How to Clean a Shearling Coat - Complete Guide

Shearling, with its luxurious blend of leather and wool, requires special care to keep its texture and appearance intact. With the right techniques, you can keep your shearling coats, jackets, and other items looking brand new. Need to clean your shearling at home? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean shearling easily and maintain its quality and longevity. 

This guide has step-by-step instructions, stain removal tips, and storage advice to prevent damage. Whether you have minor stains or want to freshen up your shearling look, these methods will give you professional results at home.

What is Shearling?

Shearling is the skin of a freshly shorn sheep or lamb with the wool still attached. This material has two surfaces; one side is suede, and the other is soft-clipped wool. Shearling coats and jackets are usually designed with the suede side out so it looks like a sheepskin coat.

The breathability and density of real shearling sets it apart from synthetic alternatives. Real shearling is heavier and has denser fur, and it’s the better choice for warmth and comfort. Synthetic shearling, often called sherpa, has a shiny exterior and lacks the smooth feel of real shearling. The texture difference is obvious; real shearling feels smoother and more natural than synthetic.

These properties determine how to clean shearling. This luxurious blend of leather and wool needs special care to keep it looking good and functional. This is what we will learn in the following sections.

How Often to Clean Shearling

Cleaning regularly is key to keeping shearling coats and jackets looking new. However, while it might be tempting to clean them often, over cleaning can be bad. Moreover, it is a good idea to get professional cleaning at least once a year, which will deep clean and preserve the material. 

Day-to-day maintenance should include spot cleaning, and leaving heavy-duty cleaning to professionals annually. A clean cloth or damp sponge is perfect for spot-cleaning minor stains without submerging the whole garment in the water. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents as they can damage the delicate shearling material. This balance will keep your shearling in top condition without over-cleaning, which can wear down the material over time. Remember, a little care goes a long way in extending the life of your beloved shearling pieces.

Materials and Tools Required to Clean Shearling

Gather the right materials and tools before you start cleaning. Here’s what you’ll need:

A soft cloth is essential for gently wiping the surface of shearling. This will remove loose dirt and dust without being abrasive. Mild detergent cleans without harming the delicate texture of shearling. Make sure the detergent is suitable for delicate fabrics to avoid any reaction.

A soft bristled brush helps remove embedded dirt and maintain the wool’s fluffiness. This tool lifts dirt from the fibers without damaging the material. A dry towel is crucial for blotting and absorbing excess moisture during cleaning.

With these materials and tools you’ll be ready to tackle the cleaning tasks ahead.

How to Clean Shearling

Cleaning shearling seems like a big task, but by following these steps, you can keep your items in great condition:

Start with a soft, bristled brush. This will remove any loose dirt from the surface of the shearling. This step prevents dirt from embedding further into the material. Prepare a washing area with lukewarm water and a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.

Blot minor stains with a damp cloth soaked in lukewarm water; use minimal moisture. Clean the shearling with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in soapy water, and work in small sections to avoid soaking the material. Use water sparingly to prevent damage.

Rinse the sponge or cloth thoroughly to remove soap residue; do not apply water directly to the garment. Press a dry towel gently against the shearling to remove excess water. Do not wring it out.

Allow the shearling to air dry flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area; flip it occasionally for even drying. Once dry, brush the wool to fluff it up and restore its texture by following the direction of the hair.

Stain Removal from Shearling

Stains on shearling can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can manage them. Act fast to manage stains. Dab spills immediately with a clean towel to minimize damage. Blot the area immediately with a damp cloth to prevent stains from setting.

A steel comb or suede brush can remove small dirt marks. Apply mild detergent directly to the stain and dab gently with a paper towel. Do not rub vigorously to avoid damaging the material.

Apply cornstarch or baby powder to absorb oil from greasy stains before using other cleaning methods. Test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous area first to avoid any reaction. 

How to Get Rid of Odors in Shearling

Odors can be common in shearling items, but there are effective ways to deal with them. Air out shearling in a well-ventilated area, especially during humid times like early morning or evening, to remove bad odors. Always air out shearling after wearing it before storing it.

Place an open bag of coffee grounds inside a closed garment bag with the shearling item to absorb unpleasant odors. This natural remedy works wonders. Sprinkle baking soda onto the fur and brush it in to remove musty scents. Let the baking soda sit for a while, and then gently shake the shearling to remove the powder.

These simple methods keep your shearling items smelling fresh and nice, overall.

Storing Shearling Items

Storing is as important as cleaning for shearling items. Use a sturdy hanger to maintain the shape of shearling garments and prevent creasing. A wide-shoulder wooden hanger works best for this purpose. Do not hang shearling on hooks or over banisters to prevent distorting the neckline. Gently reshape garments by hand during drying to maintain their original form and prevent deformation.

Store shearling in a breathable cotton garment bag to prevent odors from developing. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and discoloration. 

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Shearling Fur

Preventing mold and mildew maintains the quality of shearling items. Store shearling in a cotton cover to ensure proper ventilation and avoid plastic covers that trap moisture. Keep shearling in well ventilated areas to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth.

Use a breathable garment bag like a cotton bag to enhance air circulation. Maintain moderate temperature and low humidity in the storage area to prevent wool compression. Dehumidifiers can be very helpful in humid conditions.

By following these tips, your shearling items will be mold and mildew free, keeping their beauty and functionality.

Conclusion

Proper care and cleaning of shearling items is crucial to maintain their luxurious feel and look. From knowing what shearling is to learning how to clean, dry, and store it, these steps will help you keep your shearling items in top condition.

Remember, regular maintenance and professional cleaning are key to extending the life of your shearling coats, jackets, and rugs. With the knowledge gained from this guide, you can care for your fur items at home and ensure they will be beautiful and functional for years to come.

FAQs

Is shearling machine washable?

Do not machine wash shearling. Dry clean or wipe down with a dry cotton cloth to keep looking great!

What if shearling gets wet?

If shearling gets wet, let it air dry in a warm area to prevent damage. Proper care will keep your shearling beautiful and long lasting.

How do I clean dirty shearling?

Cleaning dirty shearling is easy! Use a suede brush for the smooth suede side and a steel comb to gently remove dirt clumps from the fur to keep your shearling fresh and silky.

How often do I clean my shearling jacket?

Clean your shearling jacket professionally at least once a year and spot clean when needed to keep it in top shape.