Dead sheep people - washing

[flyingfeet]

Oh dear so I put a numed wool girth sleeve through the washing machine and it looks rather lumpy on its first wash

So how do you clean sheepskin items without them going 'lumpy'? Can the lumpiness be solved, or have I ruined it?

 

[renegade]

Before I put mine through the washing machine I rub in a small amount of human hair conditioner all over the wool. Also leave to air dry I dont put it on a radiator or in the tumble dryer. To get rid of the lumpy gently brush it with a slicker brush (you can get them from any pet shop for dogs)

 

[Fat_Pony]

They always come out lumpy. Especially the nuumed ones which are wool and not sheepskin. I smother mine in hair conditioner, put on a wool wash, allow to air dry for a few days and then gently comb the wool with a wide tooth comb and it fluffs up a treat

 

[Goldenstar]

Woolite dreft auto or any other specialist product for wool or silk wash designed for a washing machine wash only at thirty degrees .
If you used a normal washing powder that will be the issue .
You can try rubbing yours with lenor or similar then putting through the washer on the rinse cycle and see if that improves it .
Always dry slowly .

 

[flyingfeet]

Thank you - I have a slicker brush and fab tips about conditioner! Glad I asked now

 

[TarrSteps]

I know people love the conditioner option because it seems like such a good life hack, but I've only and ever used specialist products like Pepede or Woolite. I have 20 year old sheepskin that is still in great shape. The stuff is so expensive new, why not invest a bit in the proper care?

 

[NZJenny]

OK, we must have different sheep over here. I put my sheepskin numnah thru the washing machine every week, just use ordinary washing powder and it comes out fine every time.

However I do have a Toklat woolback girth, which I think is a blend and that is definitely a bit lumpy.

 

[jnb]

I always use both conditioner and Nuuwash - then brush through with the slicker type brush while still damp, and dry flat on a rack/wash basket.
I have a 5 year old Morpheus sheepskin numnah that looks new (the second one I bought also looks great!)

 

[TarrSteps]

I don't have any problem putting mine in the machine - never done it any other way. I've just found if I use the correct soap they stay top quality for longer and, given the cost of good dead sheep, why would you not?

 

[jnb]

I always use both conditioner and Nuuwash - then brush through with the slicker type brush while still damp, and dry flat on a rack/wash basket.
I have a 5 year old Morpheus sheepskin numnah that looks new (the second one I bought also looks great!)

Edit - I always machine wash at 30C with conditioner rubbed into the fleece and Nuuwash on the machine.
It's the brushing when damp that makes them non-lumpy and lovely and fluffy!

 

[Orangehorse]

So how often do you wash them?