Sheepskin Rug Care

If you look after your sheepskin rug it will give you many years of enjoyment. But accidents do happen and here are some helpful hints and tips for you to keep your sheepskin looking like the day you purchased it.
We find our customers are using there sheepskins in some very resourceful ways. They are used as mattress toppers, on office chairs, as throws, the base of tents while camping and of course as a decorative item on floors or draped over furniture.

Obviously if the sheepskin is used constantly and sat on or slept on they will start getting shabby a lot sooner than if it is used as a decorative item.

Your sheepskin is a natural product that will not appreciate strong sunlight or damp conditions. Strong sunlight will bleach and dry out the skin. While damp floors will attract black mould and make the fibres curl up. If your sheepskin does get wet then dry outside away from the sun.

Giving your sheepskin a good shake outside and regular brushing will help maintain the wool fibres. Any good pet shop will have a wide tooth metal brush, normally associated with dogs, but is equally good for brushing out sheepskin rugs.

There should not be any need to wash your sheepskin rug, we usually find the natural lanolin and wool fibers tend to have a barrier that protects them from dirt.

We appreciate accidents do happen, so if you need to wash your sheepskin we would suggest any small spillage should be immediately spot cleaned with a clean damp cloth and light wool detergent. Sometimes if it is dirt you may possibly be better letting the offending item dry out completely and simply brushing the dirt out.

We do not recommend fully washing a sheepskin, but if you feel the need and have some experience then the following information has been recommended by our suppliers. Wash on a wool wash cycle on a very low temperature in a washing machine or by hand preferably no hotter than 30 degrees, use a teaspoon of non-biological washing powder, preferably a specialist wool shampoo.  If you have a large skin you will need to wash in a bath tub by hand using luke warm water. Try adding a teaspoon of glycerine to the water as this usually helps to keep the back of the Sheepskin rug supple.

Do not use biological washing powders, soap based powders, soap flakes or conditioners or any detergent containing enzymes.

DO NOT tumble dry, DO NOT dry on a radiator, DO NOT use bleach, DO NOT wash in hot water.

Always dry naturally, away from any direct heat, including direct sunlight, preferably in a shaded room with no heating or outside on a cloudy day.

Unfortunately the drying process can take some time, so it is always best to wash your rug in the summer months, but not in direct sunlight.  It is advisable to brush the wool of the rug whilst wet with a wide toothed wire brush or pet brush.  This will allow the air to circulate through the fibres of the wool and help to stretch out the fibres to stop them from going too curly. Once your Sheepskin Rug has completely dried out give it a good shake and another good brush through, then you are ready to place in your desired location.

Disclaimer:

We do not recommend washing sheepskin rugs, if you for any reason you decide to wash your sheepskin rug we cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by the washing process. As with all wool products, shrinkgage can occur, and the wool fibres may change their appearance, the skin on the back of the hide can also go hard.

Cleaning Agents

  • Use a wool shampoo specifically designed for sheepskin rugs.
  • We recommend the use of non-ionic mild liquid detergents only.
  • Do not use alkaline products.
  • Do not use products containing biological enzymes or bleach.
  • Do not use biological washing powders, soap based powders, soap flakes or conditioners or any detergent containing enzymes.

Dry Cleaning

  • This product can be dry cleaned.
  • We would recommend using a company that has experience with cleaning animal skin rugs.
  • We cannot be held responsible for any damage that may be caused by this process and you should seek professional advice before proceeding with this type of cleaning method.

Drying

  • While damp massage and stretch out the skin back to its original shape. Brush the fleece to stretch out the curl and to stop it from matting.
    • Do not force dry
    • Do not tumble dry
    • Do not dry In direct sunlight
  • Note: Excessive heat will cause the leather to shrink or harden.
  • If possible lay flat or line dry so that air can pass through the hide.
  • Once the hide is dry massage the skin and brush out the fleece.

General Care

  • As with all new materials, sheepskins will have their own particular smell; this will gradually disappear over time. Airing the sheepskin will help eliminate any scent that may be there.
  • It is advisably not to leave your hide in direct sunlight as this will fade the colours and possibly damage the fleece and suede.
  • Bathrooms or damp environments should be avoided as mold may develop.
  • Shake your rug outside on a regular basis and brush the wool with a wire brush similar to a pet brush.
  • You may also wish to let air blow through the rug by leaving it outside either on a washing line or on an airer. Do not leave in direct sunlight

Hand Washing

Disclaimer: Washing Instructions are simply a guide, we do not recommend washing sheepskin rugs as you can easily damage them.

Note: Washing your Sheepskin rug is done so entirely at your own risk. If you feel it necessary to wash your sheepskin the following guidelines may help you:

  • Only attempt hand washing with natural sheepskins only, Do not wash dyed sheepskin rugs
  • Hand wash using warm water at max temperature of 38C/100F
  • Use a bathtub as you will have more room in which to massage the leather

Machine Washing

Disclaimer: Washing Instructions are simply a guide, we do not recommend washing sheepskin rugs as you can easily damage them.

Note: Washing your Sheepskin rug is done so entirely at your own risk. If you feel it necessary to wash your sheepskin the following guidelines may help you:

Wash on a wool wash cycle on a very low temperature in a washing machine or by hand preferably no hotter than 30 degrees, use a teaspoon of non-biological washing powder, preferably a specialist wool shampoo.  If you have a large skin you will need to wash in a bath tub by hand using warm water. Try adding a teaspoon of glycerine to the water as this usually helps to keep the back of the sheepskin rug supple.

  • Use a specialist wool shampoo only
  • Do not use biological washing powders, soap based powders, soap flakes or conditioners or any detergent containing enzymes

Spot Cleaning

  • Use mild cleaning agent or specialist cleaner.
  • Do not use biological washing powders, soap based powders, soap flakes or conditioners or any detergent containing enzymes.
  • Use a kitchen towel or similar absorbent material to clean up the area as best you can. Then use a mild cleaning agent with a gentle dabbing motion to the affected area until the spill has gone. Rinse with clean water being very careful not to soak the skin of the hide.
  • Dry natural away from any heat source including sunlight. Massage the skin while drying.

Storage

  • If you intend on storing your animal skin rug for any length of time we recommend that it be kept in a cool dry, airy position avoiding direct sunlight or damp environments.

Do not store in plastic packaging for any extended period as condensation and creasing may occur.

After Storage, if you have folded your animal skin rug to store away, the crease marks will diminish over a period of time. Simply give your rug a good shake and carefully brush through the wool fibres or hair to renew the soft lustre.