How to clean sheepskin fur at home if a warm item is sewn from it, a carpet is woven, or a collar is sewn on? Over time, the products require periodic cleaning, while the owner aims to preserve its original condition and create the appearance of newness and freshness.
Sheepskin cleaning
The fashion for household items made from natural raw materials has remained at the highest level for many years, but in order for things not to repel others with their sloppiness, proper care is required.
Cleaning sheepskin at home
Cleaning sheepskin at home is considered a rather troublesome and labor-intensive procedure, so most housewives try to delegate it to the dry cleaning staff. However, this is not always convenient and beneficial for the wallet, so cleaning fur yourself is increasingly becoming commonplace.
Did you know? Sheep farming is considered one of the oldest branches of agriculture. Sheep were first domesticated about 8 thousand years ago in the territory of Ancient Syria, Turkey and Mesopotamia.
Today, for this you can use both a lot of professional means and many folk methods, the most effective of which will be discussed below.
Dry cleaning white sheepskin
Dry cleaning is ideal for daily care of sheep fur. It helps to effectively deal with contaminants and protect valuable items from stubborn stains. The easiest way to dry clean is shaking or using a vacuum cleaner. This allows you to remove dust and all kinds of large contaminants from the product.
If the product changes color to gray during use or becomes covered with dark and greasy stains, you need to use a more intensive cleaning method. The surface of the fur should be covered with fine table salt, semolina or potato starch, and then wiped with a soft brush. This procedure is carried out several times until the sheepskin is completely bleached.
Despite its simplicity and high efficiency, dry cleaning is not always suitable. Only perfectly dried fur is subjected to it, without any remaining drops or anything else. Otherwise, moisture may react with the cleaning component and cause the formation of lumps, and this may render the product unusable, so before the procedure it is recommended to dry the wool thoroughly at room temperature.
Read more about technologies, production methods and beneficial properties of sheepskin products.
Cleaning sheepskin using improvised means
In addition to dry cleaning, you can also use a whole range of wet preparations to clean fur. Of the available means for this, the most popular is simple hydrogen peroxide. A tablespoon of liquid should be diluted in a liter of clean water, and then moisten the sponge with the resulting mixture. A damp sponge is carefully passed over the top of the wool so as not to wet the product, and then it is dried.
As an alternative, you can use a mixture of starch and aviation kerosene. It is prepared to a thick consistency, after which it is applied to the surface of the fur. After the mixture has dried, the sheep's fur should be shaken out or vacuumed.
When it is necessary to overcome greasy stains, the most reliable remedy at hand is dried bread. It is necessary to wipe the dirty area with crusts several times.
Use of household chemicals
In most cases, cleaning with specialized chemicals is started after home methods have failed. To do this, use special products for cleaning carpets or wool.
They are a concentrate that should be diluted in water and then whipped until foamy. The resulting foam is carefully applied to the surface of the sheepskin with a soft brush.
As soon as the cleaned surface has dried, the wool should be thoroughly vacuumed to remove large contaminants and then combed.
Highly active chemicals instantly clean sheepskin items, but they have some disadvantages. First of all, such drugs often contain strong allergens, so they can cause acute allergic manifestations or other specific reactions of the body.
That is why they are not recommended for people with allergies, or when there are small children in the house. In addition, such drugs can cause irritation if they come into contact with the skin, so be sure to use rubber gloves when using them.
Did you know? Products made from sheepskin have special thermal insulation properties. In cold weather, they provide excellent warmth, and in hot weather they help avoid overheating, which is what allowed fur to gain particular popularity back in ancient times.
Removing stains
Often, the stains on sheepskin are local in nature, and the product becomes covered with various stains. In this case, most people subject the wool to complex and intensive processing. However, a local cleaning method can be used to target the desired area.
In this case, it is necessary to strictly separate the processing of colored and white products; not only the final success, but also the appearance of the wool depends on this condition.
