How to Clean Shearling

Tips and Tricks To Refresh Your Best Shearling at Home

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/28/22
Clean shearling slippers being worn on feet

The Spruce / Almar Creative

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
  • Total Time: 8 hrs - 2 days
  • Skill Level: Intermediate

Shearling coats, slippers, and purses are stylish, durable, and provide exceptional warmth. True shearling is made from the hide of a lamb that has been sheared only once and then tanned, processed, and dyed with the wool left intact. One side has a suede leather finish and the other is clipped wool. The term "shearling" is often used interchangeably with sheepskin. Shearling comes from lambs (young sheep), while sheepskin rugs and garments are created from mature sheep hides. Both rarely need full cleanings because of the protective lanolin, but spot cleaning is preferred.

The look of shearling is often recreated for home accessories and coat linings using man-made fibers. Faux shearling, like the material used in slippers from Deckersxlab, often contains polyester fibers along with wool. Cleaning faux shearling is typically easy as most items are usually machine-washable; just follow the instructions on the care label.

Shearling is breathable, hypoallergenic, and static-resistant. It doesn't typically need any extra protection unless you prefer to use a water-protectant spray. With proper care and cleaning, shearling lasts for decades and becomes more supple and comfortable with age. Learn how to clean shearling garments, footwear, and accessories to keep them looking their best.

How Often to Clean Shearling

Fresh stains on shearling should be treated immediately, whether they are on the suede side or the wooly side. At least weekly, use a soft-bristled suede brush to remove loose dust and soil from the suede side. Regular brushing will help delay the need for professional cleaning. If you get caught in the rain, allow the shearling to dry slowly away from direct heat or sunlight. You can then use the suede brush to raise any areas where the fabric has been crushed.

A shearling coat should be professionally cleaned if odors develop from perspiration or if it has significant stains. Any type of shearling garment or accessory should always be cleaned before being put in storage at the end of the season.

Tip

While stains on shearling coats, boots, and slippers can be cleaned at home with spot cleaning, overall cleaning by a professional who specializes in leather is recommended. It is not recommended to dry clean shearling at home using kits. Shearling can be washed by hand using a gentle wool wash, but it may leave the hides stiff and brittle if not done correctly.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Suede brush
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Tweezers
  • Clothes steamer
  • Dull-edged knife
  • Art gum eraser
  • Emery board
  • Heavy terry cloth bath towels

Materials

  • Wool wash or Castile soap
  • Cornstarch
  • Non-silicone water-repellent spray
  • Paper towels

Instructions

How To Clean Shearling

Materials and tools to clean shearling slippers

The Spruce / Almar Creative

  1. Remove Surface Soil

    Ideally, after every wearing, the suede side of shearling coats, boots, and purses should be brushed using a soft-bristled suede brush to remove loose dust and soil from the surface. Frequent brushing prevents the soil from settling deeper into the hide and causing stains.

    The wooly side should be checked for any visible soil. Use tweezers to gently remove any debris like leaves, threads, or hair that is caught in the curly fibers.

    Surface soil removed from shearling with soft-bristled suede brush

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  2. Treat Wet Stains

    If food or mud lands on either side of shearling, it should be cleaned away as soon as possible.

    1. Lift away any solids with a dull-edged knife or edge of a credit card. Never rub the stain, because that only pushes the matter deeper into the fibers.
    2. Once the solids are gone, use a white cloth or paper towel to blot away as much moisture as possible. No rubbing!
    3. Allow the stained area to air-dry naturally. The stain will be easier to treat once it is dry. Use the most gentle treatment first and move to more abrasive action, if needed. After every treatment, brush the area with the suede brush to restore and smooth the hide.
    4. Gently rub the area with a white microfiber cloth to lift away as much of the dried-on matter as possible.
    5. Use a pencil eraser or art gum eraser to gently rub away the stain.
    6. As a last resort, gently rub the stained area with an emery board nail file to remove the dried-on matter.
    Eraser rubbing away wet stains from shearling fur

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  3. Remove Oily Stains

    1. Blot fresh oily stains with a paper towel to absorb surface oil.
    2. Sprinkle the stain heavily with cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the oil. After an hour or so, when the powder looks oily, brush it away with a soft brush. Repeat if the stain remains.
    Cornstarch sprinkled on shearling to remove oily stains

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  4. Refresh the Wooly Side

    1. Mix a solution of one quart of warm water and 1/2 a teaspoon wool wash or Castile soap.
    2. Dip a white cloth in the solution and wring until just damp.
    3. Starting at the top of the garment, gently wipe down the wooly surfaces. Rinse the cloth often and mix a fresh batch of the cleaning solution as the soil is transferred, if needed.
    4. For underarm areas and shoe interiors, add a pine oil or phenolic disinfectant, such as Lysol, to the solution to help remove odor-causing bacteria.
    Wet cloth wringed over shearling to wipe down wooly surface

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

  5. Hand-Washing Shearling

    If you have decided to try hand-washing shearling, follow these steps.

    1. Remove visible stains.
    2. Mix a solution of lukewarm water and wool wash in a large sink or bathtub. Follow the product label guidelines as to how much to use per gallon of water.
    3. Submerge the shearling and gently squeeze the solution through the fibers for about 10 minutes.
    4. Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with cool water. Rinse by squeezing the shearling until no more suds appear. You may need to empty and refill the tub a couple of times.
    5. Lift the shearling out of the tub and gently squeeze to remove water. NO wringing!
    6. Place the shearling between two heavy cotton terry cloth towels to help absorb excess water.
    7. Place the shearling on a drying rack and smooth it to its original shape. It is helpful to stuff boots, slippers, and purses with clean cotton towels to help them hold their shape. Replace the towels as they become wet.
    8. Allow the shearling item to air dry completely before wearing. This may take up to 48 hours.
    9. Use a clothes steamer held about 8 inches from the surface to remove wrinkles.
    Heavy cotton cloth absorbing excess moisture from shearling

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

Tips to Keep Shearling Clean Longer

  • To protect a shearling item, spray the suede side with a non-silicone water-repellent spray before wearing it for the first time.
  • Brush the suede side and allow the interior wooly side to air-dry between wearings.
  • Do not wear damp shearling garments.
  • If you won't be wearing the shearling for some time, cover it with a cotton cloth to prevent dust from settling on the surface.
FAQ
  • How do I keep my shearling soft?

    Regularly brushing your shearling garment (or sheepskin rug) is the most effective way to restore shearling's softness and fluffiness. Use a proper suede, sheepskin brush, or slicker-style pet brush at least once a month.

  • Can I get shearling wet?

    Natural shearling is water resistant, so a little bit of rain or snow is okay. But you should not wear shearling in a downpour or to play in the snow. Shake any moisture off your coat or footwear and let it dry in a well-ventilated space. For this reason, you shouldn't machine-wash shearling; hand-wash infrequently, if at all.

  • Is shearling warmer than fur?

    Shearling can be warmer than fur or most other types of winter coats. Shearling is often warmer because you wear a garment or slippers with the shearling against your skin versus fur that is outside of the garment. A shearling garment is also usually lighter in weight than a fur garment.