Just back from a 3500 mile ride down thru Spain then Morocco and back, the sheep fleece that we sat on worked great but it's now filthy with road dirt/dust - anyone know of a way to clean it without shrinking or otherwise recking it? Thanks in advance
Mike

Mike,
I have a black sheep skin and I just put in the washing machine and then let it drip dry.

I think it depends on the quality/type of skin you have.

Steve

very much the same as when on the sheep!
dip it in the bath with a gentle detergent made for WOOL, then gently squeeze out and let it drip, or you can give it a gentle spin in the washing machine (i wouldn't recommend that with a sheep) when its dry, you can use a hairdyer on the fleece....... and the leather..... if its a little 'stiff' spray the skin side with Avon SSS ( skin so soft ) and let it soak in.. maybe do this 2 times or so, it is an oil, but will absorb completeley and not be slippy or greasy..... ( use a spray bottle and dont overdo it though)
this will give the leather some more 'life' and make it supple.
then you can take dog brush and give the wool side a good brush up and a hoover.

Enjoy

Martyn

Hi Steve, Thanks for the response - the fleece is a real one, bought for my daughters bedroom years ago as a small rug - then negotiated from her onto my bike's seat! I'll try your advice and stick it on a cold wash with no spin and as you suggest let it drip dry - I hope my wife does'nt read this she might get the impression I know how to use the washing machine thingy.
Cheers Mike

Hi Martyn, thanks for those tips - does look like it needs some detergent to get it clean, I'll try to get some wool detergent.
Cheers Mike

Mike,
When I wrote "I put it in the washing machine" that should have been "It goes in the washing machine". I think the setting is Gas Mark 5 or 220 F, not really my area of expertise.

Our skin was a rug from B and Q and it survives the the wash without any problems.

Steve

any non biological detergent that is made for hand washing woolen jumpers should be fine..............

I just did the same trip with my sheep skin and it still looks OK I just shake it off every now and then

And pat it and tell it that I love it Ho no sorry not the last bit

Bob