washing a sheepskin numnah - how often etc

[CazD]

I normally machine wash my numnahs after every ride but after my latest saddle fitting the saddler has recommended switching from my everyday griffin numnah to one of their sheepskin versions. So, how often should it be washed and is it really safe to put it in the washing machine. Having just spent a fortune on it I really want to keep it looking good.

 

[rossiroo]

Hi there are some specialist sheepskin washing liquids about, but I was told by the salesperson I bought mine from to apply hair conditioner to it before washing as this will stop it matting or clumping together, I have only washed mine twice and it is ok so far, but I am a bit reluctant to wash it too much.

 

[WelshRuby]

When I used to use one it went in the machine with the special wash stuff and came out lovely. It was washed if the horse had sweated and/or when it was dirty.
I know someone who never washes hers, it is black and hard and is used every day

 

[melxvengeance]

i have stephens sheepskin numnahs, when i bought my 1st one i bought a bottle of his special wash to go with and have washed it a few times with this and always comes out fab. the best way to do it is actually hand wash it and just leave it dripping to dry, you can knead the sheepskin out yourself when it's nearly dry but still a bit damp. a great way to fluff it up when its this way is to use a hairdryer on it very lightly, however leaving it to drip dry can take about a week as you can't put it near a radiator or out in the sun! also washing it in the tumble dryer is good, as long as you make sure the water isn't over 30c as this can damage it. i wouldn't wash it too much though just incase, i use mine in between a square saddle-cloth and the saddle so doesn't actually have direct contact on my horses' backs.

 

[DougalJ]

I washed my sheep skin numnah in the washing machine and the black sheepskin went blue! Anyway I decided to dye it black again and the sheepskin went brown! Anyway still looks good in brown but I would buy now a special sheepskin wash solution.

 

[dumpling]

Put it on delicate and hair dry it on the lightest setting.

 

[karen_c]

I have the LeMieux sheepskin ones and they come up nicely washed in the machine as long as the sheepskin is smeared liberally in hair conditioner first!