Posted by Administrator on 2/21/2015 to
Care Guide
General Care
Please allow the product to dry immediately after it has become damp or wet. If the material has gone stiff, just knead it to soften is again. The wool should be brushed frequently to keep it airy. All part which are exposed to the horses sweat during use, need special care (like girths). These should be thoroughly dried after each use, then before next use, brush the wool with a grooming brush. Half Pads and Saddle Pads should generally be placed on top of the saddle, wool side up, when storing the saddle. When dry, before use, brush and shake the the wool to remove horsehair and dried sweat and dirt residue. This assures the full function of the Half Pad/Saddle Pad. It also saves you a lot of washing and prolongs the overall lifetime of the product.
Please be aware that the shock absorbing properties of the sheepskin is drastically reduced when the wool becomes flat and matted. It can actually turn hard and do more harm than good, so it's important to maintain your sheepskin products properly.
Washing and cleaning instructions
Before washing it is essential that you:
a) Remove Poly-flex® shims from our Correction® system if applicable to your product.
b) Remove Saddle-fix® if fitted.
c) Remove andy plait supper interiors in your girths.
d) Fasten together all Velcro keepers.
Our special washing liquid MELP is biodegradable. It is a highly concentrated mix of waspish agents and fatliqours used for the manufacture of our own sheepskins. MELP has re-greasing properties, thus restoring the elasticity and other natural properties of the wool, the leather and also the textile materials used in our products. It is also ideal for washing washable leather goods. Your usual detergent could possibly harden the leather and could make the wool brittle and matted. Common detergents can contain components which are very damaging to the sheepskin. If you cannot use MELP, please use a liquid detergent - do not use powder detergents, which will clog the wool. Most Mattes products can be hand washed or machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius or less (cold). Washing at above 30 degrees Celsius will cause shrinkage of the products. Please look at the labels affixed to each individual product. It is imperative to follow the washing instructions.
We can easily identify if our products are returned to us after washing at more than 30 degrees Celsius (cold).
We hope you and your enjoy your new Mattes product.