Sheepskin care: keeping natural wool soft and fluffy

1. Start with the product label and backing

A natural pelt has wool and leather hide, while other rugs and chair pads may also have a separate backing. A stool or pouf includes upholstery and structural parts. A padded natural wool pet bed is another construction again. One cleaning method is not suitable for every item.

Follow the care instructions for the individual product. The Supk Kurk sheepskin cards advise gentle maintenance and spot cleaning rather than soaking, machine washing or tumble drying. A general wool-wash setting does not establish that the leather, seams, backing or filling of a finished product can be washed.

2. Shake, air and brush lightly

If vacuuming is needed, use low suction without a rotating brush. Stop if the tool pulls at the wool or catches an edge. Keep wooden and metal furniture parts dry and care for them separately.

• Lift a loose pelt or pad carefully and shake it gently to release dust and lift flattened wool. Do not shake a heavy stool or pouf.
• Air loose items in a dry, shaded place. Avoid leaving them in damp weather or prolonged direct sun.
• When the wool is dry, brush lightly with a suitable sheepskin brush in the wool direction. Work in small areas instead of pulling through a tight tangle.
• For curled wool or a particular finish, check the card or ask before vigorous brushing. Natural curl does not need to be straightened.

3. Spot-clean a small mark

Blot a fresh spill promptly with a clean absorbent cloth. Do not scrub it into the wool or soak the whole item. For a small remaining mark, use a lightly dampened soft cloth, cool water and a small amount of a cleaner suitable for the specific wool or sheepskin product.

Follow the cleaner’s instructions and first test a small, inconspicuous area. Use as little moisture as practical, avoid saturating the leather or extra backing, and blot gently. Do not use bleach or assume an ordinary carpet cleaner is suitable. If colour transfers or the mark spreads, stop and ask for specialist advice.

4. Let it dry naturally

Allow a damp area to dry with air circulation, away from radiators, hairdryers, fireplaces and direct sunlight. For a loose rug or pelt, support it flat without stretching the wet hide. Avoid strong heat, which can affect wool and leather.

Wait until the item is completely dry before placing it back against a floor or upholstery. Shake gently and brush lightly if appropriate for its wool finish. Do not tumble dry the sheepskin products covered by this guide.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a wool setting as proof that the whole finished item is machine washable.
• Soaking the backing to clean a small surface mark.
• Scrubbing wool or using an aggressive rotating vacuum brush.
• Drying against a radiator or in prolonged direct sunshine.
• Treating a sheepskin chair pad as a removable, ordinary washable fabric cushion cover.

When a deeper clean is needed

For a large stain, persistent odour or an uncertain backing, contact a cleaner experienced with genuine sheepskin. Tell them about any additional pad backing, upholstery, wood, metal or filling, and show the care label. A padded wool pet bed should be assessed using its own material information.

If you are unsure about a Supk Kurk item, open its product page and send an enquiry. Include what happened and the product name so the question can be considered for that specific construction.