The Slipper Shearling Sheepskin I use in my slippers, and which I sell as hides, is a chrome-tanned leather and as such can be immersed in water. Cleaning the sheepskin is really quite simple.

• Cold water only.
• Mild liquid detergent (i.e. Ivory shampoo).
• Air dry.
• Corn Starch (I use Baby Powder) is great for getting out oils. Just let it sit for a day or two and shake or vacum out.
• Shaking out and vacuming are useful as well.

Things to avoid:

• Hot water.
• Harsh detergents (i.e. Tide).
• Heat.

The soles I sew on my slippers are an oak-tanned cowhide. You can get it wet, and that is ok. Let it dry flat. You should put oil back into it after washing. I use Neatsfoot Oil Compound, which I sell online as a convenience. Use this oil on the soles only and not on the sheepskin suede.