Learn how to clean sheepskin rugs and extend the life of this luxurious decoration. Gently clean with steam and successfully remove stains

Author: Anna Cottrell2021-02-17T17:23:26Z

Knowing how to clean sheepskin rugs is an art. Because sheepskin is first of all a natural product, it is a bit like a diva in terms of cleaning.  

These gorgeous carpets are almost impossible to deep clean without damaging the skin lining, because cleaning sheepskin carpets is a bit like cleaning leather and wool at the same time-both materials need to be cleaned by themselves... so we usually don't recommend a complete cleaning Sheepskin carpets, but stains are often found and keep the overall clean.

After all, we all have one—Ikea or not—so whether you greet you with your toes first thing in the morning, or you stare at it longingly at dinner because it is draped in a rustic indoor bench. One side-very good-it deserves a little special treatment.

We will say bluntly, if your sheepskin has been used for more than ten years, then we recommend that you do not perform partial cleaning or gentle steam cleaning (see below for more details). If you try to wash an old sheepskin carpet, it is likely to decompose in the washing machine, so please be careful.

We spoke with Daniel Prendergast of The Rug Seller to learn more about the expertise to successfully clean sheepskin rugs. "Sheepskin rugs can be used for a long time if properly maintained. Be sure to take the time to read the cleaning instructions that come with the sheepskin rug, as each product may be different. In most cases, for general weekly maintenance, you can Use a wire brush to slightly rake the fluff to easily remove dust and loose particles.

First of all, it depends on what type of stain you have. General organic stains such as soil and non-acidic foods are easy to remove, and they are easier to remove once the stains are dry. On the other hand, acidic stains (such as wine, vomit, tomato sauce) will be more difficult to remove because they can penetrate the wool quickly and dye effectively. 

No matter which type of stain you use, you need to use a professional wool shampoo. Never use general-purpose detergents or anything that contains bleach, because doing so does more harm than good. Take a little wool shampoo and gently apply it to the stain; let it stand for 10-20 minutes, and then gradually remove it with a damp cloth with a firm color. You may not be able to completely remove the stain, but you can reduce its appearance. 

Arash Yaraghi, owner of Martha Stewart and Safavieh, advises: “To treat the stains on the sheepskin locally, Yaraghi recommends dampening the area with a clean damp cloth and sprinkling it with cornstarch. The fine powder helps to absorb it. And lift oil, grease and dirt. After drying, vacuum the remaining starch.

Do not use biological laundry detergents, soap-based powders, soap flakes or conditioners, or any detergents that contain enzymes.

As mentioned earlier, washing sheepskin rugs is always risky, because the sheepskin itself may become hard; once this happens, you cannot make it soft as before, so before putting the sheepskin in the washing machine, you This risk must be accepted. 

In addition, washing sheepskin carpets makes sense only when you want to make the carpet look new and stain-free; because sheepskins can only be washed in cold water (warm water will damage the skin backing), machine washing is unlikely to remove stains, so only when you This is done only when the carpet is free of stains, but it can give you a new look. 

Choose the wool washing cycle on your washing machine and add a teaspoon of non-biological detergent and wool shampoo. Then choose the slowest rotation that the washing machine can do to prevent wrinkling and damage, and dry the sheepskin to avoid direct sunlight. Never tumble dry sheepskin. 

According to Prendergast, “Depending on the size and type of sheepskin carpets, they are usually machine washable. If you machine wash the carpets, make sure to use Cool Wool settings and use enzyme-free shampoos. Sheepskin shampoos should be made specifically for Made from sheepskin products. You can loosen the carpet again with a gentle brush. If necessary, they can be professionally cleaned or sent to a dry cleaner.

If you absolutely want to clean sheepskin rugs, but they are too big for a washing machine, you can use the bathtub. Wash gently by hand with warm water and a small amount of professional wool shampoo. Some people suggest adding a little glycerin to the water to help keep the leather backing soft.

This alternative to washing is gentler on sheepskin, and according to our experience, it will give you a refreshing effect similar to washing. If you have one of the best steam cleaners or mops with nozzle attachments, just steam the carpet for 5 to 10 minutes to remove a lot of dust and dirt. Steam along the direction of wool growth and you will also notice the knotting effect. 

The better your sheepskin rug is maintained, the less cleaning it needs-here, prevention is really better than cure! 

Functionally consider decoration: First of all, although they call them "sheepskin carpets", sheepskins are not really suitable for areas with heavy traffic on the floor; you'd better use them as decorations in your living room or bedroom; if you like For the appearance of sheepskin on the wooden floor, please use artificial sheepskin. 

Brush your teeth regularly: Brush your teeth regularly with a professional sheepskin brush and shake it to remove trapped dust. It is also good for sheepskin-but be gentle; this may sound strange, but brush it like a pet-not too harsh or Pull the hair. If you brush too hard, your carpet will become thinner over time. 

Keep away from the sun: Sheepskin is best kept away from direct sunlight. This is the main cause of yellowing over time; this is an oxidation process in wool that cannot be reversed by cleaning. 

Keep it dry: Sheepskin can't tolerate damp conditions, so don't keep your sheepskin away from cold and humid rooms, because the floor will become a breeding ground for black mold. Too much moisture can curl the sides, so if your sides are wet, dry them in indirect sunlight. 

Don't over-clean: the natural lanolin and wool fibers of the carpet essentially mean that you don't need to clean it so frequently. Please be careful not to overdo it. 

The Wool Company Sheepskin Brush | Eco-friendly Luxury Bamboo | Bring your old carpet back to life from perfection 

Cashmere and Wool Eco Wash by Clothes Doctor

Anna is the consumer editor of the Future home brand. She shifted from academic research in the field of English literature and photography to the field of interior design. She is the author of London writing in the 1930s and is passionate about modern home decoration and gardening.

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