How do you clean a lambskin?

[GrannyCarol]

My daughter has a lambskin rug that she's had for a while and it needs to be cleaned. What is the best method? Best products? Where do you find them?

TIA!

[Smallhold]

Handwash with delicate detergent for wool (no pun intended). Rinse well and be prepared to work the skin for a loooooong time to get it soft again. There are some oils that can be rubbed in the back but it still needs to be worked and worked and worked... Guess how I found that out

[Wolf mom]

It's easier to wash in the bathtub. Let it soak for a long time first, then squeese gently. One of those hand held shower hoses helps.

Or send it to a dry cleaners that does fur.

[GrannyCarol]

How do you "work" the sheepskin? I take it stiffens up?

[Smallhold]

The cleaning is not the hard part. Like Wolf Mom said, it can be washed in the tub as well.
It does stiffen up and needs to be worked. When nearly dry, take a piece in your hands and move hands in opposite directions. So that the suede is stretched and teased. I do this in front of the tv after tanning a pelt cos it's a tedious job.
Sheepskin is think and hard, it'll take a long time to get it soft again. In the factory they use a big ole grinder and chemicals.
So just think of moving the hands in circles in different directions. Or accept a sheepskin that can stand upright after washing

[tinda]

I can remember my DM cleaning sheepskin with cornmeal and a little kerosine added. She would work that into the wool really well, roll it up for a day or so then shake out the cornmeal. It takes a lot of shaking. Hang outside to air out. That's it.

If you do get it wet, try saddlesoap to soften the hide.

Please don't ask for measurements. I was only 4 or 5 at the time.
When you wash the sheepskin, it's the same as putting your fur coat in the washer.....with about the same results.

tinda