How to process manually?
You can wash sheepskin by hand. If the product is small, use a basin. The bulky skins are soaked in the bathtub.
The leather should be washed and rinsed with water at the same temperature. Its difference will cause the pile to form a ball. It will be difficult to comb through it.
Procedure:
shake off dust and dirt from the product, check the pile for stuck debris;- pour warm water into a suitable container;
- dissolve liquid detergent or regular shampoo in it;
- soak the skin for half an hour, periodically knead it with your hands and heat it;
- after 30 minutes, the sheepskin is carefully washed; it should not be rubbed or pulled by the fur;
- rinse the item - change the water until it becomes clear.
Video: how to distinguish natural sheepskin from artificial one
On colored sheepskin
If the stain appears on artificially dyed sheepskin, it will not be so easy to remove. Under the influence of aggressive agents, the product may lose its rich color, and in the case of local application, even cause a chemical burn to the coat color.
At home, it is best to use special cleaning products for dyed wool. They can be replaced with an aqueous solution of ammonia (1:1). It must be gently rubbed into the contaminated area and then removed with a damp sponge.
If you are a sheep farmer, you may be interested in learning how to process sheep skins and sheep wool.
On white sheepskin
One of the difficult tasks is cleaning snow-white sheepskin from all kinds of stains from chocolate, juices, drinks, etc. In most cases, even after several washing cycles, residues of aggressive substances remain on the surface of the sheepskin. In this case, it is necessary to use a solution of hydrogen peroxide (2 tablespoons/1 liter of water).
This liquid should be applied to the stain with a sponge, without wetting the base of the sheepskin, and then dried. If the stain cannot be removed in one go, the procedure is repeated several times until traces of pollutants are completely eliminated.
Video: cleaning covers made of natural white sheepskin
Whitening
The main problem that every owner of sheepskin and other fur products faces is the change from the whitish shade of fur to grayish-yellow. They fight it by bleaching using a concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide.
The liquid is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio, after which the prepared solution must be poured into a mechanical spray bottle and sprayed evenly over the surface of the fur. Then the sheepskin needs to be dried thoroughly. If the procedure does not bring the expected result, it is repeated.
However, bleaching often causes irreparable damage to sheepskin. Under the influence of concentrated and aggressive agents, the wool, as well as its base, is destroyed.
This not only leads to a deterioration in the appearance of such products, but also significantly reduces their service life, so bleaching sheep skins is often not recommended; this procedure is carried out only as necessary and no more than 2 times a year.
Cleaning the base of the fur
This procedure is carried out no more than several times a year . Despite its necessity, it causes harm to sheepskin, which over time leads to a sharp reduction in the service life of sheepskin products. The simplest means for carrying out such cleaning is considered to be chopped potatoes.
Important! Before using any of the above methods, apply a small amount of cleaning product to an inconspicuous part of the product. This will help protect the fur from unexpected chemical reactions with all kinds of impurities of cleaning substances.
The peeled tubers need to be brought to a homogeneous mass using a meat grinder, and then evenly distributed over the sheepskin and walked well over it with a soft brush. As the potato mixture becomes dirty, it is replaced with a new one. At the end of the procedure, the remaining potato is removed with a damp sponge, and the product is dried at room temperature.
What to do if the sheepskin becomes stiff after washing
If after washing, rinsing and drying the sheepskin has become hard, then it is urgently necessary to revive it. To do this, you should prepare a softening composition. You need to take one tablespoon each of baby cream and glycerin (sold at the pharmacy) and mix them with a glass of water. This mixture should be treated with the inner part of the sheep skin. The product should be left to soak and soften for 30 minutes, after which it will become soft.
Some housewives use sunflower oil, animal fat, and fat-based creams to soften sheepskin.
If all procedures for washing sheepskin were done correctly, the product has every chance of maintaining an attractive appearance for a long time, even after several washes.
