CARING FOR YOUR SHEEPSKIN, LEATHER, AND WOOL
Caring for Your Sheepskin
Sheepskin is a natural pelt that features sueded sheep leather on the outside and sheep wool on the inside. Sheepskin is known for its softness, insulation, and durability. Its wool fibers create pockets of air that trap heat, providing excellent warmth in cold weather while remaining breathable to regulate body temperature. Sheepskin is also moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic, and naturally resistant to stains. Moreover, sheepskin is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice. These properties, including its soft texture, insulating abilities, and sustainability, make sheepskin a popular material for clothing, footwear, and home decor.
Caring for a sheepskin coat properly is essential to maintain its quality, appearance, and longevity. Here are some instructions on how to care for your sheepskin coat:
- Brushing: You can brush your sheepskin coat with a soft-bristled suede brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may accumulate on the surface. Brush gently in the direction of the wool to avoid damaging it.
- Spot Cleaning: If you notice any stains or spills on your sheepskin coat, deal with them promptly. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently spot clean the affected area. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents as they can damage the sheepskin. You can use tweezers to pluck any debris off of your coat. In addition, corn starch can be sprinkled on stubborn stains. Wait 1-2 days and then brush the corn starch off with a suede brush.
- Drying: While sheepskin can be be worn in light rain or snow, avoid wearing sheepskin in heavy rain--it shouldn't get completely soaked. If your sheepskin coat gets damp or wet, hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources or sunlight. Let it air dry naturally, and avoid using a dryer or heater, as excessive heat can cause the sheepskin to become stiff and lose its softness.
- Storage: When not in use, store your sheepskin coat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid plastic bags or covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew growth. Instead, use a breathable garment bag or a cotton sheet to cover the coat. Hand on a hanger with wide, curved ends.
- Avoid Folding: Try to avoid folding your sheepskin coat for extended periods, as this can cause creases and damage the sheepskin fibers. Instead, hang it on a padded hanger with wide, curved ends to help maintain its shape.
- Professional Cleaning: Sheepskin does not need to be professionally cleaned, unless it's very soiled. If your sheepskin coat is heavily soiled, it's best to take it to a professional cleaner who specializes in cleaning leather and sheepskin garments. They have the expertise and proper equipment to clean and restore your coat without causing damage.
- Avoid Exposure to Heat: Keep your sheepskin coat away from direct heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, or heaters. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your sheepskin coat remains clean, soft, and luxurious for years to come.
Caring for Your Leather
Caring for a leather jacket is essential to maintain its appearance, quality, and longevity. Here are some general guidelines on how to care for your leather jacket:
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your leather jacket with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the leather.
- Avoid Moisture: Leather is susceptible to damage from moisture, so it's essential to keep your jacket dry. If your jacket gets wet, blot it gently with a clean, dry cloth and allow it to air dry naturally away from direct heat sources. If it gets stiff after drying, you can use a leather conditioning product to restore softness and shine. Make sure you don't use conditioning products that contain petroleum or mineral oils, because they can damage the leather over time.
- Storage: When not in use, store your leather jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid hanging it in a plastic garment bag, as this can trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew growth. Instead, use a breathable garment bag or hang it on a padded hanger.
- Avoid Folding: Try to avoid folding your leather jacket, as this can cause creases and damage the leather. If you need to store it in a small space, gently drape it over a hanger or roll it loosely, rather than folding it.
- Professional Cleaning: If your leather jacket becomes heavily soiled or stained, it's best to take it to a professional leather cleaner. They have the expertise and specialized equipment to clean and restore your jacket without causing damage.
- Avoid Heat: Keep your leather jacket away from direct heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, or heaters, as excessive heat can cause the leather to dry out and crack.
By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your leather jacket remains in good condition and retains its quality for years to come.
Caring for Your Wool
Our Alwero wool products are made with machine-washable wool. Caring for machine washable wool requires a balance of washing and drying to preserve the fabric's natural qualities. Here are some steps to effectively care for machine washable wool:
- Read the Label: Always check the care label on your machine washable wool garment for specific washing instructions. Different wool blends may have varying requirements, such as water temperature and detergent recommendations.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: When washing machine washable wool, select a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize agitation and prevent excessive stretching or felting of the fabric.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Choose a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool or delicate fabrics. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the wool fibers.
- Cold Water: Wash your machine washable wool items in cold water to prevent shrinking and preserve the fabric's softness and color. Hot water can cause wool to felt or shrink, so always opt for cold water washing.
- Turn Inside Out: Turn your wool garments inside out before placing them in the washing machine. This helps protect the outer surface of the fabric from abrasion and friction during the wash cycle.
- Avoid Overloading: Avoid overloading the washing machine when washing wool items. Overcrowding can cause excessive friction and stretching, leading to damage to the fabric.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Consider placing your machine washable wool items in a mesh laundry bag to provide extra protection during the wash cycle. This can help prevent snagging and tangling with other garments.
- Air Dry: After washing, reshape your machine washable wool items and lay them flat to dry on a clean towel or drying rack. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort its shape. Keep the items away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as excessive heat can cause shrinking and damage to the wool fibers.
- Steam or Iron: If your wool garment is wrinkled after drying, you can use a steamer or iron on the lowest setting to remove wrinkles. Be sure to use a pressing cloth or towel between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct contact and potential damage.
By following these care instructions, you can effectively clean and maintain your machine washable wool items, ensuring that they remain soft, comfortable, and in good condition for years to come.