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The Fabulous Fleece Company Blog

How to show your sheepskin some love

Love is the theme you can't avoid this weekend so we thought we'd join in by looking how to take care of the items you love, as well as the people! 

Our sheepskins are easy to instantly fall in love with, being such a luxurious and sensory interior accessory. You can enjoy a long-lasting relationship too - your sheepskin rug will last for years to come if you just give it a bit of regular TLC.

Here are our top tips on how to show your sheepskin some love and care for it over time.

Brush it

With time and use the fleece can become matted down and lose a little of its original fluffiness. The fleece's hairs are crimped, acting as mini springs, which is great for support and comfort. However the fibres, especially on the longer haired fleeces like the Icelandic and curlier Tibetan sheepskins can also get tangled.

However, this can be quickly remedied by brushing it with a metal pin style brush - such as our slicker brush. This will instantly restore that appealing fluffiness. 

Shake it

Along with brushing, the simplest regular task you can do to look after your sheepskin is to shake it vigorously to remove any small, loose particles. This will help to restore the look of the pile too. 

You can also use a vacuum cleaner on you sheepskin, but be sure to use a gentle power setting and with a non-rotating attachment.

Spot clean it

For treating small stains, you can spot clean your sheepskin by dabbing with some lukewarm water and a little wool wash.

Try to blot the rug to lift the stain, rather than rub it furiously as this risks damaging the fibres. Also use a clean white cloth - to better see the stain being taken out  - and move from the outside edges inwards. 

Wash it 

However, if your sheepskin has become a little dirty all over, you can pop it into the washing machine on a gentle wash, just as you would your best wool jumper. So make sure it's a cool wash (max 30 degrees) with a shorter spin. 

We always recommend using proper wool shampoo as these don't contain any harmful enzymes that could damage the fleece. You only need to use a small amount each time. Some people also swear by adding a tablespoon of glycerine to the fabric conditioner drawer to help keep the back nice and supple.

Larger sheepskins that won't fit in your machine - like trebles, quads and larger - can be hand washed in the bath with wool shampoo. Just make sure the water is cool.

Dry it

You have to be careful not to skimp on this stage and do it right or the back of your sheepskin can stiffen and shrink too much. Firstly, reshape on a flat surface and give it a good brush while damp. 

Then leave it to air dry slowly but not in direct sunlight or next to a heat source like a fire or radiator. Also completely stay away from using the tumbler dryer or an iron. Give it another good brush through when dry.

Love it like new

Follow the simple steps above and your sheepskin will be restored to its original glory and ready for many more years of love!

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