Sheepskin is one of the most common flooring options is a rug made from sheepskin. Not only are they known for being soft and fluffy, but they also add interesting textures to even the plainest rooms. In this post, we will talk about how to clean a sheepskin rug and make it last longer.
Sheepskin rugs need to be cleaned just like anything else. You can clean sheepskin rugs in a few different ways. Here are some options on how to clean a sheepskin rug at home.
How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug: The Step-by-Step Guide
Sheepskin has an antimicrobial self-cleaning property thanks to a wax called lanolin, which is released by the glands of wool-bearing animals. Washing the sheepskin removes the protective lanolin from the fibers, making the skin appear less glossy and more matte. Because of this, you shouldn’t wash your sheepskin rug too often.
If you must wash your sheepskin rug, follow these procedures to keep it in as pristine a condition as possible.
- The water will help release the grime stuck in the hide’s fibers as you gently swish it about in the tub. Scrubbing or rubbing can leave an irreparable felt-like texture, so it’s best to avoid doing either.
- Refill the tub with clean water and repeat the process of rinsing the sheepskin until the water runs clear, if necessary.
- Once the sheepskin is clean, it should be carefully squeezed to remove as much water as possible before being transferred to a container to prevent the leather from being torn in transit.
- There are many who prefer to use a washing machine and a mild spin cycle to remove extra moisture from the sheepskin, while others would rather just let it air dry. Due to their weight and thickness, sheepskins need to dry slowly; thus, you should not rush the process. Lay the sheepskin flat with the leather side facing up in a cool, well-ventilated place. Hides can be ruined by being exposed to direct sunshine or being dried with a hairdryer or a tumble dryer.
How Can You Get It Soft Again?
The sheepskin rug you just cleaned looks and smells like new. However, you may have noticed that your sheepskin rug is no longer as plush and silky as it was before washing. The loftiness of your sheepskin rug can be preserved in a number of methods, both before and after washing. The following easy steps will return the loft to your sheepskin rug.
- Use only a detergent made specifically for cleaning sheepskin when washing your rug. Rugs can be damaged if the pH levels are off.
- When drying your sheepskin rug, make sure to do so flat on the floor and out of direct sunlight. The rug should be kept in the shade so that any moisture absorbed by the fibers can gently evaporate.
- Finally, take your sheepskin outside and give it a vigorous thwack with a wooden stick (or wooden spoon) to get rid of any wrinkles or snags. Sheepskin rugs can be kept soft and supple with regular beating.
How To Clean A Sheepskin Rug In Washing Machine?
When it comes to maintaining a sheepskin, there are varying pieces of advice. Washing a sheepskin rug on a soft wool cycle is recommended by some, but others caution that this can ruin the sheepskin rug. Products with biological enzymes, bleach, or alkaline are not recommended if you choose to wash your sheepskin.
While machine washing a sheepskin rug is not recommended, if you insist on doing so, be sure to use cold water and the mild wool cycle to prevent shrinking or felting. Bleach, alkaline, and fabric conditioners can permanently harm sheepskin. Therefore it’s crucial to use an enzyme-free detergent instead. After washing, spin the sheepskin in the washing machine and dry it flat, just as you would if you were hand-cleaning it.
If you still want to clean a sheepskin rug in a washing machine, make sure you:
- Warm water (40°C or 104°F) is best for washing.
- Use a gentle wash cycle.
- Use a mild liquid dish soap that can be used to wash dishes by hand.
We hope that this guide on how to clean a sheepskin rug at home will help you keep your sheepskin rug in great shape. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with us if you have any more questions about how to choose the right rug style for your room.