Genuine Mongolian/Tibetan lamb fur and sheepskin are natural materials that, cared for properly, will keep their softness and lustre for decades. The routine is simple: shake, brush, keep it dry and out of the sun, and spot clean only. This guidance applies equally to our Kalgan lamb, long hair goat fur and cashmere fur pieces.
When Your Fur Arrives
Fur may look a little flat, or have some loose fibres, after being packed for shipping. Unpack it and give it a good shake outdoors; exposure to air will help it regain its fluffiness and smooth out any creases. A slight smell from the compact packaging is natural and airs out within a day or two. Loose wool working its way out of a new piece is not shedding — it is simply wool that was cut when the skins were cut, and it stops once those fibres are gone.
Regular Care
Shaking & Fluffing
Shake your piece out regularly to remove loose dirt and dust and to lift the curl. For larger rugs and throws, hang them over a railing and shake or gently beat them. Every few months give blankets and rugs a firmer shake — but not too hard.
Gentle Brushing
Occasional gentle brushing keeps the fur silky, clean and full. Use a soft brush or a wire sheepskin brush, and brush lightly in the direction of the curl — never force the brush through the fibres.
Vacuuming
Rugs and larger pieces can be vacuumed regularly using suction only. Never use a beater bar or rotating brush; use a plain upholstery attachment if you need one.
Spot Cleaning
- Act quickly. Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry towel — do not rub.
- Clean only the affected area. Dampen a cloth or sponge with lukewarm water and, if needed, a little sheepskin-safe cleaner or mild soap. Gently dab the mark; never scrub wet fur, which can break and stretch the fibres.
- Rinse the spot with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove any residue, then blot dry.
- Keep the leather backing dry — do not soak the piece or wet the backing.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents and household cleaners.
If the Fur Gets Wet
No need to worry if your fur gets a little wet. Blot away as much moisture as you can with a towel, gently reshape the piece, and let it air dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated place. Never use a hair dryer or tumble dryer, and never place it on or near a heater or radiator.
Drying
Always air dry — lay the piece flat on a clean towel in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, reshaping the leather as it dries. Once completely dry, shake and gently brush to restore the curl.
Heat & Sunlight
Keep fur out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Prolonged sun will fade dyed colours and dry out the natural leather backing; heat can stiffen and shrink it. Bleached and natural whites are the most forgiving; deep, saturated colours fade fastest.
Professional Cleaning
For significant stains, odours or a deep clean, please use a professional fur or sheepskin cleaner — a furrier or a dry cleaner who specialises in fur and sheepskin will have the right tools and knowledge. Do not attempt to wash the whole piece by hand or in a washing machine: full washing can cause shrinkage and permanently change the shape, feel and appearance of the wool and the leather backing.
Storage
Store fur in a cool, dry, dark place with air around it. Use a breathable cotton bag or sheet rather than plastic — the backing needs to breathe.
Rugs
Keep outdoor shoes off fur rugs: grit and dirt work into the curl and can damage the fibres. Rotate rugs occasionally so they wear evenly, and shake them out regularly.
Please Do Not
- Do not fully wash, hand wash or machine wash the whole piece
- Do not tumble dry, or dry with a hair dryer or heater
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron
- Do not dry or store in direct sunlight
- Do not use harsh chemicals, solvents or household cleaners
- Do not vacuum with a beater bar or rotating brush
- Do not scrub or rub wet fur
Still unsure? Call the workroom on 1-800-628-2381 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm PST) — we have been answering these questions since 2007. Curious about the material itself? Read our Journal.