Welkom bij La Riva Del Mar

Wonend aan de Belgische kust droomden we altijd van de warmte en eenvoud van het Zuiden, de rust van de zee, de geur van olijven, de schoonheid van mooie dingen om je heen.

Die droom inspireerde ons om La Riva Del Mar te creëren: een plek waar de sfeer van het Zuiden en verfijnd wonen samenkomen. Van olijfolie uit handgeplukte olijven tot zorgvuldig geselecteerde woondecoratie. Elk product vertelt een verhaal van kwaliteit en passie.

Welkom in onze wereld.

Care of Skins and Hides

All our hides are 100% natural products, which means their natural properties are preserved. Since you naturally want to enjoy your sheepskin for as long as possible, we have compiled some care tips for you.

How do I clean my sheepskin?

Washing

  • Only steam clean using foam designed for wool cleaning

  • Hand wash only in cold water with a mild liquid detergent

  • Shake to remove excess water

  • Note: Machine washing should always be kept to a minimum

Drying

  • Do not tumble dry

  • Stretch the hide into shape while drying

  • Do not dry in direct sunlight or direct heat such as a radiator

Colours

  • Dyed hides should only be professionally cleaned

Care

  • Regular brushing helps maintain a soft and beautiful appearance

  • Small dirt can be removed by shaking the sheepskin outdoors or dabbing it with a damp cloth

  • You may vacuum the sheepskin to remove crumbs and dust

Cleaning by Type of Sheepskin

Opinions differ regarding the care of sheepskins, mainly because different types require different treatments. There is therefore no absolute instruction manual.

Medical Sheepskins (Health Skins)

These short-haired sheepskins are specially tanned so they can be washed.

  • Wash on a wool cycle

  • Air dry, not in sunlight or on a heater

  • Stretch the leather every few hours to prevent it from becoming hard

  • Do not tumble dry

Texel Sheepskins

  • Preferably clean by brushing and shaking out

  • To refresh, hang outside overnight

  • If necessary, wash on a wool cycle

  • Air dry, not in sunlight or on a heater

  • Stretch the leather regularly while drying

  • Do not tumble dry

Icelandic Sheepskins (or other long-haired skins over 4 cm)

  • Remove stains with a hot damp cloth

  • A small amount of dish soap may be added if needed

  • Machine washing is strongly discouraged

  • Shake outside and use a carpet beater carefully

Dyed Sheepskins

  • Only dry cleaning to prevent colour fading

  • Avoid prolonged direct sunlight

  • Brushing and vacuuming are suitable cleaning methods

Care of Cowhides

Cowhides are beautiful natural rugs that last for many years with proper care. Below are practical tips to maintain them.

Removing dust and dirt

  • Vacuum on the lowest setting, always in the direction of the hair

  • Shake outside when possible

  • Unlike sheepskins, cowhides do not need brushing

  • The less pressure applied, the better

Stains and spills

  • Dab moisture immediately with a clean cloth without rubbing

  • Remove dried dirt with a slightly damp cloth, following the direction of the hair

  • For stubborn stains, use a mild natural cleaner such as green soap

  • Important: Never wet the leather side, as it will become stiff when dry

  • If the hide gets wet, never dry it with direct heat or sunlight

Preventing dryness

  • Lightly mist the hide occasionally with water (use a spray bottle)

  • Do not wet the leather side

  • More frequent light moistening may be needed with underfloor heating

Removing pressure marks

Furniture marks can be removed as follows:

  • Method 1: Place a bag of ice cubes on the mark. Once melted, gently brush the hair in its natural direction

  • Method 2: Place a damp cloth over the mark and lightly iron at medium temperature

General Tips for Hides and Skins

  • Shake regularly to remove dust and dirt

  • Vacuum gently in the direction of the hair at low suction

  • Air the hide occasionally in the shade (not direct sunlight)

  • Keep dry and avoid humid environments

Storage

For long-term storage:

  • Roll the hide with the hair side facing outward

  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated place

  • Do not use plastic bags (risk of mould)

  • Protect against moths with natural products such as lavender

Warnings

  • Do not machine wash or dry clean (unless specifically stated per type)

  • Do not expose to direct sunlight (risk of discolouration)

  • Do not place on underfloor heating

  • Keep pets away from the hide