How to Care for Your Sheepskin Rug

At Seddon and Davison, we hand-select all our rugs from a local supplier based in the Yorkshire Dales, ensuring that each piece reflects our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Sheepskin rugs add warmth, texture, and elegance to any home. To keep them looking their best and ensure they last for years, proper care is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining your sheepskin rugs.

Types of Sheepskin Rugs

We offer two main types of sheepskin rugs, each with its own unique characteristics and care needs:

Icelandic Sheepskin Rugs

Icelandic sheepskin rugs are known for their long, luxurious wool and natural beauty. They come in various natural colours and are also available in hand-dyed shades such as ‘caramel brown’ and “grey/silver”. These rugs are NOT washable but can be maintained through regular brushing. We also offer these in a double length size (two Icelandic sheepskin rugs sewn seamlessly together].

British Rare Breed Sheepskin Rugs

British Rare breed sheepskin rugs feature dense, soft wool and are available in single sizes. These rugs can be washed, provided they are tanned correctly in Britain, which all our British Rare breed sheepskins are. This makes them a versatile and practical choice for adding comfort to any space.

General Care – 3 Simple Steps

To keep your sheepskin rug looking fresh and clean, follow these three simple steps:

1. Beat and Shake
• Take your rug outdoors and give it a thorough shake to remove dust and dirt particles.
• If necessary, use a broom handle or similar tool to gently beat the rug.
2. Brush
• Brush your sheepskin rug with a sheepskin rug brush or a 'slicker brush' found in pet shops.
• This will remove dust and help fluff up the wool. It’s normal for some wool to come off during brushing.
3. Vacuum
• Run a vacuum cleaner over your rug to pick up any remaining dust and dirt particles after shaking and brushing.

These steps are usually sufficient to keep your rug clean for years without needing more intensive cleaning.

Hand Cleaning for Light Stains

For light stains, especially on Icelandic sheepskins, avoid wetting the skin of the rug:

1. Sponge Cleaning
• Sponge off small stains on the hair using a damp cloth.
2. Use a Wool Cleanser
• If further cleaning is needed, use a damp cloth with a liquid wool cleanser.
• Mix the cleanser with water and use the froth only to clean the hair, avoiding excessive water.
3. Comb and Dry
• Comb the wool while still damp and hang to dry slowly away from direct heat. Stretch the rug by hand when nearly dry.
  

Washing Sheepskin Rugs

IMPORTANT - Do NOT wash an Icelandic sheepskin rug.

For the British rarebreed sheepskin rugs, if washing is necessary, avoid all heat and follow these steps carefully:

1. Pre-soak
• Pre-soak the rug in cold water (up to 30°C) with a mild wool detergent.
2. Wash
• Hand wash or use your machine’s wool cycle in cold water (30°C maximum).
3. Rinse
• Rinse until the water is clear. Spin dry on the slowest spin cycle to remove excess water.
4. Comb
• Comb the wool while it is still damp to prevent matting.
5. Dry
• Hang the rug to dry over two lines, away from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources.
• Stretch the rug by hand when it is nearly dry to restore its shape.

Come and visit us in-store - Ilkley and Settle to view our selection of sheepskin rugs and pouffes.

Proper care of your sheepskin rug ensures that it remains a beautiful and luxurious part of your home for many years. By following these simple steps, you can keep your rug clean and well-maintained.