Caring for Sheepskin Used Outdoors

Sheepskin used outdoors needs different care from sheepskin used inside. The conditions are harder — more moisture, more debris, more UV exposure — and the handling tends to be rougher. This does not mean outdoor sheepskin wears out quickly; it means the care approach needs to account for those conditions rather than treating it like a bedroom throw.

Bring it in

Sheepskin is not weatherproof. Left outside overnight in wet conditions, the leather backing absorbs moisture and begins to stiffen. One damp night will not destroy a skin, but repeated exposure without adequate drying causes the leather to harden progressively. Bring pieces inside at the end of each day or event. This single habit makes more difference to longevity than anything else.

After each use

Shake each piece out thoroughly before bringing it inside — this removes loose debris, grass, and dust that would otherwise be stored with the skin. If a piece has been near a fire, hang it outside on a dry day for a few hours. Smoke smell clears reliably with airing and does not require washing.

Store loosely rolled or flat in a dry, ventilated space. Do not fold tightly; the leather creases under compression and those creases become permanent if left long enough. A breathable storage bag or a shelf in a dry cupboard is adequate.

Spot cleaning

Clean marks as soon as possible after the event. Fresh stains — food, drink, grass — respond well to a damp cloth and a small amount of lanolin-based wool detergent, blotted rather than rubbed. Dried stains are harder to lift and may need several passes.

If the leather backing gets wet and begins to stiffen as it dries, work it firmly against a table edge while still slightly damp. This breaks up the stiffening and restores suppleness — considerably more effective than waiting for it to dry fully before trying to soften it.

Sun and fading

Natural undyed sheepskins — Icelandic, English, and New Zealand in their natural colours — do not fade meaningfully outdoors. Dyed skins fade with repeated sun exposure over a season. If outdoor use is regular, specify natural undyed skins from the outset. A skin that fades unevenly is harder to replace consistently than one that ages in a uniform, natural way.

Seasonal storage

At the end of the outdoor season, shake each piece thoroughly, spot clean anything not addressed during the season, and air outside on a dry day before storing. A sealed plastic bag is not suitable for long-term storage — it prevents moisture movement. A breathable cotton bag or a loose wrap in a clean sheet works well.

This is also the point to assess which pieces need replacing before the following year. Sheepskin that has been well maintained will last several outdoor seasons. Pieces left damp repeatedly or stored poorly will not, and are better replaced than taken into a new season looking tired.

Machine washing

After a heavy season of outdoor use, New Zealand sheepskin can be machine washed as a last resort — a gentle cycle at 30 degrees with a lanolin-based wool detergent. Do this sparingly; the leather takes stress even at low temperatures. Reshape while damp, dry flat away from direct heat, and brush once dry to restore the pile.

Icelandic, English, Tibetan, and Gotland sheepskins should not be machine washed under any circumstances. Spot cleaning and airing is the complete protocol for these types regardless of how heavily they have been used.

Get in touch

We supply care products for outdoor sheepskin, including lanolin detergent and sheepskin brushes, and can advise on maintaining specific types. For replacement stock or ongoing supply for a venue, get in touch.

Email: hello@naturescollection.eu
Phone: +45 75 80 10 50

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