How To Clean Sheepskin Rug?

Natural sheepskin rug is produced from sheepskin that has woollen threads securely bonded to the skin during the leather processing which is difficult to clean.

Wool can be kept raw or dyed to create different colours, while wool fibres are soft and strong, they contain natural oils that prevent dirt and odour.

Sheepskin rugs are among the most expensive and stylish pieces of furniture you possess.

However, they need careful maintenance and cleaning to stay in good shape and condition like any other carpet.

There are many Americans who may not know how to clean their rugs!

If you don’t know to clean a sheepskin, start by cleaning carefully as it may get damaged, so we decided to publish this article to help those who are not sure about how to clean their sheepskin.

Since I have discussed step-by-step instructions to clean sheepskin.

I also mentioned some tips to keep your sheepskin rug clean for an extended period.

So, let’s get started!

Instructions Before Cleaning Up Sheepskin Rug:

Start by washing the sheepskin rugs.

Since sheepskin is very delicate, you should avoid using strong chemicals or detergents on your carpet.

But there are a few things you must do before you begin cleaning.

Colourfastness should be tested:

To prevent your sheepskin rugs from getting damaged, check the pigmentation before using any cleaning chemicals.

Simply soak a cotton ball or white rag in water and gently wipe over a small, invisible area of the vein.

If any colour gets on the cotton ball or rag, do not wipe the carpet with water.

Clean the rug:

Using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, wipe any dirt, dust, or debris from the base of the rug.

Be careful to vacuum the carpet on all sides.

Move the carpet around:

Take out the rug and shake vigorously to remove dirt or grime from the fibres.

Spot-clean the rug:

If there are any blemishes on the rugs, remove them with a gentle disinfectant solution.

Make sure the soap does not damage the fibres, first test it on the invisible part of the carpet.

How to Clean a Sheepskin rug In 7 Easy Steps!

Sheepskin is lovely and luscious, but it is tough to maintain and tidy, follow these seven simple steps to clean and maintain your sheepskin rug as follows:

1. Vacuum any loose dirt or debris on the rug:

You may vacuum your sheepskin rug using a handheld vacuum if it is tiny enough.

To prevent strand damage, use a brush attachment on your standard vacuum, however, do not apply excessive suction as this may damage the carpeting.

Sheepskin is a natural fabric that can be heat sensitive.

2. Check the care label before washing:

Before washing sheepskin, check the care label.

In order not to fade, many-coloured sheep skins should be washed dry and machine-washable labels can be found on certain small carpets.

Use a front-load or top-load washer without a centre agitation, cold water, wool washing, and a moderate cycle for a better effect.

Excessive stimulation can cause strands to matte and whisper, while the safest way to clean white sheepskin is to wash your hands.

3. In a bucket, prepare a solution of lukewarm water and wool detergent:

Wool detergent is intended to be soft on woollen garments found at most supermarkets and online.

Regular laundry detergent might cause skin irritation in sheep.

Hot water is preferred as it can loosen the fibres, hence sheepskin should never be washed.

4. Rub the rug with a soft-bristle brush dipped in the solution:

Pay close attention to any soiled or discoloured areas.

Scrubbing too forcefully might damage the fibres.

If your rug is filthy, you may also need to continue this step.

Using a clean towel, blot away any extra water and let the rug air dry completely.

5. Using a hose, rinse the carpet with clean water:

If you don’t have a faucet, a pail of clean water will suffice.

Avoid using hot water as it might harm the wool fibres.

Soak the rug until all of the soap is gone because sheepskin is a natural material and harsh chemicals should be avoided.

Gently use soap to clean your sheepskin rug.

However, if you want to sterilize it, mix a few drops of essential oils into the water.

6. Remove excess moisture from the rug with a towel:

To dry, hang the rug in a line or on the veranda, however, keep the fibres away from direct sunlight so that they do not fade.

If your carpet is damp, repeat the process.

To absorb the remaining moisture, wipe the carpet with a clean towel.

Prevent rubbing the towel over the wool, since it may cause the strands to fray.

7. Hang it to dry in a sheltered area:

It is critical to let your sheepskin rug dry thoroughly after cleaning it.

The simplest way is to hang it in a shaded area.

However, keep it away from direct sunshine, since this might harm the wool fibres.

Brush the rug with a soft-bristled brush once it has dried to fluff up the fibres.

If you don’t know how to clean a sheepskin rug, just follow these simple steps as your sheepskin rug will look fresh and new at any moment!

However, because sheepskin is a natural fabric, it is susceptible to damage.

Your sheepskin rug will survive for many years.

How Do You Soften Sheepskin After Washing?

If you desire to wash your sheepskin apparel or accessories, you must exercise extreme caution to avoid damaging the delicate material.

Sheepskin is a natural substance that must be handled with care, notably when wet, here are some ideas for safely washing your sheepskin as follows:

• It is critical to use a mild detergent and prevent using fabric softeners while washing sheepskin.
• You should also resist drying sheepskin since it might harm the material.
• Let it air dry naturally afterwards.
• Place the sheepskin in front of a fan to accelerate the drying process.
• When your sheepskin is dry, it may become stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
• You may soften the material by rubbing it with a moist towel or brush with a soft-bristled brush.
• You may also use a little quantity of leather conditioner to help soften the sheepskin.

Tips to keep your Sheepskin Rug Clean:

1. Avoid placing the rug in heavy traffic:

This is especially true for large surfaces, it prevents excessive dirt and dust from entering the carpeting.

2. Clean the rug regularly:

Regularly vacuuming will remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated in the fibres, making your rug look fresh and clean.

This will help prevent your carpet from falling too much, make sure the pressure is set to low and the beater bar is turned off.

3. Do Not Allow Stains to Set In:

This will make cleaning more challenging.

So, shortly after discolouration appears, spot-clean your sheepskin rug using the ways outlined above.

4. Get the Most of the Sunlight:

Constantly exposing your sheepskin rug to sunlight will aid the elimination of any bacteria or germs on the rug’s surface.

 It can also help remove stains and discolourations allowing you to wash your sheepskin rug less regularly.

However, placing the rug to direct sunlight for long periods might cause the wool threads to deteriorate and lose their suppleness.

Furthermore, UV radiation from the sun can cause irreparable yellowing, hardness and breaking of the hide.

5. Store your sheepskin rug away when not in use:

This will prevent dust and filth from settling on your rug.

To avoid moths from eating it, use moth repellent or mothballs, and store it in a dry spot.

If you don’t have a location for it, vacuum it on a routine basis.

Instead, consider putting the rug in a well-ventilated area that gets indirect sunshine.

This will preserve the rug (and hide) in good condition for many seasons.

Also read: How to Choose Rug Size for Queen Bed?

FAQ- How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug:

Also read: Difference Between Rugs and Carpets

Conclusion:

Sheepskin rugs are an excellent addition to any house, and with proper care, they may endure for many years, however, frequent care is required.

By following these useful steps, you can clean your sheepskin rug and keep it looking beautiful for the coming years!

I hope you found this topic interesting!

Kindly leave any questions in the comments below if you have any queries after reading this post.