How to wash a sheepskin rug – Step-by-step guide

Avoid washing sheepskins if possible

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

Västerbotenssåpa all-purpose detergent contains no enzymes, so it can be used for wool.

 

Step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the detergent:

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

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

2. Wash the hide:

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

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

3. Rinse thoroughly:

Drain the water and fill the basin with clean, cold water to rinse out the detergent. Repeat this until all the detergent is gone and the water is clear.

4. Press out the water:

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

5. Dry the skin:

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

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

6. Brush the skin:

When the skin 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 sheepskin will react to washing, it may be worth testing a small area 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 skin.


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


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

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