A sheepskin rug brings warmth, coziness, and a touch of luxury to your home. Whether it’s used as a carpet, decoration on the sofa, or a comfortable cover for your favorite armchair, sheepskins can enhance every room.
But what happens if the soft fur loses its fluffiness? Dirt, odors, or incorrect care can quickly impair its natural beauty. Many people make critical mistakes when cleaning, and the result leads to a matted or hardened sheepskin.
It’s not difficult to clean a sheepskin rug properly if you know what to look out for. But don’t worry, in this article, you will learn how to clean and gently care for your sheepskin and thus preserve its fluffiness and beauty. Let’s work together to ensure that your sheepskin remains a real eye-catcher in the future.
Do sheepskin rugs require special care?
The short answer is yes. Sheepskins, especially sheepskin rugs, are not only decorative but also unique in nature. However, its particular structure of fine, natural fibers and its delicate leather make it a material that requires careful treatment. In contrast to other carpet materials, sheepskin rugs require particularly gentle care.
The natural wool fibers of a sheepskin are flexible, soft, and are able to repel dirt and odors. At the same time, the underside of the leather is sensitive to water and heat, as these can harden or shrink the leather. Improper cleaning, such as using harsh chemicals or drying in the sun, can permanently damage both the fluffiness of the wool and the shape of the leather.
And the effort is worth it! Because with the right care, your sheepskin rug will not only remain soft and fluffy, but also durable. Regular cleaning and gentle methods help maintain natural beauty and functionality. If you feel unsafe or don’t have time, it is recommended to have the sheepskin cleaned by a professional. If you already have a cleaner, they can often take care of and clean your sheepskin. Your sheepskin will continue to be a luxurious and cozy highlight in your home.
Cleaning sheepskin rugs: preparation and tips before cleaning
Before you start cleaning your sheepskin rugs, it’s worth doing a little preparation. With the right materials and a few key precautions, you can make sure the coat looks just as fluffy and beautiful after cleaning as before, and it’s helpful to keep some general carpet cleaning tips in mind as well. Here’s an overview of the most important things:
The materials you’ll need:
- Sheepskin brush: For loosening and removing tangles.
- Mild soap or special wool detergent: Particularly important so as not to damage the sensitive fibers.
- Soft cloth: Ideal for spot cleaning.
- Bucket of lukewarm water: Water that is too hot or cold can harden the leather or make the fur appear dull.
Best Tips to Follow
Check care instructions
Be sure to take a look at the manufacturer’s care instructions. Some sheepskin rugs are machine washable, others are not. A quick glance can prevent mistakes and expensive mishaps.
Test cleaning agents
Before cleaning all the sheepskin, try your detergent in an inconspicuous place. This will ensure that the paint does not fade or damage the leather.
Remove dirt and dust
Brush the sheepskin thoroughly with a sheepskin brush before cleaning it. This removes loose particles and makes subsequent cleaning more effective.
Don’t do it in a rush
Avoid putting the sheepskin directly into the washing machine without paying attention to the specific needs of the material. When cleaning real sheepskin, this should always be done gently because machine washing can lead to matting.
The best methods for cleaning sheepskin rugs
Sheepskins require different cleaning methods depending on the level of contamination. With regular care, targeted measures against stains, and gentle washing, sheepskins can be preserved in their natural state for a long time. Below are the best approaches – from light care to thorough cleaning.
Regular care
Regular care ensures that your sheepskin remains soft and attractive for a long time. Often, just a small effort is enough:
- Knock Out: Take your sheepskin outside and gently knock it out. Remove dust and loose dirt without straining the fur.
- Brushes: Use a special sheepskin brush to loosen tangles and make the fur fluffy again. This is particularly essential for heavily used carpets.
Superficial cleaning of stains
When stains appear, acting quickly is crucial to avoid permanent damage:
- Fresh stains: Gently dab stains with a damp, soft cloth, while not rubbing to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.
- Stubborn stains: Prepare a mild soap solution with lukewarm water. Soak a cloth in the solution and blot the stain with it, then wipe with clean water and allow to air dry.
Cleaning sheepskin carpet: hand wash for heavy dirt
Sometimes a superficial cleaning is not enough, and more thorough care is necessary. Be careful when hand washing:
- Preparation: Fill a tub or bucket with lukewarm water, make sure the temperature does not exceed 30 °C as this could harden the leather.
- Add detergent: Use a special wool detergent to protect the delicate fibers.
- Cleaning sheepskin: Dip the fur carefully and gently move it in the water, avoiding stretching or kneading the leather.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the sheepskin with clean water until there are no detergent residues.
- Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water – never wring! Lay the fur flat to dry and avoid direct sunlight or heating sources.
