How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug – Step-by-Step Guide

Avoid washing sheepskins if possible

As far as possible, avoid washing sheepskins. Air them, brush them, and then wash out stains (do not wash the entire skin), but of course there is a point at which the choice is between washing it or throwing it away. If you feel you need to wash the entire sheepskin, here are some tips.

Västerbottenssåpa's all-purpose detergent contains no enzymes, so it is suitable for use on wool.

 

Step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the detergent:

Fill a large tub or bathtub with cold or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as it may cause the skin to shrink.

Add a small amount of all-purpose detergent and stir.

2. Wash the skin:

Place the sheepskin in the water and gently move it around with your hands. Be careful not to twist or wrinkle the skin too much.

If there are stains, you can gently rub them with your hands or a soft brush.

3. Rinse thoroughly:

Empty the water and fill the tub with clean, cold water to rinse away the detergent. Repeat this until all the detergent is gone and the water is clear.

4. Press out the water:

Lift the hide out of the water and let it drain. You can gently press out excess water with your hands, but avoid wringing the hide.

5. Dry the hide:

Lay the sheepskin flat on a dry towel and roll up the towel with the hide inside to absorb more water. Once you have pressed out as much water as possible, lay the hide out on a flat surface to dry.

Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators, as they can make the hide stiff. During drying, gently stretch and pull the hide to maintain its shape and prevent it from shrinking.

6. Brush the hide:

When the hide is almost dry, use a soft-bristled brush to fluff up the wool and keep it soft.

Tips:

- Wash sheepskin as rarely as possible to preserve its natural oils (lanolin) and quality.

- If you are unsure how your hide will react to washing, it may be worth testing a small area of the hide first.

- If washing the sheepskin yourself feels difficult, you can also consider taking it to a professional cleaner.


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Questions and answers

1. Can you put a sheepskin in the washing machine and run a quick wash?
Answer: No, it will ruin the hide.


2. Can you use any detergent for sheepskin?
Answer: No, do not use a detergent that contains enzymes, as it will break down the sheepskin?


3. What is lanolin?
Answer: Lanolin is the natural fat found in sheep's wool.

Order natural cleaning products here: Västerbottenssåpa