaning, we recommend consulting a specialist cleaner experienced in cleaning sheepskin and leather. Always follow the care instructions provided with the individual product.
See our stain removal tips below.

Cleaning Your Sheepskin with Snow

During winter, a sheepskin can be gently refreshed in clean, dry snow, much like a traditional rug-cleaning method.
You can also gently rub or press clean snow onto the wool side to help loosen surface dirt and refresh the wool.
Make sure the snow is clean, dry and powdery before you begin. Avoid wet, melting or heavily compacted snow.
Gently remove any excess snow and allow the sheepskin to dry naturally in a well-ventilated place.
See our sheepskin drying instructions below.

Professional Cleaning

If your sheepskin requires more extensive cleaning, we recommend taking it to a professional cleaner.
Choose a cleaner with experience in sheepskin, leather and fur products.
Professional cleaning can help clean the sheepskin while reducing the risk of damage to the wool and leather.
Always follow the care instructions provided with your individual sheepskin.

Stain Removal from Sheepskin

Act quickly. The sooner a stain is treated, the easier it is to remove. Avoid wetting the leather side and clean only the affected area whenever possible. Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool. Apply it with a clean, damp cloth and gently dab the stain rather than rubbing it. Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and avoid over-wetting the sheepskin.

Liquid stains, such as coffee or juice
Blot up excess liquid immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub. Apply a small amount of mild wool detergent to a damp cloth and gently dab the affected area in the direction of the wool. Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the sheepskin to dry flat with the wool side facing upwards.
Grease stains, such as butter or cooking oil
Gently blot any excess grease with a clean, dry cloth. Apply a small amount of mild wool detergent to a damp cloth and gently dab the affected area. Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the sheepskin to dry naturally.
Dried or hardened stains, such as mud
Allow the stain to dry completely, then gently brush away loose dirt in the direction of the wool. If necessary, dab the affected area with a clean, damp cloth and a small amount of mild wool detergent. Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the sheepskin to dry naturally.
Difficult stains, such as make-up or red wine
Treat the stain as soon as possible. Gently dab the affected area with a clean, damp cloth and a small amount of mild wool detergent. Avoid rubbing and excessive moisture. Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the sheepskin to dry naturally. For persistent or extensive stains, we recommend professional cleaning by a specialist experienced in sheepskin and leather.

Choosing a Detergent for Sheepskin

Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool.
Avoid bleach, optical brighteners and enzyme-based detergents, as these may affect the natural wool fibres and leather.
Avoid strong or general-purpose detergents, which may be unsuitable for wool and sheepskin.
Care for and protect your sheepskin with lanolin.

Discover BääBää Lanolin Spray

The Best Way to Dry Your Sheepskin

Place the sheepskin on a clean, flat and well-ventilated surface.
Good airflow is more important than heat.
Dry the sheepskin in the shade at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters and other direct heat sources.
Allow it to dry slowly and naturally. Avoid placing the sheepskin on a heated floor or using a hairdryer or other direct heat.
Drying time can range from several hours to a couple of days, depending on the amount of moisture, room temperature, humidity and airflow.

Washable Sheepskins

Most genuine sheepskins are not suitable for washing with water.
A sheepskin must undergo specific tanning and finishing processes to make it suitable for washing. Always check the individual product’s care instructions before washing.
If you are unsure whether your sheepskin is washable, do not wash it before checking the care instructions or consulting the supplier. Washing an unsuitable sheepskin can cause the leather side to stiffen, shrink or change shape during drying.
For washable sheepskins, we recommend hand washing whenever possible. It is gentler on the wool and leather and can help maintain the sheepskin’s natural feel and appearance over time.
Machine washing is generally less gentle and may contribute to felting or changes in the wool. If machine washing is specifically permitted for your sheepskin, use a wool or delicate cycle, a maximum temperature of 30 °C and a mild detergent formulated for wool.
After washing, BääBää Lanolin Care Spray can be used as a leave-in care treatment to help maintain the softness and natural feel of the wool.

Oh Sheep - Common Mishaps and Solutions

Caring for Sheepskin Wool

Loss of natural loft can occur with regular use, compression or exposure to moisture.
Gently shake out your sheepskin outdoors to help restore the wool’s natural loft.
Gently comb the wool with a wide-toothed comb and air the sheepskin in a cool, well-ventilated place.
You can also treat the wool with a lanolin care spray, which helps maintain its softness, natural feel and lustre.

