Cleaning traditional clothing, fur jackets and sheepskins

Traditional costume clothing is made from chamois-tanned suede leather. Chamois tanning uses fish oil, producing yellowish, very supple leather that is then surface-dyed greenish or brownish and fitted with embroidery and stag-horn buttons. Densely structured game hides from roe deer, deer, chamois, moose or goat are used as leather. Less expensive goods are made from chrome-tanned goat leather, but treatment is identical.

Cleaning

Like other leather, chamois leather is cleaned according to the washing instructions, with two important exceptions: chamois leather must not be washed above 35°C, as it is more temperature-sensitive than other types of leather. In addition, a fixing bath with Colourlock Leather Fixative must always be carried out before washing. This also applies to combinations with linen or other outer textiles.

For heavily greasy areas (collars, cuffs, lapels), apply a little undiluted Colourlock Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate at the end of the fixing bath and rub it in carefully.

For costumes, always wash all parts together so that the colour and leather character remain consistent throughout the entire costume.

Buttons and appliqués

Secure buttons that are not firmly sewn on or unstable appliqués before washing, or turn them inwards. For very delicate parts, such as old stag-horn buttons, either remove them before washing and sew them back on afterwards, or wash the item by hand instead of in the machine.

Sheepskin jackets and coats

Sheepskin jackets and coats have suede leather on the outside and grown fur (the wool side) on the inside. They can be washed in the washing machine without issue with Colourlock Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate.

First dry heavy coats lying on dry towels; otherwise, clothes hangers leave bulges because of the weight. To retain the shape and size of heavy items, repeatedly pull the leather lengthways and crossways by hand while drying. Alternatively, put on the garment while it is still slightly damp and stretch it through movement. Finally, tumble it in a dryer on cold air and brush it up with the leather brush.

Sheepskins and lambskins

Sheepskins, whether used as pram liners, car-seat covers or slippers, can generally be washed by hand or in the machine with Leather & Fur Wash Concentrate. Maximum temperature: 30°C.

Important warning for a white reverse: lambskins with a completely white reverse may have a washable alum tannage. Alum is a very old tanning method; the resulting leather is not stable on contact with water, shrinks while drying and becomes hard. Therefore, always cut off a small piece and test-wash it on its own before the first wash. If it shrinks or hardens after drying, do not wash the skin. In this case, there is no other option.

If a lambskin has been washed with unsuitable detergent and has become hard afterwards:
If it was alum-tanned, the item unfortunately cannot be saved. If the cause is degreasing by the detergent, the skin can be sprayed on the reverse with Colourlock Aniline Protector and tumbled on cold air. Replenishment and movement make the stuck fibres supple again.