Wash
One of the universal ways to remove any stains and contaminants on sheepskin is washing. This is the most aggressive, but at the same time effective way to clean wool, as well as the base of a sheepskin. In this case, you can traditionally use both hand and machine washing, adhering to some of the features of these procedures.
Handwash
Washing sheepskin is ideal for removing medium-sized stains from small items, as well as when you need to achieve a particularly delicate procedure. The general scheme for washing a white product looks quite simple.
Rinsing is also carried out with warm water, otherwise the product may become deformed.
A small container should be filled with warm water (no more than +40°C), and then a detergent for washing carpets or fur items should be dissolved in it. Dirty sheepskin should be soaked in water for 30 minutes, then washed with light and smooth movements.
If dyed fur becomes dirty, soak the sheepskin in a cleaning solution at room temperature. This is one of the main requirements, since otherwise the fur may lose its rich color.
In this case, the soaking procedure can be increased up to 60 minutes. The remaining operations are no different from washing white fur, with the exception of rinsing, which is performed in cold water.
Spin without twisting!
The main disadvantage of hand washing is the size limitations of the product. This method is used to clean only small household rugs and other things, with one side measuring no more than 50 cm. In all other cases, use a washing machine.
Hand washing quite often leads to a change in the rich shine of the fur to a duller one. In this case, the skin will need to be restored. To do this, a handful of walnuts must be lightly crushed, then wrapped in gauze, and then thoroughly wiped.
Machine washable
You can wash sheepskin in a washing machine without any problems. To do this, you should select a special delicate wash mode or a program for cleaning woolen items. At the same time, depending on the color of the wool, you need to choose a special temperature regime. White skins are washed at +30...+40°C, colored skins - only in cold water. In this case, the spin is set to a minimum or no more than 500 rpm.
Important! Regardless of the type of wet wash, to dry the sheepskin should be spread on a horizontal plane and periodically wiped with a dry terry towel. Otherwise, the skin may lose its shape and softness.
Despite the fact that after washing in a washing machine the product is cleaned almost perfectly, such washing may not always go smoothly. Unlike manual, the procedure itself does not allow for adjustments and, if the wrong program is selected, it will not be possible to avoid damage to the fur.
If the temperature setting is incorrectly set when washing in a machine, a product made of natural wool can “shrink,” so to speak, that is, become smaller in size than it was originally.
Regular washing powder is unsuitable for this; machine washing of sheepskin is carried out using special liquid shampoos for wool or fur fabrics.
Features of restoring children's clothing
Environmentally friendly sheepskin gives children pleasure with things made from this material with its festive appearance. Warm overalls, hats, and fur-trimmed boots keep the child warm, but he has no idea that clothing that is comfortable in all cases has the ability to quickly become dirty.
Purchased finished items have instructions for their use published on tags attached to the inside surface of the material. It indicates the possibility of washing or prohibitions, indicates the temperature of the water, and how to wash it - in a machine or by hand. There are many products on sale for cleaning fur linings, baby envelopes, and any other products. It is advisable to choose cleaning agents for use on children's accessories, as they contain anti-allergenic components.
Children's clothing, by definition, cannot be large, which means it will not be difficult to wash it by hand.
Cleaning sheepskin coats, sheepskin coats, jackets - on video:
Rules for caring for sheepskin
Every owner of valuable fur should be able to not only properly wash a delicate product, but also be able to care for it. This will make it possible to avoid heavy contamination and also extend the life of the fur cover. To do this, you will need to follow fairly simple rules that do not require specific knowledge and skills.
shorn
The sheepskin pile itself is capable of self-cleaning, this is achieved thanks to a special substance - lanolin. However, such products cannot do without the help of the owner. To preserve the quality of sheared fur for a long time, you will need to clean it from dust at least once a week.
Dry cleaning or simple vacuuming is suitable for this. In this case, the power of the vacuum cleaner should be minimal, otherwise there is a high probability of damage to the fur. As dirty spots appear, the wool must be cleaned using a wet method.
