Sheepskin Care · Expert Guide
How to Clean a Sheepskin Jacket Without Damaging Leather or Wool
With over 50 years of experience making sheepskin garments, we know correct cleaning is the single most important factor in extending a jacket's lifespan.
Sheepskin jackets — including the B3 Bomber Jacket, RAF Sheepskin Flying Jacket, Irvin RAF Sheepskin Jacket, Sheepskin Collar Jacket, and every other style on our site — are made from two materials working together.
They have tanned leather on the outside and natural wool on the inside. Each layer reacts differently to water, heat, and detergent. Cleaning it the wrong way can crack the leather, mat the wool, or strip the lanolin — the natural oil that keeps the hide soft and flexible.
What Is Sheepskin Jacket Material?
Sheepskin is not a single-layer material. It has a tanned hide on the outside and dense wool fibres on the inside, which makes it sensitive to the cleaners and temperatures you use.
The outer leather surface has a network of collagen fibres, protected by lanolin — a wax-like oil produced by sheep that moves into the hide during processing.
The inner wool contains keratin, the same protein found in human hair. This gives the fibres stretch and warmth, but it can also cause shrinking in hot water.
How Should You Assess Your Sheepskin Jacket Before Cleaning?
Before choosing a cleaning method, check three things: the care label, the severity of soiling, and the leather's current condition.
Skipping this assessment is how most cleaning damage starts. People apply a heavy method to a problem that needs only a light touch.
How to Clean Spot Stains on Sheepskin Jackets
Different stains need different first steps. Act fast and use the right method to remove the stain for good. Spot cleaning is the safest way to avoid soaking the whole hide — it preserves lanolin and lowers the risk of water spots on suede.
What you need
A pH-neutral, wool-safe cleaner or a small amount of baby shampoo, a bowl of cold water, a clean white cloth or sponge, and a suede brush.
- Prepare your cleaning solution. Mix a pea-sized amount of wool wash or baby shampoo with 250 ml of cold water. Stir gently to make light foam, not liquid.
- Test on a hidden area. Put a small amount of foam on an inside seam or hem. Wait 2 minutes and check for colour or surface change.
- Apply foam to the stain. Use a clean white cloth to pick up foam, not water. Dab it on the stain, working from the outside edge toward the centre.
- Blot, do not rub. Press the cloth gently onto the foam, then lift. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage the suede.
- Air dry naturally. Leave the jacket in a cool, well-ventilated room, away from sun and heat. Once dry, brush in one direction to restore the nap.
Grease and oil stains
Cover the stain with cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit for at least four hours — overnight is best — to absorb the oil. Brush off with a suede brush, then spot-clean any residue with pH-neutral foam. Avoid water on fresh stains, as it pushes grease deeper.
Water spots
Wet the entire panel around the spot with a damp sponge to even out moisture across the surface, then let it dry naturally. Treating only the spot can create a new ring.
Dry stains
Gently brush away dirt with a suede brush.
Salt deposits (winter roads or perspiration)
Wipe gently with a clean, damp towel to dissolve salt residue — do not scrub, as salt crystals can scratch suede. Once dry, apply a light coat of sheepskin conditioner to restore the original feel.
General surface dirt
Let mud and surface dirt dry completely before removing it; brushing wet dirt pushes particles deeper into the suede. Once dry, brush with short, firm strokes to lift and loosen the dirt.
3 Safe Methods to Clean a Sheepskin Jacket
Three safe, proven methods can clean a sheepskin jacket depending on the soil level. They protect the leather and wool while preventing irreversible damage.
How to Hand-Wash a Sheepskin Jacket
When the jacket needs a deep clean, hand washing works well — after heavy wear, light sweat, or when the wool looks dull. It's the most complete method you can safely do at home. Follow the temperature and detergent rules below.
What you need
- Wool-safe detergent or baby shampoo (pH-neutral, no enzymes, no bleach)
- A bathtub, large basin, or utility sink
- Cold or lukewarm water (below 30°C)
- Two clean, dry towels
- A padded or curved hanger
- A sheepskin brush
Step 1: Prepare the water and jacket
Fill your basin with cold water below 30°C and add a capful of wool-safe detergent. Stir gently. Turn the jacket inside out so the wool faces outward — this protects the suede exterior from water damage. Do not pre-soak.
Step 2: Wash
Submerge the jacket and gently squeeze soapy water through the wool fibres with your hands. Work section by section, including the collar, sleeves, and body. Avoid wringing, twisting, or scrubbing the suede. Keep total soak time under five minutes.
Step 3: Rinse
Drain the basin and refill with clean, cold water. Squeeze clean water through the fibres until the soap is gone. You may need two to three rinse cycles.
