How to Clean a Shearling Jacket or Coat? Tips for Easy Cleaning

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How to Clean a Shearling Jacket or Coat

Fashion lovers are swooning over shearling coats and jackets this year. There are several benefits to owning one. It is important to know how to clean a shearling jacket to preserve it for a very long time.

The interior of a jacket or coat usually contains wool, while its exterior is tanned. Shearling coats are exceptionally warm and durable. Dry-cleaning shops can clean shearling jackets and remove stains and grime, but the price may be steep. If your coat is only mildly soiled, you might want to consider cleaning it yourself instead of having it professionally cleaned. Keeping your jacket in good condition is easy if you follow these steps:

What Is Shearling?

Shearling sheepskin is also referred to as shearling lambskin, although genuine shearling originates from a newborn lamb as opposed to sheepskin, which is acquired from a mature sheep. In terms of weight, shearling is much preferable than fur.

A shearling is a perfect material to use for jackets/coats that will endure not just extremely low temperatures and dampness, but as well as the test of time since it has warm wool on the interior and smooth lamb leather on the exterior.

Cleaning a Shearling Jacket

Cleaning shearling is different from other leather products in the sense that it requires a whole different level of cleaning. Shearling jackets and coats should only be professionally cleaned at least once a year, at the end of the winter season, to ensure that they maintain their excellent condition.

If your coat or jacket is a little bit damp or needs a quick spot treatment, there are a few simple and direct home remedies you can use.

A Step-by-Step Guide

Spot-Treating Stains

  1. If there is a spill on your jacket, dab it immediately with a fresh towel. If you spill something while wearing your jacket, get a clean towel or paper towel, and use it to wipe up the spill right away. To absorb the moisture, dab the liquid gently rather than rubbing it with a cloth.

Tip: It may be harmful to rub the shearling coat with a cloth or other fabric.

  1. Use a steel comb or a suede brush to remove little dirt stains. Use the suede brush to remove any minor dirt from the smooth suede side of your shearling jacket if it has one. For the shearling fur, gently brush the hair with a steel comb to eliminate any dirt clumps and maintain the shearling exceptionally silkily.

Tip: To ensure that all of the dirt is removed, comb the hair numerous times.

  1. To clean the soiled area on your jacket, dab it with a gentle detergent. Squeeze a tiny bit of a mild washing detergent directly over the stain before using it on your shearling. Use a clean paper towel to gently dab it in, and then wipe the soap away with a moist cloth.

Tip: When removing the soap, dab at the sheepskin softly rather than vigorously rubbing it to prevent damaging the jacket.

Drying a Shearling Jacket 

  • If your jacket gets drenched, use a towel. Lay your wet coat on a towel. Press a clean, dry towel over top to absorb water. Pat the jacket to dry it.

Tip: Before patting the coat dry with a towel, gently shake it out.

  • Hang the jacket firmly. If possible, hang the shearling coat on a wood hanger; if not, use a sturdy plastic hanger. Place the hanger on a strong laundry wire or hook to air dry.

Tip: Wire hangers should be avoided since they frequently aren't sturdy enough to support a bulky, damp shearling jacket.

  • Air-dry the jacket indoors. Drying your jacket close to a fire, hot vent, or another unusually heated place will harm it. Keep your shearling jacket at room temperature to prevent drying.

How to Care for Shearling/Sheepskin Jackets

Shearling leather jackets don't need dry cleaning. Properly maintained shearling coats are water-resistant. Dry your jacket at room temperature after rain or snow. Water stains are brushed off after drying. Shearling jackets should never be washed or dyed.

The Right Way to Store a Shearling Jacket

Mildew might damage the shearling jacket, so store it dry. Shearling coats must be kept in paper or cardboard, never plastic. Hang it loosely on a sturdy hanger. Shearling jackets are insect-proof.

Where Does Shearling Come From?

Iceland and Spain are major sources of shearling lambskin. Spain produces excellent shearling which is soft and thick merino shearling. Long-haired Toscanas are warmer. Luxury clothing like shearling leather jackets incorporates Merino, Tigrado, and Toscana.

Is Shearling a Sustainable Product?

An environmentally suitable alternative to man-made materials is sheepskin. Natural sheepskin is an eco-friendly material that you won't regret choosing because it is a sustainable and renewable resource.


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