Sheepskin Care & Stain Cleaning Guide
SHEEPSKIN IS EASY-CARE...WE PROMISE
It's Simple / Caring for Sheepskin
It’s easy to look after sheepskin and still enjoy all the benefits of this wonderful natural fibre.
Sheepskin is exceptionally easy to maintain due to its unique structure, providing natural durability and robustness, while even repelling dirt. Nonetheless, a little care and attention can go a long way in preserving its lasting beauty.
Rules and Reminders About Wool:
• Avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV damage.
• Regularly shake rugs, cushions, and bean bags to liven them up.
• Dry vacuum rugs regularly using a plain suction unit. Avoid using revolving/rotating/ turbo/beater bar attachments.
• Attend to spills and stains promptly to minimise potential damage.
• Dyed sheepskin products should be Specialist Leather dry-cleaned only.
Turbo and revolving brush vacuum cleaners can cause "frizziness" and harm the wool fibres. These should be avoided at all costs.
General Care
To maintain wool fibres, regularly vacuum with a plain suction vacuum cleaner. Longer wool rugs benefit from occasional brushing with a wire pet brush (pet slicker pad). For small spills, a damp cloth can be used for blotting the area. Brush before and after the spot is dry.
To prevent damage, avoid exposing sheepskins to sunlight, as UV rays can harm natural fibres and fade or discolour sheepskins. It's essential not to store sheepskins in damp or wet conditions to prevent deterioration of the natural leather pelt.
By adhering to these simple care instructions, you can prolong the enduring beauty of our products.
Brushing
Brushing is only effective on unshorn, long wool products. After cleaning, it is likely that the wool fibres will return to their natural curly state. To restore the fluffy appearance and natural “loft” of the fibres, brushing when wet with a wire wool comb, followed by brushing once dry, can be beneficial.
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Please ask your nearest sales office about an Auskin sheepskin care brush.
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Drying
Air-dry your sheepskin by hanging it on a line or laying it out flat, but remember not to expose it to direct sunlight. Stretching the sheepskin during the drying process helps retain its shape and prevents excessive shrinkage. Tumble drying, ironing, or bleaching the sheepskin should be avoided.
Washing
For spot cleaning small stains and light soiling, use a damp cloth with mild detergent, such as a biodegradable soap or natural pH soap. For a more thorough clean, and to gain the best result, Specialist Leather dry-cleaning is recommended.
Auskin undyed sheepskins can be hand or machine washed in warm water (40°C/104°F) using a mild liquid detergent that is suitable for hand washing dishes. A “gentle” wash cycle is recommended if machine washing. Please note that machine or hand washing may affect the appearance of the natural wool fibres and the leather pelt.
Products with cotton or other backing materials are not suitable for machine or hand washing and should be Specialist Leather dry cleaned. Dyed products are also best Specialist Leather dry-cleaned to prevent colours from bleeding.
Washing Instructions / Caring for Sheepskin
Hand or machine wash in warm water, using a gentle washing cycle and a mild liquid detergent suitable for hand washing dishes.
• Wash in warm water at 40°C which equates to 104°F.
• Do not bleach.
• Dry flat or hang on a line.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Do not iron.
• Specialist Leather dry-cleaning is recommended.
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Caring for Sheepskin
Spills and Stains /
When it comes to cleaning stains on sheepskin, there are a number of cleaning treatments that can be used, depending on the type of stain. Before applying any cleaning treatment, the first and most crucial step is to "contain the stain" by firmly blotting up excess liquid spills and carefully scraping any solids.
Address accidental spills and stains immediately to avoid permanent damage.
Before using any stain treatment, “contain the stain” to prevent it from spreading further. Different types of stains require specific cleaning methods.
Please refer to the Stain Cleaning Guide table for more information >>
Soiling
The most common cause of soiling is dirty shoes on rugs. Placing a strategically positioned front door mat can prevent potential offenders from tracking dirt into the home, thus avoiding any soiling caused by dirt accumulation.
Staining bonds
Staining occurs when pigments chemically bond with wool fibres. Once this bonding takes place, it becomes very challenging to remove the stain without causing some damage to the wool pile. It is therefore crucial to promptly address spills and stains as soon as they occur.
Frequent and moderate cleaning is strongly advised. This preventive approach will help avoid the need for more extensive measures to restore sheepskin products to their original splendour.
