Caring for sheep hides

We get many questions about caring for sheep hides so they’ll last for generations. The first thing I tell folks is to remember, the hide, in its natural state, survived all types of weather and harsh conditions.

The very nature of any household creates dirt and of course accidents have the potential for worse, permanent stains and smells!

You will surely want to clean, or spot clean your hide.

First and foremost, shake it out! That is the single best way to clean the wool. Wool that has become matted down from use can be revived with a good brushing or fluffing. A dog brush with wide spaced prongs works well. Short wool pelts can also be vacuumed.

Simply shaking it out by hand should sufficiently rid the hide of most dust and debris.

If something is spilled on the hide I would immediately blot it with cold water. If that doesn't suffice I would either run it under sink water or a hose on the spot itself.

The hide can be washed on a gentle cycle, with gentle soap and cool water. Do Not Put in the Dryer! Lay flat to dry. As the hide is drying you may want to “work” the leather side as illustrated in my video. Keeping the leather soft and supple is an important goal.

A good reminder from the folks @ Driftless Tannery, “when wetting wool, please make sure to spot clean in one direction, and avoid rubbing the area.

Moisture + wool + agitation = felting!”

Whether your yoga mat, your rug to snuggle your bare toes in, your car seat, your gorgeous decor…these beautiful, naturally tanned hides should last a lifetime if cared for properly.