It is better to do such procedures manually, since only in this case can damage to its structure be completely avoided. At the same time, it is permissible to carry out no more than 3-4 washes per year, otherwise the quality of the pile will decrease after 1-2 years of use.
Longhair
If a product made from sheep fur has a long pile, in addition to basic cleaning, periodic combing of the piles will also be required. Otherwise, after some time they will stick together, and the sheepskin in this case will completely lose its decorative value. Use a special or any soft brush for this.
Brush the fur regularly, in the direction of hair growth, but no more than several times a month. Otherwise, the general scheme for caring for long-haired sheepskin is no different from sheared sheepskin and is carried out in the same way.
Sheepskin is one of the most popular natural products, distinguished by its special decorative properties. Unlike other fur products, it lasts many times longer and does not require complex care. However, from time to time such fur needs high-quality cleaning using dry and wet methods, otherwise in just a few years it will become completely unusable.
How to wash a sheepskin rug
Since the rug is a voluminous product, it will not be possible to use a washing machine. Must be washed by hand.
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Rules for using a sheepskin rug:
- Daily shaking out of sheepskin flooring should become a rule for every housewife.
- Rugs should be vacuumed once or twice a week, running a brush through the wool. This procedure will help get rid of debris stuck in the deep layers of fur.
- A sheepskin rug must be washed at least once a month. This is done manually, with the addition of liquid detergent. After washing, it should be rinsed in several waters and dried in a horizontal position with the fur facing up.
If your sheepskin rug has turned yellow, you can bleach it. To do this, take two tablespoons of a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and dilute them in 1 liter of cold water. Gently moisten the fur with a sponge, avoiding getting the base too wet. After processing, the sheepskin should dry naturally. If treatment is insufficient, you can increase the concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
Care Tips
- In order for the sheepskin fur to retain its fluffiness as long as possible, it must be combed. To do this, you will need to buy a special brush, which is sold in any zoological store.
- When exposed to sunlight, the fur may fade. This applies not only to sheepskin, but also to any other natural fur. Exposure to high temperatures is also undesirable, as the sheepskin will dry out and become brittle and stiff. These features should be taken into account when drying the covers; hang them in a dry, cool and dark room. When the covers are in the car, the sun's rays do not harm them, since the glass provides ultraviolet protection. Sheepskin is not afraid of moisture, but this does not mean that it can be left wet.
- Storing sheepskin covers in cellophane is unacceptable. This fur must breathe. It is better to purchase a bag for storing them, made from natural material.
- There are two ways to get rid of dirt. Wait until it dries and brush it out with the brush we already talked about above. If it doesn’t help, then take a sponge and soap solution in your hands.
- If grease gets on the fur, it is necessary to treat the area of contamination with gasoline, first applying it to a clean cloth or sponge. After wiping the fur with gasoline, you will need to treat the area of contamination with a damp cloth and dry the cover. The skin cannot be processed in any way and must not be exposed to moisture.
If you follow all these recommendations and take proper care of your covers, they will serve you for many years and will delight you with their beautiful appearance.
Basic methods of processing sheepskin
The easiest way to care for products made from natural materials is to go to the dry cleaner. However, you can independently delve into the topic of how to wash sheepskin at home. In most cases, you can get by with dry care altogether.
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Dry cleaning
Starch perfectly absorbs odors and excess moisture. In addition, it envelops the fur, restoring its shine and elasticity. Any starch is suitable for cleaning: potato, corn, wheat. The powder is applied in a dense layer to the surface of the product and left for 15-30 minutes. For intense contamination, the procedure can be extended for several hours. After the specified time, the starch is shaken off with a special brush or soft cloth.
Baking soda has a pronounced whitening effect. It should be used for white or light colored skins. Baking soda is poured onto the natural fur and left for 30 minutes. To get the best results, you can gently rub baking soda into the depths of the skin. Then the powder is shaken out and the residue is removed with a cloth.
