A sheepskin rug is a timeless, natural product that adds comfort, warmth, and luxury to any space. Whether draped across a sofa, placed on a chair, or laid out beside your bed, sheepskin offers both functional warmth and visual appeal. With proper care and cleaning, a high quality sheepskin rug can last for decades - even a lifetime.

At SheepskinShop, we specialize in premium sheepskin products, including rugs, seat covers, slippers, and more. We’ve compiled essential tips here on how to care for your sheepskin rug to ensure it stays soft, fluffy, and beautiful for years to come.

1. Brush Regularly to Maintain Loft and Softness
Over time, the wool fibers on your sheepskin rug can become compressed from regular use. To maintain that plush, fluffy look and feel, we recommend brushing your sheepskin regularly using a metal-bristled wool carding brush or pet slicker brush. This helps detangle the fibers, reduce matting, and restore the wool’s natural bounce.

2. Always Store in Breathable Bags
When not in use, store your sheepskin rug in a breathable cotton storage bag - never in plastic. Sheepskin is a natural material that needs to breathe. Storing it in a sealed container or plastic bag can trap moisture and lead to mildew, odors, or premature deterioration.

3. Avoid Direct Heat and Sunlight
To preserve the integrity of the leather backing and prevent the wool from becoming dry or brittle, avoid placing your sheepskin rug in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as baseboard heaters, radiators, or fireplaces. Long-term exposure to high temperatures or UV light can cause discoloration, shrinkage, and hardening of the leather.

4. Spot Clean When Necessary
Although sheepskin is naturally dirt-repellent, occasional spot cleaning may be necessary. Use a damp cloth and mild wool-safe detergent to gently clean any soiled areas. Avoid soaking the skin or using harsh chemicals. For more serious spills, refer to our Sheepskin Rug Cleaning Guide for detailed instructions.

5. Avoid Full Machine Washing (Unless Specified)
While some medical-grade or specially tanned sheepskin products may be labeled as machine washable, we strongly recommend avoiding full submersion or machine washing for most sheepskin rugs. Water can shrink or distort the leather backing and affect the longevity of the product. 

6. Trust the Experts for Deep Cleaning
If your sheepskin rug becomes heavily soiled or needs a deep refresh, we suggest bringing it to a professional cleaner experienced with sheepskin and leather care. Not all dry cleaners are equipped to handle natural hides, so be sure to confirm their expertise.

Why Proper Care Matters
High-quality sheepskin is a natural investment. With the right care, your sheepskin rug can last a generation, retaining its beauty, texture, and comfort. At SheepskinShop, we offer a beautiful selection of New Zealand and Australian origin sheepskin rugs, handcrafted with care to ensure softness and durability.

For more tips and product-specific instructions, visit our complete Sheepskin Care Guide or contact our customer support team.