Caring for sheepskin: How to properly look after your piece
A sheepskin brings warmth to a room, draped over a chair, an armchair, or the sofa. Our vegetable-tanned Swiss sheepskins ask for surprisingly little care in return. Wool is naturally resilient and has no need for washing. A breath of fresh air, a regular shake, and—depending on the fleece—a gentle brush are usually all it takes to keep your skin feeling soft and looking well for a long time.
The following care tips apply to our vegetable-tanned Swiss sheepskins. Other sheepskins may need different care, depending on how they were tanned and crafted.
Wool brush for sheepskins
CHF 25.00
A gentle, regular brushing breathes new life into the fleece, easing out tangles and letting its natural texture rest easy. Crafted by Ashford in New Zealand, our wool brush is especially suited for sheepskins with smooth fleece. Measuring 22 by 10 cm, it rests comfortably in the hand.
Caring for sheepskin in three simple steps
1 Shake out
The best way to care for your sheepskin is to give it a good, vigorous shake outside. This releases dust and loose dirt, letting the wool breathe and fall back into its natural, soft loft.
2 Air it out
Hang your sheepskin out in the fresh, dry air regularly to let it breathe, ideally in the shade. Avoid fog, high humidity, and dew—especially overnight. Sheep's wool naturally absorbs odors very slowly, so frequent washing is not necessary.
3 Brushing & Vacuuming
You can gently brush smooth-haired coats with a coat brush in the direction of hair growth. This refreshes the wool and preserves its natural texture. You should not brush curly-haired coats so that the curl pattern is preserved. Instead, you can carefully vacuum them on a low setting.
A little tip: with a new sheepskin, a few loose hairs might shed at first. This is completely natural and will settle down over time.
Caring for your sheepskin
How often should a sheepskin be cared for?
Giving the sheepskin a good shake and airing it out always works wonders. How often you brush or vacuum it depends on how much it is used: a fleece on a chair or armchair needs a little more attention than one that lies mostly as decoration. There is no rigid routine; the best time to care for your sheepskin is simply whenever it asks for a little refreshment.
What You Should Avoid
Our vegetable-tanned sheepskins should not go in the washing machine. Water and tumbling can change the leather, making it stiff and brittle. Please also steer clear of household cleaners, sprays, and fabric softeners.
To dry it, keep your sheepskin away from direct heat sources like radiators, and avoid using a hair dryer. If your fleece has curly wool, it's best not to brush it, as this can pull apart its natural curls.
A little care, a lifetime of warmth. ♡
Swiss sheepskin: vegetable-tanned in the Emmental
Most Swiss sheepskins and lambskins are discarded today, while skins are imported from New Zealand and Australia. We work with sheepskins to give this local resource new value. They are tanned with mimosa, a tanning agent from acacia bark that gives the leather side a natural brownish hue. This vegetable-tanned leather is chrome-free and crafted in one of the last remaining tanneries in Switzerland, preserving traditional craftsmanship and knowledge.
How to Care for Sheepskin Properly—Frequently Asked Questions
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Our vegetable-tanned Swiss sheepskins prefer not to be washed. Water and the motion of a wash can alter the hide, leaving it stiff and brittle. Most days, a simple shake, a breath of fresh air, and—depending on the fleece—a gentle brush or vacuum are all it asks for.
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For small, fresh marks, gently brush or shake them out when dry. Avoid rubbing and keep the fleece dry. Depending on the type of fleece, you can then gently brush the leather side or vacuum it on a low setting.
For stubborn or tougher stains, you can bring your sheepskin to us. We will gladly take a look and advise you on the right cleaning and care.
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Yes. The fur brush works wonderfully for lambskin pillows and fur collars with straight hair too. Always brush gently and in the direction of the fur, without applying any pressure.
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Gently dab away any liquids immediately with an absorbent cloth. Do not rub, and take care not to soak the fleece. Carefully lift away dried dirt, such as food remnants, without working them into the wool. Then, let the fleece dry completely at room temperature.
For stubborn dirt, you can wash the sheepskin by hand in lukewarm water using a gentle wool detergent. Do not soak or wring. Gently squeeze out the excess water and let it dry flat at room temperature. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight.
If you're unsure, feel free to bring the fleece to us – we'll gladly take a look and advise you.
Do you still have questions? Write to us at hallo@marai.ch. We always welcome a conversation and are happy to help.
With a little care, sheepskin stays with you for years. Discover our natural, vegetable-tanned sheepskins, pillows, and collars.