Anyone ever washed a sheepskin coat?

[fannybanjo]

and it's come out ok??

I have a Joseph sheepskin coat which I've had for 5 years - it's look bit manky, I've been quoted £60 to dry clean it! What would happen if I put it on a hand wash cycle....?

[savoycabbage]

I have washed a sheepskin rug in the washing machine on the wool cycle and it came out great.

[fannybanjo]

Don't tell me that as I'm about to put my
££££ coat in washing machine.... . It'll be your fault it it's Barbie size when it's finished

[tethersend]

I really wouldn't.

[fannybanjo]

Is it worth getting dry cleaned tether?

[tethersend]

Not sure... you could try handwashing or using suede cleaner?

Some tips here

[fannybanjo]

Thanks tether for thar link. Basically then sheepskin CAN be washed - its what you wash it with that can ruin it. I mean sheepskin is pretty water repellant so I'm sure it would be ok on a hand wash cycle... . I'll see if I can get some sheepskin or wool cleaner later.

[dexter73]

I have washed my dd's Uggs and my sheepskin slippers in the machine and they have come out well but the suede bit is a bit cardboardy. This doesn't matter for shoes but might make your coat a bit stiff. If the coat cost that much I would probably pay for it to be professionally cleaned rather than risk ruining it in the machine.

[AlpinePony]

I have some sheepskin stuff for my horse which needs washing.

Do not under any circumstances use biological washing stuff as it degrades whateveritiswhichisinit - do it on a nice cool wash obviously and then dry naturally as quick as possible... I once left sheepskin in the conservatory in the depths of winter to dry naturally and it started to smell of "mouton mort". :(

[tethersend]

I've got some sheepskin slippers which need a wash- shall I try putting them in the machine and report back?

So... no detergent?

[tethersend]

x post Alpine- just a water wash then? Or do you put anything else in?

[savoycabbage]

I have read the instructions on the back of aforementioned rug (good old John Lewis) and it says that they do not recommend washing more than four times.

I can't remember if I used washing powder or anything.

[MissBeehiving]

I've washed a baby fleece in the machine and it's been fine. Good luck OP and Tethers.

[tethersend]

I've got a wool cycle and a silk cycle on my machine- which should I use?

[AlpinePony]

I would put a bit of non-bio (fairy) or even just shampoo in - because I loves them bubbles - and you want it to smell nice. No fab conditioner though.

[Littlepumpkinpie]

I would use a lanolin based wool wash stuff if you really want to put it in the washer. If it were mine though I would pay for the dry clean. I have sheepskin gloves would not risk those or my celtic sheepskin boots.

[sparkle12mar08]

As an ex-dry cleaner - you could do it but personally I wouldn't risk it. And I wash an awful lot of stuff that is supposedly dry-clean only. Leather/suede/skins are not one of them.

[cardoon]

I've washed uggs using liquid handwash detergent. They were a wee bit stiff initially but after a few wears they were back to normal.

I'd do it.........but I always wash "dry clean only" stuff!

[cardoon]

Machine washed uggs - should have said

[RedPenny]

Years ago when Afghan coats were all the rage, my mother washed mine in the wm and when dry it stood up by itself! Could never wear it again as too stiff to bend my arms. However, my mother hated that coat and I suspect she may have boil washed it to ensure that it was destined for the bin.

[fannybanjo]

redpenny . That made me chuckle! Had visions of your coat sat on the sofa looking like the Invisible Man was wearing it!

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Seriously you are contemplating putting a Joseph shearling coat which cost over £1k in the washing machine - are you crazy - in the nicest possible way.

Take it to the dry cleaners - please I beg you.

[tethersend]

Fark me, is that how much it cost?

My slippers are shit, happy to ruin them in the wash, but Jesus, pay the £65 to get it cleaned, for the love of god.

[MrsCampbellBlack]

Well when I tried one on in Harvey Nichols last year it was about £1,200 I think - I stroked it many many times.

So yes pay the £65 please and really it should get done every year.

[tethersend]

we'll have a whip round if that helps?

[fannybanjo]

MrsCampbell I don't think I truly would have put it in the washing machine. Its just that I've not heard good reports of dry cleaners and sheepskin. Will definitely drop it in to cleaners.