Product Care

Sheepskin is a natural product consisting of pelt and wool. Sheepskin is tanned to preserve the pelt and the pelt and wool is dyed for colour. Sheepskin is very reactive and unpredictable so care must be taken when washing. For longevity of sheepskin it is not advisable to fully submerse wash often, if you can avoid doing so it is best. Spot cleaning is preferable and in the long run better for your sheepskin. As we are not able to hold your hand in your homes whilst you wash and dry your sheepskins, any dissatisfaction with your cleaning results or damage to the product, the onus is on you.

 

General Care And Cleaning Of Your Sheepskins

QUICK TIPS (Our preferable cleaning method)

Sheepskin rugs, underlays and car seat covers will greatly benefit with regular maintenance by:

  • Brushing; using a pet brush or comb, this will restore the wool pile where otherwise flattened and bring dust and foreign matters between fibres to the surface,
  • Vacuuming; will help also to restore wool pile and collect dust and foreign matters after brushing,
  • Airing; open windows, or place sheepskins in a breezy room, over an airing rack or over two chairs, this will help keep sheepskins fresh.
  • Spot Clean; lightly soiled areas can be sponged off using clean warm water (and diluted “Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo” for heavier soils), towelled dried and brushed whilst damp and again when fully dry.

 

Washing Sheepskin - Important Points to Note

The leather side of the sheepskin is easily damaged by incorrect washing. The main points to note are:
  • Only use Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo which cleans fibres and conditions the hide. Never use products containing enzymes, phosphates, peroxide, alkali or bleach, as these can cause irreversible damage to both the fleece and leather. Most wool wash contains water softening properties, mostly phosphates, which removes the metals from the water. Phosphates will therefore remove the tanning chemicals from the leather of the sheepskin resulting in permanent damage to the sheepskin. Only products which specify that they are suitable for sheepskin should be used.
  • Only wash in cold or lukewarm water (up to 40°C/104°F).
  • Gently stretch rugs to shape whilst still damp.
  • Dry flat over two chairs or an airing rack and away from direct sunlight and any other direct heat source as heat will cause often irreparable damage.

See below for details of caring for particular products.

 

  • Care And Cleaning Of Your Ugg Boots & Slippers

    Please see our FAQ page for more information.

    For Stephanie's super quick "that'll do" type clean:

    Inside of footwear ... the woolley side and bottom ... stick the end of the vacuum hose inside to suck up anything loose and nasty!  This will also restore the pile where it's flattened. Sprinkling powder inside first can help absorb any moisture as moisture is what will cause smells! And remove feet from boots first before doing all this ... really!

    Outside of footwear ... the skin side ... using either a baby skincare wipe or makeup removing wipe (always alcohol free!), wipe over the skin (always in and with the direction of the nap/grain noting the direction may be different for each piece, with the direction shows lighter, against the nap/grain shows darker) say 3 times. You'll need one wipe for each boot. The skin will look completely wet and can take 6 hours to completely dry depending on the weather at the time. Once completely dry the skin will be noticeably cleaner. I like this method it's so easy. Re-apply rain/stain guard. If you wipe against the grain, once the skin is fully dry it'll be prickly. And as usual never use a heat source to dry including full sun.

    For the tough stains or thorough cleaning go to our FAQ page.

  • Cleaning Infant Care Rugs, Medical Rugs, Pram Underlays, and Pet Rugs

    There are 3 steps to fully laundering your rug;

    Washing - Machine wash on “wool” or “gentle” cycle in lukewarm water (max 40°C/104°F). Use only Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo or another detergent which specifies that it is suitable for sheepskin. Do not use a wool wash or any other detergent. Spin excess water out. Do not bleach or leave soaking.

    Drying - Lay Flat over drying/airing rack or over two chairs in an outside position away from direct sunlight. Stretch to shape while damp, and whilst still damp give the rug a good shake and brush to restore wool pile. If washed using Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo then the rug may be tumbled on a cool setting (not warm or hot). Do not iron.

    Brushing - Brushing when both wet and again when rug is fully dry helps to maintain the wool pile. Use a pet brush, stiff bristled brush or comb and brush in all directions. 

    NB. Infant Care Rugs, Medical Rugs, Pram Underlays and Pet Rugs are dry cleanable. Pet Rugs may be sprayed with animal pest control products.

  • Cleaning of Long Wool Rugs

    Any long wool rugs larger than a single rug (such as double, quads etc) will need to be dry cleaned due to the size and therefore weight of the rug when wet which could cause considerable damage to your washing machine. 

    To wash your single long wool rug: 

    Washing - Machine wash on “wool” or “gentle” cycle in lukewarm water (max 40°C/104°F). Use only Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo or another detergent which specifies that it is suitable for sheepskin. Do not use a wool wash or any other detergent. Spin excess water out. Do not bleach or leave soaking. 

    Drying - Lay flat over drying/airing rack or over two chairs in an outside position away from direct sunlight. Stretch to shape while damp and brush to restore wool pile. Do not iron. 

