Care & Cleaning Guide

For Sheepskin, Wool, Leather and Suede

Sheepskin Care Tips
Wool Care Tips
Leather Care Tips
Suede Care Tips

Sheepskin Care:

Sheepskin Rugs
Hats & Mitts
Slippers
Bootliners & Insoles
Auto Accessories
Toys

Sheepskin Rugs:

  • Shake out Sheepskin Rugs as needed or vacuum with an attachment only. Occasionally brush with a grooming brush to maintain the soft, fluffy appearance of the wool.
  • Daily airing is suggested to keep medical shearlings and infant care lambskins fresh and to lessen the need for more frequent washing.
  • Small, lightly soiled areas can be sponged off and dried with a towel or spot cleaned with Eucalan Woolwash.
  • Our sheepskins can be machine-washed using lukewarm water and Eucalan Woolwash or a non-enzyme liquid detergent. Please note that not all sheepskins are washable! DO NOT WASH UNLESS YOU ARE SURE THAT YOUR SHEEPSKIN IS WASHABLE. If it has not been specifically marked or purchased as such, take it to a furrier for cleaning. We recommend washing ONLY as necessary. 
  • Use a gentle washing action for no more than 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse in cool water, unless wool-wash is used, in which case you can bypass the rinse cycle.
  • Spin dry to remove excess water. DO NOT use the dryer.
  • For front load washers - Select warm water wash. Add the Eucalan Woolwash to the softener drawer and select delicate cycle - rinse and spin option.
  • Dry at room temperature laying flat or hanging by two corners. Avoid excess heat and direct sunlight.
  • Stretch the skin occasionally while drying to maintain the skin's natural shape and size and gently massage the leather to soften it up.
  • Use a grooming brush to fluff up the wool fibres while still damp and again when it is dry.
  • Sheepskins may also be taken to a reputable suede and leather cleaner for fur-cleaning. We recommend fur-cleaning for multiple rugs, coloured rugs or multiple shearlings.

Hats & Mittens:

  • Sheepskin hats and mitts can be sprayed with Volant James Waterproof Protector (or similar product) to provide protection from the elements and prevent the settling of dirt.
  • If sheepskin hats or mitts become wet because of inclement weather, allow them to dry naturally and keep away from any direct source of heat (heaters, fireplaces, floor vents etc.)
  • For care of the outer suede leather occasionally use a suede brush or a suede block to remove the dirt and restore the nap of the leather fibres. 
  • If sheepskin hats or mitts become soiled we recommend fur-cleaning by a professional cleaning service as we cannot guarantee the results of individual home washing.
  • Soiled areas on the wool inside or leather outside may be sponged clean using a diluted solution of Eucalan Woolwash and then allowed to dry naturally away from any direct source of heat. 

Slippers:

  • Periodic vacuuming (with an attachment only) and brushing the wool with a grooming brush will help keep the wool in good condition.
  • For the outer suede leather, occasionally use a nylon bristle brush or a suede block to brush out the dirt and restore the nap of the leather fibres.
  • Soiled areas may be sponged clean using Eucalan Woolwash.
  • Never expose sheepskin to any source of heat as the leather will stiffen and crack.
  • If slippers become very soiled, we recommend that the slippers be fur cleaned.
  • If slippers smell you can sprinkle foot powder or baking soda into the slippers to neutralize the smell. Vacuum out the powder before wearing again. Alternatively you can use dryer sheets packed into your slippers to mask the scent. 
  • We do not recommend hand washing or machine washing sheepskin slippers. 
  • For slippers that have taken on an unpleasant odour we recommend using MB Sheepskin Freshener.

Bootliners & Insoles:

  • Occasionally remove bootliners or insoles from boots or shoes and allow them to dry at room temperature.
  • Never expose bootliners or insoles to any source of heat as the leather will stiffen and crack.
  • Bootliners and insoles may be washed by hand or machine in lukewarm water using Eucalan Woolwash or a non-enzyme liquid detergent. Rinse well. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat.
  • The wool on the bootliners and insoles can be fluffed up by using a grooming brush.
  • For bootliners or insoles that have taken on an unpleasant odour we recommend using MB Sheepskin Freshener.

Auto Accessories:

  • Periodically brush with a grooming brush and vacuum to remove unwanted dirt and lint.
  • The covers can be spot cleaned with cool water and a mild detergent.
  • Sheepskin car seat covers and auto accessories can be machine washed. Use a non-enzyme liquid detergent or Eucalan Woolwash. Machine wash on a gentle cycle with lukewarm water for no more than 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse in lukewarm water if detergent is used. Bypass the rinse cycle if wool-wash is used. Spin dry to remove excess water.
  • Lay flat to dry away from direct heat.
  • Stretch and flex the sheepskin as drying nears completion.
  • Brush with grooming brush to keep wool feeling fluffy.

Toys:

  • We do not recommend machine washing sheepskin toys.
  • Surface clean with lukewarm water and a non-enzyme liquid detergent or Eucalan Woolwash, using a sponge or clean cloth.
  • Rinse with water until clear, if a detergent was used.
  • Roll the toy in a towel to absorb excess moisture.
  • Allow to air dry away from direct source of heat.
  • Brush the wool with a grooming brush to restore fluffiness. 

