Wool and tannins are both antimicrobial so generally, to keep a hide fresh, shaking your hide outside and giving them a comb through is all that is needed. You can also use a broom to beat the wool to release any debris. Spot clean as needed for any stains or spills.

If you do need to clean the entire hide, you can wash bark tanned hides in a bathtub or washing machine. If you are using a washer, I recommend filling with warm water, adding wool friendly soap, then turn the washer off and simply submerge the hide. After the water has cooled, use a spin cycle to remove excess water. Certain breeds of wool can felt in the washing machine from agitation so handwashing is my preferred method.

Never put a hide in the dryer, instead air dry on a line with good airflow, gently stretch the edges as it dries to keep the shape flat and similar to the prewashed state.

After any brushing of the wool, spritzing the wool with a mix of diluted vinegar and scrunching into the locks will help the curls bounce back and give the wool its natural wave.

Avoid metal when your hide is wet as iron reacts with tannins and will stain your leather black in areas where it comes into contact.