Step 4: Remove excess water
Do not wring. Lift the jacket carefully and support its full weight — wet sheepskin is heavy and can stretch at the seams. Lay it flat on a dry towel, roll the towel around the jacket, and press gently to absorb water.
Step 5: Dry
Unroll the towel, turn the jacket right side out, and hang it on a padded hanger in a cool, airy space at 18–22°C.
How to Machine-Wash a Sheepskin Jacket
If the care label allows it, follow these steps:
- Use sheepskin shampoo or a detergent for natural fibres.
- Choose the gentlest cycle (delicate, hand, or wool wash).
- Keep water cool and never go above 30°C.
- Turn off extra spin to reduce stress on the material.
Always follow the garment label first. The wrong wash can cause shrinking, felting, or leather damage.
When to Use Professional Sheepskin Cleaning
For some jackets and stains, professional cleaning is the safest choice. Use a leather and sheepskin specialist, not a standard dry cleaner. Choose professional cleaning if you have:
- Severe or set-in stains — oil, dye transfer, deep ink, or large mould patches.
- Vintage or fragile sheepskin with drying, cracking, or delamination.
- Heavily structured jackets that could warp during hand washing.
- Any jacket with a label that says "professional clean only."
When choosing a specialist, ask if they have sheepskin experience. Standard dry cleaning solvents can strip lanolin from the leather, causing cracks that are impossible to fix later.
In the UK, expect to pay about £40–120. In the US, expect to pay about $60–150. Pricing depends on the item's condition and cleaning complexity. Read our dry cleaning page for a full guide on choosing a specialist and what to ask first.
How to Dry a Sheepskin Jacket Safely
Drying is the stage at which most sheepskin damage occurs. Residual moisture, heat, and improper hanging can permanently warp the leather, stiffen the wool, and reduce the lanolin.
Do vs Don't: Drying Your Sheepskin Jacket
| ✓ Do | ✗ Don't |
|---|---|
| Press gently with a clean, dry towel to absorb moisture | Use a tumble dryer or radiator |
| Hang on a padded or curved hanger to retain shape | Hang in direct sunlight or near a heat source |
| Dry in a cool, airy room at 18–22°C | Use a hair dryer on any setting |
| Stretch and reshape the leather gently while still damp | Wring or twist the jacket |
| Brush the wool with a sheepskin brush when nearly dry | Store until completely dry (mould risk) |
| Allow 24–48 hours for full air drying | Use a wire hanger (causes shoulder distortion) |
How to Condition a Sheepskin Jacket
Gently brush the suede with a soft bristle brush, then apply a lanolin-based conditioner in a thin, light layer. This keeps the hide soft without clogging the wool. Always let it air-dry on its own and avoid heat to protect the texture and extend its life.
How to Deodorise a Sheepskin Jacket
Lightly sprinkle baking soda on the suede surface and let it sit overnight, then gently brush it off to absorb odours without harming the fibres. For more freshness, air the jacket in a shaded, ventilated spot — never in direct sunlight or near heat.
How to Restore a Sheepskin Jacket
Gently clean the suede with a sheepskin cleaner, rehydrate the hide with a lanolin-based conditioner, then fluff the wool with a soft brush to revive the texture. Always let it air-dry in the shade to help prevent shrinkage and stiffness.
How to Remove Mould From a Sheepskin Jacket
Brush off surface spores outdoors, then clean the spots with diluted vinegar and water in a 1:4 mix to neutralise mould without damaging the hide. Let the jacket air-dry fully in the shade, keeping good airflow to help stop mould from returning.
How to Soften Stiff Sheepskin
Lightly massage a lanolin-based conditioner into the suede side, then gently brush the wool to bring back softness and loft. Always air-dry in the shade and avoid heat, which can cause shrinkage or stiffness.
Why Temperature Control Matters for Sheepskin Jackets
Temperature is the most important factor in protecting a sheepskin jacket. Heat removes lanolin from leather, causing dryness and cracking that cannot be reversed. Wool proteins can tighten above 30°C, causing permanent felting and shrinkage.
Safe ranges
- Wash: below 30°C — cold water keeps fibres stable.
- Dry: at room temperature, 18–22°C — slow drying protects natural oils.
- Store: in a cool place, 15–20°C.
These guidelines match the natural heat limits of sheepskin materials.
What Cleaning Mistakes Damage Sheepskin Jackets?
These 7 common mistakes can permanently damage a sheepskin jacket:
- Machine washing: Even gentle cycles can shrink wool, crack leather, and damage seams. Only wash if the label clearly allows it.
- Heat drying: Dryers, radiators, and direct sunlight remove natural oils, making leather stiff and prone to cracking.
