Sheepskin rugs are a luxurious and warm addition to any home. Made from the hide of sheep with the wool still attached, they have a wonderfully soft and cozy texture. However, sheepskin is still an animal hide and the wool is quite delicate. This means that sheepskin rugs require special care and cleaning methods to keep them looking their best. Follow this guide to learn how to properly clean a sheepskin rug.
Preparing to Clean the Sheepskin Rug
Before beginning the actual cleaning process, you’ll need to do some preparation beforehand. This helps ensure the rug gets thoroughly cleaned without the wool or hide getting damaged.
Check the Care Instructions
The first step is to check the care instructions that came with your sheepskin rug. While these general tips will work for most sheepskins, the cleaning methods can vary slightly depending on how the rug was processed and trimmed. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines will help prevent accidentally damaging the hide or wool fibers.
If you purchased the rug used or inherited it without care instructions, look for tags or labels that may be sewn into a side seam. This should tell you if the rug is dyed, what material it’s made from, and other washing guidelines.
Vacuum the Rug Thoroughly
You’ll want to vacuum the sheepskin thoroughly before washing it. This helps remove any loose dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the wool.
Use a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable suction level and hose attachment. Set it to a medium-low setting to avoid pulling or damaging the wool fibers.
Vacuum both sides of the rug, as well as around the edges. Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas where more dirt tends to collect.
Inspect and Spot Clean the Rug
After vacuuming, inspect the sheepskin for any visible stains or spots. Lightly spritz them with a wool-safe spot cleaner, then gently blot them with a clean cloth.
Avoid vigorously rubbing the wool when spot cleaning, as this can cause the fibers to felt or mat. Take your time and let the cleaner soak in to naturally lift the stain.
Also look for any tears, snags, or worn patches along the hide side. Make a note of these so they can be repaired after cleaning.
Read Over the Cleaning Steps
Finally, take a few minutes to carefully read through these cleaning steps before getting started. Cleaning a sheepskin properly takes patience and care. Understanding the entire process will help it go smoothly.
You may also want to line up all necessary supplies before washing the rug. This includes wool detergent, vinegar, clean towels, rubber gloves, etc.
How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug
With the rug prepped, it’s time to get washing! Follow these steps closely when machine washing your sheepskin:
Use Cold Water
Always use cold water when washing sheepskin rugs. Hot water can damage the wool fibers and cause them to shrink or felt.
Set your washing machine to the gentle/delicate cycle at the coolest temperature. You want the water lukewarm at most.
Add Mild Detergent
Choose a mild detergent that is specifically formulated to wash wool. Regular detergents can strip the natural lanolin oils from the wool, causing it to dry out.
Wool-specific detergents contain gentle cleaners and extra moisturizers to keep the fibers soft and flexible after washing.
Use the amount recommended on the detergent bottle based on your machine’s tub size. Around 1-2 tablespoons is typical for a regular load.
Skip the Fabric Softener
Do not add any fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing sheepskin. The fragrances and coatings will cling to the wool fibers and be difficult to fully rinse out. This leaves behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt over time.
Wash Separately
Wash your sheepskin rug by itself. Don’t toss it in a load with your regular laundry.
The wool fibers can grab onto lint and fibers from other materials, which will then be tricky to remove. Washing alone also prevents any dye transfer issues.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the sheepskin rug two or three extra times after washing to fully remove all traces of detergent. Let the machine run a full rinse cycle each time before draining the water.
Detergent left in the wool can make it look dingy and feel rough or stiff. The extra rinses ensure it gets completely flushed out.
Air Dry Only
Never put a sheepskin rug in the dryer! The heat and tumbling action will damage and shrink the hide and wool.
After the final rinse, gently squeeze out excess water from the rug by rolling it up inside a clean towel. Then lay it flat on top of some dry towels.
Let the sheepskin air dry completely before using. This may take 1-2 days depending on the thickness of the wool pile. Fluff and rotate periodically as it dries.
How Often to Wash a Sheepskin Rug
Sheepskin rugs don’t need frequent washing like your everyday bath towels or bedding. Too much cleaning risks damaging the delicate wool fibers over time. Here are some guidelines on washing frequency:
- Only wash a sheepskin rug 2-4 times per year at most. This includes spot cleaning between deep cleanings.
- Wash immediately if the rug gets heavily soiled or stained in any spots. Don’t let stains set.
- Wash every 6-12 months for high-traffic rugs or those in heavy use areas like a nursery.
- Wash every 2-3 years for rugs used occasionally or in low-traffic rooms.
- Wash when switching seasons if the rug was stored away for many months.
In between deep cleanings, vacuum the rug regularly and spot clean any problem areas as needed. This light maintenance will keep it fresh.
Cleaning Other Types of Sheepskins
The steps above are suitable for most standard sheepskin pelts used for rugs and throws. But some specialty sheepskins require slightly different cleaning methods.
Shearling Rugs
Shearling is sheepskin that has been trimmed on the hide side for a short, dense wool pile. Clean it the same as regular sheepskins but skip the washing machine. Handwash shearling instead using cold water in a tub or basin.
Be extremely gentle when squeezing water from a shearling rug to prevent the delicate fibers from breaking or forming felted mats. Lay flat to air dry.
Dyed Sheepskins
Read the care label closely on dyed sheepskin rugs. Many can still be washed in cold water using wool detergent. But the dye can bleed, so wash separately from other items.
Minimize agitation by turning off any spin cycle. Let dyed skins drip dry instead of squeezing out excess water when done. Prolonged wetness can cause the dye to loosen and run.