Coarse table salt will do a great job with greasy stains and faded color. It is used in a similar way to starch and soda: poured onto the skin, waited for a certain time, and then removed with a soft bristle brush. It is noteworthy that salt also disinfects the product.
In order to lift the fur and restore its freshness and shine, you should purchase any bran. The most commonly used product is made from oats. The bran is first heated in a frying pan, poured hot onto natural material and left until it cools completely. The product is shaken out and the fur is cleaned with a soft comb.
Wet cleaning
To remove stubborn stains, use wet cleaning. The following tools are suitable:
- Hydrogen peroxide. This inexpensive pharmaceutical liquid brightens sheepskin products and removes dirt. Peroxide is applied to a cotton pad, and then the fur is gently wiped until completely clean. After drying, the product is combed or smoothed.
- Lemon juice. Fights unpleasant odors, yellowness, and greasy conditions. You can use fresh juice or citric acid solution. The liquid is also applied with a damp cloth, then the natural sheepskin is dried.
We remove pollution
Any dry cleaner will know how to clean sheepskin covers. The services of such organizations will need to be contacted once a year with an average intensity of car use. But again, you need to focus on the degree of contamination of the covers, the presence of serious stains on them, which it is not possible to deal with on your own. Dry cleaning services should not be abused, since fur from such procedures does not improve and wears out faster.
Don't even think about washing sheepskin covers. Such a rash decision can leave the covers rough or warped, and the fur faded and unattractive. Therefore, such an idea should be abandoned once and for all.
If there is slight dirt, do not immediately take the covers to the dry cleaner. To begin with, you can try to deal with it yourself. To do this, you will need to prepare a damp sponge and soap solution. The sponge is only slightly moistened in a soapy solution so that it is slightly damp, and is rubbed over the fur with light movements. Please note that you can only wash fur in this way, but never skins. After such simple steps, the case must be dried naturally, not with a hairdryer, especially with an iron or a heater. The cover is hung or laid out on a flat surface and dries at room temperature. If such a procedure does not bring the desired result and the contamination still remains, then you will not be able to do without dry cleaning services.
How to wash faux fur at home
When there is a need to clean clothes whose pile length is higher than average, then you need to wash the product by hand. Cleaning by hand is better and more gentle than washing in a machine. But even with such cleaning, certain rules must be followed:
- If the fur product is not very dirty, and it is possible not to clean the entire product, then this should definitely be used. Apply the soap solution to the stain and scrub gently. Leave for 15 minutes, wipe with a clean cloth to remove any remaining soap;
- If the task is to wash the product completely, then it is better to take a larger container. Ideally, wash in the bathtub. If you are washing a hat or collar, then a regular basin will be enough. Well, if you need to wash a fur coat, covers, or blanket, then a bathtub is best. Fill the bath with the required amount of warm water, dissolve the detergent well;
- Soak the clothes, it is better if the clothes are completely straightened, then the water and detergent will be evenly distributed over it. Be sure to check that the fur product is completely saturated with water. It is better to carefully rub the areas of greatest contamination with your hands. Leave in water for 30 minutes;
- Rinse. The first rinse is best done in warm water to rinse out the detergent. The final rinse should be done in cold water. It will add more shine to the pile. If the clothes are white or classic black, then you can drop a couple of drops of vinegar essence into the water. It will give a glossy shine. It’s better not to experiment with colored fur.
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When the washing is finished, clothes should be hung on hangers and allowed to drain over the bathtub. Then blot gently with a clean piece of white cloth. A terry towel works great. If you wash blankets or covers, it is better to let them drain on the balcony, placing a basin. You need to dry your fur item in the shade. Do not use a hair dryer to speed up drying or hang it on a radiator. Direct sunlight or heat currents can turn white fur slightly yellow, and it will be almost impossible to restore the white color.
