Sheepskin Rug Care Guide
Sheepskin Rug Care Guide
Your Icelandic sheepskin rug is a natural product, and with a little attention it will stay soft, beautiful, and fresh for years to come. Below you'll find everything you need to know about caring for your rug.
Natural Scent & Lanolin Odor
It's completely normal for a new sheepskin rug to have a distinct woolly or earthy scent. This comes from lanolin — the natural oil found in sheep's wool — and is not a sign of any defect. Most customers find the scent fades within a few days to a couple of weeks.
What to do: Lay your rug flat or hang it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors in fresh air (but out of direct sunlight), for 24–48 hours. Avoid placing it near heat sources, which can intensify the smell temporarily. A light airing is usually all it takes.
Airing Out Your Rug
Regular airing keeps your sheepskin fresh and the wool fibers lofted. We recommend taking your rug outside every few weeks — a shaded spot with a gentle breeze is ideal. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can cause the leather backing to dry out and the wool to yellow over time.
Spot Cleaning
For small spills or marks, spot cleaning is the safest approach.
- Act quickly — blot (don't rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much as possible.
- Mix a small amount of wool-safe or gentle detergent with cool water.
- Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently dab the affected area. Work from the outside of the stain inward.
- Rinse the area by dabbing with a second cloth dampened with plain cool water.
- Gently blot dry, then allow to air dry completely away from direct heat.
Always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden area first.
Drying
Sheepskin must be dried slowly and naturally to preserve the leather backing and wool fibers.
- Lay the rug flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it over a drying rack.
- Keep it away from radiators, tumble dryers, direct sunlight, or any intense heat source.
- While the wool is still slightly damp, gently shake and fluff the rug to help restore its natural shape and loft.
- Allow it to dry fully before returning it to use or storage — this may take 24 hours or more depending on how wet it got.
Brushing & Restoring the Wool
Long-wool Icelandic sheepskin can mat or flatten with use, especially in high-traffic areas. A regular brush-out keeps the fibers open and the rug looking its best.
- Use a wide-toothed comb or a pet slicker brush — both work well for sheepskin.
- Work in the natural direction of the wool with gentle, even strokes.
- Brush the rug after cleaning and drying to help the fibers regain their loft and texture.
Machine Washing Considerations
Some sheepskin rugs can be machine washed, but this carries risk and depends on the specific rug. Before attempting machine washing, please check the care label on your rug and consider the following guidance:
- Use a wool or delicate cycle with cold water only.
- Use a detergent specifically formulated for wool or sheepskin — never standard detergent, fabric softener, or bleach.
- Wash alone, without other items, and with no spin cycle or the gentlest spin available to avoid stressing the leather backing.
- Do not tumble dry. Lay flat to dry naturally as described above.
- Be aware that repeated machine washing may affect the softness of the leather backing over time.
When in doubt, spot cleaning and airing out are always the safest options to preserve your rug's quality and longevity.
Storage
If you're storing your sheepskin rug for a season:
- Make sure the rug is completely clean and fully dry before storing.
- Roll the rug loosely (wool side in) rather than folding it, to avoid permanent creases in the leather.
- Store in a breathable cotton bag or wrap — avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause mildew or odor.
- Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
- Cedar blocks placed nearby can help deter moths naturally.
Questions?
If you have any questions about caring for your specific rug or aren't sure about a cleaning method, we're happy to help. Contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.