How do you clean sheepskin?

[rwepi]

DH bought me some lovely sheepskin slipper boots. Not the most romantic but possibly the most used present I have ever had.

They're getting on a bit now but still in great condition although a bit grubby. Is there a way to clean them without ruining them?

just put them in the washing machine,dont use a detergent thats too smelly , dry them, sheepskin washes well.

Really? That sounds scary!

yes you can machine wash sheepskin... it'll be fine!

I had dh's old sheepskin rug - put it in the machine with some Woolite. Came up beautifully, especially once I'd gone over it with a dog grooming comb

Ok, I'll be brave, thank you.

Do, cool wash, little detergent? Spin?

How best to dry them? Should they go in tumble dryer or is naturally best?

Gentle spin. I would air dry them - not over a radiator, that might make them crispy. Reshape while damp, as they say :)

If you're washing wool and want it to retain it's waterproof quality then use shampoo instead of detergent, it doesn't strip the lanolin out.

I have washed sheepskin too and it was fine.

Even if they dry crispy, they soon return to normal once you wear them.

marking place on this one, have been staring at sheepskin rug wondering how best to tackle this

I've two sheepskin rugs, and one washes better than the other, which is stiff as a board and is going into holes. I'd try sprinkling with bicarb first, or talc or dry shampoo, with maybe a baby-wipe on any really grubby bits. You could always try minimal washing/cool drying if necessary.
PS And hint about a new pair for Christmas...