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How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug

natural sheepskin rug
February 10, 2023

Sheepskin rugs can be a great addition to any home. They are made from natural and hypoallergenic materials and can bring warmness, comfort and a touch of elegance to your living space.

However, sheepskin rugs, like any other rug, require proper care and maintenance to stay in good condition and look nice. Besides regular vacuuming, you should also make sure to brush out the fibres to keep them lifted and free from dirt. Hiring a professional rug cleaning service in London, at least once a year is also important to ensure your sheepskin rug looks its best and last longer.

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best ways to clean a sheepskin rug, including how to vacuum it, remove stains, and keep your rug looking and feeling soft and plush for years to come.

How should you take care of your sheepskin rug?

Sheepskin rugs can make your home feel cosy and luxurious. However, they may require a little extra attention when it comes to cleaning. This is due to the delicate nature of the fibres. Sheepskin is a natural material that is very soft and plush, which can make it more difficult to remove dirt and stains.

Additionally, their fibres are more suspectable to damage if not cleaned properly. Using harsh cleaning products or exposing the rug to high heat or moisture can cause the fibres to become brittle or discoloured. 

It is important that you use proper cleaning techniques and products in order to keep your sheepskin rug clean and looking nice. Here are some basic care ideas and tips.

  • Vacuuming. You should vacuum your sheepskin rug at least once a week to remove any dust and dirt. In case you have pets or children, you will need to vacuum the rug more frequently to keep it clean.
  • Shaking out your rug. Make sure to give your sheepskin rug a good shake every once in a while to get rid of dirt or debris that may have settled in the fibres.
  • Brushing the fibres. Sheepskin rugs tend to get matted and tangled with time. Giving them a good brush on a regular basis will help keep the fibres lifted.
  • Spot treating. If you notice any spills or stains on your sheepskin rug, you should treat them as soon as possible. You can use mild detergent and warm water.
  • Professional deep cleaning. It is important to have your sheepskin rug professionally cleaned at least once a year. This will help preserve the natural texture and appearance of the rug as well as extend its life.

Remember to always read the cleaning instruction that came with your new sheepskin rug as well as test any cleaning agents on a small, invisible area first to avoid any damage.

How do you vacuum a sheepskin rug?

person vacuuming a sheepskin rug

One of the primary cares that sheepskin rugs need is vacuuming. Regular and proper vacuuming will help you keep your rug free from dirt and dust. It might be best to use a vacuum cleaner with a handheld attachment or a canister vacuum with a floor brush attachment. Also, be sure to adjust the machine's suction power to a low setting to prevent the wool fibres from damage. 

Start at one end of the sheepskin rug and gently move the vacuum cleaner in a straight line until you reach the opposite end. Repeat the process in overlapping sections until you have vacuumed the entire rug. Be sure to brush the rug in the direction of the wool fibres to remove all dirt and debris without pulling or matting the fibres. 

If you want to keep the rug looking clean and fluffy you should make sure to vacuum it at least once a week. However, in case you have pets or children or your rug is in a heavy-traffic area, then you will probably need to vacuum it more frequently. In addition, you may want to shake out your sheepskin rug occasionally, if its size allows. It is an excellent method for removing loose hair, dirt, and derbies.

How do you brush a sheepskin rug?

Brushing is another crucial element of sheepskin rug care. It will help keep the rug soft and fluffy as well as improve its overall appearance. Make sure to choose a soft bristle brush which will not damage the fibres of the rug. There are some brushes which are specifically designed for sheepskin rugs. You can find them in many retail and online stores.

Before starting to brush, you will first need to get your rug outdoors and give it a good shake to eliminate any dust and dirt that might be tucked into the fibres. If the rug is big and heavy you can just vacuum it. To brush your sheepskin rug, start from one of the ends and slowly move to the other until you pass through the entire surface.

It is best to work in small sections so that you do not miss anything. Be sure to brush in the direction of the wool, using light and gentle strokes. Once you have passed through the entire surface, you can use your hands to gently fluff up the wool fibers. This will help to restore the rug's fluffiness and softness.

You may need to brush your sheepskin rug once a week or once a month, depending on the amount of foot traffic in the area. If you have children then your rug might require more frequent brushing. Kids usually like playing on the floor which is why your sheepskin rug may become matted faster. 

How do remove stains from a sheepskin rug?

Sheepskin rugs can be tricky to clean when stains happen. It is essential that you act quickly and get stains out of the rug as quickly as possible. To clean stains from your rug, you will first need to ensure you have the right tools in hand. These include a clean cloth or paper towel, a wool cleaning solution, and a bucket of cold water.

