Adding a sheepskin rug can enhance the coziness and aesthetics of any space; however, it necessitates maintenance to preserve its feel and allure.

Although keeping it clean may be daunting at first glance, adhering to cautious measures can assist in preserving its freshness without harming the fragile wool fibers.

Here, you will find everything you need to know about how to clean your sheepskin rug at home.

When Should a Sheepskin Rug Be Cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning a sheepskin rug depends on how often it is used and where it is placed within a house.

For high-traffic areas, it is advisable to clean the rug at least every six months, while a rug that is used less frequently may only need cleaning once a year.

This is because if the rug is often shaken out and brushed once a week, it will not need a complete wash as often to keep it fresh.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug

Brush the Rug

First of all, you need to take a brush with soft hairs and comb the rug to extract all the dirt and knots in the wool fabric.

This step is very important, especially if the rug has not been cleaned for quite some time because it allows you to work with a clean surface before even using any cleaning product or water.

Shake the Rug Outside

Thank your rug outside and give a good shake.

This is a very useful tip because it helps in removing other dirt, pet hair as well as other debris that may be trapped in the wool fibers.

Spot Clean Stains

For instance, use a wool or sheepskin cleaner to get rid of small stains.

It is recommended to use a little bit of the specific sheepskin rug product with a clean cloth, then clean the stain with it gently, without scrubbing, because this way, you may harm the wool.

Blot the stain until it comes off then wipe the area with a dry cloth to absorb the moisture.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Get a basin or bathtub to fill with cold water and put a bit of wool detergent.

Do not use hot water or any strong chemicals, as this will affect the natural oils found in the wool.

Gently Submerge and Wash

Put the rug in the soapy water and swish it around. It is advisable not to rub or twist the rug strongly as this may lead to stretching or crushing of the fibers.

Let the rug soak for about 5-10 minutes then swirl the water around with your hands to try to loosen some dirt.

Thoroughly Rinse

Empty the soapy water, then refill the basin with clean, lukewarm water.

Wash the rug and ensure that all the soap solution has been rinsed off. It may be necessary to rinse several times, and the water should come out clean each time.

Remove Excess Water

Take the rug out of the water and allow it to drain naturally for a bit.

You can also soak the rug and then press it to remove the water through the towel without twisting it.

You can also lay it flat on a towel and then gently roll it together to help remove excess water without twisting or wringing it out harshly.

This technique does not only avoid straining the wool fibers but also ensures that they are not pulled.

Air Dry Flat

Place the rug on a surface in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can lead to shrinkage and color-fading effects on the rug material.

Let the rug air dry naturally, which could take around two days, depending on how thick the rug is and the surrounding conditions.

How to Re-fluff a Sheepskin Rug After Washing

After you dry your sheepskin rug, you may notice the rug’s fibers are quite compacted. It is, therefore, important to fluff it up in order to bring back the softness and the beauty of the wool used in making the rug. Here’s how:

Brush the Wool

To make the rug soft again, use a wool or sheepskin brush and gently massage the rug.

First, begin from one side of the rug and work towards the other end of the rug using very gentle strokes.

This step is particularly useful in undoing any knots as well as in bringing back the wool’s natural beauty.

Shake the Rug Again

It also helps the fibers to regain their volume and softness because of frequently shaking the rug. It also helps to open up any clumps and makes the wool look healthier.

Tumble Dry on No Heat

If your rug is completely dried up, you can also put it in the dryer using the ‘no heat’ or ‘air fluff’ option to make it fluffy again.

To help soften the wool and keep it from packing down too tightly, you can also throw in a few clean tennis balls.

Is it safe to wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine?

It is advisable to clean a sheepskin rug by hand; however, some can be machine washed, but with a lot of caution. Only place the rug in the machine if it has a tag indicating it’s machine-washable, and follow these tips:

Use a Gentle Cycle: It is better to choose the delicates or wool cycle because they move slowly and do not rough up the rug much.

Cold Water and Wool Detergent: When washing, use cold water and a wool-specific detergent. Do not use bleach or any other strong detergent which may remove the oil from the wool.

Air Dry Only: After washing, take the rug out of the machine and dry it out on its own. Do not use heat because this will ruin the wool material and the leather on the back of the rug.

Tips for Long-Term Use of Your Sheepskin Rug

Regular Brushing

Brushing the wool often, once a week, is recommended to avoid tangling the wool fibers.

When brushing this rug, it is advisable to look for a brush that is meant to be used on wool or sheepskin to ensure that the rug retains its ideal texture.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Laying your sheepskin rug in the less crowded parts of the house, such as the bedroom or the reading niche, will help it last longer.

Do Not Expose to Direct Sun Light

It is recommended that direct exposure to the sun leads to fading and drying up of oils in the wool; hence, it should not be left under direct sunlight.

Professional Cleaning Services from NW Maids: Call Now!

Certain spots and odors that may appear on the rug can not be removed without the help of a professional cleaner.

If you are searching for a good house cleaning service, consider NW Maids!

With experienced and well-trained cleaners, NW Maids can offer you everything you require and more for your home.

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