Faux Sheepskins
Faux sheepskins made from synthetic fibers like polyester can be washed more vigorously. Check the label, but most can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using warm water.
Use a mild laundry detergent without bleach. Skip the extended soaking and rinse cycles that real wool requires. Faux fur dries very quickly once spun dry in the washer.
Drying and Storing Sheepskin Rugs
After washing your sheepskin, don’t put it away wet. Always let it fully air dry first. Then store the dry rug properly between uses.
Dry Away from Direct Sunlight
Avoid placing freshly washed sheepskin rugs in direct sunlight to dry. The sun’s UV rays can fade and damage the wool fibers over time, causing them to become brittle and coarse.
Find a shaded, well-ventilated area indoors or on a covered porch to lay the wet rug flat until dry. Rotate and fluff the rug periodically as it dries to prevent matting on one side.
Use an electric fan to speed drying if needed, but don’t aim it directly at the rug on a high setting. The forced air flow can tangle the wool. Keep it on low and off to the side instead.
Store Flat or Rolled Up
Once completely dry, store your sheepskin rug in a cool, dry place. Avoid excessive heat, humidity, or dust which can damage the fibers over time.
You can lay it flat on a shelf or stack flat rugs on top of each other. Place a piece of acid-free tissue between each rug to prevent rubbing.
For storage, some people prefer rolling up the sheepskin instead. Roll it fairly loosely, with the wool side out, and secure with twine or elastic ties.
Don’t store any heavy objects on top of a rolled or folded sheepskin. The weight can mat the wool and crease the hide.
Use Cedar Chips or Sachets
Place cedar chips or sachets around the stored sheepskin rug to deter moths and repel odors. Just don’t let the cedar touch the wool directly as the oils can stain.
Mothballs contain pesticides and their fumes can damage wool over time. Use them only if sealed in paper wrapping and kept away from direct contact with the rug.
Freshen Stored Rugs
Before using a sheepskin rug that’s been stored away for many months, freshen it up. Give it a shake or vacuuming to remove any dust settled deep in the wool fibers.
For musty smells, sprinkle baking soda lightly over the rug and let sit overnight. Vacuum the next day and air the rug outside for an hour or two if possible.
Repairing Damage to Sheepskin Rugs
With proper care, a quality sheepskin rug will last for years. But accidents can still happen that cause damage requiring repair. Here are some options if your rug gets a tear, hole, stain, etc.
Stained or Yellowed Wool
For stains or yellowing, try re-washing the rug with wool detergent containing brighteners. Soak in cool water with some white vinegar added to help remove built-up grime on the wool fibers.
Bleaching products are too harsh for sheepskin. But regular exposure to sunlight can naturally brighten and freshen the appearance of dingy wool.
Matted or Felted Wool
If the wool gets matted down in spots or starts to felt, use a specialized wool comb to gently tease the fibers and fluff up the pile again. Avoid wire pet brushes which can scratch the hide.
Be extremely patient and work slowly to avoid ripping out large tufts of wool. It may take many combing sessions to fully repair matted areas.
Holes, Tears or Bald Spots
Minor holes or tears along the edges can be hand-sewn closed using a curved upholstery needle and sturdy thread. Try to match the thread color to the hide.
For damaged areas where wool is missing, have a rug repair specialist graft new wool fibers into the bare spots. This painstaking process blends the patch to disguise it.
Loose Seams or Backing
Take natural hide rugs to a leather and hide expert for repairs to loose back seams, raw edges, or detachment from the backing material. They have special adhesives to re-adhere layers and re-stitch seams.
For rugs with a fabric backing, any seam or backing repairs can often be made by an experienced upholsterer. They can also replace worn rug bindings if needed.
Common Questions About Washing Sheepskin Rugs
Cleaning and caring for a sheepskin rug properly does take some special considerations. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Can I put my sheepskin rug in the washing machine?
Yes, most sheepskin rugs can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water and wool-specific detergent. Be sure to air dry the rug flattened out afterwards. Never put sheepskin in the dryer.
How do I get rid of a musty smell in my sheepskin rug?
Musty sheepskin rugs can be freshened up by sprinkling baking soda lightly over the wool and letting it sit overnight before vacuuming. Also air out the rug outside if possible. White vinegar added during cleaning helps deodorize.
Why does my sheepskin rug shed so much?
Some shedding is normal, especially when a sheepskin rug is new. But excessive shedding means the fibers are damaged from improper cleaning, storage, or use. Handle the rug gently, wash only when needed, and store flat to minimize shedding over time.
Should I have my sheepskin rug professionally cleaned?
For very heavily soiled rugs, professional dry cleaning may be best since they have specialty solutions to clean grease, oil, etc. from wool. But for routine washing, you can successfully hand wash or machine wash sheepskins at home if done carefully.
How can I make a sheepskin rug lay flat?
To flatten a stubbornly wavy or curled sheepskin rug, wet it down evenly, stretch it out on a sheet, then place heavy books or bricks around the edges until it fully air dries. Keep it stored flat after that to “train” the hide to lay flatter long term.
Conclusion
Sheepskin rugs add timeless comfort and style to any room when cared for properly. Following these cleaning and storage recommendations will keep your rug looking fabulous for years while preserving the naturally luxurious feel of the wool. Always handle sheepskin gently, allow adequate time to air dry, and wash only when truly needed. With the right techniques, you can keep your sheepskin rug looking fluffy, soft, and vibrant for seasons to come.