Sheepskin half pad

[Clodagh]

I lent a friend my very expensive sheepskin half pad and I got it back today. It is as hard and inflexible as a plank of wood. Any ideas what I can do to get it soft again? I thought maybe just use it! Perhaps over a thin numnah to start with, or are there any magic treatmensts that will help?
Thank you!

 

[milliepops]

Sure there will be someone more expert along at some point but I've found they go hard when they get too dry (I'm assuming it's proper sheepskin with the skin still on ) does it feel dry? If so don't keep it in a warm room, for starters
If that's the case I think you need to be careful with it now, I wash mine with Mattes Melp but have used the wash sold by Stephens too with good results. Apparently they contain something that regreases the skin.

 

[Izzwizz]

I have the Le Mieux numnah with natural wool, the instructions say for washing to use human hair conditioner on the wool. Perhaps if you rubbed a lot into it and then put it on a wool wash that may soften it. When Ive done this and its dry, I then get a dog brush and gently brush the wool, it makes it really soft.

 

[Clodagh]

Thank you both, I will try giving it a wash and condition!

 

[Oliver12]

I have the Le Mieux numnah with natural wool, the instructions say for washing to use human hair conditioner on the wool. Perhaps if you rubbed a lot into it and then put it on a wool wash that may soften it. When Ive done this and its dry, I then get a dog brush and gently brush the wool, it makes it really soft.

Massage plenty of fabric condition (or human hair conditioner) into the sheepskin. Leave for a while then wash on a wool wash with non-bio liquid detergent. Leave it to dry naturally and it will be lovely and soft again.

 

[Clodagh]

Thank you. How long is a while - hour, day, week!?

 

[Izzwizz]

Massage plenty of fabric condition (or human hair conditioner) into the sheepskin. Leave for a while then wash on a wool wash with non-bio liquid detergent. Leave it to dry naturally and it will be lovely and soft again.

I will check the instructions of the Le Mieux numnah I have but I seem to think it says not to use fabric conditioner. I just used Nuumed nu-wash to wash it and rubbed the conditioner liberally into the wool, really worked it in. Didnt leave it any time before washing to be honest and they dont need lots of washing, seem to stay cleaner longer.

 

[Oliver12]

I've had Mattes sheepskin pads for years now and I've always used fabric conditioner and they are still as good as new. I usually leave them for about half an hour before putting them in the washing machine.

 

[Clodagh]

Well I left it at the livery yard where I have the new ned and someone nicked it and used it on their horse. I have now nicked it back but its lovely and soft again - maybe sweat sorted it!!

 

[Shay]

I logged on to post a query about how to rescue a hardened sheepskin lined numnah - but now I have my answer! Thanks all.

 

[Cluny]

Definitely human hair conditioner and it's best to use the one for dry hair. As previous poster said, smother liberally and put on a Wool wash setting. I also use Woolwash which I get from Horse Health.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

I lent a friend my very expensive sheepskin half pad and I got it back today. It is as hard and inflexible as a plank of wood. Any ideas what I can do to get it soft again? I thought maybe just use it! Perhaps over a thin numnah to start with, or are there any magic treatmensts that will help?
Thank you!

I can vouch for the hair conditioner and comb (when dry) with one of those rake brushes for dogs/cats with the fine spines.

I have to say I wouldn't be very happy if I'd lent something and it came back in that condition ! I would have been embarassed to give it back (although I wouldn't have it get in that state) he/she should have got you a new one IMO