Living from Nature, Nature for Living. At Capricornus Living, caring for natural materials is part of the long-term companionship we value between people and the objects they live with.
Natural materials respond to light, moisture, friction, storage, and time. Thoughtful care helps preserve their texture and function while allowing them to develop character through use.
The instructions supplied with your product always take priority over this general guide. Material blends, dyes, linings, and construction methods may require different treatment.
Everyday Care Principles
- Allow items to air between uses before placing them in storage.
- Keep natural materials away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and strong heat.
- Blot spills promptly with a clean, absorbent cloth. Do not rub, scrub, or saturate the area.
- Never use a hair dryer, radiator, or other direct heat source on a damp item.
- Avoid household cleaners, wet wipes, bleach, alcohol, and strongly fragranced sprays unless the product instructions explicitly permit them.
- Test any suitable care product on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Use a cleaner experienced with the specific natural material for stains or deep cleaning.
Thoughtful Storage
- Clean and fully air an item before storing it for an extended period.
- Choose a cool, dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
- Use a breathable fabric cover rather than an airtight plastic bag.
- Avoid compression. Give fur, wool, and sheepskin enough room to retain their natural loft.
- Use a supportive hanger for structured garments and store small accessories loosely rather than tightly folded.
Sheepskin Care
- Shake gently and air periodically to refresh the wool surface.
- Use only a soft, suitable brush when permitted by the product instructions.
- For a small spill, blot carefully and allow the material to dry naturally at room temperature.
- Do not soak or machine-wash sheepskin unless the attached care label specifically allows it.
- For deep cleaning, consult a professional experienced with sheepskin or shearling.
Wool Care
- Air wool items between uses and remove surface dust with a clean garment brush where appropriate.
- Follow the care label before washing; construction and finishing can change the correct method.
- If hand washing is permitted, avoid aggressive rubbing, wringing, and sudden temperature changes.
- Reshape gently and dry flat when the product instructions call for it.
- Use a qualified cleaner when the label specifies professional cleaning.
Leather Care
- Remove dry surface dust with a soft, clean cloth.
- Protect leather from prolonged moisture, sharp friction, oils, perfume, and direct heat.
- If it becomes damp, blot gently and let it dry naturally while retaining its shape.
- Use only products formulated for the particular type and finish of leather, testing first in a hidden area.
- Seek specialist advice before treating suede, nubuck, pale leather, or an unfamiliar finish.
Natural Fur Care
- Give fur space to breathe and avoid crushing the fibers during wear or storage.
- Keep perfume, hairspray, oils, and direct heat away from the surface.
- If lightly damp, shake off excess moisture and allow it to air-dry naturally.
- Once dry, gently shake the item to help the fibers settle. Avoid forceful brushing.
- Use a professional fur-care specialist for stains, matting, or deep cleaning.
Rugs, Cushions, and Home Pieces
- Rotate frequently used pieces periodically to distribute wear and light exposure.
- Lift and shake suitable pieces outdoors when practical, taking care not to stretch seams or backing.
- Vacuum only when the product instructions permit it, using low suction and no rotating brush.
- Protect pale natural surfaces from dye transfer caused by damp clothing or dark, unstable fabrics.
When to Ask a Specialist
Professional help is the safest choice for deep stains, widespread moisture, dye transfer, persistent odor, damaged seams, flattened fur, or an unfamiliar finish. Tell the cleaner the material composition and provide the original care label whenever possible.
Unsure how to care for a particular item? Send us the product name, photographs, and a description of the issue before applying a treatment.