IMPORTANT:
After each use, hang your saddle pad over a rail, rope, or drying rack with pockets open and inserts removed. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to allow it to dry completely. When not in use, store it away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to natural fibers, leather, and sheepskin.
WASHING
EquineLUX saddle pads or half pads without sheepskin are machine washable. However, we recommend following our specific care instructions for best results.
Before washing
1. Remove shims or inserts from the pockets and hand wash them separately.
2. Shake the saddle pad outdoors to remove loose debris.
3. Use a soft rubber curry brush in a circular motion or a lint roller to gently remove horsehair from the cotton underside.
4. Always keep the VELCRO Hook-and-loop fastener closed before washing. Horsehair, sheepskin and fleece are attracted to VELCRO. Hooks can scratch the fabric's surface.
Machine washing
- For saddle pads or half pads without sheepskin trim or lining, use cold or lukewarm* water with a mild detergent.
- Once finished, you can use the spin cycle to remove excess water.
Hand washing
Due to the delicate nature of sheepskin, hand washing of sheepskin saddle pad or half pad is strongly recommended.
Wash your sheepskin saddle pad or half pad in cold or lukewarm distilled water using a detergent or other cleaning product specifically designed for sheepskin and wool. Do not to use hot water. It may damage the pelt of sheepskin. As long as the water is above 72°F (22°C) and below 105°F (40°C), it is lukewarm enough.
Don't soak sheepskin saddle pads or half pads for longer than 5-7 minutes. The more sheepskin absorbs water, the less lanolin will remain in the pelt. Excessive water absorption can strip lanolin from sheepskin, potentially affecting its softness and durability.
Remove excess water after washing by gently squeezing out the water without wringing. Never wring the sheepskin saddle pad or half pad out, as it may result in damaging the pelt. Lay it flat on a surface covered with bath towels and place another towel on top and between flaps. Apply pressure, such as walking on it, to remove residual water.
Avoid using the spin cycle to remove excess water from sheepskin. When sheepskin absorbs water, it becomes heavy and may tear if rotated and twisted in a washing machine.
Specifically designed detergents
A quality sheepskin shampoo removes stains, and sheepskin conditioner contains a conditioning agent to keep the performance of the wool fibre.
● Woolskin Premium Woolwash: Specifically designed for sheepskin and all wool types.
● Ecover Wool & Silk Delicate Laundry Detergent: This Woolmark-certified detergent is praised for its gentle, plant-based formula and suitability for delicate fabrics like wool and silk.
● Eucalan No Rinse Delicate Wash: Known for its no-rinse formula, making it convenient for handwashing wool items.
Avoid using clothing detergent with enzymes and bleach, regular soap, oxygen cleaners, and specialized cleaners like MELP or WOOLITE. These products can break down the protein structure of wool, damage wool fibers, and counter-act the tanning process causing damage to the genuine sheepskin fur and leather. Harsh detergents with enzymes or bleach can damage wool fibers and destroy lanolin - a unique natural remedy for soothing horse skin.
DRYING
Do not use heat to dry your saddle pad or half pad. Never put it in a dryer or use a hair dryer, as heat can damage the materials. Hot air can shorten the life of your saddle pad, and the dryer sheets will make non-slip mesh layers slippery. Do not use fabric softeners. It is just not necessary.
- Gently reshape saddle pad or half pad whilst damp.
- Hang your saddle pad or half pad to dry by laying it over a slightly curved rope or a drying rack, away from direct sunlight and artificial heat.
- Check the saddle pad or half pad's condition periodically to ensure it retains its shape. Allow your saddle pad to dry completely before resuming regular use. It may take up to 2-3 days.
- Restore the sheepskin pile to its fluffy appearance by brushing it whilst still damp and again when it is dry. Stiff brush or rubber curry comb can be used at your discretion.
IMPORTANT: The sheepskin pelt becomes prone to delamination when wet. If excessive force is applied while combing, or if using a hard comb or brush, the pelt can delaminate, leading to partial damage such as holes or torn-out tufts of wool. Additionally, overly aggressive stretching of the sheepskin can also cause damage.
IRONING
You can use iron for removing wrinkles in the front and back of the saddle pad without sheepskin. Set the iron to the low-mid setting with light steam for the top layer. The cotton lining can be ironed like any other cotton garment, on a medium setting and light steam.
WARNING: Don't iron the non-slip mesh, as high heat can cause it to melt, lose its properties, and stick to the iron.
SHEEPSKIN CARE
✦ Everyday care: Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance produced by sheep's wool. Due to its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, a genuine Merino sheepskin tends to be self-cleaning. A daily airing will keep the sheepskin fresh and help maintain its self-cleaning properties.
✦ Spot cleaning: Hand wash gently in cold or lukewarm water using a specifically designed detergents or mild soap designed for sheepskin. For best result clean any lightly soiled areas on the sheepskin right after it has been stained. Use a damp sponge to clean the stained area and pat gently with a soft towel to absorb the water. Waterless horse shampoos can also be used at your discretion.
* Lukewarm water is water that is neither hot nor cold, but rather slightly warm or tepid. It's a temperature that feels comfortable to the touch but not hot, and is often described as being around room temperature or slightly warmer. There isn't a universally agreed-upon precise temperature for lukewarm, but it generally falls between 22°C and 40°C, or 72°F and 105°F.
EquineLUX Saddle Pads
