Whether you have worn a sheepskin jacket for years or you have got a new one, knowing how to safely clean it is always important. As a sheepskin manufacturer for over 20 years, these are my top 5 methods to clean a sheepskin jacket at home.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these common mistakes that can ruin your jacket:
• Don't use a washing machine, When soaked, the material becomes heavy and fragile, and the tumbling motion can cause it to rip apart under its own weight
• Don't use harsh chemicals: Bleach, strong detergents, and household cleaners will strip natural oils and damage both the leather and wool.
• Don't soak old or cheap jackets: Older or lower-quality skins are more fragile and prone to falling apart when wet.
• Don't dry with heat: Heat sources like direct sunlight, radiator etc it makes leather stiff and cause shrinkage.
• Don't scrub aggressively: Hard brushing can damage suede, felt the wool, or wear through thin spots.
When in doubt, be gentle. It's better to clean lightly and repeat than to go too hard and cause damage.
In this guide, we'll walk you through five easy cleaning methods, from basic maintenance to tackling tougher stains. Whether your jacket needs a quick refresh or a deeper clean, you'll find a method that works.
What You'll Need
Before jumping into cleaning, gather these basic supplies:
• A soft suede brush (for the outside)
• Mild wool-safe soap (like Woolite) or gentle shampoo
• White vinegar
• Clean, soft cloths or towels
• A small bowl for mixing
Important: Always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden spot first (like inside the hem or under the collar). This helps you check how your specific jacket reacts before treating the whole thing.
Method 1: Maintaining Your Sheepskin Jacket
When to use this: Your jacket doesn't have any real stains, just normal wear and tear.
This is the simplest method and the best way to prevent dirt buildup. Think of it as regular maintenance—like vacuuming your carpet before it gets really dirty.
What to do:
• Brush the outside: Use a suede brush on the leather side. Brush gently in one direction to lift dirt and refresh the texture. Don't scrub hard—you're not trying to wear it down, just wake up the surface.
• Fluff the inside: Use your hands or a very soft brush on the wool lining. Gently work through any matted areas to loosen the fibers and remove dust.
• Air it out: Hang your jacket in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight or heaters. Leave it for a few hours or overnight. This lets moisture evaporate and gets rid of odors naturally.
Why this works: Regular brushing prevents dirt from getting embedded deep into the material. Fresh air does wonders for musty smells without any chemicals.
Method 2: Cleaning a Spot on (Wool Lining)
When to use this: The inside wool has a stain or dirty patch—maybe from sweat, makeup, or general grime.
Instead of soaking the whole jacket, you can target just the messy spots. This keeps things safe and simple.
What to do:
• Make soapy foam: Mix a little woolite or Jhonson's Baby shampoo. whisk it with a fork to get a thick foam on top. You only need the foam not the liquid.
• Apply the foam: Scoop up just the foam with your fingers or a soft brush. Gently work it into the dirty spot on the wool. Don't pour water on it—the foam gives you enough moisture without soaking the sheepskin underneath.
• Work it in by hand: Use your fingertips to gently massage the foam into the stain. Think of it like washing your hair—gentle circular motions work best.
• Blot it clean: Take a clean, damp cloth and blot (don't rub) the area to remove the soap foam. Then use a dry towel to blot away excess moisture.
• Air dry slowly: Lay the jacket flat or hang it up in a cool, airy place. Let it dry completely—this might take 24 hours. Keep it away from radiators, hair dryers, or direct heat, which can make the leather stiff.
Why this works: Using only foam prevents over-wetting the sheepskin, which could cause it to harden or shrink. Wool-safe soap and mild shampoo is gentle enough not to strip natural oils.
Method 3: Cleaning Sheepskin Exterior
When to use this: The outside leather or suede has dirt, grease marks (especially around the collar or cuffs), or just looks dull.
The leather side needs a light touch—too much water or scrubbing can damage it.
What to do:
• For light dust and marks: Use a suede brush or clean, dry cloth to gently wipe away surface dirt. This alone can make a big difference.
• For greasy spots (collar, cuffs): Mix a tiny amount of mild soap (like gentle body wash or glycerin soap) with water. Dampen a soft cloth with this solution—it should be barely wet, not dripping. Gently wipe the greasy area.
