How to Care for Your Genuine Sheepskin Rug

A genuine sheepskin rug is one of those timeless pieces that instantly makes a room feel warmer, softer and more luxurious. Whether draped over a chair, layered at the end of a bed or placed beside the fireplace, natural sheepskin adds beautiful texture and comfort to your home.

With the right care, your sheepskin rug can stay soft, fluffy and looking beautiful for years. Here are our simple tips for looking after your genuine sheepskin rug.

Shake It Out Regularly

One of the easiest ways to keep your sheepskin looking fresh is simply to give it a good shake outdoors.

This helps remove dust, crumbs and loose fibres while naturally restoring the loft and fluffiness of the wool.

For rugs used regularly, we recommend doing this once or twice a week.

Gently Brush the Wool

Over time, the fibres of a sheepskin rug can flatten slightly, especially if it is used on a chair, sofa or in an area that gets regular footfall.

A gentle brush with a wide-toothed comb or specialist sheepskin brush will help separate the fibres and bring back that wonderfully soft, fluffy appearance.

Always brush gently and avoid pulling at the wool.

Deal With Spills Quickly

If something is spilt on your sheepskin rug, try to deal with it as soon as possible.

Blot the area gently with a clean, absorbent cloth rather than rubbing it, as rubbing can push the stain further into the fibres.

For small marks, use a damp cloth with cool or lukewarm water. If necessary, use a very small amount of mild wool-safe detergent.

Avoid soaking the rug unless absolutely necessary.

Avoid Hot Water

Natural sheepskin doesn't respond well to heat.

Hot water can cause the leather backing to shrink or harden, so always use cool or lukewarm water when cleaning your rug.

For the same reason, never place a genuine sheepskin rug directly on a radiator or use a tumble dryer to dry it.

Allow Your Sheepskin to Dry Naturally

If your rug does become wet, reshape it while damp and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature.

Lay it flat with the wool side facing upwards and keep it away from direct heat and strong sunlight.

As it dries, gently stretch and flex the leather backing occasionally. This can help prevent it from becoming stiff.

Once completely dry, give the wool a gentle brush to restore its natural softness.

Can You Vacuum a Sheepskin Rug?

Yes, but gently.

If you would like to vacuum your sheepskin, use a low suction setting without a rotating brush attachment. Vacuum in the direction of the wool rather than against it.

For many sheepskin rugs, regular shaking and brushing is more than enough for everyday care.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Like many natural materials, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can gradually affect the colour of sheepskin.

If possible, avoid leaving your rug in strong direct sunlight for long periods, particularly darker or richly coloured sheepskins.

Occasionally rotating your rug can also help it wear and fade more evenly.

Professional Cleaning

For deeper cleaning or stubborn stains, we recommend using a professional cleaner who has experience with genuine sheepskin and natural wool products.

Always make sure they know that the rug is genuine sheepskin before cleaning.

A Natural Product That Gets Better With Time

One of the lovely things about genuine sheepskin is that every rug is completely unique. Natural variations in colour, shape and texture are part of its character rather than imperfections.

With a little regular care, a genuine sheepskin rug is an incredibly durable and timeless addition to your home.

 

At Henrietta Spencer, our genuine sheepskin rugs are chosen for their beautiful texture, softness and luxurious feel. Available in a selection of carefully chosen colours, they are perfect for adding warmth to bedrooms, sitting rooms, nurseries and cosy corners throughout the home.

Whether styled over an armchair, layered over a bench or simply placed on the floor, a genuine sheepskin is an effortless way to make your home feel a little more inviting.