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Care
SHEEPSKIN
CARE
Storage Place skin in a cool
dry place . Be sure to avoid direct sunlight.
Packaging in plastic bags for an extended
period of time is not recommended as the sheepskin
fibers will not breathe and condensation may
occur in warm conditions. You can use TyvekŪ
material to wrap and store rug. This product
allows the skin to breathe. Contact
us for more information on TyvekŪ.
Washing Most sheepskins can
be easily hand or machine washed. It is important
not to use hot water when washing sheepskins
as this may damage the pelt. Be sure and read
manufacturer's recommendations. Some South
American sheepskin rugs are not machine washable.
Hand Washing Use a mild liquid
household detergent in cold or warm water
(max 40°C/105°F). Do not use soap or washing
powders containing enzymes or bleach, or which
are alkaline. *Do not use fabric softeners.
Rinse thoroughly in warm water. Hand squeeze
as much water from the sheepskin as possible
or spin in the washing machine. We recommend
lanolin based wash products. Contact
us for a great product you can use.
Machine Washing Use the 'wool
wash' cycle on your washing machine and wash
in warm water (max 40°C/105°F). Use a mild
liquid detergent suitable for washing machines.
Do not use soap or washing powders containing
enzymes or bleach, or which are alkaline and
will damage skin. Also, do not agitate for
more than 4 minutes.
Drying DO NOT SPIN DRY. The
sheepskin may be tumble dried on the 'cool'
or 'warm' setting. Do not use 'hot' setting
as excessive heat may damage the skin. Alternatively,
hang the sheepskin outside to dry naturally,
avoiding direct sunlight. Take care not to
place the sheepskin on a radiator, steam pipe
or in front of a fan heater as this may also
damage the sheepskin. Do not iron or bleach
the sheepskin. If the underside of the skin
becomes hard this can be "Staked" to soften
it when the leather is almost, but not quite
dry. The staking can be done by using a square
ended stick, which is rubbed firmly along
the skin, working to the outside edges from
the centre. This action loosens up the leather
fibers which tend to clump together while
drying.
Brushing After washing, the wool may
revert back to its natural curly state. You
can help restore the fluffy appearance by
brushing the wool while it is wet and again
when it is dry. A wire pet brush or comb is
suitable. The sheepskin can also be professionally
dry-cleaned. Contact
us for more information
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