Direct answer upfront: clean a sheepskin rug by a gentle, careful approach that preserves the wool and backing. The safest method is a light, routine maintenance with brushing and vacuuming, plus spot cleaning as needed, and a careful hand wash only if the rug’s care label permits. What to do step by step
- Regular maintenance
- Shake the rug outside to remove loose dirt and crumbs. Then vacuum using a hose attachment (not a beater brush) to avoid tangling the wool. Brush the fibers lightly with a soft-bristle brush to restore fluffiness after cleaning. These steps help keep the pile looking even and prevent matting. This routine helps maintain the rug without soaking it, which is gentler on the wool and backing.
- Spot cleaning
- For small stains, blot gently with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild wool shampoo or gentle detergent diluted in water. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading, then blot again to remove the detergent. Rinse by blotting with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove residue, and dry flat. This minimizes moisture exposure while targeting the stain directly.
- Deeper clean (only if the care label allows machine or hand washing)
- Hand wash in cool, lightly scented wool detergent if the rug’s care instructions explicitly permit it. Submerge briefly and agitate gently, then rinse with clean cool water until all detergent is gone. Do not wring; press out excess water and lay flat to dry away from direct heat or strong sun. When dry, brush the fibers to re-fluff. Avoid hot water, high agitation, or harsh detergents as they can damage the wool and leather backing.
- Drying and fluffing
- Let the rug air-dry completely, ideally laying it flat on a clean surface. After drying, use a carding or soft grooming brush to lift and separate the tips of the fleece, returning it to its fluffy appearance.
Care considerations and caveats
- Always check the rug’s care label first. If it says “dry clean only,” do not attempt home washing; take it to a professional cleaner specialized in sheepskin. If it allows hand or machine washing, follow the exact temperatures and detergents specified.
- Avoid hot water, high agitation, and bleach. These can damage the wool, lanolin, and backing, leading to stiffness or loss of color.
- Limit moisture exposure to prevent backing damage and odors. Ensure thorough drying to prevent mildew.
Quick tips for common scenarios
- If the rug smells stale, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda, lightly mist with water, wait a while, then brush or vacuum to remove the powder and odors.
- If tufts become matted, brushing in the direction of the hair growth with a soft slicker or garment brush can help restore loft, followed by light shaking and vacuuming.
- Direct sunlight can cause fading; store or dry away from prolonged sun exposure.
If you share the rug’s material details (real sheepskin vs. faux, and any care instructions from the label), the exact steps can be tailored to avoid damage and keep it looking its best.
