How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug Yourself the Easy Way

People often think that sheepskin rugs are tough to clean, but this isn’t the case! There are several easy ways to clean a sheepskin rug yourself at home.

So, if you’re wondering how to clean a sheepskin rug easily and effectively, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll discuss several methods that can make your sheepskin rugs look as good as new.

We’ll also provide you with tips on how to prevent your precious rug from getting dirty and damaged in the first place.

How Often Should You Clean a Sheepskin Rug?

Sheepskin rugs need to be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from building up on the rug’s surface over time. If not removed in a timely manner, they can cause the rug to become stained, faded, or infested with mold and bacteria.

Expectedly, the frequency of washing your sheepskin rug will depend on its level of staining. Generally, we recommend cleaning it every few months. However, if your rug often gets really dirty in this timeframe, you may need to clean it more frequently.

Natural vs. Faux Sheepskin Rug  

There are two types of sheepskins — natural and faux. And naturally, the cleaning method you should employ might greatly depend on the type of sheepskin rug you own.

Natural Sheepskin Rug

As the name suggests, a natural sheepskin rug is made from natural sheep’s skin that undergoes a tanning process before it can be used as a rug.

Natural sheepskin rugs are generally characterized by curly wool. They’re more expensive than faux sheepskin rugs and are also more durable.

Faux Sheepskin Rug 

A faux sheepskin rug is made from synthetic materials and is usually characterized by straight fibers. They’re usually more affordable but less durable than natural sheepskin rugs.

Cleaning a Sheepskin Rug at Home 

You can clean a natural sheepskin rug yourself by following the following seven steps:

Step 1

Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Use the upholstery attachment and plain suction to go over the entire surface of the rug. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, as sheepskin rugs can tend to collect a lot of debris.

Step 2

Brush the rug with a wire wool comb or a dog comb to reduce matting and restore luster. Use a soft-bristled brush for gentle brushing in a downward motion. Make sure to go slowly and be gentle, as you don’t want to damage the fibers.

Step 3

Cleaning any spills and stained areas is the most important step. To do this, you can use a small amount of water and soap or choose something more potent (e.g., vinegar, baking soda, a mixture of the two, or commercial cleaners). If you spilled some wine on your rug, you can also take a look at our guide on removing wine stains.

Step 4

Shampoo the entire rug using mild soap and lukewarm water. Mix one part shampoo with two parts water in a spray bottle and apply it over the whole surface of the rug.

When washing your sheepskin rug, don’t use alkaline shampoos or those that contain bleach and enzymes. Instead, choose a wool-friendly one with natural lanolin.

Step 5

Rinse the rug with clean water. Be very careful when doing this. Use only cold water and never submerge the entire rug in water. Instead, use a spray bottle to mist the rug with water until it’s damp.

Step 6

Allow your rug to dry completely. The best way to do this is to hang it in a well-ventilated area. If you don’t dry it correctly, the rug can develop mold, mildew, or an unpleasant odor.

Step 7

Brush your rug again with a soft brush to restore its fluffy texture.

How to Clean a Faux Sheepskin Rug  

Cleaning faux sheepskin rugs doesn’t differ much from cleaning natural ones. The process is more or less the same as described in the section above.

The most significant difference is that you can machine-wash faux sheepskins (bearing in mind you should use only the delicate cycle).

However, you should be aware that faux sheepskin rugs aren’t as durable as natural sheepskin rugs, and as such, they may not withstand being cleaned as often as natural sheepskin rugs.

How to Clean a Stained Sheepskin Rug

Spot cleaning is essential if you want to make your sheepskin rug look as good as new. To do it successfully, you need to identify the type of stain you’re dealing with first.

Water-Based Stains

Here’s what to do if you’re dealing with a water-based stain (e.g., mud or coffee stains):

• Start by blotting up as much of the liquid as possible with a clean cloth.
• Apply mild detergent to the stain.
• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Rinse off the suds and blot the area dry with another clean cloth.

Oil-Based Stains

If you’re worried about how to wash a sheepskin rug with oil-based stains (e.g., lipstick or cooking oil stains), don’t panic.

The process is quite simple:

• Start by scraping up any solids with a blunt object like a spoon.
• Apply a degreasing agent (e.g., dish soap) to the stain.
• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Rinse off the suds
• Blot the area dry with another clean cloth.

Lingering Odors

Follow these three simple steps to get rid of odors:

• Sprinkle baking soda on top of the rug’s surface
• Letting it sit overnight.
• Vacuum the rug the next day to remove any excess baking soda.

Urine

If you’re wondering how to clean dog urine from your sheepskin rug, the answer is simple — vinegar.

Here’s how to deal with fresh urine staining:

• Start by blotting up as much of the urine as possible with a clean, dry towel.
• Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water
• Use a clean cloth to dab the solution onto the affected area.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cool water and blotting dry.
• If the stain proves to be stubborn, try repeating the process.

