How To Clean A Sheepskin Rug

Sheepskin rugs are everywhere in room design. Big or small, they add softness and texture to any space. They can be draped on a couch, placed on a playroom floor, layered on top of another rug, or used as a chair cushion. Wool fibers are durable and stain-resistant making them easy to care for. As always, review the care label of your rug before attempting any at-home sheepskin rug cleaning methods.

Can You Vacuum Sheepskin Rugs?

We recommend vacuuming your sheepskin rug frequently to keep it looking like new. However, it should be vacuumed with suction only. If your beater brush can’t be disabled on your vacuum, then the rug can be vacuumed with an upholstery attachment.

Eventually, your sheepskin rug may need to be cleaned. Cleaning a sheepskin rug is actually pretty simple. Follow these steps to clean your sheepskin rug:

Shake

• Give the sheepskin rug a powerful shake to loosen and remove dirt and debris.
• Large sheepskin rugs can be hung over a railing or fence and then beat with a broomstick or other strong stick. Be sure to hit both sides of the rug.

How To Spot Clean Sheepskin Rugs

If your rug only has a few areas that need to be cleaned, then spot cleaning can do the trick. Have a pet? This is a great method to clean pee out of a sheepskin rug.

• For the best result, clean spills and spots right away.
• Remove any excess moisture or debris from the spot. Blot liquids (like urine or wine) with a clean towel.
• If the stain has dried, use the edge of a spoon to remove solid debris.
• Wet a clean sponge or rag with warm (not hot) water.
• Blot the soiled area repeatedly until the stain is gone.
• If soap is needed, be sure to use one that is specifically for sheepskin rugs. Other cleaners have enzymes and bleach that can cause the leather to dry out and crack.

Deep Clean

If your sheepskin rug needs a deep clean, it can be hand washed in a large sink or bathtub. To deep clean your rug:

• Fill the bathtub with warm water. Never use hot water. Water that is hotter than 100 degrees can cause a sheepskin rug to shrink.
• Add a special sheepskin detergent to the water. Other detergents (including wool laundry soaps) have enzymes that can damage the leather.
• Submerge the rug in the bathtub and swish it around to loosen dirt and debris. Allow the rug to soak for up to 30 minutes.
• Squeeze out the rug and rinse it with cold water repeatedly to remove all the detergent.
• Squeeze the water out of the rug. Place a clean dry towel over the rug and roll it up. Then gently step on the rolled-up rug to absorb as much water as possible.
• Place the sheepskin on a clean dry towel to dry. Be sure to pull the leather into shape before the rug dries.
• Brush the rug using a wire sheepskin brush once while the rug is still wet and then once again when it’s dry. Never put your sheepskin rug in the dryer as it can cause it to shrink and damage the leather.

For pesky stains, we recommend having your sheepskin rug professionally cleaned.

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