Clean Woolens & Hides Using Snow

Snow Washing: How to Clean Woolens & Hides Using Snow

A natural, time-tested way to freshen wool, hides, and sheepskins.

Snow may not seem like a cleaning tool, but it has long been used to freshen woolens and hides. Why is that? Clean, dry snow and cold air help lift odors and surface dirt without soaking or damaging natural fibers. When conditions are right, it works beautifully. Plus, it isn’t difficult or expensive.

The secret is cold temperatures and dry, powdery snow. The colder, the better. Wet or slushy snow can soak fibers and cause stiffness or shrinkage. Avoid it. Choose a clear, cold day, and always start by shaking out dust and debris before laying items on clean snow.

Cleaning Wool Fibers

Wool blankets, coats, sweaters, pants, and saddle pads, and shearling rugs respond especially well to snow cleaning. Lay the item flat on the snow with the wool side down. Gently press it into the snow using clean boots or gloved hands. No grinding or twisting needed.

Let the wool sit for 20 to 60 minutes. Midway, you can also choose to flip it. The cold helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria while the snow absorbs smells and loosens dirt. Shake off the snow thoroughly to remove any clinging snow. If needed, hand-brush off the stubborn bits of excess snow. Then hang the item outdoors to air-dry completely. Fresh air and light winter sun finish the job without stressing the fibers. If the weather turns damp or starts to warm, bring it inside and let it dry in a cool, airy spot.

Cleaning Cowhides

Cowhides benefit from snow cleaning because it freshens without saturating the hide or backing. Begin by vacuuming the rug (using suction only) or simply taking it outside and giving it a good shake to loosen dirt and dust. Then, lay the hide hair-side down on clean snow. Press lightly to help the snow contact the hair and leather backing.

Leave it out for about 20 to 30 minutes, then flip it briefly if needed. Shake off all snow and hang the hide over a railing or fence to dry fully or drape it in a barn or garage. Avoid folding or bringing it indoors while damp, as trapped moisture can stiffen the leather.

Cleaning Sheepskins

Sheepskins and woolen pelts are ideal candidates for snow cleaning. As with cowhides, gently vacuum the rug. Then place the fleece side down on dry snow and gently press it in. The snow lifts odors while keeping the skin supple.

After 20 to 45 minutes, shake the skin thoroughly to remove snow and dirt. Hang it fleece-side out to dry in cold, preferably breezy air. Brush lightly once dry to restore loft and softness.

Let Winter Do the Work

Sheepskins and woolen pelts are ideal candidates for snow cleaning. As with cowhides, gently vacuum the rug. Then place the fleece side down on dry snow and gently press it in. The snow lifts odors while keeping the skin supple.

After 20 to 45 minutes, shake the skin thoroughly to remove snow and dirt. Hang it fleece-side out to dry in cold, preferably breezy air. Brush lightly once dry to restore loft and softness.