Care for Your Sheepskin Rug
Sheepskin is naturally durable and beautiful, but it needs gentle care to keep it looking its best. Follow these tips to help your rug last for years.
Regular care
- Shake outside weekly to remove dust and freshen the fleece.
- Brush gently with a sheepskin carding brush to keep the wool fluffy and untangled.
- Keep away from direct heat sources (radiators, fires, underfloor heating) as this can dry out and harden the leather.
- If moths are a concern, use a natural deterrent such as cedarwood, lavender or tea tree oil.
Spot cleaning
- For small marks, use a damp cloth with lukewarm water.
- Dab gently — avoid rubbing, which can damage the fibres.
- Blot excess moisture with a towel and air dry naturally.
Washing
- If a deeper wash is needed, use cool to lukewarm water (max 30 °C).
- Choose a specialist sheepskin shampoo or a mild wool detergent with low pH.
- Gently squeeze through the water — do not wring or twist.
- Rinse in cool water until clear.
- Press out water gently and reshape.
Drying
- Lay flat in a shaded, airy space. Do not tumble dry.
- While drying, stretch the leather by hand to keep it supple.
- Once dry, brush the wool with a sheepskin brush to restore softness.
Extra tips
- Avoid machine washing unless the rug is marked “machine washable.”
- Never use bleach, harsh detergents or fabric softeners.
- Store sheepskin in a breathable bag, never in plastic.