How to Clean Shearling: A Simple Guide to Maintaining Your Sheepskin Items

Pologeorgis Furs

Posted on April 22 2025

You’ve poured your heart—and a significant investment—into a luxurious shearling garment , and you can’t bear the thought of damaging its supple texture or unique character.

Understanding how to clean shearling properly will help preserve its rich look and soft feel for years. To clean shearling effectively, start with a specialized suede brush to remove surface dirt. Follow with a gentle spot-cleaning method using cold water and a mild wool shampoo, taking care not to oversaturate the leather.

The Value of Shearling

When you're cleaning a shearling coat at home, it's important to use only the safest, most recommended methods. Your shearling isn’t just outerwear; it’s a premium investment that offers natural warmth, unmatched durability, and breathable comfort. Crafted from carefully tanned sheepskin with the wool intact, shearling stands apart as a luxurious material for garments. Its natural lanolin content even repels dirt and moisture. With proper care, a quality shearling coat can easily last over a decade, developing a rich patina that only enhances its timeless appeal. That’s one of many reasons people choose to invest in a shearling coat—for a luxury piece that’s both practical and enduring.

Gathering Necessary Materials

Before you begin cleaning, gather all the essential supplies to streamline your routine and avoid unnecessary handling that could damage your garment.

Primary Cleaning Materials:

Suede Brush: Use soft brass bristles that gently lift away dirt without harming the delicate fibers.
Soft, Lint-Free White Cloths: Keep a couple of these on hand—one for buffing and another for applying cleaning solutions.
Lukewarm Water: Essential for mixing with your cleaning agents.
Shearling-Specific Cleaner: Choose a product designed for cleaning a shearling coat at home and formulated specifically for the unique needs of sheepskin.
Absorbent Towels: These help remove excess moisture without aggressive rubbing.
Small Basin and Natural Sponge: For mixing and applying your cleaning solution.

Optional Additions:

Suede Eraser: Ideal for stubborn marks.
White Vinegar: A natural odor neutralizer.
Cedar Blocks or Lavender Sachets: These help keep storage areas fresh and ward off pests.
Silica Gel Packs: Especially useful in humid environments to maintain ideal moisture levels.

Keep these materials separate from household cleaners to avoid cross-contamination with harsh chemicals.

Spot Cleaning Techniques

With a few practical steps, you can effectively address minor stains and daily dirt, ensuring your shearling piece stays pristine.

Removing Dirt and Stains

For everyday maintenance, use a suede brush to remove surface dust and debris. When a stain occurs, treat it quickly with a shearling-friendly cleaning solution. Remember, gentle care is essential.

Step-by-Step Spot Cleaning Instructions

Light Dusting: Gently brush the area with your suede brush to dislodge surface dirt.
Apply the Cleaner: Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with lukewarm water and a small amount of shearling-specific cleaner.
Dab, Don’t Rub: Gently dab the stain, working from the outer edges inward. Avoid vigorous rubbing, which could damage the fibers.
For Oil-Based Stains: Lightly sprinkle cornstarch over the affected area and let it sit overnight. In the morning, brush away the powder with a suede brush.
Odor Control: If unwanted smells persist, lightly mist the area with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then allow it to air out.

Do’s & Don’ts for Spot Cleaning

DO: Use a soft suede brush regularly and dab gently when applying cleaning solutions.
DON’T: Apply water-based fabric detergents or harsh chemical cleaners, and never oversaturate the garment.

These spot-cleaning tips are perfect for those interested in cleaning a shearling coat at home and extending the life of their garment between deep cleans. By following these steps, you safeguard the natural texture of your shearling while keeping it fresh and elegant.

Deep Cleaning Process

A deep clean refreshes shearling garments, but it must be done carefully to avoid damaging the leather or wool.

Using Gentle Methods

Use a specialized sheepskin cleaner or create a mild solution with wool wash and cool water. Never use hot water, which can cause shrinkage and stiffness.

Mix one tablespoon of cleaner per gallon of lukewarm water. Always test on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire garment.

Using a clean white cloth, dab lightly on stains. Do not scrub as this can mat the wool and weaken the leather.

Work in sections, avoiding oversaturation. After cleaning, absorb excess moisture with dry towels—never twist or wring the fabric.

Let the garment air dry naturally, avoiding direct heat or sunlight. Once dry, use a wire brush to fluff the wool back to its original state.

Drying and Fluffing

Proper drying techniques preserve shearling’s texture and structure while preventing damage caused by trapped moisture.

Effective Drying Techniques

Proper drying is essential to maintain the plush texture of your shearling. The process requires patience and a gentle touch.