Older and Tougher Stains

• Create a cleaning solution (mix one part white vinegar with four parts warm water).
• Use a clean cloth to dab it onto the affected area.
• Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cool water and blotting dry.
• If the stain is still there, repeat the process.

Can You Clean a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine?

Unlike natural sheepskin rugs, faux sheepskin rugs are generally machine-washable. They can be thrown into a washing machine together with other sensitive items like a fluffy throw blanket, or a pillowcase, for example.

Here are some tips for washing faux sheepskins in the washing machine:

• Make sure to use a gentle cycle, cold water, and the lowest amount of spins possible.
• Consider using a mild wool-safe detergent.
• Hang your rug in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
• Brush it with a soft brush to restore fluffiness.

Tips on How to Keep Your Sheepskin Rug Clean 

In addition to learning how to clean a sheepskin rug at home, you can also take some steps to prevent it from getting dirty in the first place:

1. Don’t Place the Rug in High-Traffic Areas.

This is especially important for bigger surfaces. This way, you can prevent excessive amounts of dirt and dust from getting on the rug.

2. Vacuum the Rug Regularly.

Regular vacuuming will remove any dirt or debris stuck between the fibers, keeping your rug looking fresh and clean. It’ll also keep your rug from excessive shedding.

Just make sure the suction is set to low and that the beater bar is turned off.

3. Don’t Wait for the Stains to Set In. 

This will make them harder to clean. So, spot clean your sheepskin rug using one of the methods discussed above immediately after staining occurs.

4. Use the Sunlight to Your Advantage. 

Occasionally exposing your sheepskin rug to sunlight can help kill any bacteria or germs on the rug’s surface. It can also help fade any stains or discolorations, freeing you from washing your sheepskin rug frequently.

However, you should avoid exposing the rug to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, as this can cause the wool fibers to fade and lose their softness. What’s more, sunlight’s UV rays can cause irreversible yellowing, as well as hardening and cracking of the hide.

The same applies to keeping your sheepskin rug very close to a heat source such as an electric fireplace heater.

5. Store Your Sheepskin Rug Away When It’s Not Being Used. 

This will prevent your rug from collecting dust and debris. Use moth repellant or mothballs to prevent it from getting eaten by moths, and make sure to keep it in a dry place.

If you don’t have a place to store it, make sure to vacuum it regularly.

Instead, try placing the rug in a well-ventilated room where it would be exposed to indirect sunlight. This will help keep the rug (and hide) in good condition for years to come.

Conclusion

Sheepskin rugs are an excellent choice of durable and soft floor covering for a living room or evan a bathroom, but they’re very prone to accumulating dirt. Hopefully, our guide helped you understand how to clean a real sheepskin rug (as well as a faux one) quickly and effectively.

By following these simple cleaning steps, you can keep your sheepskin rug looking beautiful and fresh for years to come.

Try the method that fits your rug’s type and level of staining, and enjoy the luxury of a fresh-looking and smelling sheepskin rug.

FAQ

What is the best way to clean a sheepskin rug?

There are a few different ways to clean sheepskin rugs, and the best way depends on how soiled the rug is.

If your sheepskin rug is only lightly stained or dirty, you can clean it using only water and a mild detergent. However, if the rug is heavily soiled or stained, you might need a more powerful cleaning solution. Either way, don’t forget to vacuum the rug beforehand.

Gently scrub the affected areas of the rug, then rinse away the solution with clean water. Allow the rug to air dry.

Can I wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine?

Generally, you shouldn’t machine-wash natural sheepskin rugs. They’re delicate and tend to require special care. If you try to wash them in a washing machine, they could suffer damage or even shrink.

On the other hand, faux sheepskin rugs are usually machine-washable. Just make sure to use a gentle, slower spin cycle, cold water, and avoid using any harsh detergents.

How do you revive a sheepskin rug?

Regularly shake off accumulated loose soil, dust, and dirt (preferably in the open air). To reduce matting and shininess, use a wire wool comb or a dog comb to brush the fibers.

If your sheepskin rug has been stored away for a long time and is looking a bit tired, you can revive it by giving it a good clean. Follow the steps listed in the guide above to clean it using either a damp cloth or soap and water.

Once it’s clean, hang it up somewhere where there’s plenty of air circulation so that it can dry completely. Once it’s dry, give it a good brush to help restore the fibers.

Can you wash sheepskin with Woolite?

We don’t recommend this.

Sheepskin is a natural material that should be treated with care, and Woolite might contain harsh chemicals that can damage the hide and fibers of your rug.

Can you vacuum a sheepskin rug?

Yes, you can. Just make sure to use the softest attachment on your vacuum cleaner to prevent damaging the fibers.

Vacuuming is listed as the first step of thorough cleaning in almost every “how to clean a sheepskin rug” guide, as it helps remove any dirt or debris that’s clinging to the rug’s surface.