How to clean a sheepskin rug

A sheepskin rug shouldn't need frequent cleaning. In fact, at Gushlow & Cole, we recommend doing as little as possible to it and starting with simple methods at home before considering washing or professional cleaning. Do Not wash your rug unless it clearly states it is washable.

Cleaning methods for all sheepskin rugs

Take the rug outside and give it a good shake to remove loose dust and dirt. If the sheepskin has straight or long wool, gently comb or brush through the wool. This helps remove dust and small particles caught between the individual hairs and restores the natural appearance of the fleece.

For small marks, spot cleaning is usually all that's needed. Use a clean damp sponge or cloth with a very small amount of specialist sheepskin or mild wool detergent and gently dab the affected area. Avoid rubbing and, importantly, avoid soaking through to the skin underneath.

For mud or dry dirt, we would usually let it dry first and then gently comb or brush it out rather than immediately adding water.

What should I do if something is spilt on a sheepskin rug?

Act quickly, but don't rub.

For liquid spills, use a clean kitchen towel to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. Keep replacing the towel and gently pressing until no more liquid is being absorbed. This should take all of it up. If there is residue, then use a damp cloth with wool detergent.

Always work gently and use as little liquid as possible. The aim is to clean the wool without soaking the leather skin beneath it.

Allow the area to dry naturally, away from direct heat. Once dry, gently comb straight or long wool back into place. This helps separate and reset the fibres and prevents the wool from drying matted or wavy. If the rug has Curly wool, do not comb it as this could make the curls fuzzy. If something has stuck to a small amount of fibres, treat it like combing a knot out of hair, only comb the area where the particles have stuck. Be especially careful with mongolian sheepskin.

For a red wine spill, we have successfully used a little sparkling water and bicarbonate of soda. Sprinkle a small amount of bicarbonate of soda onto the affected wool, then add a little sparkling water and allow it to bubble and fizz. Gently work in then dab the area with a clean cloth or kitchen towel. Repeat if necessary rather than saturating the wool in one go.

For valuable rugs or difficult stains, we recommend using a professional cleaner experienced specifically in sheepskin and leather.

Can you wash a sheepskin rug?

Yes, some sheepskin rugs can be washed — but only if the care label specifically says they are washable. Gushlow & Cole rugs are not washable.

At Gushlow & Cole, washing would never be our first choice. A sheepskin is one complete natural material: wool on one side and leather skin on the other. Completely saturating the skin can alter the leather, and once washed it may become firmer, shrink slightly or lose some of its original softness.

We would only consider fully washing a sheepskin when it genuinely needs a deeper clean - for example, where something has been spilt that needs to be removed for hygiene reasons - and the care label confirms that the particular sheepskin is washable. Sheepskin is generally not washable.

If there is no washing label, do not wash it. Take it to a specialist cleaner experienced with sheepskin and leather instead.

How to wash a sheepskin rug?

Before washing a sheepskin rug, check the care label.

If it doesn't specifically say that the sheepskin is washable, do not wash it.

Different sheepskins are tanned and finished in different ways, so a washing method suitable for one rug may damage another. Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular sheepskin.

Before considering a full wash, we recommend:

Shake it outside to remove loose dust and dirt.
Comb or brush straight or long wool to release particles caught between the hairs.
Spot clean marks with a damp sponge or cloth and a small amount of specialist sheepskin or mild wool detergent.
Blot liquid spills immediately with clean kitchen towel rather than rubbing.
Allow wet areas to dry naturally, away from radiators, hairdryers and other direct heat.
Comb the wool again once dry to reset and separate the fibres.

If the care label confirms that the rug is washable, follow those washing instructions exactly. Typically, washable wool requires cool water, a gentle wool cycle or careful hand washing and a mild neutral wool detergent. Avoid biological detergents, bleach and aggressive washing products.

Never wring or twist a wet sheepskin, and don't use high heat to dry it. Allow it to dry slowly and naturally, gently reshaping the skin as it dries. Comb straight or long wool during or after drying to help restore its original appearance.

Remember that even a washable sheepskin may feel slightly different after being completely saturated. This is why at Gushlow & Cole we always recommend spot cleaning and simple maintenance before washing.

If you're unsure, don't wash it. A specialist sheepskin or leather cleaner is the safer option.

View our collection of sheepskin rugs

Disclaimer

The cleaning advice in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on our experience with Gushlow & Cole sheepskin products. Every sheepskin is a natural material and may react differently to cleaning methods depending on its origin, tanning process and finish.

Always check and follow the care label on your specific rug before attempting any cleaning. If there is no washing label, or you are unsure, do not wash the rug; instead, consult a professional cleaner experienced with sheepskin and leather.

We cannot accept responsibility for any damage, discolouration, shrinkage, hardening of the leather, or other changes that may occur as a result of cleaning your sheepskin rug using the methods described above.

No Gushlow & Cole products are washable.

Written by Katrina Cole