How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug at Home

25 January 2023
Est. Reading: 3 minutes
What's in This Guide?

The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning a Sheepskin or Shaggy Rug

Sheepskin rugs are the ideal addition to your home, adding a touch of natural luxury. They are known for their soft and fluffy texture and have numerous medical benefits.

They do, however, need extra care when it comes to cleaning. If your rug is in desperate need of a good wash and you are unsure how to wash a sheepskin rug. Then this article is for you.

Three Ways to Clean a Sheepskin Rug Properly

Follow the guidelines below to clean your sheepskin rug and restore it to its original condition. But first, take note:

  1. Vacuum the sheepskin before adding any moisture.
  2. Allow the cleaning solution to encase the dirt by separating the fibres with a pet hairbrush.

Method 1: Professional Grade Clean

What Supplies You’ll Need

  • Protective rubber gloves
  • Vacuum cleaner (wet/dry)
  • Wet extractor for professionals
  • A spray bottle filled with your preferred cleaning solution
  • A couple of hard brushes

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step One:
Liberally spray the rug with a pre-spray.

Step Two:
Brush the solution into the wool with your brush. This loosens the dirt, which is then emulsified in the water and cleaning agent.

Step Three:
Use your wet extractor to rinse the area.

Method 2: Clean your Rug with a Shop Vacuum at Home

What Supplies You’ll Need

  • Protective rubber gloves
  • Vacuum cleaner (wet/dry)
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Rubbing alcohol if you have any oily residue
  • Spray bottle
  • A couple of hand brushes

Mix Your Cleaning Solution

In your spray bottle, mix:

  • 1% dishwashing soap (2 tsp)
  • 5% rubbing alcohol (50 mls)
  • 1 litre of water

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step One:
Liberally mist your solution mix over the rug.

Step Two:
Brush gently to avoid agitating the fibres. The solution cleans the fibres while also removing dirt.

Step Three:
Vacuum out the mixture using the shop vacuum's smallest nozzle.

Step Four:
Remove any cleaning agent residues from the rug. Fill a spray bottle with 10% white vinegar and water. Re-spray the affected area and vacuum it out. This, in effect, neutralises the cleaning agent.

Method 3: Towel-off Method

A good vacuum cleaner is the most effective approach. If you don't have access to one or just want to refresh the rug, follow the steps below.

What Supplies You’ll Need

  • Protective rubber gloves
  • Fill a spray bottle with the same solution mix as in Method 2
  • A couple of hand brushes
  • Cotton towel

Step-By-Step Instructions

Top Tip!
This is useful when dry cleaning curtains or velvet fabrics.
Step One:
Liberally mist the solution mix (** in Method 2) over the rug.

Step Two:
Brush gently so as not to agitate the fibres. The solvent will penetrate the fibres and remove the dirt.

Step Three:
Fold your towel and wipe the area.

Step Four:
If you have any spots or stains that you want to work on, spray on the solution with your towel.

Step Five:
Roll the stains out of the area.

Step Six:
Finally, vacuum out the solution.

Step Seven:
Allow the rug to air dry completely. Once the fibres are dry, use your pet grooming brush to fluff them up gently.

Step-By-Step Instructions (Bonus)

This is handy for fabrics like viscose.

Step One:
Fold the towel onto the clean side.

Step Two:
Wet the towel with the spray bottle solution and wipe it over the area.

Step Three:
If you have any spots or stains that you want to work on, spray on the solution with your towel.

Step Four:
Roll the stains out of the area.

Step Five:
Allow the rug to air dry completely. Once the fibres are dry, use your pet grooming brush to fluff them up gently.

Have a Woollen Rug?

You may be interested in “How to Professionally Clean a Wool Rug”.

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