Sheepskin rugs are soft, stylish, and bring a lovely natural touch to any home. But if you own one, you’ll know that keeping it clean can feel a bit daunting. We’re often asked: “How to Safely Clean a Sheepskin Rug Without Damaging It?” The answer is yes—but with some important care and attention.

At Careclean Essex, we’ve worked with many different types of rugs and sheepskins, and we need a little extra thought when it comes to cleaning. Here’s what you should know before you try washing one.

What Makes Cleaning Sheepskin Rugs Different?

Sheepskin rugs aren’t like standard wool rugs or synthetic pieces. They made them using both the wool and the hide (or skin) of the animal. That means they need cleaning carefully to protect both the fleece and the leather backing.

Too much moisture or the wrong cleaning products can dry out the hide, cause it to go stiff, or even shrink the rug. That’s why sheepskin rugs are best cleaned using the gentlest possible approach.

Can You Safely Clean a Sheepskin Rug in the Washing Machine?

Some labels may say machine washable, but in our experience, this often shortens the life of the rug.

While a delicate wool cycle and mild detergent might not destroy the rug immediately, repeated washing—even on a gentle setting—can:

• Dry out or crack the leather backing
• Cause matting or felting of the wool
• Lead to shrinking or curling

So, while it’s technically possible, we wouldn’t recommend machine-washing sheepskin rugs if you want them to last.

What’s the Best Way to Safely Clean a Sheepskin Rug?

For general maintenance:

• Shake it outside regularly to remove loose dust and dirt
• Brush gently with a wire wool comb or sheepskin brush to keep the fibres fluffy
• Spot clean small marks using a damp cloth and wool-safe detergent – avoid over-wetting the area

For a deeper clean, we always suggest speaking to a rug cleaning specialist. At Careclean Essex, we can advise whether a sheepskin rug is suitable for cleaning and help you choose the safest method based on its condition.

Drying Is Just as Important as Cleaning

If you’ve had to clean a small area at home, drying is crucial:

• Blot away excess moisture with a towel
• Dry flat in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight or heat sources
• Never tumble dry or hang, as this can distort the shape or harden the backing

What If Your Sheepskin Rug Needs a Deep Clean?

If your sheepskin rug has heavy soiling or hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, it may need a professional clean.

We’ll assess the rug’s condition and let you know whether it’s suitable for deeper cleaning. In some cases, the risks may outweigh the benefits—but in many cases, a gentle specialist clean can bring life back to a tired sheepskin.

Looking After Sheepskin Rugs Long-Term

Regular gentle care goes a long way with sheepskin:

• Keep it out of high-traffic areas if possible
• Rotate it occasionally to even out wear
• Don’t place it near heat sources or in humid rooms

And if you’re not sure what to do—just give us a ring.

📞 Call Careclean Essex on 01245 323989 for friendly advice on caring for your sheepskin rug or to book a specialist clean.

📍 Based at Highlands Farm, Southend Rd, Rettendon Common, Chelmsford

Trusted by homeowners across Essex since 1984.

You may not be in our catchment area but you can find someone that is on the NCCA website!