You’ve just invested in a beautiful pair of fluffy and warm sheepskin slippers. They look incredibly smart, clean and new and are the most comfortable slippers you’ve ever tried - but how do you look after them? In this post I'm going to discuss how to care for your new fluffy footwear.

Can you wash sheepskin slippers?

In theory yes, you can wash sheepskin slippers. You can put them in the washing machine on a wool wash setting with a specialist wool wash liquid and hope for the best. However, I don’t advise it and here's why: there is never any guarantee as to how a piece of leather or skin is going to react in a machine. Nature did not design skin to be washed on the inside and out, and as your slippers are made up of smaller separate pieces of sheepskin and suede that are not all from the same animal and may not have been tanned in the same way, all those separate components that make up your slipper may react differently to the water and wool wash.

Some may wash well and be perfectly okay, but others may shrink and set very hard, resulting in a distorted slipper shape.

Cleaning your sheepskin slippers in four easy steps

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which that resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales that rub against each other to push off the dirt and is naturally resistant to the growth of mold.

The third layer is a protective filmy skin that helps to resist water. The core of each wool fiber - which contains a protein called keratin - can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapour without the sheepskin getting or feeling damp.

Unlike synthetic fibres like polar fleece made from petrochemicals, sheepskin is also more breathable (so it gets less clammy and smelly) great for slipper!

There are steps however that you can take to insure that your slippers stay in tip top condition as outlined in the sections below.

Cleaning

The best way to clean the suede outer of your sheepskin slippers is with a suede brush, but even a tooth brush will do the trick! Gently brushing the suede will raise the nap of the suede, smartening it and removing any debris at the same time.

If you do feel that you need to clean the inside of your sheepskin slippers then the best way is to use a specialist wool wash or a mild detergent, but very little. Remember that you don’t really want to get the slippers very wet, and you are going to need to rinse the shampoo out. Take a cloth, small enough to be able to push inside the slipper and gently work the shampoo into the fleece using small circular movements to lift any matted sheepskin and make sure that its in contact with all of the wool fibres.

Once you've treated the whole of the inside then take a fresh cloth, rinsed with luke warm water and start to remove the shampoo. Rinse the cloth and repeat until all the shampoo is removed. Leave the slippers to air dry away from direct heat (direct heat may set the sheepskin skin suede side hard, distorting your slippers' shape).

Spot Washing

I would always advise to apply a specialist suede protection spray to the outside of any new pair of sheepskin slippers as this really can aid in stopping any unsightly marking and keeping them looking in tip top condition. Its very easy, as we know, to splash any kind of liquid on our feet while we are washing up or cooking - and this just protects against all of those little accidents. However if you haven't sprayed them and you find yourself with marks on them, the first port of call is to spot clean them.

Take a little wool wash diluted shampoo or specialist cleaner and carefully sponge the stained area, taking care not to wet the suede too much. Then, blot dry the stain as much as you can.

If you've splashed oil over them, then don’t sponge the stain first as this is likely to set the stain in the suede. The best course of action is to apply a powder like talcum powder or chalk to draw out and absorb as much of the oil as possible, leave it on the slipper for a few hours and then carefully vacuum and then brush away.

Drying

All sheepskin products need to air dry naturally and away from a direct heat source.

As earlier discussed, a direct heat source may set the skin and turn it hard, distorting the slipper shape. If the sheepskin used is not dyed then your slippers can dry outside in the sunshine as there is no dye pigment to fade but if the suede or sheepskin is dyed then its best dry them out of the sun or in a warm spot in the home.

Brushing

Regular brushing of the inside lining of your sheepskin slipper will help keep them looking new. If the wool fibres do start to compact down then the best way to make your sheepskin slippers look fluffy again is to use a small brush like a nail brush to lift the wool pile and separate the fibres. If you do this consistently over time, your slippers will serve you well for a very long time!

How do you keep sheepskin slippers from smelling?

If your pair of sheepskin slippers develop an odour then the best way to refresh them is with the use of baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda into the pair of the slippers and leave for 24 hours before vacuuming then. Repeat until the odour has disappeared.

Browse our website today for our selection of handmade sheepskin slippers, made right here in the UK.

Sheepskins are a very popular choice for a pet bed, be it cat or dog. In the recent years I've sold more and more sheepskin pet beds for the small furry feline population, often starting as said feline member of the family has discovered (and subsequently taken over) the owner's sheepskin.

Here I will discuss the benefits your cat will receive from his or her own sheepskin pet bed.

Do cats like sheepskin?

Most cats love sheepskin and are very happy to settle and curl up upon it, as it's a warm and comforting organic material that offers cushioning and support.

Why do cats love sheepskin?

Cats are drawn to sheepskin because it is soft, textured, warm, comforting and also offers cushioning. Natural materials are often a cat's favourite to sleep on, and sheepskin in particular has a natural organic smell, with the lanolin in the skin helping to relax the cat and make it feel safe and secure.

Is sheepskin safe for cats?

You and your feline friend will be pleased to know that sheepskin is very safe for cats! As long as the sheepskin has been organically tanned so that no harmful chemicals have been used in the process, then your cat will find great comfort from curling up on a sheepskin.

The benefits of sheepskin cat beds

So what exactly are the benefits of having a sheepskin bed for your cat? Well, there are more than you might expect...