Removing Moisture from Your Sheepskin

Begin by gently pressing a clean, dry towel against the sheepskin to absorb as much excess moisture as possible. Do not wring or twist the sheepskin.
Dry the sheepskin flat at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters and direct sunlight.
Good airflow is important to help moisture evaporate naturally. Turn or reposition the sheepskin during drying if necessary to allow even airflow.
Gently reshape the sheepskin while it is drying to help it retain its natural shape.
Once completely dry, you can care for the wool with a lanolin care spray and gently brush the wool if needed.
Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and poorly ventilated conditions.

A Wet Sheepskin

If your sheepskin becomes completely wet - for example from rain, melted snow, washing or an accidental spill - careful drying is important to help prevent the leather from becoming stiff, shrinking or changing shape.

Dry the sheepskin in the shade at room temperature, away from radiators, heaters and direct sunlight.
Dry it flat on a clean, absorbent towel whenever possible. Do not hang a wet sheepskin, as the weight of the water can stretch the leather.

Drying Process

Only the Wool Is Wet - Leather Side Still Feels Dry

Lay the sheepskin flat with the leather side down and wool side facing upwards.
Place a clean, dry towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.
Allow the wool to dry naturally with good airflow.
Once the wool is almost dry, gently brush it if needed. A light application of lanolin care spray can help maintain the wool’s softness and natural feel.

The Entire Sheepskin Is Wet - Both Wool and Leather Are Wet

Lay the sheepskin flat in a well-ventilated place on a clean, absorbent towel.
Gently reposition the sheepskin during drying if necessary to allow even airflow.
Do not stretch, pull or aggressively manipulate the wet leather. Allow it to dry naturally while keeping its original shape.
Once the wool is almost completely dry, it can be gently brushed if needed. A lanolin care treatment can then be applied to the wool.
If the leather becomes noticeably stiff or changes shape as it dries, see our guide below for advice on caring for a hardened sheepskin.

Tips for Drying a Wet Sheepskin

Use a clean, absorbent towel to remove excess moisture.
Gently press the towel against the wool to absorb water. Do not wring or twist the sheepskin.
Gently reshape the sheepskin while it is drying if necessary, without stretching the leather.
Turn or reposition the sheepskin during drying if needed to maintain good airflow.
Do not tumble dry.
Do not place the sheepskin directly on a radiator, heater or other heat source.
Do not apply additional weight to a wet sheepskin.

Drying time can range from approximately 24 to 72 hours, depending on:

airflow
room temperature
wool density
the size of the sheepskin
how thoroughly the sheepskin has become wet

My Sheepskin Has Become Stiff

Sheepskin leather can become stiff after excessive moisture, unsuitable washing, exposure to heat or a combination of these factors.
If the leather has become slightly stiff, gently flex the leather by hand to help restore some softness. Work gradually and avoid pulling or stretching the hide.
A suitable leather care product may help condition the leather and improve its feel. Always make sure the product is suitable for sheepskin leather before applying it.
Avoid excessive force, as dry or stiff leather can be more susceptible to cracking.
Allow the sheepskin to air naturally after treatment and give it time to dry completely.
Repeat the treatment gradually if necessary. If the leather has become severely stiff, brittle or cracked, professional assessment is recommended. A heavily damaged hide may not be possible to restore fully at home.

Pet Accidents on Your Sheepskin

Act quickly. Carefully remove any solid material and blot up excess liquid with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the affected area.
Clean the affected area locally with a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for wool and a clean, damp cloth. Gently dab rather than rub, and repeat if necessary.
Avoid soaking the sheepskin or wetting the leather side. Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and allow the sheepskin to dry naturally in a well-ventilated place.
Once completely dry, the wool can be gently brushed if needed. Lanolin care spray can be used as a wool care treatment after cleaning, but it does not replace stain or odour removal.
Do not use enzyme-based cleaning products. Enzymes are designed to break down proteins and may affect the natural wool fibres.
For extensive contamination, persistent odours or stains, professional cleaning by a specialist experienced in sheepskin and leather is recommended.