Stupid question about sheepskins...

[StrawberryFields]

So, this might sound really stupid - but I figure I'm young and Gen Y enough to get away with it - do you wash sheepskin before use just like everything else?

It doesn't say to on the instructions, and its an all natural product (Cozy Mate brand so their dyes are also all natural) but...surely you should right?

I ask because it seems like a real F around to wash if I don't have to yet.

[Charlotte91]

I washed mine, although mine was second hand.

Personally, I'd wash it.

[Charlotte91]

Gah, double post

[tellytubby]

I wouldn't. Personally, I don't think they're ever the same once washed. So I only did mine when they were dirty.

[HotI]

I'd wash it if it is new to get rid of any stuff left over from the factory/shop/packaging. I'd wash it if it was 2nd hand, to make sure it was clean for bub! SO yeah, i'd wash it.

[~Stoked~]

I wouldn't as I always used a clean bunny rug over the top of the sheepskin to stop poo/spew getting on it! Mine was never the same after washing either, no where near as soft and fluffy.

[~Trish~]

You can re-fluff them up after washing by brushing it with a metal brush, like the brushes you buy for dogs. This will make them look close to new again

[NaeNae]

Depends ... if its second hand from another family yes absolutely but ONLY wash with a special wool mix called "Woolskin" which is specifically for sheepskins. Mine washed up and dried beautifully.

I don't wash over everything, most of the time I just spot clean.

Nae x

[NaeNae]

doule post

[helle]

I wouldn't if it was new. I only washed one of mine as DH spilled an entire stubby of beer on it!! I used woolwash and it came up ok, I just refluffed with my fingers

[NaeNae]

OH I was going to say too, DO NOT line dry in the sun, it may cause the skin to shrink and crack. Hanging over a clothes horse in a warm spot in the house AWAY from direct heat and sunlight is best.

IF the skin does happen to get hard use a boot polish like Dubbin which will absorb onto the skin and help it become supple again.

[StrawberryFields]

Thanks ladies

They're brand new - I too am scared about them losing their fluffiness! But I'll remember that about the metal brush for the future! I was also worried about drying them because everything seems to dry out at the moment no matter where you leave it - my towels are all like cardboard even though I used extra fabric softener and dried them on the indoor line! Its nuts!

I might see how we go, obviously if someone gets itchy or something from them I'll wash it straight away, but I'm not thinking its going to be much of a problem.

Thanks again for the advice everyone