You've invested in a premium A-grade Merino sheepskin hot water bottle cover—now let's make sure it lasts for decades. With proper care, your sheepskin will maintain its softness, warmth, and luxurious feel for 15-20 years or more. Here's your complete maintenance checklist.
Daily Care Checklist
After Each Use
✓ Remove the bottle from the cover once it's cooled down
✓ Shake out the cover to restore the pile and remove any debris
✓ Air it out by laying it flat or hanging it in a well-ventilated area
✓ Never store the bottle inside the cover when not in use—this can trap moisture
Quick Spot Check
✓ Inspect for spills or stains and address them immediately (see spot cleaning below)
✓ Check the seams for any loose threads or wear
✓ Feel the wool—it should be soft and springy, not matted
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
Brushing (If Used Daily)
✓ Use a soft-bristled brush or wide-toothed comb
✓ Brush gently in the direction of the wool to restore the pile
✓ Focus on areas that get compressed from regular use
✓ This takes 2-3 minutes and keeps the wool fluffy and soft
Airing Out
✓ Hang outside in fresh air (not direct sunlight) for 30-60 minutes
✓ Choose a dry, breezy day if possible
✓ This naturally refreshes the lanolin and removes any odours
✓ Never use artificial fragrances or sprays—sheepskin is naturally antibacterial
Monthly Deep Care Checklist
Thorough Inspection
✓ Check all seams and stitching for any signs of wear
✓ Look for any thinning areas in the wool
✓ Examine the leather backing for any dryness or cracking
✓ Address any issues early before they become problems
Deep Brushing
✓ Spend 5-10 minutes brushing thoroughly
✓ Work in sections to ensure even coverage
✓ Pay attention to edges and corners that might get neglected
✓ The wool should look fluffy and uniform when you're done
Spot Cleaning Checklist (As Needed)
For Fresh Spills
✓ Act immediately—fresh stains are easiest to remove
✓ Blot (don't rub) with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess liquid
✓ Use a damp cloth with cool water to gently dab the area
✓ Add a tiny amount of wool-safe detergent if needed
✓ Blot with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue
✓ Air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight
✓ Brush gently once dry to restore the pile
What NOT to Do
✗ Never rub or scrub vigorously—this damages the fibres
✗ Never use hot water—it can shrink and damage sheepskin
✗ Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or regular detergent
✗ Never put it in the washing machine or dryer
✗ Never use a hairdryer or place near radiators to speed drying
Deep Cleaning Checklist (1-2 Times Per Year)
When to Deep Clean
✓ Once or twice a year for regular users
✓ When spot cleaning isn't enough
✓ At the end of winter before storing for summer
✓ If the wool starts to look dull or feel less soft
Hand Washing Process
✓ Fill a basin or tub with cool water (never hot or warm)
✓ Add wool-safe detergent—use half the recommended amount
✓ Submerge the cover and gently agitate by hand
✓ Let it soak for 5-10 minutes (no longer)
✓ Gently squeeze (don't wring) to work the soap through
✓ Drain and rinse with cool, clean water until soap is gone
✓ Press out excess water by rolling in a clean towel
✓ Reshape while damp to maintain the original form
✓ Lay flat on a clean towel to air dry away from heat and sun
✓ Turn occasionally to ensure even drying (may take 24-48 hours)
✓ Brush gently once completely dry
Recommended Products
✓ Wool-safe detergent (look for pH-neutral, lanolin-enriched formulas)
✓ Eucalan or similar wool wash is ideal
✓ Avoid products with enzymes, bleach, or optical brighteners
Storage Checklist (Seasonal)
If Storing for Extended Periods
✓ Clean thoroughly before storing (follow deep cleaning checklist)
✓ Ensure it's completely dry—any moisture can cause mildew
✓ Brush to restore the pile
✓ Store in a breathable cotton bag or pillowcase (never plastic)
✓ Add natural moth deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets
✓ Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation
✓ Avoid compressed storage—don't stack heavy items on top
✓ Check every few months and air out if possible
Troubleshooting Checklist
If Wool Feels Matted or Flat
✓ Brush thoroughly with a soft brush
✓ Dampen slightly with a spray bottle (cool water only)
✓ Gently work the fibres with your fingers
✓ Air dry and brush again
If There's an Odour
✓ Air outside in fresh air for several hours
✓ Brush thoroughly to release trapped particles
✓ If odour persists, hand wash following the deep cleaning checklist
✓ Never use perfumes or deodorizers—sheepskin is naturally antibacterial
If Leather Backing Feels Dry
✓ This is normal over many years of use
✓ Apply a small amount of lanolin-based leather conditioner
✓ Test on a small, hidden area first
✓ Apply sparingly and work in gently
✓ Allow to absorb fully before use
If You Notice Shedding
✓ Some initial shedding is normal in the first few weeks
✓ Brush regularly to remove loose fibres
✓ Excessive shedding may indicate damage—contact us for advice
✓ Never pull at loose fibres—trim carefully with scissors if needed
What to Avoid: The Never-Do List
✗ Never machine wash—the agitation damages fibres and can shrink the leather
✗ Never tumble dry—heat destroys the natural structure of sheepskin
✗ Never dry clean—harsh chemicals strip natural lanolin
✗ Never use hot water—causes shrinkage and damage
✗ Never iron—heat damages both wool and leather
✗ Never use bleach or harsh detergents
✗ Never store in plastic—sheepskin needs to breathe
✗ Never place near direct heat sources (radiators, heaters, fireplaces)
✗ Never leave in direct sunlight for extended periods—it can fade and dry out
✗ Never wring or twist when wet—this damages the structure
Quick Reference: Your Annual Care Calendar
Daily (If Used Regularly)
• Remove bottle and air out cover
Weekly
• Gentle brushing
• Fresh air exposure
Monthly
• Thorough inspection
• Deep brushing
Every 6 Months
• Deep clean (hand wash)
• Condition leather backing if needed
Annually
• Professional assessment if showing wear
• Refresh moth deterrents in storage
Signs Your Sheepskin Is Well-Maintained
✓ Wool remains soft, fluffy, and springy to touch
✓ Natural cream/ivory colour is maintained (slight yellowing over years is normal)
✓ No matting or flat spots
✓ Leather backing remains supple
✓ Seams and stitching are intact
✓ Fresh, clean scent (or no scent at all)
✓ Even pile across the entire surface
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact us or a professional sheepskin cleaner if you notice:
• Significant thinning or bald patches
• Seams coming apart
• Leather backing cracking or becoming brittle
• Stains that won't respond to spot cleaning
• Persistent odours after cleaning
• Any damage you're unsure how to address
The Bottom Line
Caring for premium sheepskin isn't complicated—it just requires a bit of attention and the right approach. Most maintenance takes just minutes, and deep cleaning is only needed once or twice a year.
Follow this checklist, and your A-grade Merino sheepskin cover will remain as soft, warm, and luxurious in 20 years as it is today. That's the beauty of investing in quality: with proper care, it truly does last a lifetime.
Have questions about caring for your sheepskin? Get in touch—we're always happy to help you protect your investment.