Cleaning sheepskin with home remedies
Home remedies offer an easy and eco-friendly way to clean your sheepskin:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the fur and leave it on for several hours. Then brush it thoroughly. This method removes odors and refreshes the fur.
- Vinegar Water: A solution of one part vinegar and three parts water can help remove light stains. Apply the solution with a cloth, then rinse with clean water and allow the fur to air dry.
General tips and mistakes to avoid
To ensure that your sheepskin stays beautiful and supple for a long time, it is not only the right cleaning that is crucial, but also how it is handled afterwards. Small defects can permanently damage the natural structure of the fur and the underside of the leather. With these tips, cleaning your carpet can be done in no time, and you can maintain the quality of your sheepskin in the long term.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not use hot water: When cleaning your sheepskin, you should definitely avoid using hot water. Leather is delicate and can shrink due to heat, while the fibers lose their suppleness. Always keep the water temperature below 30 °C.
- No machine washing or dryers: Even with gentle programs, sheepskins can become matted, and the leather dries out. Instead, rely on hand washing or professional cleaning.
- No aggressive cleaning agents: Avoid bleach or strong chemicals, as these can attack the sheepskin’s natural structure and damage the surface.
Tips for proper drying
- Allow to dry naturally: After cleaning, lay the sheepskin flat on a dry towel and let it dry in a well-ventilated place. Avoid heating sources or direct sunlight, as these can harden the leather and bleach the fur.
- Brush carefully: Once the sheepskin is completely dry, use a sheepskin brush to make the fur fluffy and supple again.
- Patience is crucial: sheepskins need time to dry completely. Do not artificially speed up the process.
- Hire a professional cleaner: If you have little time or experience, consider a cleaner. Many professional cleaners also offer care for delicate materials such as faux sheepskins and ensure that your carpet is optimally treated.
Care for long-term preservation
- Regular tapping and airing: Shake and air the fur regularly to remove dust and unpleasant odors.
- Use special brushes: Invest in a high-quality sheepskin brush to prevent matting and keep the fur soft and well-groomed.
- Treat stains immediately: Remove stains as quickly as possible to prevent them from penetrating deeper into the material and becoming more stubborn.
Summary of Sheepskin Care
A sheepskin rug is a beautiful, natural product that can maintain its fluffiness and elegance for years with proper care. Whether it’s small stains, a thorough hand wash, or daily care, gentle treatment of the sensitive material is the key to a long-lasting result. Avoid common mistakes such as hot water, machine washing, or aggressive cleaning products, and instead rely on gentle methods and natural home remedies such as baking soda or vinegar water.
Drying and aftercare are just as important: always let your sheepskin air dry and use a special sheepskin brush to make it supple and soft again. With a little patience and the right steps, your sheepskin will not only remain a visual highlight, but also a real feel-good piece in your home.
However, if you have little time or feel unsure about cleaning, you can also rely on professional support. Platforms like Helpling give you access to experienced cleaners to help you care for your high-quality rugs and textiles. So you can be sure that your sheepskin is in the best hands and continues to provide comfort and luxury in your home.
Give your sheepskin the attention it deserves – and enjoy a long-lasting, fluffy feel-good experience!
Cleaning Sheepskin Rugs – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I machine wash a sheepskin rug if it is labeled as machine washable?
Yes, but caution is advised! Always use a special wool or sheepskin detergent and choose a gentle washing program with cold water (under 30 °C). Put the sheepskin in a laundry bag to protect the leather. Avoid the spin cycle as it can damage the leather.
How can I freshen up my sheepskin if it smells musty but has no visible stains?
A proven home remedy is baking soda. Sprinkle it generously over the fur, leave it on for several hours, and then brush thoroughly. Then ventilate the sheepskin in a shady, well-ventilated place.
Can I clean a dyed sheepskin just like a natural one?
Dyed sheepskins require special care as paints can fade if cleaned incorrectly. Always test cleaning products first in an inconspicuous area. Only use mild soaps or wool detergents and avoid contact with harsh chemicals.
My sheepskin is matted – can I save it?
Yes, but that requires patience. Use a special sheepskin brush and gently untangle the fibers. Work in small sections. If there is a lot of matting, it helps to slightly moisten the fur in advance with a little lukewarm water.
Can I care for the leather on the bottom?
Yes, the leather underside can be treated with a special leather care product to stay supple. Make sure to apply the leather care product sparingly and not to dirty the wool side.
What do I do if the sheepskin has become hard after cleaning?
This happens if the leather has dried out too much while drying. To make it supple again, you can gently knead it once it is completely dry. Alternatively, you can apply a little leather grease to the back.
Can I clean a sheepskin outside in the snow in winter?
Yes, snow can actually help remove dirt and odors. Place the fur wool side down on fresh, clean snow and gently tap it out. Repeat the process until the fur is fresh and clean. Be sure to let it dry completely afterwards.
