How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug

A sheepskin rug can make all the difference in any room. It’s elegant and adds a touch of coziness while also being a high-quality staple piece. The surprising part is that it’s not difficult to maintain a clean sheepskin rug. In fact, with a few easy-to-follow tips, you can keep it looking as good as the day you bought it!

Dry Cleaning: How to Restore a Matted Sheepskin Rug

Taking consistent care of your rug will stop it from looking matted and straggly. Instead, keep it in its fluffy natural condition with these simple steps.

• Grab a Brush

Use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush through the matted spots of the rug. Doing this will start to loosen the tangled strands.

• Get Out the Conditioner

Invest in a conditioner that's made for sheepskin rugs. Apply it to the matted areas running it through in the direction of the fibers. With moisturized wool strands, your rug is easier to manage.

• Use a Wide Tooth Comb

Gently comb through the matted areas with a wide-tooth comb. Start from the beginning of the rug and work your way up in soft strokes.

• Let Your Rug Dry

Lay your rug flat and let it air dry. Make sure it's out of any direct sunlight and avoid using heat since you don't want to damage the delicate fibers. Just give it time to dry in a ventilated area.

Wet Cleaning: How to Wash Sheepskin Rug

Try to avoid machine washing your rug. Instead, opt for a gentler hand-washing technique that's safer and still has great results!

• Prepare Your Rug

Once you've bought wool-safe detergent, test it on a small corner just to make sure no color runs and no damage is done. Then, shake the rug to get rid of debris or use a soft-bristled brush to remove any leftover bits.

• Fill a Bathtub with Cool Water

Find a space such as your bathtub that's large enough to hold your rug and fill it partially with water. Add some wool-safe detergent. Make sure you read the instructions and pour the recommended amount.

• Submerge the Rug

Place your rug in the water, letting it soak for 15-30 minutes to loosen trapped dirt. Gently use your hands to loosen any remaining dirt without scrubbing it vigorously. Drain the tub and rinse the rug with cool water.

• Airdry the Rug

Squeeze out excess water and lay your sheepskin rug flat. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to dry it. It's important to avoid using heat to dry the rug, as this can damage the wool fibers.

Spot Cleaning: How to Remove Stains from a Sheepskin Rug

Spot cleaning a sheepskin rug is a great way to get rid of small stains early so you can avoid having to wash the whole rug constantly.

• Grab a Cloth

Use a clean, white cloth to blot the spill and soak up excess liquid. Instead of rubbing it in, just dab softly.

• Dilute the Spot

Use some mild wool-safe detergent and apply it to the spill. Gently blot the area with a clean, white cloth to remove the diluted spot.

• Rinse It All Over

Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the area thoroughly, making sure to remove all traces of the detergent.

• Dry Your Rug

Use a clean, dry towel to blot the area and remove any excess moisture. Airdry your rug flat and in a well-ventilated area.

• Brush the Rug

Once the rug is completely dry, use a soft-bristled brush. Brush the fibers in the direction they naturally lie. This will help to restore the rug's texture and appearance.

Caring for your Sheepskin Rug

By taking constant and quick care of your rug, you'll save yourself from having to take it for a deep clean. Although cleaning it professionally is a great idea, it's also possible to maintain it at home.

How to Vacuum a Sheepskin Rug

Before starting to vacuum your rug, give your rug a little shake and pick out larger pieces of debris. Only use a vacuum on a gentle suction setting and avoid using a damaging rotating brush head. Use a crevice tool (the one for the edges of a room) and follow the direction of the fibers to get rid of fine dust and dirt.

Storing Your Sheepskin Rug

Before putting your rug away, give it a good clean. Place it flat (not rolled up) in a breathable bag like one made from linen. Or you can find a container with ventilation. This will save your rug from moisture damage, mites, and getting smelly. Make sure it's hidden from direct sunlight to avoid damage to the wool. Last but not least, don't leave it in a humid environment like an outdoor garage. Find a cool, dry place like your closet.

Repairing Damage To the Rug

If there's a small snag or hole found in your rug, try fixing it right away, as it could turn into a bigger problem. Acting fast makes for a more affordable solution in the long run. You don’t have to be a master seamstress to patch up your rug. Simply get a needle and thread and sew any small holes together in no time.

Tips and Recommendations When Cleaning Sheepskin

A sheepskin rug is a beautiful piece to own! With some simple do's and don’ts, you'll find looking after it that much easier.

• Don'ts:
• Use direct heat on your rug–no matter how tempting it is, don't use a hairdryer.
• Avoid leaving your rug in direct sunlight, as it can tarnish it.
• Although some people wash their rugs in the washing machine, try to avoid it.
• Do's:
• Brush your rug regularly but gently to avoid matting.
• Vacuum your rug to keep it debris-free.
• Invest in wool-safe products instead of using normal detergent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better care for your sheepskin rug:

• 1. How often should I clean my sheepskin rug?

If you spot-clean your rug as soon as you see a stain, you won't need to wash the whole thing so often. Wash it when you can see or notice it's time for a deeper clean.

• 2. How often do you need to brush a sheepskin rug?

It's better to regularly vacuum your rug, which should be quick and easy, then you won't have to brush it so often.

• 3. Can I use regular cleaning products on a sheepskin rug?

Regular cleaning products can damage a delicate sheepskin rug. It's better to buy wool-safe detergent and conditioner to be on the safe side.

• 4. Can I put my sheepskin rug in the washing machine?

It may look like the easier option, but throwing your rug into the washing machine might damage it in the long run. You'll start to notice the shape and underside change. So, it's better to take the time to hand wash it so it has more longevity.

• 5. How do I get rid of a bad smell on my sheepskin rug?

Let your sheepskin rug airdry outdoors so it can get some fresh air, just make sure it's in a shaded spot away from the sun. It's okay to do this if you notice a bad odor since it is a natural product. If the odor comes from a stain or spill, then try to clean it right away to avoid the smell setting in.