A Grade A sheepskin rug is soft, naturally hypoallergenic, and easy to care for when you follow a few simple rules. This guide walks you through restoring matted areas, hand washing, spot cleaning, and everyday maintenance — no harsh chemicals or guesswork required.
Whether you are refreshing a well-loved hide or handling your first spill, the same principles apply: cool water, wool-safe products, gentle handling, and air drying flat. Here is everything you need to keep your sheepskin looking and feeling its best.
Natural wool stays plush with regular brushing and the right cleaning routine.
Restore a matted sheepskin rug
Foot traffic and furniture can compress the wool. In most cases the fibers are not damaged — they just need to be lifted and conditioned. Work slowly and always in the direction of the wool.
Brush the matted areas
Use a soft-bristled brush or a wire pet brush held lightly against the wool. Short, gentle strokes help loosen tangled fibers without pulling the hide.
Apply a sheepskin-safe conditioner
A small amount of conditioner formulated for sheepskin moisturizes the wool and makes combing easier. Follow the product directions and spot-test in an inconspicuous area first.
Comb from tips downward
With a wide-tooth comb, work from the tips of the wool toward the base in gentle strokes. This reduces pulling and helps the pile stand back up evenly.
Air dry flat
Lay the rug flat in a ventilated room away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Once fully dry, give it another light brush to restore softness and loft.
Hand washing your sheepskin rug
A full wash is only needed when the rug looks dull or has absorbed odors that shaking and spot cleaning will not fix. Hand washing keeps control of temperature and agitation — both critical for wool and leather.
Fill a tub with cool water
Add wool-safe or sheepskin detergent according to the label. Swirl to dissolve; the water should be cool to the touch, never hot.
Submerge and soak
Press the rug gently into the water and let it soak for 15–30 minutes. Agitate by hand with a soft pressing motion — no wringing, twisting, or scrubbing.
Rinse until the water runs clear
Drain and refill with clean cool water as many times as needed. Leftover detergent can stiffen the wool, so take your time with this step.
Remove moisture and dry flat
Roll the sheepskin in clean towels and press to absorb water. Lay it flat on a rack or towel in shape, away from radiators and sun. When dry, brush gently to fluff the pile.
Air drying flat preserves the natural shape of the hide and keeps the wool full.
Spot cleaning
Address spills as soon as you can. Blotting — not rubbing — keeps the stain near the surface where wool-safe detergent can lift it safely.
Blot immediately
Use a clean white cloth or paper towel. Press straight down and lift; avoid circular motions that push the liquid deeper into the fibers.
Dilute wool-safe detergent
Mix a small amount of detergent with cool water. Dampen a cloth with the solution — it should be barely wet, not dripping.
Dab the stain from the outside in
Work the edges first so the spot does not spread. Rinse the cloth often and switch to a fresh area of the fabric as it picks up color.
Rinse and air dry flat
Blot with a cloth dampened in plain cool water to remove soap residue, then lay flat to dry. Brush lightly once dry if the wool looks compacted.
Routine care
Little habits extend the life of your rug and reduce how often you need a full wash. Consistency beats intensity: light, frequent care is easier on the fibers than rare deep cleaning.
Vacuuming
Use a low suction setting and avoid beater bars or rotating brushes that can catch the wool. A quick pass every week or two removes dust before it settles at the base of the pile.
Storage
If you store the rug, clean and fully dry it first. Roll loosely rather than folding sharply along the same line every time, and choose a breathable cover — not airtight plastic — so moisture does not build up.
Small repairs
Loose threads can be trimmed carefully with sharp scissors at the surface of the wool. Do not pull; snip level with the pile so you do not cut into the hide backing.
With gentle routine care, sheepskin stays inviting in busy households.
Do's & don'ts
Keep this quick reference nearby when you clean or refresh your rug.
Do
Use cool water and wool-safe or sheepskin-specific detergents.
Blot spills; brush in the natural direction of the wool.
Air dry flat away from direct heat and strong sunlight.
Shake the rug outdoors regularly to release dust.
Don't
Machine wash or tumble dry — agitation and heat damage wool and leather.
Use bleach, harsh solvents, or enzyme-heavy cleaners on natural sheepskin.
Soak in hot water or leave folded wet — both can misshape the hide.
Scrub vigorously or use stiff brushes that fray the fibers.
FAQ
How do you clean a sheepskin rug?
For routine care, shake the rug regularly and brush gently with a soft-bristled brush or wire pet brush to prevent matting. For spot cleaning, blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth, apply a small amount of wool-safe detergent, and air dry flat. For deeper cleaning, hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent, soak for 15-30 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and air dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight.
Can you put a sheepskin rug in the washing machine?
It's best to avoid machine washing sheepskin rugs. The agitation and heat can damage the wool fibers, distort the shape, and deteriorate the leather backing. Hand washing with cool water and wool-safe detergent is the safest method and produces better results with more longevity.
How do you restore a matted sheepskin rug?
Brush matted spots gently with a soft-bristled brush to loosen tangled fibers. Apply a sheepskin-safe conditioner to moisturize the wool, then use a wide-tooth comb working from the tips downward in gentle strokes. Let the rug air dry flat in a ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat.
How often should you clean a sheepskin rug?
Spot clean stains as soon as they happen to avoid having to wash the entire rug. Give it a regular shake and gentle vacuum on a low setting for routine maintenance. A full hand wash is only needed when the rug visibly needs a deeper clean — for most households, this is a few times per year at most.
How do you get a bad smell out of a sheepskin rug?
Air the rug outdoors in a shaded spot away from direct sunlight. Sheepskin is a natural product so occasional odor is normal and fresh air resolves it quickly. If the smell comes from a spill or stain, spot clean the affected area promptly with wool-safe detergent to prevent the odor from setting in.
Explore Grade A sheepskin
Discover soft, hypoallergenic sheepskin rugs and decor — crafted for easy care and lasting comfort in your home.
Shop sheepskin collection