How to Care for Your Icelandic Sheep Hide

Our Icelandic sheep hides bring natural warmth, texture and a piece of our Montana ranch into your home. Whether draped over the back of a chair or layered at the foot of a bed, a little thoughtful care will help preserve the beauty of your hide for years to come.

Each hide is naturally tanned in Oregon by a family tannery, using a natural, non-toxic process that leaves it soft, washable and well suited for the home.

Everyday Care

Most hides will not need frequent washing. Taking yours outside for an occasional gentle shake will shed dust and help restore the wool. If the fleece becomes tangled or matted, carefully work through it with a medium-toothed pet comb or dog rake. A light mist of one part vinegar to three parts water can make the wool easier to comb while helping it stay soft and reducing frizz.

When Your Hide Needs Washing

Our naturally tanned sheepskins are washable, but they should be treated with the same care as any quality wool piece. Machine wash your hide on a cold gentle cycle using a small amount of wool-friendly soap.

After washing, soak it for 10 minutes in a mixture of ½ cup vinegar to four gallons of water. This helps condition the wool and restore its softness. Allow the hide to air dry or tumble dry using no heat.

An air-dried hide may feel a little stiff at first. Once dry, gently stretch and work the leather side by hand, or pull it back and forth over the rounded back of a chair until it softens again.

Every Icelandic hide begins with its own natural color, texture and markings. As it is used and cared for, it will continue to develop character—the wool settling, the leather softening and the hide carrying subtle signs of the life lived around it. These changes are not something to hide, but part of what makes a natural piece increasingly distinct and entirely your own.

Care for it well and let it become part of your home for years to come.