- Harsh chemicals: Bleach, alcohol, and strong detergents strip natural oils and permanently damage the tanning.
- Over-soaking suede: Too much water can cause stains, stiffness, and colour bleeding. Keep water exposure minimal.
- Silicone sprays: These block the leather's pores, trapping moisture and increasing the risk of mould.
- Plastic storage: Airtight bags trap humidity, leading to mould and odour. Always store in a breathable cover.
- No brushing: Skipping regular brushing causes matting. Use a soft suede brush weekly to keep fibres fresh.
Why Proper Sheepskin Care Matters
A well-maintained sheepskin jacket can last 20 to 30 years. Without proper care, it can be badly damaged in a single season — and replacing it costs far more than care products.
Harsh detergents or skipping conditioner removes lanolin, which can make the leather brittle over time. It may crack at flex points like elbows and collar folds. Wool can also matt when heat or rough washing compresses the fibres, and once compressed, its loft cannot be fully restored.
When a jacket isn't fully dried, moisture may remain trapped inside, creating an ideal place for mould to grow. Mould can damage both the leather and the wool fibres deep inside.
What Are the Common Care Mistakes to Avoid for Sheepskin Jackets?
Avoid machine washing, heat drying, and harsh chemicals, as they can damage leather and wool or strip natural oils. Do not soak the suede side or use silicone products, as they trap moisture and cause stiffness or mould. Always store sheepskin in breathable bags and brush regularly to maintain softness and shape.
The Essential Sheepskin Cleaning Products
Below are 6 items for your care kit, plus 6 products to avoid.
✓ Recommended products
- pH-neutral wool wash (Woolite Delicates, Nikwax Wool Wash, or a sheepskin cleaner) — essential for home cleaning.
- Baby shampoo — a reliable, easy-to-find substitute.
- Suede brush — restores the nap and supports regular care.
- Corn starch or talcum powder — absorbs grease and oil stains.
- Sheepskin conditioner — restores lanolin; best used seasonally.
- Breathable garment bag — keeps out dust while allowing airflow.
✗ Products to never use
- Standard laundry detergents — strip lanolin due to enzymes.
- Biological powders or capsules — can damage wool and leather.
- Bleach or bleach-based stain removers — weaken and discolour fibres.
- Alcohol-based cleaners — dry out and damage the hide.
- Silicone waterproofers — not made for natural leather.
- Fabric softeners — coat wool fibres and reduce breathability.
Sheepskin Jacket Maintenance Routine
Consistent minor maintenance dramatically extends the intervals between full cleans and protects the material at every stage of its life. A simple weekly routine takes under five minutes.
- Weekly: Brush the suede exterior and wool interior briefly with a sheepskin or suede brush.
- After each wear: Hang immediately on a padded hanger rather than folding.
- Monthly: Air the jacket outdoors on a dry, mild day in light shade for 1–2 hours to refresh the wool fibres and dissipate absorbed odours.
- Seasonally: Apply a sheepskin conditioner to replenish lanolin. At the start of the storage season, treat with a breathable waterproofing spray and store in a breathable garment bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash sheepskin at home safely?
Yes, sheepskin can be washed at home safely if you use the right method. Machine wash only if the label allows it — otherwise you can damage the leather and wool fibres.
How often should you clean a sheepskin jacket?
For regular wear, hand-wash once or twice per season. Brush weekly and air it out each month. Clean only when needed, not on a set schedule.
Can a sheepskin jacket be dry cleaned?
Yes, but only by a professional specialising in leather and sheepskin. Avoid standard solvent-based dry cleaners.
Does sheepskin absorb moisture or repel it?
Sheepskin both absorbs and manages moisture. It offers natural water resistance while still allowing moisture to breathe and move through.
What factors affect the lifespan of sheepskin garments?
Cleaning, conditioning, storage, and protection from heat and sunlight all impact lifespan. With proper care, sheepskin can last 20–30 years.
How do you clean sheepskin slippers inside?
Hand-wash the wool lining with mild detergent, rinse lightly, and air dry. Avoid machine washing or heat drying.
How do you clean sheepskin gloves?
Clean a spot with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then air dry. Avoid machine washing, heat, and harsh chemicals.
What is the difference between sheepskin and shearling?
Sheepskin is tanned sheep hide with wool attached — smooth leather outside and natural wool inside. Shearling is sheepskin with wool cut to an even 1 to 2 cm, tanned with the short wool still attached.
What is the difference between sheepskin and lambskin?
Sheepskin comes from adult sheep, so it is thicker, more durable, and warmer. Lambskin comes from young sheep, so it feels softer, lighter, and smoother.
Can I use soap on a sheepskin jacket?
No, regular soap can strip natural oils. Use a specialist sheepskin cleaner instead.