Make sure to pick a sheepskin detergent that does not contain any harsh enzymes that could cause damage. Also, avoid using products with lanolin—a natural fat found in wool—to help restore the natural softness of the fibers. Despite its promising properties, lanolin-based agents can attract dirt and dust over time and make the rug appear dingy. 

As we mentioned above, it is important to tackle the stain as soon as possible while it is still fresh. The first thing you should do is blot up any excess liquid by using a paper towel or a clean cloth. Do not use coloured cloth as the dye may transfer to the rug and cause further staining. Also, avoid rubbing the stain too much so that it doesn't go deep into the fibres.

Once you remove the excess liquid from the rug, prepare your cleaning solution by mixing cool water and a wool-safe cleaner. Then get a white clean cloth and dip it into the solution. Gently blot the spotted area with the damp cloth, working from the outside of the stain inward (do not rub or scrub too hard).

Rinse the cloth in the cleaning solution and repeat the blotting process until the stain is gone. Lastly, soak up as much moisture as possible by using a clean, dry cloth and then allow the rug to dry. You may get the rug outside and leave it to air dry. Avoid, hanging your sheepskin rug on places with direct sunlight to prevent any discolouration.

Can you wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine?

It is usually not recommended to wash your sheepskin rug in a washing machine. This is because the high temperature and strong agitation of the machine washing can damage the delicate material of the rug and cause it to shrink or misshape. If you want to wash your sheepskin rug at home without damaging it, hand washing would be the better option.

You can hand wash your rug in the bathtub or use a large basin. Fill the container with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent or special wool shampoo. Then place the rug inside and begin gently agitating it with your hands. After you get the dirt and grime out, leave the rug to soak in the cleaning solution for about 15 to 30 minutes.

Then drain the soapy water and rinse your rug thoroughly with clean water. You can leave your rug to air dry outdoors, laying it down on a clean towel. Be sure that it is away from direct sunlight. Never tumble dry sheepskin rugs as this might be too harsh for the delicate material.

There is usually no need to wash your sheepskin rug too often. Doing so once every 6 to 12 months might be enough. However, if the rug is smelling or becomes heavily soiled, it may need to be washed more often.

Why hire a professional to deep clean a sheepskin rug?

If you want to give your sheepskin rug a deep clean, then it is best to hire a professional cleaning service. Sheepskin is a natural material that requires special care and attention to maintain its softness, texture, and appearance. Professional cleaners have the knowledge and experience to properly clean and care for sheepskin rugs, ensuring that they are cleaned thoroughly without damaging the delicate fibres.

The cleaning specialists can remove tough stains and dirt that spot cleaning and vacuuming may not be able to clean. The professional cleaners will also help to maintain the natural appearance of your sheepskin product, keeping its texture and softness. They will inspect your rug and choose the best cleaning method. 

Additionally, regular professional cleanings can extend the life of your sheepskin rug by removing dirt, dust, and debris that can wear down the fibres over time.

Looking for a reliable and professional carpet cleaning company in London to deep clean your sheepskin rug? Look no further than our expert team! We understand the unique needs of natural materials like sheepskin and have the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible care for your rug.

Read our guide on average cost of rug cleaning in UK for more informaiton.

Frequently asked questions

Is cleaning a faux sheepskin rug different than cleaning a real one?

Faux sheepskin rugs are typically made from synthetic materials, while real sheepskin rugs are made from the skin of sheep., which is a natural material. Therefore, the cleaning methods and products used for each type of rug may vary. For faux sheepskin rugs, it is important to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, as they can vary based on the materials used. In general, a faux sheepskin rug can be cleaned by shaking it out, vacuuming it, or wiping it down with a damp cloth. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or heat, as these can damage the rug.

How do I make my sheepskin rug white again?

If your sheepskin rug has become discoloured or yellowed over time, it might be best to hire a professional cleaning service. The specialists can use proper cleaning methods and products to help restore the brightness of your rug. In case you decide to wash your sheepskin rug yourself, be sure to do it by hand. It is also important to use a proper cleaning detergent that is wool-safe. Do not try whitening your rug with bleach because it can be really harmful to the fibres. Please note that some discolouration or yellowing may be permanent and cannot be completely removed. 

Can a sheepskin rug be dry-cleaned?

Yes, they might be dry-cleaned. Make sure to choose a dry cleaner that has experience with handling sheepskin rugs. Also, do not forget to inform them of any specific instructions or care guidelines for your particular rug.

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