Shearling is a luxurious and versatile material, perfect for everything from jackets to blankets and rugs. But because of the soft texture, proper care and cleaning are necessary to keep it from looking battered. From using imitation shearling to natural shearling, this complete guide on how to clean and maintain shearling items will help you keep your items soft, clean, and in tip-top shape.
Proper Storage of Shearling Items
To maintain the quality of shearling, storage plays a crucial role. Store shearling materials in a cool and dry place during the periods of disuse to prevent them from being exposed to direct sunlight or other heat sources. Store jackets on padded hangers so that they can keep their shape, and for shearling rugs or blankets, consider rolling them up quickly and putting them into a breathable bag for storage.
Cleaning Genuine Shearling
Genuine shearling, which is made from natural sheepskin, is probably the most popular option for high-quality outerwear and accessories when it comes to softness, warmth, and durability. While the faux shearlings may lose their feel over time, real shearling retains its luxurious feel as well as insulation properties over time. To clean a shearling jacket or any other original shearling, first, brush out all dirt with a soft bristle brush before stain-removal techniques or use a mild detergent on a damp cloth. Do not overly jam the material when trying to clean. Real shearling should not be immersed in water because it would deform the texture and shape of the fibers through soaking. Genuine shearlings have built-in breathing capacity and will mold according to your temperature: very few synthetics can be even remotely compared to this in terms of comfort and durability.
Caring for Faux Shearling
Faux shearling requires more care than genuine shearlings. It copies the soft texture of natural shearling but lacks the breathable and natural durability that makes the genuine shearling such a fine material. To top it all, faux shearling flattens more easily and loses its plush appearance. Brush off dust and dirt with a soft brush. Spot-clean with a little mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water, and don't soak the material. Always lay faux shearling flat to air dry, keeping distant from direct heat or sunlight.
How to Dry Shearling Properly
Drying shearling properly is one of the important aspects for the conditioning and avoiding damage. Never dry shearling off in a tumble dryer because the material can shrink or warp under such high temperatures. After cleaning, gently blot away the excess moisture with a clean towel and leave it for naturally air drying in a position such as laid flat or hung to dry at room temperature. Do not squeeze or tie the area to prevent distortion.
Reconditioning Your Shearling
Conditioning is one step toward keeping shearling supple. After cleaning and drying, apply a conditioner that is made specifically for shearling so that natural oils in the fibers would be restored, keeping the fibers soft. Genuine shearling will absorb the conditioner while faux shearling will not, making it more durable and keeping it smooth over the years. At a time, a tiny amount is taken, and always follow the manufacturer's direction to know that it is applied correctly.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
More often than not, some shearling products, especially jackets and big rugs, will need cleaning by a specialist, with stubborn stains or heavy soiling. It is best to leave it in the hands of a professional who can make sure that cleaning is done well and without harming the product. Experts also have the right tools to restore your shearling product into its shape and feel.
Tips for Keeping Your Shearling Clean Longer
Preventing dirt buildup is easier than cleaning it afterward. Keep your shearling items in good condition by brushing them regularly with soft hair tools to remove dust and dirt before it gets embedded in the fibers. Unlike faux shearling, which can become matted or flattened, genuine shearling benefits from regular care to maintain its lofty, soft texture. Never wear shearling in excessively wet or muddy conditions, and always try to spot clean as promptly as a stain occurs. Regular maintenance prolongs the lifespan of your shearling items.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shearling items remain beautiful and luxurious for long periods. Whether hand-crafted or produced in the factory, shearling wearers have coats that properly care for their interiors or very cozy blankets. Proper care will ensure the natural elegance of these fabrics, which has already outdone its copies in style and durability, now shines in keeping true shearling above its fake counterparts.