Antibacterial and hypoallergenic

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin that resists dirt and grease. Lanolin is kind to sensitive or inflamed skin so many believe it can help to soothe or desensitise rashes or skin conditions such as eczema. This is especially helpful for short haired or cats of the hairless variety.

Self cleaning

One of the most useful benefits of having sheepskin as a cat bed is that sheepskin has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales or shingles that rub against each other to push off the dirt.

The third layer is a protective filmy skin that helps to resist water. The core of each wool fiber - which contains a protein called keratin - can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapour without the sheepskin getting or feeling damp.

Sheepskin fleece is also naturally resistant to the growth of mold which is really helpful if you have a cat that likes to spend a lot of time out of doors and often comes home damp.

It’s natural wicking properties, drawing moisture away from the cat's skin, also prevent the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive.

Sheepskins are also breathable, allowing air to continue circulating around your cat when he/she is at rest on them - again reducing the hot and clammy environment that bacteria loves.

Best of all, the sheepskin pet bed often just need a regular shake and/or brush to keep it looking tip top.

Temperature regulation

The natural temperature regulating properties of wool help to keep your cat warm without overheating; nature's answer to a thermostat! Sheepskins manage this via hollow fibres that allow air to circulate through the wool, making them breathable.

They also have the ability to wick away a third of its their own weight in moisture before dampness is felt. This paired with the sheepskin's ability to manage airflow via its hollow fibres reduces the amount of moisture collecting on your cats skin. This works to stop your cat overheating or sweating and aids in a more comfortable rest, as well as reduction in skin inflammation.

Offers support and pain relief

The densely packed wool fibres in the sheepskin offer support and cushioning for your cat, aiding in pain relief - especially for the older cats with arthritis and/or joint pains, or who are suffering from any muscular skeletal condition.

Durable

Sheepskin - if cared for correctly - can last decades. It is by nature's design an incredibly tough and durable material, the skin side being leather/suede and the fleece side being dense wool fibres. It needs little washing, can endure vigorous brushing and as discussed earlier in this post is antibacterial and has self cleaning powers.

Relaxing

The naturally occurring lanolin in the natural sheepskin seems to have a very relaxing effect on cats. It is not fully understood why - quite possibly the fact that it is an animal by product - but there is one theory that it reminds them of their mothers! Perfect for a cat cave where they can spend time alone relaxing or snoozing.

There are many benefits for furnishing your furry friend with their own sheepskin cat bed and here at the Fabulous Fleece Company we will be very happy to help you with your selection and answer any more questions you may have. You can browse our selection of sheepskin pet beds on our website, or get in touch if we can help.

So, you're considering a pair of sheepskin slippers - but what makes them such a worthwhile investment (apart from the sumptuous style)? There are a whole host of advantages to making sheepskin your slipper material of choice, so today we're taking a closer look at the amazing health benefits of a pair of authentic sheepskin slippers and how they can be of comfort throughout the winter and summer months.

The benefits of sheepskin slippers

They are warm and comfortable

There really is nothing like slipping your feet into a pocket of sheepskin fleece. Due to its density and cushioning support, sheepskin slippers are one of the most comfortable slippers on the market (I'm biased, but I'm also very well versed on this topic!). The warmth and feel from the insulating wool and the flexibility given from the suede or leather outer are an unbeatable team in footwear.

Due to the natural insulating properties of sheepskin, slippers in this material are suitable for any moderate to cold climates - unlike faux sheepskin that doesn’t offer any of the natural health giving properties of the natural sheepskin.

They have temperature regulating properties

Sheepskin has natural temperature regulating properties via the many hollow wool fibres that make up the sheep's dense fleece. These fibres help circulate the air, keeping the feet cool in summer and warm in winter - so they are great for many climates.

Sheepskin can improve blood circulation

Did you know that sheepskin can help to aid blood circulation? The thickness and density of sheepskin helps to distribute pressure evenly. This not only makes it very comfortable and supportive to the foot, but also helps to prevent sores and skin rubs. The density of the fleece means that the wool will not depress easily, enabling airflow and temperature regulation that ultimately aids blood circulation.

They are water resistant

Good quality sheepskin will have the ability to wick away a third of its own weight in moisture before dampness is felt. This property, paired with the sheepskin's ability to manage airflow via its hollow fibres, reduces the amount of moisture collecting on your skin. This works to stop you overheating or sweating and aids in a more comfortable support, as well as a reduction in skin inflammation. The suede or leather outer of the slippers are also water resistant to keep your feet warm and dry.

Sheepskin is durable

Natural sheepskin by nature is very tough and durable - it is after all a sheep's skin! This makes it the perfect material for slippers and protecting your feet. If looked after correctly, sheepskin slippers will offer you years of cosy service and comfort - unlike some synthetic slippers that look fabulous to start with but then wear very quickly.

They are self cleaning

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales that rub against each other to push off the dirt and is naturally resistant to the growth of mold.

So, are sheepskin slippers good for your feet?

It has to be a resounding yes from us - sheepskin slippers are fabulous for your feet. They regulate temperature, wick away moisture, help aid against skin inflammation, are incredibly tough, can improve blood circulation and also help keep your feet dry. What's not to love?!

Here at the Fabulous Fleece Company we handmake all of our sheepskin slippers out of the best quality sheepskin, suede and cowhide and here in Bungay on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. We are always happy to answer any questions that you may have. Browse them on our website today or get in touch if we can help.