• Vinegar wipe for freshening: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Dip a soft cloth in this mixture, wring it out well, and gently wipe down sections of the jacket. The vinegar smell will fade as it dries, taking odors with it. This also helps remove light grime.
• Always dab, don't scrub: Whether using soap or vinegar, gently dab or wipe the surface. Rubbing too hard can push dirt deeper or damage the finish.
• Dry naturally: After cleaning, hang the jacket in a cool spot to air dry completely.
Why this works: Minimal moisture protects the leather from water damage. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that evaporates cleanly without leaving residue.
Method 4: Getting Rid Of Musky Sheepskin Smell
When to use this: Your sheepskin jacket smells musty, like it's been in a closet too long, but it's not actually dirty.
Sometimes jackets just need to smell fresh again. You don't need to wash it—you just need to remove odors.
What to do:
• Vinegar air treatment: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Lightly wipe the entire exterior with a soft cloth dampened in this solution. Don't worry about the vinegar smell—it disappears as it dries and takes other odors with it.
• Extended airing: Hang the jacket outside (in the shade) or in a well-ventilated room for several hours or even overnight. Fresh air is one of the best odor removers.
• Baking soda for wool lining: If the wool lining smells, lightly sprinkle baking soda on it, let it sit for a few hours, then brush or shake it out. Baking soda absorbs odors naturally.
Why this works: Vinegar neutralizes odors instead of just masking them. Fresh air and baking soda work together to eliminate smells without chemicals.
Method 5: Washing Sheepskin (Advanced—For Experienced Users Only)
When to use this: Your jacket is heavily soiled, and spot cleaning won't cut it. You're comfortable with some risk and have a sturdy jacket (like a vintage military-style piece).
Warning: This method carries risk. Wet sheepskin can tear, shrink, or become stiff if not handled carefully. Only try this if you're prepared for possible damage, and never use a washing machine—wet sheepskin tears easily under tumbling.
This method comes from experienced collectors who've been doing it for years, but they still emphasize the risks involved.
What to do:
• Fill a bathtub: Use just enough hand-hot water (not scalding) to cover the jacket when it's laid flat.
• Add gentle soap: Use olive-oil-based body wash or a pure glycerin soap bar. Avoid harsh detergents.
• Gently agitate: Move the jacket around in the water gently. For extra-dirty areas like the collar and cuffs, rub the soap bar directly on them. Roll the jacket in the tub—don't lift it or flip it aggressively while it's heavy with water.
• Rinse thoroughly: Drain the tub and refill with clean water. Repeat this until the water runs clear and all soap is gone.
• Remove excess water: Let the jacket drain in the tub for about an hour. Then gently press it with towels to soak up more water. Don't wring it—that can tear the wet skin.
• Spin cycle (optional and risky): Some experienced users put the jacket in a pillowcase and run a short spin cycle (no tumbling, no heat) to remove more water. This step is optional and adds risk.
• Dry slowly: Lay the jacket flat on a drying rack or hang it carefully. Let it air dry for about 2-3 days in a cool, ventilated area. Be patient.
Why this is risky: Wet sheepskin is fragile. It can tear under its own weight, shrink if dried too fast, or become hard if mistreated. This method is only for people who understand and accept these risks.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your sheepskin jacket at home is totally doable—you just need to match the method to the job. For everyday care, stick with brushing and airing (Method 1). For specific stains, use spot cleaning on the wool or leather (Methods 2 and 3). If it just smells musty, deodorizing (Method 4) is your friend. Save the full hand wash (Method 5) for heavy-duty situations where you're comfortable with the risk.
The key to success? Start gentle. Test everything on a hidden spot first. Take your time with drying. And remember, prevention is easier than cure—regular brushing and airing will keep your jacket fresher for longer.
If your jacket is very old, very expensive, or has damage you're worried about, consider taking it to a professional leather cleaner who specializes in sheepskin. But for most everyday cleaning needs, these five methods will keep your jacket looking and smelling great for years to come.
Now get out there and give your jacket the care it deserves!