Hang your garment on a padded hanger in a room with a stable temperature of 65–75°F (18–24°C). Avoid direct heat or sunlight that might cause shrinkage or stiffness. Allow it to dry naturally for 24–48 hours.
While the garment is still damp, carefully reshape it to its original form. Once almost dry, use a suede brush to lift the wool fibers.
For particularly matted areas, lightly sprinkle cornstarch and gently work it through with your fingers before brushing out any residue. For extra softness, you may also use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting while brushing in an upward motion.

These meticulous steps ensure your shearling regains its natural, luxurious fluffiness without compromising its integrity.

Professional Cleaning Options

Professional cleaning is the safest solution for deep-set stains, odors, or extensive dirt buildup.

When to Seek Expert Help

Even if you're confident in cleaning a shearling coat at home, some issues call for professional help. A skilled shearling cleaner uses temperature-controlled methods and gentle solvents you might not have at home. Consider professional cleaning if:

Stubborn Stains Persist: Professional expertise can prevent permanent damage if a stain has been set deeply into the leather or wool.
Discoloration or Yellowing: Noticeable color changes may indicate that the garment needs a thorough, professional refresh.
Persistent Musty Odors: When regular air drying and home remedies fail, a professional can safely eliminate unwanted smells.
Excessive Moisture Absorption: Prolonged exposure to rain or snow may necessitate expert intervention to restore the fabric’s natural state.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is not only about keeping your shearling garment safe—it’s about honoring its value as a luxury investment. The way you store your coat can significantly impact its longevity and overall appearance.

Best Storage Practices

Clean Before Storing: Ensure your shearling is completely clean before putting it away. Any residual dirt can set over time, making future cleaning much more difficult.
Use Breathable Storage Bags: Instead of plastic, opt for cotton or canvas garment bags that allow air circulation, preventing musty odors and fabric deterioration.
Choose the Right Hanger: Hang your shearling on wide, padded hangers. This helps maintain its shape, unlike wire or plastic hangers that might create unsightly shoulder indentations.
Control Humidity Levels: Store your garment in a cool, dry space with a stable temperature between 60–65°F and humidity around 45–55%. Place silica gel packs in the storage area in humid climates to absorb extra moisture.
Avoid Sunlight and Heat: Direct sunlight can fade and dry out the leather, so keep your shearling away from radiators or space heaters in a dark, well-ventilated closet.
Natural Moth Repellents: Incorporate cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths without using harmful chemicals like mothballs.
Periodic Checks: Inspect your stored garment every few months for signs of moisture, mold, or pest activity. Shake it out gently and allow it to air out before returning it to storage.

Long-Term Care for Shearling

Routine maintenance extends the lifespan of your shearling, keeping it soft, supple, and luxurious for years to come.

Essential Long-Term Care Habits

Brush Regularly: Use a soft suede brush or wool comb every week to maintain the natural texture of your shearling. Regular brushing prevents matting and redistributes the natural oils that keep the garment supple.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Moisture: While shearling naturally repels water, extended rain or high humidity exposure can stiffen the leather and mat the wool. If your garment does get wet, shake off excess moisture and let it air dry at room temperature.
Immediate Spot Cleaning: Tackle stains as soon as they appear. Delaying cleaning can make stains set in deeper, requiring more intensive professional intervention later.
Protect High-Wear Areas: Focus extra care on areas like elbows, cuffs, and shoulders, which experience more friction. Prevent these areas from wearing unevenly by reducing repetitive friction, such as that caused by carrying heavy bags.
Shearling Conditioner: Every 6 to 12 months, apply a lanolin-based conditioner sparingly to the leather side. This not only retains moisture but also protects against cracking. Always test the product on a discreet area first.
Air Out After Use: After wearing your shearling, hang it in a well-ventilated space for a few hours before storing. This practice allows moisture and odors to dissipate naturally.
Rotate Your Wardrobe: If you own more than one shearling piece, rotate their use to ensure even wear. This prevents one garment from becoming overused and prolongs the lifespan of each item.
Consider Professional Restoration: If you notice significant wear or fading, professional re-dyeing and restoration services can refresh your garment’s color and texture, breathing new life into your cherished piece.

These small routines protect the value of your shearling garment as an heirloom piece. By treating your shearling as the luxury investment it is, you guarantee that it remains an enduring element of your wardrobe—one that grows in character and value over time.

Get Your Shearling Professionally Cleaned

When you're not sure how to clean shearling without risking damage, trust the pros. Ensure the best care of your luxurious shearling with the expert fur cleaning services of Pologeorgis. Our specialized approach, informed by years of experience and a commitment to preserving the beauty of fine materials, transforms routine maintenance into an art form. Discover how our tailored solutions can help you keep your shearling as captivating and pristine as the day you fell in love with it.