Lambskin is one of nature’s most luxurious and versatile materials. Whether you use it as a cozy rug, a baby comforter, or a stylish throw, its soft texture and natural insulating properties make it a cherished item in many homes. However, because it is a natural protein fiber attached to a leather pelt, it requires a specific level of care that differs significantly from synthetic fabrics.
If you have been wondering how to wash a lamb skin without ruining its signature fluffiness or hardening the leather backing, you have come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from daily maintenance to deep cleaning.
Understanding the Nature of Lambskin
Before you reach for the detergent, it is vital to understand what makes lambskin unique. Lambskin is essentially wool still attached to the skin (the pelt). The wool fibers are coated in lanolin, a natural oil that repels dirt and moisture. This is why lambskin stays clean longer than most fabrics.
However, the leather side is highly sensitive to heat and harsh chemicals. If the leather gets too hot or dries too quickly, it can shrink, crack, or become stiff like cardboard. Maintaining the balance between cleaning the wool and preserving the leather is the secret to a successful wash.
Preparation: Assessing the Soil Level
You don’t always need to submerge your lambskin in water. In fact, the less water it encounters, the longer it will last.
Spot Cleaning for Minor Spills
If you have spilled a bit of coffee or dropped a small piece of food, spot cleaning is the preferred method. Use a damp cloth with a tiny amount of wool-safe detergent and gently dab the area. Avoid rubbing, as this can felt the wool fibers together.
Shaking and Brushing
For dust and dry debris, a vigorous shake outside is often enough. Following this with a specialized wire wool brush (often called a slicker brush) will lift the pile and release trapped particles. This should be part of your weekly maintenance routine.
Choosing the Right Detergent
You cannot use standard laundry detergent on lambskin. Most household detergents are alkaline and contain enzymes designed to break down proteins. Since wool and leather are proteins, these cleaners will literally strip the life out of your lambskin, leaving it brittle.
Always use a pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for sheepskin or wool. These products often contain liquid lanolin, which helps replenish the natural oils lost during the washing process.
Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash a Lamb Skin
Hand washing is the safest method for cleaning your lambskin as it allows you to control the agitation and temperature.
- Fill the Basin
Fill a bathtub or a large laundry tub with lukewarm water. The temperature should be no higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is too hot will damage the leather backing.
- Add the Wool Wash
Mix in the recommended amount of wool-safe detergent. Ensure it is fully dissolved before submerged the skin.
- Submerge and Soak
Gently place the lambskin in the water. Press down to ensure it is fully saturated, but do not scrub or wring the material. Let it soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with fresh, lukewarm water. Gently move the lambskin through the water to rinse. Repeat this process until all soap suds are gone.
Machine Washing Your Lambskin
If your lambskin is particularly large or heavily soiled, you may opt for a washing machine. This should only be done if the care label explicitly states it is machine washable.
The Settings
Use a front-loading machine or a top-loader without a central agitator, as agitators can be too rough. Select the “Wool” or “Delicate” cycle. Ensure the water temperature is set to cool or lukewarm, specifically around 85 degrees Fahrenheit to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Spin Cycle
A slow spin cycle is beneficial as it removes excess water, which shortens the drying time. However, never use a high-speed spin, as the centrifugal force can stretch the pelt out of shape.
The Most Important Phase: Drying
How you dry your lambskin is even more important than how you wash it. Improper drying is the number one cause of ruined lambskins.
Avoid Direct Heat
Never, under any circumstances, put a lambskin in a tumble dryer. Similarly, do not place it over a radiator or in direct sunlight. High heat will cause the leather to shrink and become permanently hard.
Air Dry in the Shade
Lay the lambskin flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun. The wool should be facing up. You can also lay it on a drying rack to allow air to circulate underneath the leather pelt.
Reshaping and Stretching
While the lambskin is still damp, gently stretch the leather backing by hand. This helps it retain its original shape. As it dries, come back to it every few hours to give it another gentle stretch.
Grooming the Wool Post-Wash
When the lambskin is almost dry but still slightly damp, it will likely look a bit “clumpy.” This is normal. Use a metal-toothed wool brush to gently comb through the fibers. This separates the wool and restores the fluffy, cloud-like appearance. Once it is completely dry, give it one final brush for maximum volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I dry clean my lambskin instead of washing it?
- Yes, dry cleaning is often the safest professional option, especially for dyed lambskins which might bleed color in water. However, ensure you take it to a cleaner who specifically has experience with leather and suede. Standard dry cleaning chemicals can sometimes be too harsh for the natural oils in the wool.
- How often should I wash my lambskin?
- You should aim to wash your lambskin as infrequently as possible. With regular shaking, vacuuming (using a suction-only attachment), and brushing, a lambskin rug may only need a full wash once every 12 to 24 months. Over-washing strips the natural lanolin and reduces the lifespan of the pelt.
- Why did my lambskin turn yellow after washing?
- Yellowing usually occurs if the lambskin was dried in direct sunlight or if the water temperature was too high. Natural wool can also yellow slightly over time due to oxidation. To prevent this, always dry your skin indoors or in a fully shaded, breezy area.
- My lambskin feels stiff after drying, what can I do?
- If the leather has become stiff, it is usually because it dried too fast or wasn’t stretched during the drying process. You can often soften it by “massaging” the leather backing. Pull the leather over the edge of a table or work it with your hands to break up the stiffness. For future washes, ensure you use a detergent containing lanolin to keep the leather supple.
- Can I use bleach or Oxi-clean on a stained lambskin?
- No, you should never use bleach or oxygen-based cleaners on lambskin. These are extremely alkaline and will destroy the protein structure of both the wool and the leather. For tough stains, it is better to consult a professional leather cleaner than to risk using harsh household chemicals that could cause the wool to fall out.