    Brushing - After washing, the wool may revert back to its natural curly state. You can help restore the fluffy appearance by brushing the wool while it is wet and again when it is dry. First give the wet rug a good shake then use a wire pet brush or similar and brush out the natural curl while wet and again when dry. 

    Long Wool Rugs are dry cleanable.

  • Cleaning Sheepskin Bed Underlays

    Any bed underlays larger than a cot size or single bed size will need to be dry cleaned due to the size and therefore weight of the rug when wet which could cause considerable damage to your washing machine. Cot size and single bed size underlays can be washed in a large capacity washing machine, minimum 7kg capacity. 

    To wash your cot size or single bed size underlay: 

    Washing - Machine wash on “wool” or “gentle” cycle in lukewarm water (max 40°C/104°F). Use only Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo or another detergent which specifies that it is suitable for sheepskin. Do not use a wool wash or any other detergent. Spin excess water out. Do not bleach or leave soaking. 

    Drying - Lay flat over drying/airing rack or over two chairs in an outside position away from direct sunlight. Stretch to shape while damp, and whilst still damp give the rug a good shake and brush to restore wool pile. Do not iron. 

    Brushing - Brushing when both wet and again when rug is fully dry helps to maintain the wool pile. Use a pet brush, stiff bristled brush or comb and brush in all directions. 

    NB : These washing instructions are only applicable for sheepskin bed underlays, not wool or woollen underlays. The difference between sheepskin underlays and woollen underlays is that sheepskin is a fully natural product, is wool on skin and is suitable for both winter and summer. Woollen underlays are a woven fabric, are lighter in weight, and often have a winter side and a summer side. Please refer to the manufacturers cleaning instructions for woollen underlays. 

    Sheepskin Bed Underlays are dry cleanable.

  • Washing Car Seat Covers

    Washing - Machine wash, one seat cover at a time, on “wool” or “gentle” cycle in lukewarm water (max 40°C/104°F). Use only Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo or another detergent which specifies that it is suitable for sheepskin. Do not use a wool wash or any other detergent. Spin excess water out. Do not bleach or leave soaking. 

    Drying - Lay flat over drying/airing rack or over two chairs in an outside position away from direct sunlight. Stretch to shape while damp, and whilst still damp give the rug a good shake and brush to restore wool pile. Do not iron. 

    Brushing - Brushing when both wet and again when rug is fully dry helps to maintain the wool pile. Use a pet brush, stiff bristled brush or comb and brush in all directions. 

    NB : Sheepskin seat covers will often be sheepskin at the front of the seats with acrylic or wool blended fabric for down the back of the seats. It is very important not to brush the acrylic or wool blend as the brushing action could tear the fabric. If uncertain which material is acrylic/wool blend, look at the underside of the fabric and if the fabric is not leather or is woven then that is the fabric not to brush. 

    Sheepskin Car Seat Covers are dry cleanable.

  • Washing Sheepskin Cushion / Pet Pillow

    Mortels sheepskin cushions comprise of 2 parts; the outer cushion/pillow cover and the inner cushion/pillow. 

    * The inner cushion is made from all natural calico filled with sheepskin off-cuts. Washing is not recommended nor generally required for the inner cushion. Cushion will benefit from vigorous shaking to help maintain plump state. 

    * The outer cushion cover is made from 100% sheepskin upper side with fabric under side. 

    There are 3 steps to fully laundering your cushion cover: 

    Washing - Machine wash on “wool” or “gentle” cycle in lukewarm water (max 40°C/104°F). Use only Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo or another detergent which specifies that it is suitable for sheepskin. Do not use a wool wash or any other detergent. Spin excess water out. Do not bleach or leave soaking. 

    Drying - Lay Flat over drying/airing rack or over two chairs in an outside position away from direct sunlight. Stretch to shape while damp, and whilst still damp give the rug a good shake and brush to restore wool pile. If washed using Woolskin Sheepskin Shampoo then the rug may be tumbled on a cool setting (not warm or hot). Do not iron. 

    Brushing - Brushing when both wet and again when rug is fully dry helps to maintain the wool pile. Use a pet brush, stiff bristled brush or comb and brush in all directions.

    NB. Pet Rugs may be sprayed with animal pest control products.

  • Care and Cleaning of Your Cow Hide Rugs

    With a little bit of regular care and a little bit more common sense, cow hides can look great for decades. To best care for your cow hide, follow these steps:

    • Vacuum regularly just as you would your carpet to keep your rug clean and free from dust, dirt and other foreign particles,
    • Brushing with a stiff bristled brush or broom will help to remove dirt and foreign particles trapped in the hair,
    • Spot Clean by wiping the cow hide in the direction of the hair with a damp (not wet) cloth with mild soap and water,
    • Rotating your rug or move to a different location occasionally will help with even wearing,
    • Air regular by hanging over several lines of the clothes line on a sunny day will help with freshness.