Wool Care:

Comforters
Overlays
Pillows
Sweaters
Blankets & Throws

Comforters:

  • We recommend using a duvet cover for easy care.
  • We also recommend dry cleaning when cleaning is required. Please keep the care label attached to the comforter and inform cleaners that it is 100% pure wool filled.
  • Double and smaller sized comforters can be washed in your washing machine at home with care. Larger ones require an oversized machine or hand washing in a laundry tub.
  • The important thing to remember is not to agitate, as this will shrink the wool. Soaking and spinning are fine. We cannot guarantee the results of home washing.
  • First fill the machine with lukewarm water and woolwash or mild laundry soap. We recommend Eucalan Woolwash. Agitate to dissolve the soap. Stop the machine and add the comforter. Gently plunge up and down to clean and let it soak.
  • Spin the water out and allow the machine to fill up with lukewarm water to rinse. Wait at the machine to stop the agitation right away. Add fabric softener. Plunge the comforter up and down and soak again. Spin dry.
  • Hang to dry. DO NOT tumble dry. 

Mattress Overlays:

  • Occasionally air out the mattress pad
  • Wash by hand or machine wash on a delicate, short cycle in lukewarm water using Eucalan Woolwash or a mild detergent.
  • Remove excess water or spin dry.
  • Do not be alarmed by the amount of loose fibres left behind in the machine. This will not affect the product's performance.
  • Hang to dry out of direct heat or sunlight. DO NOT tumble dry.

Pillows:

  • The pillows we sell are filled with 100% wool batts, they must be cared for properly. Improper care will felt the wool and once the wool becomes felted, there is no way to return it to its original fluffiness.
  • We recommend using a pillow protector and a pillow case to reduce the need for cleaning.
  • Air regularly in sunlight.
  • Wool pillows can easily be rejuvenated by wrapping the pillow in a damp towel and placing in clothes dryer on low heat setting. DO NOT use excessive heat.
  • If cleaning is required, dry cleaning is recommended.
  • The wool pillow can be machined washed at home with care on a delicate, short cycle in lukewarm water using Eucalan Woolwash or a gentle detergent. Spin out excess water. Avoid excessive heat and agitation. DO NOT use bleach. Air dry naturally away from any direct source of heat. DO NOT tumble dry.

Sweaters:

  • Washing wool items helps to strengthen wool fibres. We recommend using Eucalan Woolwash which softens, brightens and conditions the wool. Also its natural eucalyptus fragrance acts as a moth inhibitor.
  • Hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild soap or Eucalan Woolwash. Soak articles and squeeze gently several times. Allow to soak at least 5 minutes, or 30 minutes or longer for heavy sweaters.
  • Squeeze out all moisture.
  • Rinse in lukewarm water if mild soap is used. No rinse is required if wool-wash is used.
  • Lay flat to dry away from direct heat. Shape or block if necessary to maintain original shape
  • DO NOT tumble dry.

Blankets & Throws:

  • MacAusland blankets can be washed in cool or warm water with a mild soap. Lay flat to dry, do not put the blanket in a dryer.
  • We recommend having wool blankets and throws dry-cleaned.
Additional simple tips to follow providing longevity to your wool garments.
  • Give wool items a 24-hour rest between wearing to shed wrinkles and to breathe.
  • Brush napped garments frequently.
  • Follow the care label for garment cleaning.
  • Prevent stretching in knitwear by folding in a drawer, instead of hanging.
  • Treat stains promptly.
  • Clean wool garments before off-season storage.
  • When storing wool garments for the off-season, place in a cotton bag to allow the garment to breathe. DO NOT store in plastic.

Stain Removal for Wools
Stains are easiest to remove while fresh. Avoid pressing over stains; heat may set them in. Before using any cleaner, always pre-test in a hidden area. Consult a dry cleaner when in doubt about stain removal.
  • Alcoholic beverages - Sponge spot with cool water. Apply soapy water. Rinse.
  • Coffee / Tea / Soft Drinks - Sponge with cool water.
  • Chewing Gum - Harden with ice and then scrape off. Sponge any residue with dry cleaning solvent.
  • Chocolate - Sponge with dry cleaning solvent, then sponge with soapy water. Rinse.
  • Correction Fluids - Allow to dry and then scrape off excess. Have dry cleaned with instructions to treat as paint.
  • Fruit Juice - Sponge with cool water. Rinse. Gently rub with white vinegar. Rinse.
  • Ink (ball point) - Treat with rubbing alcohol. Use a paper towel to absorb the ink as it is removed. Rinse.
  • Lipstick / Cosmetics - Sponge with dry cleaning solvent.
  • Oily Stains / Grease - Sponge with dry cleaning solvent.
  • Press Shine - Sponge with white vinegar. Rinse.
  • Water Spots - Take garment to dry cleaner for steaming.

Leather Care

Jackets:

  • Protect your leather jacket at the time of purchase and periodically thereafter with a good quality leather protector such as Style 16 Protector.
  • Preserve the shape of your jacket by hanging it on a formed and sturdy hanger. Do not use a wire coat hanger.
  • Never store your jacket in plastic. Store it in a cloth garment bag as leather needs to "breathe".
  • When wet, spot dry with a damp towel and allow it to dry at room temperature away from any direct source of heat.
  • Whenever possible, wear a scarf to keep hair and body oils away from the collar.
  • Dry clean only when necessary and only through a leather cleaning specialist.
  • Since lamb leather is softer and more supple than cowhide, greater care should be taken with a lamb leather jacket to prevent snags and tears.

Suede Care

Boots:

  • Spray them frequently with a leather/suede protector spray to prevent the settling of dirt.
  • Avoid wearing them in wet, slushy conditions as they are not waterproof.
  • If they do become wet, allow to dry naturally away from any direct source of heat.
  • If the suede becomes soiled, we recommend using a suede block or brush.