how to clean and maintain your sheepskin

To keep your sheepskin in peak condition, the key is a gentle touch. Because of wool’s inherent self-cleaning properties, these pieces require far less maintenance than synthetic alternatives.

Lanolin is the secret ingredient that makes northern sheepskins so special. It’s a natural wax produced by the sheep to coat their wool, acting as a built-in raincoat and armor against the elements.

Because Icelandic and Greenlandic sheep evolved to survive such extreme, sub-arctic environments, their lanolin content is exceptionally high. This wax is what keeps the "tog" (the long outer coat) waterproof and the "thel" (the soft inner down) warm and dry.

• The "Golden" Glow: Lanolin has a naturally creamy, yellowish tint. If you notice a sheepskin has a warm, ivory, or slightly golden hue rather than a "bleached" paper-white, that is usually the sign of a high-quality, lanolin-rich fleece.
• Color Depth: In multi-colored or spotted hides, the lanolin adds a slight luster or "sheen" to the wool. It makes the greys, browns, and blacks look richer and more vibrant.
• The "Natural" Look: Pure white sheepskins in big-box stores are often heavily bleached and chemically stripped of their lanolin to achieve that snowy look. Authentic Icelandic and Greenlandic hides retain that natural, off-white "butter" tone because the lanolin is left intact to preserve the wool's health.
• Aging and Light: Over time, sunlight can slightly "bleach" the tips of the wool, but the lanolin deep within the fleece helps the colors stay saturated near the hide.

A sheepskin rich in lanolin isn't just a color choice—it’s a performance choice. The lanolin makes the wool naturally antimicrobial and dirt-resistant. It keeps the fibers supple and prevents them from becoming brittle or "frizzy." For a customer buying a piece of Greenlandic or Icelandic history, that golden-creamy tone is the mark of a rug that still carries its natural arctic protection.

The best way to keep your sheepskin looking new is through regular physical care.

• Give your sheepskin a regular shake for about 10 seconds once a week (or more depending on the use) to loosen the wool fibers and remove any dust.  
• For Straight Wool: Regularly use a metal-toothed sheepskin brush (or a pet slicker brush). This detangles the fibers, removes dust, and restores the original loft and silkiness.
• For Curly Wool: Do not brush. Brushing curly varieties will frizz the wool and ruin the natural ringlet structure. Instead, simply give the pelt a vigorous shake to refresh the curls.  If you did happen to brush the curls, regularly shaking and touching the wool will eventually bring back the curls.  

For minor spills or stains, spot cleaning is the best way to preserve the leather’s suppleness and the wool’s natural oils.

• Use a damp cloth with water or a small amount of specialized wool detergent.
• Gently dab the area without soaking through to the leather backing.
• Pat dry with a clean towel and allow it to air dry naturally.

• Avoid Full Immersion: To keep the leather backing soft and prevent it from shrinking or hardening, avoid submerging the entire pelt in water.
• Skip the Heat: Never put your sheepskin in a dryer or use a hairdryer. High heat can damage the proteins in the wool and cause the leather to crack.
• No Harsh Chemicals: Avoid bleach or standard laundry detergents, which strip away the natural lanolin that gives the wool its antimicrobial properties.
• Avoid brushing naturally curly sheepskins as this will damage the curl structure.  Although time will restore the curls to their natural shape,  the better choice is to gently run your fingers through the wool to separate any tangles, and shake out regularly to help the wool find its original space.