With something as soft, fleecy and luxurious as authentic sheep's wool, we often wonder how to clean sheepskin rugs when they encounter dirt, dust or the dreaded stains. In addition, our rugs will inevitably face a fair amount of foot traffic during its time, especially in busy areas of our home like the hallway and other communal spaces. So, how do you clean a sheepskin rug and keep it looking fabulous forever?
Guide to sheepskin care
Having something as valuable as a sheepskin pelt in your home can be a nerve-wracking experience, particularly when you have children and pets running around. Being made of 100% natural, luxuriously soft wool, like our creamy Australian Double Natural Sheepskin, we want to ensure that it is well maintained and devoid of dirt.
Luckily, sheepskin fibres produce a natural, waxy coating called lanolin, making the fibres slippery and, therefore, harder for dust, dirt and liquids to cling on. However, that’s not to stay impenetrable to dirt and other allergens. So, if disaster strikes and you need sheepskin care tips, you can take a few maintenance measures to ensure that your sheepskin stays in good condition for longer.
How to clean your sheepskin rug
There’s no better feeling than sinking your toes into the soft, silky fibres of an Australian Double Natural Twighlight Sheepskin, especially right after a long bath or first thing in the morning when you’re rising from your bed. But, to keep it feeling and looking as soft as ever for longer, we recommend you clean your sheepskin regularly, around once or twice a week. That includes:
- Vacuuming your sheepskin on a low suction setting to ensure any dirt debris is sucked up and not trodden into the rug. As odour molecules can become trapped within the fibres, ensure you keep on top of cleaning
- Shake off any additional dirt outside
- Brush your sheepskin rug with a metal comb or brush to keep the pile fluffy and free of any dust particles
- If any spills occur, blot (not rub) the dirty mark with a damp cloth until clean
- If blotting doesn’t work, run the dirty patch under a cold tap for a few minutes
- To dry, hang your sheepskin in a shady spot outside, away from direct sunlight
- As all our sheepskins are 100% authentic wool, we recommend not machine-washing sheepskins as this could alter their shape, colour and texture. We also advise getting it cleaned by an expert in sheepskin care if the stain persists
Preventative measures for your sheepskin
- If you have a white sheepskin rug, like our gorgeous Australian Single Natural Sheepskin rug, it may begin to yellow with age or sunlight exposure. Avoid having your rug in direct sunlight or high humidity areas to prevent this
- If you are not using your sheepskin, make sure it’s stored in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place