How do I care for shearling?
Perhaps you have just invested in a lovely shearling product – or you are considering it – and are therefore thinking about how best to look after shearling so that it stays beautiful for many years.
Or what to do if an accident happens? Read here about caring for shearling.
Shearling is a 100% genuine natural material and therefore does not need much care.
Our best advice to you would be:
#1 Impregnate your suede
At your local shoemaker or shoe shop you can buy a spray can of impregnating fluid.
Use it according to the instructions. REMEMBER to spray an extra layer on seams and in corners. That is always where the very smallest holes are, and water always finds a way, so be extra generous with the impregnation right there.
After you have sprayed a layer of impregnation over your new shearling, it becomes much more resistant to dirt and moisture.
So now you may be thinking:
#2 Is shearling waterproof?
Shearling is water-repellent, but not 100% waterproof. The impregnation will, however, make shearling more water-repellent.
That is why it is a good idea to pop down to your shoemaker for a bottle of impregnating fluid.
#3 Stains
Stains – sigh, they always come at the worst times and in the most visible places.
If you have impregnated your shearling, it is easier to remove dirt and stains.
If you have been unlucky enough to get a stain on it, you can try steaming it.
Hold the stained area over a bowl of hot water and let the skin absorb the steam.
Then you can carefully press the damp area with a clean, dry cloth and remove the stain from the skin.
Be prepared for it to take a little time; you may have to repeat the process a few times before you are completely satisfied.
#4 Wet shearling
If your shearling has become soaked, lay it flat to dry and let it air-dry at room temperature.
Preferably right next to a heat source such as a radiator, but not too close to a wood burner and the like.
If it becomes stiff after drying, you can work it soft again with your fingers.
Remember then to spray on a new layer of impregnation.
#5 Cleaning
You cannot wash shearling yourself – it has to be dry-cleaned. Choose a dry cleaner who knows about fur care.
Caring for shearling – not so difficult, is it?
Fortunately, shearling is known for being easy to care for and clean, as it has a natural ability to repel dirt and stains.
We hope you will come to love your shearling and enjoy it for many years.
So that it does not get too practical, here are some fun facts about shearling that you can entertain and show off with when you present your new shearling.
#6 Facts about shearling
First of all a fun fact, did you know that:
- The English call shearling “doubleface”? It is a skin with “two faces”. One side is smooth and suede-like. The other side is soft, curly and furry.
You should also have some more serious facts about shearling:
- Shearling is an environmentally aware and sustainable material. It comes from animals that are used for food, so the wool does not go to waste.
- Shearling is hypoallergenic and rarely causes allergic reactions, as it is naturally resistant to bacteria and dust mites.
- You have good taste, because shearling has often been used to make blankets, clothes and other textiles, as it is a luxurious and durable material.
