How To Clean A Shearling Jacket

How to Clean a Shearling Jacket: The Ultimate Care Guide

Key Takeaways

• Spot clean stains immediately using a clean cloth and mild soap solution
• Brush your shearling regularly to maintain its appearance
• Professional cleaning is recommended for serious stains or overall cleaning
• Never machine wash, tumble dry, or use harsh chemicals on shearling
• Proper storage in breathable garment bags prevents damage during off-seasons

Are you wondering how to clean your beloved shearling jacket without damaging its luxurious texture? Shearling jackets are timeless investments that require special care to maintain their unique appeal. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your shearling jacket at home, when to seek professional help, and how to address common issues like stains and odors.

Understanding Your Shearling Jacket

Before diving into cleaning methods, it’s important to understand what shearling actually is. Shearling is a type of sheepskin that has been tanned with the wool intact. The material features suede on one side and soft, plush wool on the other. This natural material requires specific cleaning techniques to preserve both the suede exterior and the wool lining.

Unlike synthetic materials, shearling is breathable, temperature-regulating, and incredibly durable when properly maintained. However, its natural properties also make it susceptible to damage from water, harsh chemicals, and improper cleaning methods. Many shearling jacket owners are hesitant to clean their garments themselves for fear of ruining them.

The good news is that with the right knowledge and gentle cleaning techniques, you can safely maintain your shearling jacket at home for minor cleaning needs. For deeper cleaning or stubborn stains, professional cleaning services specializing in leather and shearling are still the safest option.

Regular Maintenance for Shearling Jackets

Regular maintenance is the key to extending the life of your shearling jacket and minimizing the need for deep cleaning.

Daily and Weekly Care

After wearing your shearling jacket, hang it on a sturdy, broad-shouldered hanger in a well-ventilated area. Allow it to air out for at least 24 hours before placing it back in your closet. This prevents moisture buildup and helps eliminate odors naturally.

For regular maintenance:

• Gently shake out your jacket after wearing to remove dust and debris
• Use a soft-bristled brush specifically designed for suede/sheepskin to brush the exterior in one direction
• Brush the wool lining with a wider-toothed brush to prevent matting and restore fluffiness
• Keep your jacket away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent drying and fading

Implementing this simple care routine will significantly reduce the frequency of deep cleaning needed, saving you both time and money in the long run.

How to Spot Clean a Shearling Jacket at Home

Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. When your shearling jacket gets a small stain or spot, immediate action can prevent permanent damage. Here’s how to effectively spot clean your shearling jacket at home:

For Fresh Stains on the Suede Exterior

1. Blot (don’t rub) the stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture
2. For liquid stains, apply a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb oils
3. Let it sit for several hours or overnight
4. Brush gently with a suede brush to remove the powder and lifted stain

For Stains on the Wool Interior

1. Mix a solution of cold water with a few drops of mild soap (baby shampoo works well)
2. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution (the cloth should be barely damp, not wet)
3. Gently dab the stained area without saturating the wool
4. Use another clean, damp cloth with plain water to remove soap residue
5. Let it air dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight

It’s crucial to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first, such as an inner seam, to ensure it doesn’t discolor or damage your jacket.

For stubborn stains that don’t respond to spot cleaning, how to clean floor grout without scrubbing offers similar gentle cleaning principles that can be applied to delicate materials.

Deep Cleaning Your Shearling Jacket

For more extensive cleaning needs, you have two options: careful home cleaning or professional services.

Home Deep Cleaning Method

If you’re confident in your cleaning skills, follow these steps for a more thorough at-home cleaning:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution of cold water and specialized sheepskin shampoo or very mild soap
2. Using a clean sponge, slightly dampen (never soak) the suede exterior in sections
3. Work in small, circular motions
4. Wipe away excess moisture with a clean dry towel
5. For the wool interior, use a larger soft brush with the same solution, being careful not to saturate
6. Allow the jacket to dry naturally on a sturdy hanger away from direct heat sources
7. While still slightly damp, gently brush both the suede and wool to restore texture

After cleaning, it’s advisable to apply a sheepskin conditioner to the suede side to restore moisture and prevent stiffness. Many people wonder how to clean discolored vinyl flooring, and similarly, shearling can benefit from specialized conditioners to restore color and prevent discoloration.

Professional Cleaning Services

For valuable shearling jackets or extensive soiling, professional cleaning is the safest option. Professional dry cleaners who specialize in leather and sheepskin have the expertise and specialized products to clean your jacket without damaging it.

When selecting a dry cleaner:

• Ask specifically about their experience with shearling
• Ensure they use cleaning methods specific to sheepskin, not standard leather
• Request references or examples of previously cleaned shearling items
• Discuss any particular stains or concerns beforehand

Professional cleaning typically costs between $60-$150 depending on the jacket’s size, condition, and your location. While this may seem expensive, it’s a worthwhile investment to protect your premium garment.

Dealing with Specific Shearling Issues

How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Shearling

For particularly challenging stains, you’ll need specific approaches:

Oil or Grease Stains: Apply cornstarch or talcum powder liberally to the stain. Let it sit for 24-48 hours to absorb the oil, then brush away with a suede brush. Repeat if necessary.

Ink Stains: These are extremely difficult to remove at home. Blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth and seek professional help immediately.

Water Stains: If your shearling gets wet, blot excess moisture immediately. Then allow it to dry naturally away from heat. Once dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap. For water stain rings, a very light misting of water over the entire panel followed by proper drying can help blend the water mark.

