Sheep Shearling Pet Bed Cover Care: Washing and Fluffing Tips

By Higherdose | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your natural sheep shearling pet bed cover soft, fresh, and odor-free with a simple washing and fluffing routine that protects the wool fibers.

Quick answer

Wash your sheep shearling pet bed cover by hand or on a gentle machine cycle in cold water with a wool-safe detergent, then air-dry it flat away from direct heat. Brush the wool while it is still slightly damp to lift the fibers and remove odors. Never wring, tumble dry, or use hot water, because those steps mat the shearling and shorten its life.

Why shearling needs a different washing routine

Natural sheep shearling is a skin-backed wool, not a synthetic fleece. The fibers have a scaly surface that locks together when agitated in hot water or dried with heat, which is why a cover can feel stiff and flattened after one wrong wash. The leather side also stiffens if it dries too fast. Treat the cover like a wool sweater: cool water, minimal movement, and slow air-drying. That approach keeps the cover plush and extends the time between deep cleanings.

Spot-clean between deep washes

Most pet bed covers do not need a full wash every week. Vacuum the shearling on a low setting with a brush attachment to lift loose hair and dander, then spot-clean accidents or drool marks with a cloth wrung out in cool water and a drop of wool-safe detergent. Blot, do not rub. For odor between washes, sprinkle baking soda over the dry wool, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and vacuum it out. This keeps the cover fresh without soaking the leather backing.

Drying and reshaping without heat

After washing, gently press the cover between two towels to remove excess water. Lay it flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, wool side up, and reshape it to its original dimensions while it is damp. Keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators or vents. A fan on low speed helps air circulate. The cover may take 24 to 48 hours to dry completely depending on humidity. Do not hang it over a line, because the weight of the wet leather can stretch the shape.

Step-by-step washing and fluffing

Shake out and vacuum loose debris: Take the cover outside and shake it to remove hair and crumbs. Then vacuum both sides on low with a brush attachment. Common mistake: using a beater-bar vacuum, which pulls and tangles the wool. Checkpoint: the wool should look lifted, not matted, before you add water.
Fill a tub or basin with cool water: Add a small amount of wool-safe or pH-neutral detergent. Submerge the cover and gently squeeze the suds through the wool for two to three minutes. Common mistake: using hot water or regular laundry detergent, which strips the natural lanolin and dulls the fibers. Checkpoint: the water should be cool to the touch, never warm.
Rinse without wringing: Drain the basin and refill with cool water. Press down on the cover to push water through the fibers, then drain again. Repeat until the water runs clear. Common mistake: twisting or wringing the cover, which breaks the leather backing and distorts the shape. Checkpoint: no soap bubbles should remain in the rinse water.
Press out excess water with towels: Lay the cover flat on a clean towel, roll the towel and cover together, and press firmly. Do not twist the roll. Common mistake: leaving the cover soaking wet, which can cause mildew in the leather. Checkpoint: the cover should feel damp, not dripping.
Air-dry flat and reshape: Place the cover wool side up on a drying rack and reshape it to its original dimensions. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight. Common mistake: putting it in a dryer even on low, which shrinks and mats the shearling. Checkpoint: the cover is fully dry when the leather backing feels room-temperature and pliable, not cool or damp.
Brush and fluff while slightly damp: Use a wire pet brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently lift the wool in small sections. Work in the direction of the fibers, not against them. Common mistake: brushing dry, tangled wool, which causes breakage. Final step: let the cover finish drying completely, then place it back on the pet bed.

Product facts

Natural Sheep Shearling Pet Bed Cover: Natural Sheep Shearling Pet Bed Cover is made from natural sheep shearling for a soft, breathable surface, available in Ivory and Honey. The natural material is what makes the gentle washing steps necessary, and the two color options let you match the cover to your pet's bed or room.