Genuine lambskin is not only incredibly soft and cuddly, but also a natural temperature regulator that warms in winter and cools in summer. Whether in your clothes, as a rug, seat cover or baby fur – over time, however, dust, dirt and odors collect in the dense fleece. Many people shy away from washing their precious natural fur for fear of it becoming hard or shrinking. However, with the right technique, you can even wash your lambskin in the washing machine. Find out what’s important here.
Washing lambskin: What you should consider before washing
Before you put your lambskin in the washing machine, first check the label for special care instructions. Not all lambskins are suitable for machine washing – very large or particularly old skins should be professionally cleaned. Skins with a glued back or those that have been treated with a strong tanning process could be damaged in the machine.
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Before washing, you should first shake out the coat thoroughly and brush it carefully to remove any loose dirt. Use a soft natural hair brush and always brush in the direction of the coat. Pre-treatment with lukewarm water and mild wool detergent can help with localized soiling – dab the areas carefully without rubbing.
The right washing method for gentle cleaning
For machine washing, you need a special wool detergent or mild shampoo for lambskin. Avoid conventional detergents with enzymes or bleaching agents, as these can destroy the natural oils in the fur. The washing temperature should not exceed 30 degrees – always select the wool wash program or the gentle cycle.
Put the fur in the washing machine separately – never together with other laundry. For extra protection, you can put it in a pillowcase or laundry bag, especially if your lambskin is smaller. When washing several skins, wash one at a time to avoid overloading the washing machine.
Avoid fabric softener and spin-drying. Both can damage the natural material and cause the fur to lose its characteristic structure. If your machine does not offer a wool wash cycle without spinning, set the lowest spin setting or cancel the program before spinning.
Drying and care: How to keep your coat fluffy
After washing, proper drying is crucial for the quality of the coat. Gently squeeze excess water out of the coat without wringing or kneading it. Then lay it flat on a towel in an airy but not sunny place. Direct sunlight can make the leather brittle and fade the color.
The drying process can take one to three days, depending on the size and thickness of the coat. During this time, you should turn the fur regularly and carefully pull it into shape. A dryer is absolutely taboo for real lambskin, as the heat causes the leather to shrink and harden.
As soon as the coat is almost dry, the most important phase of care begins: gently pull the leather regularly during the residual drying process to keep it supple. When the coat is completely dry, brush it thoroughly with a card brush or a coarse-toothed comb to straighten the fibers and restore the coat’s fluffiness.
By following these steps, you can gently clean your real lambskin in the washing machine and maintain its natural softness for many years to come.
Source: utopia
