With the right routine, sheepskin boots can stay soft, warm and comfortable for years. The key is keeping moisture out, cleaning gently, and letting them breathe between wears. This guide walks through everything you need to know, from daily habits to seasonal storage.
In this article
- Daily and Ongoing Care
- Cleaning Sheepskin Boots Properly
- Storing and Protecting Your Sheepskin Boots
- Sheepskin Boot Care Schedule
Daily and Ongoing Care
Small habits after each wear make the biggest difference. Sheepskin is a natural material that needs air and a little attention to stay in good shape over time.
Airing and reshaping after each wear
After you take your boots off, give them a gentle shake to remove any loose dirt or debris from inside. Then leave them in a well-ventilated spot to air out, away from direct heat sources like radiators or heating vents.
While they are still slightly warm from your body heat, take a moment to reshape the toe and shaft with your hands. This helps the boot hold its form as it cools. If the shaft tends to flop over, stuff it loosely with plain white tissue paper or a rolled-up cloth to support the shape.
Brushing off dirt with a suede brush
A soft suede brush is the most useful tool for regular sheepskin boot care. Once the boots are dry, brush the outer surface in one direction to lift any dried mud or surface dust. Use light strokes and work with the nap of the material, not against it.
This takes about a minute and prevents grime from working into the fibres, which makes proper cleaning much harder later on.
Cleaning Sheepskin Boots Properly
Even with good daily care, sheepskin boots need a proper clean from time to time. Hand washing is the safest approach, machine washing can stress the seams and shrink the lining.
Hand washing with a wool-safe detergent
Use a small amount of wool-safe detergent (or a dedicated sheepskin cleaner) mixed with cold water. Dampen a clean cloth and work it gently over the outer surface in circular motions. Do not soak the boot or run it under a tap.
For stubborn marks, apply a small amount of the detergent solution directly to the stain and leave it for a minute or two before wiping clean. For oil-based stains, try a sprinkle of talcum powder first, leave it for a few hours to absorb the grease, then brush it off before cleaning.
Rinse with a second cloth dampened in plain cold water to remove any detergent residue. Leftover detergent can stiffen the sheepskin once it dries.
How to dry sheepskin boots without damage
After cleaning, reshape the boots while they are still damp. This is the best time to correct any creasing or collapse in the shaft. Stuff them loosely with plain white tissue paper to help hold the shape.
Dry them flat on a clean surface, or stand them upright in a spot with good air circulation. Keep them away from direct sunlight, direct heat, and tumble dryers. All of these can cause the outer surface to crack and the inner lining to shrink or harden.
Allow 24 hours of drying time before wearing them again.
Storing and Protecting Your Sheepskin Boots
How you protect and store your boots has a real impact on how long they last. Two simple steps, waterproofing and proper storage, go a long way.
Applying waterproofing spray for outdoor boots
A sheepskin-safe waterproofing or water-resistant spray adds a protective barrier that repels moisture, dirt and light stains. Apply it to clean, dry boots before the first wear of the season, then repeat every few months during regular use.
Spray from about 20 cm away, cover the whole outer surface evenly, and allow the boots to dry completely before wearing them. Do not apply near heat or flames, and check the spray is suitable for suede and sheepskin before buying.
This step matters most if the boots are worn outdoors. For slippers or indoor-only boots, it is less critical but still worthwhile.
How to store sheepskin boots between seasons
Before putting boots away for the warmer months, clean them thoroughly and make sure they are fully dry. Any moisture left inside during storage encourages mildew.
Stuff the boots with acid-free tissue paper or a boot shaper to help them hold their form over months of storage. Place them in a breathable cotton or linen bag, not a plastic bag or airtight box, so the sheepskin can breathe. Store them in a cool, dry spot away from direct light.
Sheepskin Boot Care Schedule
Here is a simple care schedule to keep things manageable. You do not need to do everything at once.
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| After every wear | Shake out, air in a ventilated spot, reshape while warm, stuff with tissue paper if needed |
| Weekly (when in regular use) | Brush the outer surface with a suede brush to remove surface dirt and lift the nap |
| Monthly (or when visibly dirty) | Hand wash with a wool-safe detergent, reshape while damp, dry flat away from heat |
| Every 2-3 months (outdoor boots) | Reapply a sheepskin-safe waterproofing spray |
| At the end of the season | Clean thoroughly, allow to dry fully, stuff with tissue paper, store in a breathable bag in a cool dry place |
Key takeaways
- Air and reshape boots after every wear to maintain their form.
- Hand wash with a wool-safe detergent. Avoid machine washing.
- Always dry flat, away from direct heat or sunlight, for at least 24 hours.
- Use a waterproofing spray on outdoor boots at the start of each season.
- Store in a breathable bag, stuffed with tissue paper, in a cool dry place.
Well-cared-for sheepskin boots can last many years. If you are looking for a comfortable, warm pair to start with, browse our range of sheepskin boots designed with everyday comfort in mind. We are here to help if you have any questions, give us a call and we will talk it through.