Much like how to remove baking soda residue from carpet, removing residue from cleaning solutions on shearling requires patience and gentle techniques.

What Happens If Shearling Gets Wet?

Many shearling owners panic when their jacket gets wet, but all is not lost. While prolonged exposure to water can damage shearling, quick action can minimize harm:

1. Gently blot (never rub) excess moisture with absorbent towels
2. Reshape the jacket carefully while damp
3. Hang on a padded hanger to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area
4. Keep away from direct heat sources, radiators, hair dryers, or sunlight
5. Allow 24-48 hours for complete drying
6. Once fully dry, brush gently to restore texture

After drying, you may notice the jacket feels slightly stiff. This is where conditioning becomes important. A small amount of specialized sheepskin conditioner applied to the suede side can restore softness.

Storing Your Shearling Jacket Properly

Proper storage during off-seasons is crucial for maintaining your shearling jacket’s condition:

1. Ensure the jacket is completely clean and dry before storage
2. Use a breathable garment bag (never plastic) or a cotton sheet to cover
3. Hang on a sturdy, broad-shouldered hanger that supports the jacket’s shape
4. Store in a cool, dry closet away from direct sunlight
5. Leave some space around the jacket for air circulation
6. Add cedar blocks nearby (not directly touching) to deter moths
7. Check periodically during long-term storage

Avoid vacuum-sealed bags or compression storage, as shearling needs to breathe. Proper storage prevents mold, mildew, and insect damage while preserving the jacket’s shape and texture.

Conditioning and Refreshing Your Shearling

To keep your shearling jacket soft and supple:

1. Apply a specialized sheepskin conditioner to the suede side every 6-12 months
2. Use a clean cloth to work the conditioner in small, circular motions
3. Allow to absorb fully before wearing
4. For the wool side, gentle brushing with a wool comb rejuvenates texture

For minor odors, hanging your jacket in fresh air can work wonders. For stronger odors, a light misting with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar (tested first in an inconspicuous area) can help neutralize smells without harming the material.

Faux Shearling Cleaning Tips

Faux shearling jackets require different care approaches than genuine shearling:

1. Check the manufacturer’s care label first
2. Many faux shearling items can be machine washed on gentle cycle with mild detergent
3. Use cold water and place in a mesh laundry bag for protection
4. Air dry completely (avoid tumble drying)
5. Brush the faux fur side with a soft brush to restore texture after drying

For spot cleaning faux shearling:

• Mix mild soap with water and gently dab the stained area
• Rinse by dabbing with clean water
• Blot dry with towels
• Allow to air dry completely

Faux shearling is generally more resilient than real shearling when it comes to cleaning, but still requires care to maintain its appearance. For tough stains, techniques similar to how to clean pet hair from microfiber couch can be adapted for faux shearling surfaces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Shearling

To preserve your shearling jacket’s quality, avoid these common mistakes:

• Never machine wash or tumble dry shearling
• Avoid dry cleaning with standard methods (only use specialists)
• Never use bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh detergents
• Avoid wringing or twisting the material when wet
• Don’t store in plastic bags or airtight containers
• Keep away from direct heat sources when drying
• Never iron shearling
• Avoid heavy perfumes or sprays while wearing your jacket

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll significantly extend your shearling jacket’s lifespan and maintain its luxurious appearance.

FAQ: Common Questions About Shearling Care

Can you steam a shearling coat?

No, steam should never be used on genuine shearling as it can damage both the suede and wool fibers. The high heat and moisture combination can cause shrinkage and texture changes. Instead, use a suede brush for refreshing the nap and removing surface debris.

Is shearling easy to clean?

Shearling requires special care but isn’t difficult to maintain with regular brushing and prompt spot cleaning. Light cleaning can be performed at home, while deeper cleaning should be handled by professionals who specialize in sheepskin and leather care.

How do you spot clean faux shearling?

For faux shearling, mix mild soap with cold water, apply with a barely damp cloth to the stained area, then blot with clean water and allow to air dry. Follow by brushing to restore texture. Most faux shearling is more forgiving than real shearling when it comes to cleaning.

How to get stains out of shearling?

Fresh stains can often be removed by blotting immediately with a clean cloth, followed by applying cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb oils. After several hours, brush away the powder. For persistent stains, specialized shearling shampoo used sparingly on the affected area may help, but professional cleaning is recommended for valuable items.

What happens if shearling gets wet?

When shearling gets wet, it can become stiff or misshapen if not properly dried. If your jacket gets wet, blot excess moisture immediately with towels, reshape while damp, and allow to dry naturally away from heat sources. Once completely dry, brush gently and apply conditioner if needed.

Final Thoughts on Shearling Jacket Care

Caring for a shearling jacket requires attention and specific techniques, but the effort is worthwhile to preserve such a luxurious, long-lasting garment. With regular maintenance, prompt attention to spills and stains, and occasional professional cleaning, your shearling jacket can remain beautiful and functional for many years.

Remember that prevention is always easier than cleaning – protect your jacket from rain, avoid wearing it in harsh conditions, and store it properly when not in use. For most shearling owners, a combination of regular home maintenance and occasional professional cleaning provides the best balance of care.

By following the guidelines in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to clean and maintain your shearling jacket, ensuring it remains a cherished part of your wardrobe for years to come. Whether you’re caring for a heritage piece or a new investment, proper cleaning techniques will help preserve both the appearance and integrity of your shearling jacket.