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Dealing with liquid stains
DO "contain the stain"
• Blot up liquids immediately using a paper towel or clean cloth. For large area spills, place down a clean towel and stand on it to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Scoop up solids immediately using a knife or spoon, avoiding pushing the substance further into the wool pile.
Handle With Care
• Never rub wet wool pile as it can damage the fibres and cause further spread of the stain.
• Avoid drowning the wool in water or any other liquid, as it may cause watermarks on the surface and/or damage the rug's leather backing.
Wet Stain Remover:
For liquid stains, we recommend the use of a wet stain remover, ensuring the stain is first firmly blotted before applying any stain treatment.. Use a clean, dry towel or paper towels to firmly blot up the excess liquid prior to using a wet stain remover. If the stain covers a large area, place a towel down and stand on it to quickly blot up the excess. It’s important to take up as much liquid as possible in this first step to ensure you use less of the stain remover and achieve the best result. Avoid the temptation to pour water or other liquids directly onto the stain, as it can spread the stain and damage the woolskin backing.
Treating Red Wine Stains:
The extent of staining from red wine depends on the type of red wine, and it can vary significantly. Firmly blot up as much red wine as possible before applying a wet stain remover and continue to reapply and re-blot the area until no further colour transfers onto the towel or cloth. As the woolskin dries, the stain should lift further. In the case of red wine stains, a wet stain remover can be effective, even after the stain has dried off. For persistent discolouration after the stain has dried, attempt to repeat the application to remove more of the stain out of the woolskin.
Dry Stain Remover:
Designed for most food, drink, oil, and grease-based stains, this type of remover is suitable for woolskin rugs. This product is effective on nearly all dry stains that haven't caused a chemical reaction with the wool fibres. Never rub wet woolskin, as it damages the fibres - instead, use a dry stain remover lightly sprayed on the stain and then vacuum the resulting powder with a fine nozzle. We recommend that you check the manufacturer’s advise for your specific vacuum cleaner, as some modern vacuums might be sensitive to fine powder and lose their suction.
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Caring for Sheepskin
Stain Cleaning Guide /
1 Stain Remover for Wet Stains **
2 One teaspooon of wool detergent with one teaspoon of white vinegar in one litre of warm water
3 Clear household disinfectant
4 Stain Remover for Dry Stains
5 Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Pick or scrape off solids.
6 Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water
7 Nail polish remover (should not contain lanolin)
8 Isopropyl alcohol
9 Place absorbent paper over wax or paper towel and apply hot iron to paper. Wax will melt and be absorbed by paper.
10 Vacuum clean
11 Mineral turpentine
12 Seek assistance from a professional cleaner
If you don't have a wet stain remover available, lukewarm water can be a suitable alternative, as long as you don't over-saturate the wool. Ensure that you have blotted up as much excess moisture as possible before gently applying water to the stain and blotting it up again.
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STAIN TYPE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Beer & spirits 1 2 Bleach 1 12 Blood 1 2 Butter 4 2 Candle Wax 9 4 Chewing Gum 5 4 Chocolate 4 1 Coffee 1 6 Cola / soft drinks 1 2 Cooking oil 4 2 Cream 1 4 Egg 1 12 Faeces 1 3 12 Floor wax 4 1 Fruit juice 1 2 Furniture polish 4 1 Gravy & sauces 1 Ink – ballpoint 8 1 Ink – felt tip 4 1 STAIN TYPE STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Lipstick 4 2 Milk 1 4 Mud (when dry) 10 4 Mustard 1 Nail polish 7 4 Oil & grease 4 2 Paint (oil based) 4 Paint (acrylic) 1 2 Rust 6 12 Salad dressing 1 4 Shoe polish 4 2 Soot 10 4 Tar 11 4 Tea 1 6 Tomato sauce 7 2 Urine (fresh) 1 2 3 Urine (old stain) 12 Vomit 1 3 6 Wine 1 6
Remember:
• Avoid placing the sheepskin in direct sunlight to prevent colour fading.
• Be aware that colour transfer from sheepskin may occur with perspiration or moisture.
• Soak up spills promptly with a damp cloth.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to solvent-based surfaces.
By following these care and stain cleaning instructions, you can ensure the lasting beauty of our sheepskin products. For any additional guidance or queries, please contact your nearest Auskin sales office.
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