Vacuum the Rug
Vacuuming might be easier for very large rugs and will remove soil and dust.
Only use plain suction.
Turbo and revolving brush heads can be too harsh on the fibers and cause tangling.
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There may be a spill deep in the fibers causing the odor.
Use your hands or a comb to work it down into the fibers.
Allow the baking soda to remain on the rug for at least two hours; overnight is better.
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Shake or vacuum the rug to remove the baking soda, and comb to lift the fibers.
Read the Care Label Before Washing
Before washing a sheepskin rug, read the care label.
Many dyed sheepskin rugs should be dry-cleaned to prevent fading.
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Some small rugs might be labeled as machine washable.
Too much agitation can lead to matted and frizzled fibers.
The safest method for cleaning a sheepskin rug is hand washing.
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Rinse and Dry
Drain the tub, and refill it with fresh cool water.
Squeeze the fresh water through the rug’s fibers.
Drain the tub and repeat the process until no more suds appear.
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When the suds are gone, gently squeeze the excess water from the rug.
Do not twist or wring the rug or there’s a risk the skin will stretch.
Use several heavy towels to absorb as much water as possible.
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Hang the rug from a sturdy drying rack to air-dry.
Never place a sheepskin rug in a clothes dryer.
Do not brush the fibers while they are wet.
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After the rug is dry, give it a good, hard shake to further restore the pile.
Tip
Sheepskin rugs are dense and thick and take a long time to dry.
Be patientit takes about a week to fully air-dry a large rug.
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The difference is you might use any gentle laundry detergent.
Always allow the rug to air-dry; the high heat in a clothes dryer can melt the fur.
If the fibers become tangled, gently lift them using a soft-bristle brush.
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Place the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz the fur in a small area.
Use a soft-bristle brush to gently untangle the fur.
Work in a small area and brush slowly.
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If fibers come out from the rug, you might be brushing too hard.
Tips to Keep Sheepskin Rugs Clean Longer
Wash a lambskin rug by hand only if necessary.
Start by spot cleaning, vacuuming, and shaking it out regularly to keep it in shape.
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Keep your sheepskin and lambskin rug fluffy with regular brushing and shaking it out.
Many natural sheepskins are white, ivory, tan, gray, or a subtle, creamy yellow.