    For common spills like food, tea and coffee, wine etc – soak up spills immediately with paper towels. Remove solid matter with the blunt edge of a dinner knife by scraping gently in the direction of the hair then wipe over with a damp cloth using mild soap and warm water.

    For oil based spills like fat, grease, lipstick, chewing gum etc – this is more difficult to treat so take care and avoid these spills. First, remove solid matter with the blunt edge of a dinner knife by scraping gently in the direction of the hair then dab eucalyptus oil directly unto the affected area using a soft cloth. Finally wipe over with a damp cloth and mild soapy warm water. 

    NB. Do not soak cow hides or get too wet. Do not wash in a washing machine or dry clean. 

  • Care and Cleaning of your Sheepskin Coat or Vest

    Before wear and when new, spray the suede (outer) of your sheepskin coat/vest with a rain and stain guard that is made for suede or leather. This will protect it against water spotting and will help it resist soiling. Re-apply yearly, especially in autumn or re-apply after vest becomes wet and has been fully dried.

    To spot clean the wool of the coat/vest, mix a solution of sheepskin shampoo and conditioner and water and sponge through the wool. Do not soak through to the suede. Brush the wool when nearly dry to fluff it up.

    To spot clean the skin of the coat/vest, using a suede sponge or suede brush only, brush the suede (outer) of the coat/vest brushing in the reverse direction of the nap. A layer of baking soda applied directly over soils or stains will help with liquid or grease spots. Sprinkle directly over stain and allow to sit for 1-2 days. Using a vacuum cleaner and a clean brush attachment, vacuum the baking soda to remove from coat/vest.

    Also, alcohol free wet wipes (such as baby wipes) are very effective in removing light soling. Wipe over in the direction of the nap 3-4 times (never rub in both directions as this will scuff the nap) and leave to dry naturally.

    The most important thing to remember about cleaning a coat/vest is to try to clean the spot or stain as soon as it occurs.

    When a coat/vest becomes soiled overall, it should be professionally dry cleaned by a dry cleaner specialising in leather, suede and/or furs. Be sure to ask if the dry cleaner is experienced with leather, suede or sheepskin.

    If your sheepskin coat/vest ever becomes significantly wet, be sure always that you dry the coat/vest slowly without placing it in direct heat. Once it dries completely, remove water spots with a suede sponge or suede brush, then re-apply rain and stain guard.

    To store your sheepskin coat/vest, placing an old cotton shirt over the top of your coat/vest will help prevent dust soiling. Never store your coat/vest in plastic for long periods as the sheepskin cannot breathe and condensation may occur. Hang and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

  • Care and Cleaning of your Oilskin clothing and products

    Didgeridoona Oilskin products and garments are made from sturdy 100% cotton that is coated with our uniquely formulated oil and wax finish to give the Oilskin its distinctive weatherproof and breathable character. As a specialised material, the Oilskin fabric needs special attention to maintain its weatherproofing qualities.
    The following care instructions will help prolong the life of your Oilskin product.

    CLEANING
    • Follow the washing/care instructions attached to the inside of the product.
    • Do not wash with detergent or hot water as this removes the oil and wax which are crucial to the Oilskin’s waterproofing qualities
    • When the item gets dirty, brush off dirt or sponge down with cold water
    • When item is extremely dirty, hand wash in cold water

    If the garment requires a complete clean, we recommend using our Wool/Oilskin Wash or pure soap.

    REMOVING MOULD
    • Firstly brush off as much mould on the garment as you can find.
    • Sponge diluted vinegar onto the affected areas.
    • Hand wash in luke warm water using our Didgeridoonas Oilskin/Wool Wash or a pure soap. Do not soak your Didgeridoona.
    • Rinse off as much of the soap as you can and hang it out to dry. Keep out of direct sunlight.
    • Hose down any excess soap and air your coat. Air out
    • Once you’ve cleaned your Didgeridoona the soap may have stripped most of the oil out of the coat so it will need reproofing.

    Please note, always store your oilskin product in a dry well ventilated area. Do not place in a cupboard or plastic bag for long periods of time, otherwise it will become mouldy.

    REPROOFING

    With wear over time, the oil and wax on the Oilskin fabric will naturally dry out. At Didgeridoonas we offer two types of reproofing products for Oilskin care: Oilskin Reproofer and Didgeridoonas Reproofer Wax.

    STORAGE AND GENERAL CARE
    •  Always store your Oilskin garment in a dry, well-ventilated area
    • Do not leave in wet, enclosed environments as this promotes the growth of mould.
    • The oil and wax proofing on your product can rub off on other surfaces. Be aware of this when using your product in close proximity with other surfaces.
    • Do not stitch through or repair the outside of the fabric unless absolutely necessary
    • If repairs need to be made, please make sure the area is reproofed after repairing to prevent leaking.

Mortels, since 1958.
Proudly Australian owned, grown and made ... Naturally!

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