How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug the Right Way

Sheepskin rugs are soft, textural, and surprisingly durable, but cleaning them is one area where cutting corners will cost you. The wool fibers are forgiving. The leather backing underneath them is not. Use the wrong detergent or the wrong water temperature and you’ll end up with a stiff, cracked, shrunken backing that no amount of brushing can fix.

Quick answer: Vacuum with suction only, brush regularly with a wire sheepskin brush, and use only sheepskin-specific detergent, never wool wash, dish soap, or regular laundry detergent, since the leather backing is sensitive to pH. For a deep clean, use warm (never hot, and never above 100°F) water, and always air-dry flat. Never put sheepskin in the dryer; heat cracks and shrinks the leather backing.

Routine Maintenance

Shake the rug outdoors regularly to remove dust and loose debris. For larger sheepskin rugs, hang over a railing and beat gently.

Vacuum with suction only, no beater bar. If your vacuum doesn’t have an option to disable the beater bar, use an upholstery attachment.

Brush the wool fibers regularly with a wire sheepskin brush (also called a slicker brush). This prevents matting and keeps the pile soft and separated. Brushing after cleaning is especially important.

Spot Cleaning a Sheepskin Rug

1. Blot fresh spills immediately with a clean dry cloth.
2. For dried stains, use the edge of a spoon to gently lift any solid debris.
3. Wet a sponge or cloth with warm (not hot) water and blot the soiled area.
4. If soap is needed, use only a sheepskin-specific cleaning product. This is important: the leather backing is sensitive to pH, and most regular laundry detergents and dish soaps are either too alkaline or contain enzymes that break down the leather over time, causing it to stiffen, crack, or dry out. Wool wash is gentler on the wool fibers themselves but still isn’t formulated for the hide underneath, so a dedicated sheepskin cleaner is the safest bet for both.
5. Rinse by blotting with a clean damp cloth until all product is removed.
6. Pull the leather gently back into shape before it dries. Once dry, it won’t reshape easily.
7. Brush the fibers while still slightly damp, and again once fully dry.

Deep Cleaning a Sheepskin Rug

Smaller sheepskin rugs can be hand-washed:

1. Fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water, not hot. Water above 100°F can cause sheepskin to shrink.
2. Add a sheepskin-specific detergent only. Regular wool wash products contain enzymes that will damage the leather.
3. Submerge the rug and swish gently to loosen dirt. Let it soak for up to 30 minutes.
4. Squeeze rather than wring to remove water.
5. Rinse with cold water repeatedly until the water runs clear.
6. Squeeze out excess water. Lay a clean towel flat, put the rug on top, roll them together, and gently press to absorb more moisture.
7. Lay flat on a clean dry surface to dry, never hang, as the weight of a wet sheepskin can stretch and distort the backing.
8. Pull the leather into shape before it dries.
9. Brush the fibers once while still damp and again when fully dry.

Large sheepskin rugs are best handled by a professional. Dry cleaning is also an option. It’s safe for sheepskin and avoids the water-temperature risk entirely.

FAQ: Sheepskin Rug Cleaning

Can you wash a sheepskin rug in the washing machine? Small sheepskin rugs may be machine washable on a gentle, cold cycle, but check the care label first. Use only sheepskin-specific detergent and skip the spin cycle if possible. The leather backing is vulnerable to heat and agitation. When in doubt, hand-wash or take it to a professional.

What detergent should I use on a sheepskin rug? Only use products specifically formulated for sheepskin. Regular laundry detergent and dish soap are often too alkaline or contain enzymes that damage the leather backing over time, causing it to stiffen, crack, or shrink. Wool wash is gentler on the fibers but still isn’t designed to protect the hide, so a dedicated sheepskin cleaner is the safest choice for both.

How do I fluff up a sheepskin rug? Brush with a wire sheepskin brush (slicker brush) regularly. Brushing while slightly damp after cleaning is especially effective. You can also shake the rug outdoors and let the fibers air out.

Can I put a sheepskin rug in the dryer? No. The heat will cause the leather backing to shrink, stiffen, and crack. Always air-dry sheepskin flat away from direct heat and sunlight.